Overview
Inspiring Iceland
Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Arrive in Reykjavik and travel through scenic panoramas to discover the stunning geothermal features of Thingvellir National Park. Stand before the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and ferry to the Westman Islands for an overnight stay to meet the largest colony of puffins in the world. Admire the volcanic landscape of Vestmannaeyjar’s archipelago. Discover the soul of Vestmannaeyjar at the Sagnheimar Museum, where a local shares personal memories and traditions, bringing the island’s history to life in a deeply authentic way. Embark on a scenic adventure through the waters around Snæfellsnes, where orcas and other ocean giants glide beneath the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier—one of Iceland’s premier whale watching destinations. Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula through lava fields along the ocean to the village of Arnarstapi. Weather permitting, marvel at Black Lava Pearl Beach at Djúpalónssandur. Discover the bold art of Hellissandur, “the street art capital of Iceland” and celebrate your Iceland vacation with a lava show upon returning to Reykjavik! A stunning adventure in Iceland, made more perfect on a Small Group Discovery tour!
Highlights of Inspiring Iceland
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided tour of Reykjavik plus Lava Show• Scenic drive to Thingvellir National Park features a stop at a geothermal bakery • Photo opportunity at the waterfalls of Gullfoss, Hraunfossar, and Barnafoss• Ferry ride to the Westman Islands• Guided tour of Vestmannaeyjar• Visit to the Sagnheimar Museum with a local guiding the tour and weaving in personal memories and traditions• Visit to Sturlureykir to see the [LF] majestic Icelandic horses• Visit to the hot spring of Deildartunguhver• Guided tour of Stykkishólmur plus Whale Watching boat tour• Visits to the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, Arnarstapi, and Hellissandur
Transportation
Notes
UNESCO Sites
Thingvellir National Park
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
REYKJAVIK–THINGVELLIR–GULLFOSS–VESTMANNAEYJAR Warm Bread! Travel via scenic route to reach Thingvellir National Park. Stop at a geothermal bakery and see how geothermal bread is made. Next, drive to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls - perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Later, head out to the ring road and get to Landeyjarhöfn and take a ferry over to the Westman Islands for your overnight stay. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CHASING WATERFALLS Visit the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls - perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Here the glacial river of Hvítá (white river) tumbles 32 meters (105 ft.) in a double cascade. Explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur, and many other hot springs. Most active today is Strokkur, with hot water and steam erupting to an elevation of 25 metres (82 ft) every 5-7 minutes. ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Enjoy an overnight stay that’s just right for small groups with an overnight getaway on the Westman Islands (or Heimaey to the Icelanders). Speaking of groups, you’re sure to be outnumbered by the largest puffin colony in the world, who call the islands home.
Day 3
VESTMANNAEYJAR Authentic Heritage This morning, meet your Local Guide for a tour of Vestmannaeyjar. In the early afternoon, take advantage of your small group with an intimate visit to Sagnheimar Museum. A local will lead you through the exhibits, sharing heartfelt stories and cultural traditions that offer a deeper connection to the island’s authentic heritage. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEARTH SCIENCE Learn about the volcanic eruption in 1973, considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland’s recent history. The eruption began on January 23rd on the island of Heimaey, the only populated island of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. After the evacuation of the inhabitants and during the five months while the eruption lasted, there was much uncertainty as to whether the island could ever be repopulated. Explore the “Pompeii of the North” at the Eldheimar Museum, where a volcanic excavation project brings this dramatic history to life.
Day 4
VESTMANNAEYJAR–HRAUNFOSSAR–BARNAFOSS–DEILDARTUNGUHVER–STYKKISHÓLMUR Horses and Hot Springs Take the ferry back to the mainland and pass the greenhouse town of Hveragerði. Stop in Sturlureykir and [LF] see the majestic Icelandic horse. Head over to Hraunfossar (Lava falls) and see the clear streams of water run through the lava fields into the river below, and Barnafoss (Children falls). Continue on to the hot spring of Deildartunguhver. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD HORSES The Icelandic horse is local to this volcanic land and is one of the purest horse breeds in the world., Having arrived here on the very first ships of the settlers, these majestic creatures have remained loyal friends ever since.
