Odysseys Unlimited

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2: Arrive Reykjavik/Borgarnes Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and enjoy a scenic drive to our hotel in Borgarnes, stopping for breakfast along the way. After some free time to rest, we take an afternoon excursion to the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and also to Hraunfossar Falls. Then we visit the Reyholt Cultural Centre, a historic site based on the life and residence of saga writer Snorri Sturluson who lived here between 1206 and 1241. Tonight we gather at our hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead followed by a ­welcome dinner. B,D

Day 3: Borgarnes/Snaefellsnes Peninsula Today we encounter the stupendous scenery of the Snaefells­nes Peninsula. We begin with a walk along the shell sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. We also explore the caves and bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After stopping for lunch – a traditional fresh seafood soup – at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we visit Djupalonssandur where we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms. B,L,D

Day 4: Borgarnes/Akureyri We travel towards the northeast corner of Iceland today, and to the fjords of Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. Along the way we visit Grasbrok Crater for scenic views. Next we call on a Gauksmyri farm featuring famed Icelandic horses followed by a stop at Glaumbaer Farm and folk museum. In Akureyri, we have free time for lunch on our own then take a guided coach and walking tour of this urban gem before checking in at our hotel. Dinner tonight is on our own. B

Day 5: Akureyri/Lake Myvatn Today we travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters comprise a stunningly beautiful national park. Our explorations begin with a stop at Godafoss, the “water­fall of the gods” named for the carvings of Norse gods discarded here when the country was declared Christian a thousand years ago. We con­tinue with a walk up to the fascinating Hverfjall crater, a local landmark. Later we see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the explosive crater at Viti, and the flat volcano system at Krafla. We return to our hotel ­ in time for dinner on our own tonight. B,L

Day 6: Akureyri/Jökulsárgljúfur National Park Today we visit the incredible “Glacial River Canyon” National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders, where we walk to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.” We walk around Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of arches and ­canyons here. Then we continue on to Asbyrgi, a huge canyon en­­veloped by towering walls; in the middle of the par­tially wooded canyon sits a huge hoof-shaped rock called “The Is­land.” After lunch on our own, we visit the picturesque fishing village of Husavik. Our afternoon excursion is a boat cruise to Puffin Island where we view the rich bird life in this habitat which 30,000 puffins call home. Among the summer residents of the striking ocean cliffs of the headland, also a thriving bird refuge: puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Following this scenic over­load, we return to our hotel in Akureyri. Dinner is on your own tonight. B

Day 7: Akureyri/Reykjavik/Hella This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival we drive to Thingvellir National Park, known both for its historic import and as the place where the fissure between the geological plates of North America and Europe is most evident. It’s also a gem of nature, with canyons, caves, waterfalls, and ponds surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We learn about the historic parliament founded here in 930 CE, and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. After a lunch of wild freshwater trout at a lakeside hotel, we depart for Great Geysir, the most famous of the geysers here; and Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. From Gullfoss we drive down to the country’s southern coast to the beautiful agricultural area of Hella. B,L,D

Day 8: Hella/Vik From the black-sand beach at Reynifsfjara this morning, we drive through "saga" country to the visitor center at Thorvaldsyn Farm, which became famous in 2010 for the dramatic photograph taken of it with Eyfjallajökoll volcano erupting in the background. Not only did the farm survive this eruption seen around the world, but amazingly its crops withstood the ashfall that blanketed them. We continue on to the lovely town of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village. There’s time here for lunch on our own and to shop for items of locally produced wool before we drive to stunning ­Solheimajokull glacier. Then we return to Skogar for a visit to the country museum, followed by a brief walk to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall. B,D

Day 9: Hella/Reykjavik Traveling back to Reykjavik today we visit Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photo­graphed waterfall, then continue through “saga” country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we have lunch at a local restaurant then embark on a city tour of the Icelandic capital. Later, we check in at our well-located hotel in the city center. Dinner tonight is on our own in this stylish city. B,L

Day 10: Reykjavik Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as we please; those who wish can join in an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a soothing bath in geothermal waters rich with silica, sulfur, and other minerals. The city is a sophisticated European urban center with museums and galleries; theater, symphony, and dance; boutiques and restaurants. Tonight we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner. B,D

Day 11: Depart for U.S. This morning is at leisure, perhaps for some last-minute shopping. Early this afternoon we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S. B