ACTIVE VOLCANIC EVENTS: We plan to visit an area close to Reykjavik where volcanic activity is ongoing or has occurred in recent months. Details are not possible to know this far in advance and such activity tends to be short lived (a matter of hours or days). However, Iceland is a dramatic location where the Earth is actively connected to underground eruptive cycles and we hope to bring you to see first hand evidence of our planet’s building blocks.
ICELAND UNPRONOUNCEABLE NAMES: The Icelandic language is quite unusual. Icelandic’s words and pronunciation can be challenging for visitors because the language has changed little since Iceland was settled in the 9th century. It is similar to Old Norse. Icelanders are very protective of their language and rarely adopt foreign words. Instead, they invent new words, combine existing words, or give old words new meanings
Program Itinerary:
Please note that while every effort has been made to finalize this customized itinerary, it remains subject to potential adjustments or modifications. We strive to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, and any changes will be communicated promptly.
Meals included: dinner
• Reykjavik – Welcome Dinner
Arrival Transfer
• Included on a group basis
Accommodation
Fosshotel Baron (Standard room)
Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here head to the Geysir (the Icelandic name for this geyser) geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 60 to 200 ft in the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region, our overnight stop for the night. After arrival give back to the community and join at Smaratun Farm to plant native tree in the hills surrounding our property. With spades and watering cans in hand, you’ll contribute to our sustainability efforts while reducing your carbon footprint. It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn about the farm and environmental initiatives.
Included Activities
• Golden Circle – Strokkur Geysir
• Golden Circle – Gullfoss Waterfall
• Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park
• Tree planting
Special Information: Please note that tree planting is subject to weather conditions.
Accommodation
Guesthouse Fljotshild (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Strokkur Geyser as seen in the 19th century.
Gullfoss Waterfall – one of the largest on the island
Thingvellier National Park – Rift Valley between the North American and Eurasian continental plates
Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 80 feet wide with a 200 ft. drop, this waterfall roars. You can feel its power up close with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs are washed onto the black sand. Visit Skaftafell National Park where you’ll come face-to-face with Vatnajokull, Europe’s biggest glacier.
Included Activities
• Seljalandsfoss – Waterfall Visit
• South Coast – Skogafoss Waterfall Visit
• South Coast – Rocks of Reynisfjara
• Skaftafell National Park
Accommodation
Guesthouse Gerdi (Standardroom)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Beach with black sands
Intrepid van at one of the overnight lodges
Start the day by returning to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between jagged icebergs in an included boat tour. Afterwards, enjoy Vatnajökull Glacier Walk. Then take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and quaint fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 (the main goal of cittaslow , was and still is today, to enlarge the philosophy of Slow Food to local communities and to government of towns, applying the concepts of ecogastronomy at practice of everyday life). It’s aim is to be the happiest town in Iceland; after this, drop by Egilsstadir, home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm – a lake monster that was first reported in the year 1345 and seen in later times as well.
Included Activities
• Jokulsarlon – Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
• Vatnajökull Glacier Walk
• East Fjords – Scenic Drive with Stops at Djupivogur & Egilsstadir
Accommodation
Lake Hotel Egilsstadir (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast, pub dinner
Jokulsarlon Lagoon Amphibious tour
Jokulsarlon Lagoon Amphibious tour
Today you’ll enjoy the East Fjords. You’ll start the day with a hike in the Hallormsstadarskogur forest. Afterwards you will explore the Hengifoss waterfall area, as well as some other parts of the central Lagarfjót lake.
Included Activities
• Hallormsstadarskogur forest Hike
• Hengifoss waterfall visit
• Lagarfljót lake
Accommodation
Lake Hotel Egilsstadir (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast
Henigfoss waterfall from the top loop – my adventurous 5 hikers
Continue along mountain roads into the highland to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 metres (1539 feet) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round.
Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm’s church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. Spend the evening on this unique farm, which is small but rich in history.
Accommodation
Fjalldryd Guesthouse (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Intrepid Van in the Eastern Icelandic Highlands
Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s mightiest waterfall at 320 ft. wide and with a 150 ft. drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur Canyon below. It is so powerful that it’s vibrations an be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000.
Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.
Included Activities
• Myvatn – Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
• Dettifoss – Waterfall Visit
• Myvatn – Lake Myvatn
• Godafoss – Waterfall Visit
Accommodation
Hotel Centrum (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast
Selfoss Waterfall where you can hike behind
Situated at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation’s second-largest city. Embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. If you’re travelling between May and December, you might have the option to partake in a whale watching excursion. Ask your leader for details. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne’s 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Look forward to an included home-cooked dinner this evening. If you are up for it, you can also join in a cooking class with your host and help prepare tonight’s meal.
Included Activities
• Akureyri – Walking Tour
Accommodation
Lysuholl Guesthouse (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life and other wonders of nature. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savory schnapps.
Included Activities
• Snaefellsnes National Park
Accommodation
Fosshotel Baron (Standard room)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
National Cathedral in Reykjavik with its unique Expressionist Neo-Gothic design by renowned architect Gudjon Samuelsson
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at check-out time.
Departure Transfer
• Included on a group basis
Meals included: breakfast
Early Booking Package Prices (USD per person) if booked and deposited by January 31, 2024. Prices will increase on February 1, 2025.
Deposit & Registration:
1st Deposit at time of registration: $1,500 per person nonrefundable
2nd Deposit due February 28, 2025: $1,500 per person nonrefundable
If booking after February 28, 2025, then a non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person is due at time of booking.
Deposits are accepted by credit card only.
Final payment is due May 30, 2025. All monies received after this date become non-refundable.
Registrations are acknowledged in order received. Direct Travel handles all invoicing. For questions about registrations or billing contact Direct Travel by phoning +1 309-834-3739 or toll free 1-866-592-0455; or by email reservations@directtravelgroups.com.
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation fees are based on the date the written notice is received by Direct Travel
(notification of cancellation must be received in writing).
A full copy of our terms can be found on the eclipsetours.com website.
Up to February 27, 2025: $1,500 per person nonrefundable
February 28, 2025 – May 29, 2025: $3,000 per person nonrefundable
May 30, 2025 onwards: 100% of the trip cost is nonrefundable
Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and delay insurance (cancel for any reason is recommended) and out of country medical insurance (to include emergency evacuation) once your deposit becomes nonrefundable. If you decline travel insurance, we will require you to sign a waiver indicating you declined all insurance offered by Direct Travel.
Tour is WAITLIST only
Complete one registration form per person. You will be confirmed only after BOTH a deposit AND registration form have been received by Direct Travel.