Day 5
STYKKISHÓLMUR–WHALE WATCHING BOAT EXCURSION–STOP IN GRUNDARFJÖRÐUR Coastal Treasures Join your guide for a tour of Stykkishólmur before going on a whale watching boat tour. Afterwards, visit the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, a place with an impressive coastline and mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Discover the rich marine life along the dramatic coastline beneath Snæfellsjökull Glacier—one of Iceland’s top spots for seeing toothed whales such as orcas, sperm whales, and pilot whales. Orcas are especially common here, making this a standout location for killer whale sightings. Depending on the season, you may also encounter minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and occasionally rare visitors like blue, fin, or sei whales. Each tour offers a unique chance to witness Iceland’s ocean giants in their natural habitat.
Day 6
STYKKISHÓLMUR–EXCURSION TO ARNARSTAPI–HELLNAR–DJÚPALÓNSSANDUR STOP (WEATHER PERMITTING)–HELLISSANDUR Iceland at a Glance Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula through lava fields, and along the ocean and stop in the village of Arnarstapi. If conditions allow, stop at Djúpalónssandur, the Black Lava Pearl Beach. Finish your tour with a stop in Hellissandur, “the street art capital of Iceland” as the town is adorned with beautiful murals painted on some buildings (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTICELAND IN MINIATURE Snaefellsnes is a large peninsula extending from West Iceland, often nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature" due to the wealth and diversity of natural features found there. A common knowledge amongst Icelanders is that the area is the only part of Iceland where you can see all of the unique natural elements in one place, from untouched lava fields, tall volcanoes, mystical glacier and black beaches to white beaches, a national park, and hazardous cliffs along the coastline.
Day 7
STYKKISHÓLMUR–REYKJAVIK Lava Love Head back to Reykjavik. Join your guide for a tour of the capital of Iceland followed by a Lava Show. Tonight, bid farewell to your travelling companions with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Volcanic eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous events, where access is more often than not prohibited to the public due to poisonous fumes and other volcanic dangers. With this mesmerizing show you will be able to experience real flowing lava in a safe environment.
Day 8
REYKJAVIK Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Grand Hotel Reykjavik | Conveniently located in quiet surroundings, this glossy, glassy 14-storey property lives up to its name by being the largest hotel in Iceland with 311 rooms and Free Wi-Fi connectivity. The elegant Brasserie Grand Restaurant serves a variety of delicious Nordic dishes and Icelandic specialities in a classic setting. The hotel also has has a gym and a spa (spa entrance fee payable locally). | Reykjavik | Sigtún 28 | First-Class |
| 2 | Hilton Reykjavik Nordica | Contemporary concrete & glass hotel in the heart of business district, near shopping, sports facilities & exhibition hall. | Reykjavik | Sudurlandsbraut 2 | First-Class |
| 3 | Hotel Vestmannaeyjar | Nestled in the heart of the Westman Islands, Hotel Vestmannaeyjar provides a contemporary and cozy accommodation for your Icelandic escapade. The hotel features 43 generously sized en-suite rooms, ideal for adventure-seeker travelers. Enjoy delicious meals at the hotel restaurant, unwind at the bar, or relax in the spa after a day of adventure. Each room is beautifully decorated and come with Free WIFI and a flat screen TV. | Vestmannaeyjar | Vestmannabraut 28 | First-Class |
| 4 | Fosshotel Stykkisholmur | Located by the sea in the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur with the harbour just a short walk away. The hotel restaurant has a warm atmosphere overlooking the Breidafjordur Bay and there is also a modern bar serving drinks. The 79 guest rooms have contemprary decor and all offer Free Wi-Fi access. | Stykkisholmur | Borgarbraut 8 | Superior Tourist-Class |
