Iceland, Land of Fire and Ice

Day 1-2 

Fly overnight to Iceland and begin your adventure at the legendary Blue Lagoon, a geothermal pool set in a dramatic lava field. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters before continuing to Reykjavík for a guided city tour showcasing its colorful buildings, charming harbor and iconic landmarks. Fosshotel Reykjavik – 3 nights (L) 

Day 3

Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where boiling water gushes from the earth at an astonishing rate – enough to heat entire towns. This afternoon, stop at a local horse farm to meet the sturdy, sure-footed Icelandic Horse. Then see two remarkable waterfalls: Barnafoss, rushing through a narrow, twisting gorge, and Hraunfossar, a series of delicate cascades streaming through ancient lava rock. (FB,L,D) 

Day 4

Today’s classic route includes three of Iceland’s most celebrated natural and historic treasures. At Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), stand at the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s first parliament, founded here in 930 AD. Continue to Gullfoss, a spectacular two-tiered waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts in a dramatic display every few minutes. (FB,D)

Day 5

No two waterfalls in Iceland are alike—and today you’ll discover two of the most unforgettable. Seljalandsfoss plunges 200 feet, with a rare walking path leading behind the cascade for a magical, misty view. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most powerful, with a drop so perfect it looks like something out of a legend. Hotel TBA (FB,D) 

Day 6

Travel along the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, to Jökulsárlón, a mesmerizing lagoon filled with floating icebergs. An amphibian boat tour will take you among these icy giants before you stroll along Diamond Beach, where crystal-like chunks of glacier wash ashore on black volcanic sand. Continue to Skaftafell National Park for views of glaciers, mountains and volcanic landscapes – an absolute dream for photographers. Hotel Kea Katla - 2 nights (FB,D)

Day 7

Step onto the hauntingly beautiful Reynisfjara Beach, famed for its black lava sand, basalt columns, and towering sea stacks. Then visit Fjarðárgljúfur, a spectacular canyon with sheer cliffs and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. (FB,D) 

Day 8

Today is pure Icelandic adventure. Climb aboard a Superjeep and head off-road into Þórsmörk, a remote valley framed by glaciers and volcanic ridges. For those who wish, take an optional hike to Gígjökull Glacier to witness firsthand the dramatic changes caused by the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Hotel Loa (FB,D) 

Day 9

Return to Reykjavík for your flight home, your heart, mind and camera filled with images of waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and the endless beauty of Iceland. (FB)