Nature\'s Classroom Tour

Classical circle revealing a mix of culture and nature. The tour takes you around the country, visiting important historical sites, seeing breathtaking natural scenery and encountering a wide variety of the islands fauna.

Itinerary

Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer to the hotel on your own.

From Reykjavik, drive to the new The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes to discover how Iceland was settled. Head along the south coast of the renowned Snaefellsnes peninsula to Arnarstapi, with its magnificent columnar basalt rock formations. Circle around the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier, which covers a central volcano. Overnight in Snaefelsnes area.

On the way to Stykkisolmur, stop off at Bjarnarhofn for a taste of shark, a traditional Icelandic dish. In Stykkisholmur, board a two hour bird and nature spotting cruise and get unique views of the landscape of the islands. Be brave and taste sea urchin fresh from sea. Back on dry land, head north for an introduction to Icelandic horses with a short lecture and horse show. Overnight in Gauksmyri area.

Head to Akureyri, trade and cultural capital of the north of Iceland. Spend time in awe at the thundering Godafoss waterfall before continuing to Husavik for an optional visit the Whale Center, a non-profit educational information centre on cetaceans and marine wildlife. There is also the possibility of an optional whale watching tour. Overnight in Husavik area.

A day to explore the fascinating surroundings of Lake Myvatn, a paradise for birdwatchers and geologists. The lava formations at Dimmuborgir and pseudocraters at Skutustadir, the solfataras of Namafjall and the ringwall-crater Hverfjall combine to make this area unique. Also explore, the site of recent volcanic activity at Krafla. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Myvatn Nature Baths to revive the skin and spirit alike. Overnight in Egilsstadir area.

Discover the spectacular geology of the remote Eastern fjords. Visit the Icelandic World War II museum in Reydarfjdrour, the burial site of the ancient local seer and the famous mineral collection in Stodvarfjordur. Drive south through breathtaking landscapes to Djupivogur and Hornafjordur. Overnight in Hofn area.

Vatnajokull is larger than all the rest of Europe\'s glaciers combined. Explore some of its numerous awe inspiring outlets, and take a boat tour on the glacial lagoon, sailing among the huge icebergs. Continue to Skaftafell National Park and Skeidararsandur, the largest outwash plain in Iceland. Overnight in Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Watch the dramatic scenery of outwash plains and lava fields go by on the way to Dyrholaey, a solitary cliff teeming with bird life. Stop to admire the mighty Skogarfoss waterfall on the way to a small arable and livestock farm and take a look at the Soil Reclamation program based at Gunnarsholt. Continue through the farmlands to Fludir for a very different view of Iceland. Overnight in Fludir area. Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May til June 23rd

Enjoy great photo opportunities in the world-famous hot spring area of Geyser. Wait a few minutes for Strokkur to erupt and send a magnificent water and steam column high into the air surrounded by other bubbling and boiling springs. Head to magnificent Gullfoss, the golden Waterfall, and from there to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the Iceland\'s first parliament and a geologically fascinating area. Head back to Reykjavik.

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Notes