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contact your AAA Travel Advisor or call 1.877.371.5757
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InternationalPopular

Iceland Adventure
Sep 11, 2023

8 Days

September 11, 2023

From: $5,999*
per person

Discover the rugged beauty and natural wonders of this spectacular tour of Iceland!

Please join us on the incredible adventure to an island full of waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, black sand beaches and lava fields. These different landscapes and natural phenomena offer an amazing experience, not like any other. Visit the spectacular Katla Ice Cave, created by the ever so powerful mother nature. Your walk inside will leave you breathless with its beauty and an insight into the geological formation of this island of “fire and ice”. Immerse yourself in one of Iceland’s famous natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon and its soothing geothermal waters. Experience Thingvellir National Park, a unique geological site where two tectonic plates meet – and the only place where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Rift above sea level. Marvel at Diamond Beach where big icebergs are washed ashore and break into millions of ice crystals, decorating the sand as glittering diamonds. On Westman Island, see the beautiful nesting Atlantic Puffins and the best place to look for Orca and Fin Whales. There are so many incredible adventures in store for you on this unique and inspiring vacation. We would love for you to join us!

*Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Rates, itinerary, hotels, events, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. A deposit of $600 per person is Non-Refundable.  AAA Member Benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA Travel only. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated and have no cash value. This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds. Passports are required for US citizens (Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date.) Passport fees are not included. Cancellation and change fees apply. Other restrictions may apply. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the promotion of this tour. 

DAILY ITINERARY:

On arrival at the Keflavik airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the city center. First, we’ll take you to the stylish Apotek Hotel for check-in. You will have time at leisure until we gather together for our pre-dinner cocktail with our Icelandic Tour Leader. Then we’ll proceed to a local restaurant for dinner including beverages. (D) 
 
Apotek Hotel by Keahotels – 2 nights
Following breakfast, we’ll tour the capital. Your sightseeing takes you along the city’s spectacular coastline and harbor district and through the vibrant university area and colorful Old Quarter with its traditional wooden homes and iconic, strikingly modern Hallgrímskirkja Church. You’ll also see the Hofdi House, the simple, turn-of-the-century clapboard house where Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met in 1986, an historic event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s history and cultural heritage. Enjoy some free time before our afternoon visit to the Blue Lagoon. 
 
We’ll take you to one of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon originate more than 6,000 feet below ground and reach the Earth’s surface at temperatures that usually range from 98 º to 104º. On its way to the surface, these waters absorb silica and other minerals that give the Lagoon its distinctive and captivating blue color. Enjoy a Premium package at the lagoon – including a relaxing soak and a silica mud mask. Following your Blue Lagoon experience, we’ll take you to a local restaurant for dinner before returning to your hotel for the night. (B, D)
 
After breakfast, you’ll leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind and journey southward for our private Golden Circle Tour – starting in Thingvellir National Park, a unique geological site where two tectonic plates meet – and the only place where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Rift above sea level. As you descend into the valley, the steep cliffs that you’ll see are quite literally the edge of North America; as you continue to the other side of the Park, you’ll be ascending onto the Eurasian Continent! Reaching the tranquil shores of Lake Thingvallavatn, you’ll see the world’s oldest democratic Parliament, founded more than 1,000 years ago! Then thrill to one of Iceland’s most famous geological wonders – the Strokkur Geyser that regularly erupts 100 feet into the air. At Gulfoss, the Golden Waterfall, you’ll behold a thunderous cascade of icy water that plunges into a deep gorge.
 
Then visit Fridheimar Farm where you’ll see firsthand how sustainable greenhouse horticulture allows for the year-round production of tomatoes and other vegetables in this northerly climate. Enjoy lunch at the farm before we continue on and end this day at our hotel in Vik, a charming village surrounded by high beautiful bird cliffs. Dinner with drinks and overnight at the Hotel Kria. (B, L, D)    
 
Hotel Kria – 2 nights
Today, you’ll drive East towards the Glacier Lagoon area, with several stops along the way. Southern Iceland is home to some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders which you’ll discover today. Our first stop is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – the legendary black volcanic beach with basalt columns, lava rock formations, towering sea stacks, and basalt column caves. In the distance, the Dyrhólaey rock arches are visible, making the view even more unforgettable. The Reynisdrangar basalt rock sea stacks rise over the sea just off the shore. As local folklore goes, these odd pillars were trolls who turned into stone by the touch of the rising sun when they came back too late from a fishing trip. These cliffs and sea stacks here are home to a number of nesting seabird species during the summertime, including Iceland’s iconic, funny-looking seabird, the Atlantic Puffin. 
 
Passing the southern edge of the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier roughly midway between Reykjavik and Jokulsarlon glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell National Park offers magnificent views of glaciers, rivers and endless plains of sand. Skaftafell is a part of Vatnajokull Glacier National Park that stretches over an area of over 5,400 square miles. We’ll make a stop at Skeiðará Bridge offering a great viewing point over the Skaftafell National Park. From here you will also have views at the Vatnajökull Glacier, with Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak towering above the landscape.  Skaftafell landscape is also the background for several movies including James Bond and Batman Begins. Game of Thrones and Interstellar were both shot around Svínafellsjökull glacier, which is locally often referred to as ‘the Hollywood Glacier’!
 
