Itinerary

There is a 8 hour time difference. So when it is noon in California, it is 8p in Iceland.


Iceland: Reykjavik & The Northern Lights

Itinerary

Dec 6, Day – pre-tour 1
Travel Day Depart Fresno
5am taxi to airport. Board your overnight flight to Reykjavik today. Depart FAT 6:35a – Depart SEA 2:40p We booked 2 extra nights in Reykjavik to look around and rest up.

Dec 7, Day – pre-tour 2 - Sunrise 11:01a - Sunset 3:37p
Arrival in Reykjavik (KEF) Get cash from ATM
Arrival KEF 6:05a. Shuttle: Reykjavik Excursions ticket purchased. Hotel: Fosshotel Reykjavik Þorunnartun 1 - Hpfaatorg Reykjavik 105 Iceland. Tel:+354 531 9000
We have the whole day to explore Reykjavik! Privately Booked: Ticket: WRE-T584693 - The Reykjavík Food Walk Foodie Tour for 12:30p for a 3.5 long lunch and walking tour. After that we should be ready for settling into our hotel room and an early bedtime.  

Dec 8, Day 1 - Sunrise 11:03a - Sunset 3:35p
Explore Reykjavik (others depart on flights to Iceland)
Ho-Ho Bus? We will walk around and find a nice place for lunch then relax for the afternoon before the next excursion.  Privately Booked: 8:30p (20:30) Saga Travel GeoIceland: GEO201 Northern Lights Horizon Small Group Tour (SGT-T6514185)

Dec 9, Day 2 - Sunrise 11:05a - Sunset 3:34p
Our Tour Guide: GUNNUR ROBERTSDOTTIR
GROUP ARRIVES in Reykjavik & Sightseeing Tour Dinner
Welcome to Iceland! Get a feel for Reykjavik, often called "the greenest city on Earth," with your Tour Director leading the way. • See the iconic Höfði House, Perlan Restaurant, and the presidential residence at Bessastadir • Visit Hallgrim’s Church and the University District • Pass the Old Town Center, Parliament House, and modern City Hall • Glimpse the artwork of Ásmundur Sveinsson and Einar Jónsson, both famous Icelandic artists. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner this evening.

Dec 10, Day 3 - Sunrise 11:07a - Sunset 3:33p
The Golden Circle & Northern Lights Excursion Breakfast, Lunch
Leave the bustle of Reykjavik behind as you travel along the Golden Circle, a ring of some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders.  • Stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Althing, an open-air governmental assembly that was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798 • Explore the Great Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukadalur Valley • Discover Gullfoss, or “the Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Tonight, set off in search of the famous northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. You’ll transfer one hour outside of Reykjavik, where less artificial light pollution makes for clearer night skies. (Please note: This excursion is weather-dependent and seeing the aurora borealis is not guaranteed. In the event of bad weather, this excursion will be moved to the evening of day 5.)

Dec 11, Day 4 - Sunrise 11:09a - Sunset 3:32p
The South Coast & Northern Lights Cruise Breakfast
Embark on an excursion to the South Coast, a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and picturesque villages.  • Stand behind the impressive Seljalandsfoss waterfall • View the Eyjafjallajökull volcano • Marvel at the beauty of the Sólheimajökull glacier (weather permitting) • Walk on the South Coast’s black sands Then, sail away from the coastline on an evening cruise while searching the sky for the aurora borealis. (Please note: This excursion is weather-dependent and seeing the aurora borealis is not guaranteed.)

Dec 12, Day 5 - Sunrise 11:11a - Sunset 3:31p
The Blue Lagoon Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the Blue Lagoon, a famed geothermal spa known for its restorative properties and ethereal water. • Float weightlessly in the lagoon’s light blue water, which is a mix of freshwater and seawater that’s warmed deep in the Earth • Relax with therapeutic spa treatments and massages (at additional cost) Celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

 

West Iceland Extension

 

Dec 13, Day 6 - Sunrise 11:14a - Sunset 3:29p
West Iceland & Langjökull Glacier Breakfast
Travel to Husafell this morning, stopping en route to admire West Iceland’s dramatically varied landscapes. • Marvel at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring • Admire Hraunfossar, clear falls that stream over a lava field, and see the nearby cascades of Barnafoss • Visit Reykholt, a historic village that was home to medieval writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson • Drive in a specially modified snow truck on the Langjökull Glacier, Iceland’s second-largest, and walk through the glacier’s interior ice tunnels.

Dec 14, Day 7 - Sunrise 11:15a - Sunset 3:28p
Reykjavik via Borgarnes Breakfast
On your way back to Reykjavik, stop in the town of Borgarnes to visit an Icelandic settlement exhibition and learn more about Viking history.

Dec 15, Day 8 - Sunrise 11:16a.
Travel Day Departure Breakfast 
Shuttle: Shuttle: Reykjavik Excursions ticket purchased. Transfer to the airport for our flight home. KEF 5:05p, Arrive SEA 5:00p, Depart SEA 7:30p 

Arrival in Fresno FAT 9:41p


Comments

  1. Stuart GustafsonDecember 2, 2018 at 3:09 PM

    Looks like a great itinerary, Sharon. Planned so well, as you always do. I hope the weather is cooperative for you to see the Northern Lights. The days are very short, as you show with the times. Even in June when I was there, it didn't get totally dark, so I imagine the opposite will hold, and it wont get totally light during the day. Have fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SharonDecember 8, 2018 at 1:18 PM

      Our first attempt to see Northern Lights has been canceled... but there is still hope. You are right, it isn't totally "light" for our short hours of daylight. I am not sure if it is just because of the overcast or not. Still very interesting to see!

      Delete

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