Reise nach Island: Land von Feuer und Eis – mit Smithsonian Journeys

This program is designed to provide an introduction to the glaciers, waterfalls, ice-caps, and geothermal fields of southern Iceland. It encompasses the beauty and drama of the landscapes of the southern Ring Road, including a visit to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and it provides access to Iceland's famed "Golden Circle" of Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir. It is a splendid beginning to your experience of Iceland and the perfect complement to your cruise along the western and northern stretches of the island.

 

Day 1 – South Iceland

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport early in the morning, where you will be met and transferred to a nearby restaurant for a hearty Icelandic breakfast before traveling to the Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Plant in the town of Hengill. The 8th-largest geothermal power plant in the world, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, in combination with other geothermal plants around the country, supplies 30% of all electricity and 90% of all space heating on the island. During your visit, you will see the plant in operation, learn about converting geothermal energy to electricity, and also get a good introduction to Iceland's unique geology. After a lunch in a village on the coast, continue inland to the Landhótel, your home for the next two nights. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure until you gather with fellow travelers for dinner.

 

Day 2 – Iceland's South Shore

Today is devoted to a panoramic drive of exploration through the breathtaking scenery of Iceland's southern coast. After breakfast, board your coach for a 90-minute drive on Iceland's Ring Road, past mountains (some of which are active volcanos), lakes, and ice caps, to the small seafront village of Vik. Here you will encounter Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, a volcanic beach acclaimed by readers of National Geographic as one of the Top Ten non-tropical beaches in the world because of its wilderness surroundings and mesmerizing geological features. Admire the rugged landscape and seascape as you stroll past the massive basalt columns lining the beach and gaze out at the dramatic sea stacks rising from the ocean.

 

A short drive inland from the beach brings you to Sólheimajökull glacier, an easily accessible outflow from the great Myrdalsjokull ice cap. Time and weather permitting, you will be able to walk right up to the glacier's edge. Continue to nearby Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest, plunging some 200 feet into the pool below. Because of the amount of spray, it can be counted on to produce rainbows every day the sun shines. A typical Icelandic soup is served for lunch at a nearby restaurant before you begin the return drive to your hotel. Along the way, make a final stop at the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where water plunges over the edge of a cliff, leaving space behind for the adventurous to walk beneath the falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is in the hotel.

 

Day 3 – Golden Circle | Reykjavik

Today, you explore three of Iceland's most famous attractions—Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir—collectively known as the "Golden Circle." After check out, drive north from the hotel along the banks of the Hvítá River to Gullfoss, the ‘’Golden Waterfall.’’ Recognized throughout the country as the premier example of Iceland’s many waterfalls, it is where the river drops 96 feet in two cascades, creating a truly beautiful spectacle. From Gullfoss, a 15-minute drive brings you to Geysir, where you will encounter a remarkable collection of hissing hot springs, bubbling mud puts and geysers. "Strokkur," the most active geyser, spouts water and steam every few minutes. Amid these fascinating geothermal phenomena, enjoy a lunch of soup, salad, and salmon.

 

After lunch, travel to Thingvellir National Park, which ranks at the top of Iceland's most visited places and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Occupying a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers, Thingvellir has been revered by Icelanders since the year 930, when the oldest legislative body in history, the Althing, first convened here. During your visit, take special note of the Law Speaker's rock and of the remains of the turf shelters that were once used as dwellings during the two-week assemblies of the Althing at the height of summer every other year. Overnight is at the Parliament Hotel in downtown Reykjavík. Dinner is on your own.

 

Day 4 – Reykjavik | Embark

On this final day of your pre-cruise adventure, begin with a visit to Árbær Open Air Museum. Located in the east end of Reykjavik, the museum is a collection of old houses from around the country that have been preserved in order to recreate what life was like in Iceland at the turn of the 20th century. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing visit to Sky Lagoon, where you are invited to indulge in the "Skjól Ritual," a 7-step wellness experience incorporating Icelandic traditions of bathing, involving a combination of soaking in geothermal pools, sauna, scrubbing, and plunging into cold water. Fully refreshed, transfer to the pier to embark your ship and set sail in the evening.

 

Your hotels:

The four-star Landhótel is nestled amid the stunning natural landscapes of South Iceland. Rooms include a comfortable sitting area, free WiFi and satellite television, robes and slippers. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant, a fitness center, 2 saunas, and a spa. It is the ideal base for exploring South Iceland.

 

The Parliament Hotel in downtown Reykjavík is part of Hilton's Curio Collection of hotels. It is next door to the Icelandic Parliament; Reykjavik Cathedral and the Harpa concert hall are within a five-minute walk. There is an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Rooms feature all of the amenities you would expect in from a four-star luxury property.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Landhotel

·        1 night at the Parliament Hotel Reykjavik

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Breakfast and lunch all four days

·        Dinner on days 1 and 2

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        This program includes plenty of walking on uneven and unpaved surfaces and is not for those with limited mobility.

·        The official currency is the Icelandic Krona. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Landhotel

851 Hella

Iceland

Phone: +354 558 0550

 

Parliament Hotel

Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6

Reykjavik 101

Iceland

Phone: +354 513 3000