When you think nothing can beat the scenery, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon opens up before your eyes and takes your breath away. Packed with icebergs in various shades of white and blue, the lagoon is the deepest lake in the country. As the glacier retreats, icebergs of all sizes and shapes break off and float across the lagoon, drifting slowly from the tip of the glacier towards the ocean. This thrilling environment is constantly changing as the massive glacier tongue retreats more and more. Various bird species can be seen feeding in and around the lagoon and seals are a fairly common sight both at the mouth of the lagoon and at the seaside beach. An excursion by an amphibian boat will bring you closer to the extraordinary lagoon scenery and drifting icebergs. During your boat tour you will have the opportunity to taste the 1000 year-old ice and if you’re lucky you might even see some seals. The boat excursion takes about 50-60 minutes and is accompanied by a specialist local guide who explains the geology and interesting facts of the Jokulsarlon lagoon. Have your cameras ready!
 
Just a short walk away from the lagoon, you will find the Diamond Beach (or Crystal Beach) where the big icebergs are washed ashore and break into millions of ice crystals, decorating the sand as glittering diamonds. 
 
Before returning to our hotel in Vik we’ll also visit the Eldhraun Lava Field. This vast lava field was created during one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history and is of the largest of its kind in the world. The Lakagigar craters were also created during this eruption that lasted from 1783 to 1784 and is known as the Skaftáreldar (The Skaftá River Fires). This was a cataclysmic event for Iceland and its consequences were felt far beyond Iceland. It led to disease, crop failure and disasters. The eruption affected the summer in the Great Britain which became known as the Sand-Summer due to the fallout of ash. Despite the abysmal effect the eruption had, this lava field of 218 square miles is today one of the most stunningly attractive ones in Iceland.
 
Upon return to Hotel Kria you’ll have time to rest and refresh before tonight’s dinner with drinks in the hotel’s restaurant. (B, D)                                                                                            
Another exciting day begins with Katla Ice Cave excursion. This will surely be one of your highlights of your Iceland adventure. Arriving at a rural road only passable by special vehicles, you will continue for approximately 30 minutes by special “super jeep” to the foot of Myrdalsjokull glacier. Once at the glacier area, you will be equipped with the necessary gear (helmet, headlamp, and crampons) and take a fun adventure walk to the glacier ice cave entrance (5-10 minute walk). You will see how the glacier opens up between blue and black ice walls providing you with a stunning entrance to the Katla ice cave. The cave – created by ever so powerful mother nature – will leave you breathless with its beauty as you walk around. Your visit inside the fantastic ice cave gives you an insight into the geological formation of this island of “fire and ice”. You will have plenty of photo opportunities inside the cave as well as on the glacier. Your expert glacier guide will also provide you with information about the ice cave before you depart the area. 
 
Our last stop today is at Icelandic Lava Show in Vik. Here you’ll witness real molten lava and learn all about Iceland’s volcanoes, and how they have affected the town of Vik in this dramatic and unique 45-minute presentation.
 
Afterwards, we’ll continue our road journey to Hella where we check into our delightful Hotel Ranga.  Dinner and drinks are in hotel’s restaurant this evening. (B, D) 
 
Hotel Ranga – 2 nights

Today’s touring takes you to the scenic Westman Islands by ferry. Heimaey is the largest island of the Westman Islands and the only one that is inhabited. It has a population of approximately 4,000 people and a fascinating history. In summer, more Atlantic Puffins nest here than anywhere else in the world. The Westman Islands are renowned for being the best place in Iceland to look out for Orcas and Fin Whales. The puffins can also be seen inland, and, in August and September, even in town. To see nesting puffins, the best place is without a doubt Stórhöfði, the ‘Great Cape’ on the southern side of Heimaey. There is a lookout point and several paths where you can walk along the cliffs for better views. However, do dress warmly as Stórhöfði is one of the windiest places in Iceland. Puffins can also be seen in the cliffs of the north, such as around Dalfjall and Heimaklettur, and the eastern bay of Stakkabót. Other seabirds can be seen nesting in vast, mixed colonies all around the island. Heimaey’s history is captured in the museums, with the most notable one being the Eldheimar Volcano Museum, which covers the 1973 eruption of Eldfell. Now, it is also possible to walk up to the Eldfell crater.

Other island’s attractions include Sæheimar; a beautiful aquarium; Sagnheimar folk museum. We’ll return to the mainland by ferry and arrive at our hotel in time to refresh before this evening’s dinner in hotel’s restaurant. (B, D)

Following breakfast, we’ll check out and board our coach for a return journey to Reykjavik. En-route we will visit ON Orka Natturunar, the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant. Here we will learn about an exploration into the utilization of geothermal energy in Iceland. Located 25 km away from Reykjavik, Hellisheiði Power Plant, owned by ON Power, is a great example of how geothermal energy can be utilized in a sustainable manner and is a showcase for geothermal’s global role in a renewable and sustainable future.
 
On arrival in Reykjavik, we’ll check into our hotel and have some time to rest and relax. This evening, our farewell dinner with beverages is in a wonderful local restaurant in Reykjavik. (B, D) 
 
Hotel Borg by Keahotels – 1 night

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and free time until our escorted transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

AAA EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 7 nights’ accommodations
  • One group arrival & departure transfer
  • Blue Lagoon experience with Premium Package
  • Full Day Golden Circle Tour
  • Boat Cruise Adventure by amphibian boat on the Glacier Lagoon
  • Full day Katla Ice Cave Excursion
  • “Fire & Ice” Experience at the Islandic interactive Lava Center in Vik
  • Westman Islands day trip 
  • Comprehensive Heimaey Island tour including Eldheimar Museum
  • Visit Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant
  • 15 meals:  7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
  • Services of an Expert Icelandic Tour Director

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Please contact your local AAA Travel Advisor or call 1.877.371.5757
Colorado call 1.866.212.8639 / Carolinas call 1.877.912.8747

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