Natural Wonders of Iceland

Day 1 - Sunday 10 September 2023

Melbourne - London (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Meet your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne airport for your flights to London. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline inflight entertainment as we head towards our next adventure

Day 2 - Monday 11 September 2023

London

Welcome to London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom; a 21st century city with history stretching back to Roman times.  Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Tonight, we'll regroup and meet for dinner.

Overnight - Holiday Inn Kensington High Street (or similar)

Day 3 - Tuesday 12 September 2023

London Sightseeing (B)

Today, we'll explore London's top landmarks on a comprehensive rour of London. Take a tour of beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit the Tower of London, where we'll have free time for lunch.  An afternoon free to continue to explore London at leisure.

Tonight, we'll regroup and meet for dinner.

Overnight - Holiday Inn Kensington High Street (or similar)

Day 4 - Wednesday 13 September 2023

London to Reykjavik (D)

Today, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Reykjavik.

Welcome to Iceland. An underpopulated island marooned near the top of the globe, Iceland is literally, a country in the making. It's a vast volcanic laboratory where mighty forces shape the earth: geysers gush, mudpots gloop, ice-covered volcanoes rumble and glaciers cut great pathways through the mountains. Its supercharged splendour seems designed to remind us of our utter insignificance in the greater scheme of things. Crisp clean air, an eyeful of the cinematic landscapes and everyone will be transfixed. Upon arrival into Reykjavik we'll be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel. 

With the remainder of the day at leisure we'll regroup for our Welcome Dinner at Caruso Restaurant, about 200 metres from the hotel.

Overnight - Hótel Reykjavík Saga (or similar)

Day 5 - Thursday 14 September 2023

Reykjavik (B, D)

After breakfast, today's activities include:

Reykjavík City tour - Reykjavík is the northernmost capital in the world, learn about the rich history and culture that shaped Iceland by visiting the main landmarks and attractions including the Reykjavik Cathedral.

Blue Lagoon - The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, a geothermal pool in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field and an oasis that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant. We stop for 1½ - 2 hours for a refreshing bathe or a swim in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water (36°C-38°C/100-110°F), famed for its reputed healing properties. An indoor pool and geothermal sauna are also on the site. Bathing in this surreal environment is a unique experience no one should miss. The Blue Lagoon’s warm water and natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and escape the stress and strain of daily life.

Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Hótel Reykjavík Saga (or similar)

Day 6 - Friday 15 September 2023

Golden Circle - Þingvellir - Friðheimar - Geysir - Gullfoss (B, Light Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:
 
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the oldest existing national parliament in the world, the Alþingi, and major events in the history of Iceland. Þingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, a spectacular geological vista, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right by Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible; a rift that is forming as Iceland is being pulled apart by tectonic forces. Here the North-American and the Eurasian continental plates drift apart by 19mm (¾”) a year and a rift valley is forming.

Friðheimar geothermal greenhouse, learn about how tomatoes are grown all year round despite Iceland‘s long dark winters, in greenhouses under artificial lighting. This introduction ends with a soup lunch made from the tomatoes grown on spot.

Horse show -This show provides an insight into the story of this remarkable horse breed, which was brought to Iceland by the first settlers from Scandinavia around 900 AD. Whether on the farm or for overland transport, the horse has been the trusty companion of the Icelanders trough the centuries, and even today farmers ride into the highlands to round up their sheep in autumn. In modern times the horse has become the Icelanders’ favourite leisure companion. The Icelandic horse is a small, sturdy breed, famed for its five gaits: in addition to the walk, trot and gallop, Icelandic horses may have the tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace). The display is followed by a visit to the stable, where visitors can enjoy a hot drink, meet the riders and their steeds, and take photographs.

The active geothermal area of Haukadalur which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur and many other hot springs. Most active nowadays is Strokkur, erupting hot water and steam to elevation of 25 metres (82 ft) every 5-7 minutes.

The mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls is perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Here the glacial river of Hvítá (white river) tumbles 32 meters (105 ft) in a double cascade. On a sunny day a rainbow is very likely in the massive spray.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Stracta Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 - Saturday 16 September 2023

Seljalandsfoss - Skógafoss - Reynisfjara - LAVA show - Skaftafell (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Seljalandsfoss is a graceful ribbon-like waterfall, which drops from an overhanging lava cliff. It is possible to walk behind it, but do not expect to stay dry!

Skógafoss waterfall is 62m, 203 feet and is among the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.  

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach where the Atlantic ocean shows its power with its crusing waves beating on the shores. Here are interesting caves and impressive rock formations, including columnar basalt.

The Icelandic LAVA show is the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity! The show recreates a volcano eruption, similar to what Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcano are famous for, by pouring molten lava (1100°C / 2000°F) into the showroom and over ice. It is an epic battle between the elements and a unique opportunity to get close to red-hot lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the intense heat that radiates from it.

Skaftafell is a part of the Vatnajökull national park. Skaftafell contains some of the most precious natural pearls of the country, rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers. Skaftafell is a place of contrasting scenery with flora growing between sands and glaciers.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel Skaftafell (or similar)

Day 8 - Sunday 17 September 2023

Jökulsárlón - East Fjords - Egilsstaðir (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Jökulsáárlón glacier lagoon is a lake that is filled with melted water from an outlet glacier. Ice bergs break off the glacier and fall into the lagoon and float around before getting washed down to the ocean. Many of the ice bergs end up really clear on the beach giving the beach the nick name Diamond beach.

Drive along the East Fjords of Iceland passing small fishing villages on the way.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Icelandair Hotel Hérað (or similar)

Day 9 - Monday 18 September 2023

Dimmuborgir – Námaskarð – Skútustaðir (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Dimmuborgir - The Dimmuborgir area consists of a massive, collapsed lava tube formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East, about 2300 years ago.

Námaskarð - Geothermal area featuring a lunar landscape dotted with boiling springs & steaming fumaroles

The rest of the day is free.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Berjaya Myvatn Hotel

Day 10 - Tuesday 19 September 2023

Ásbyrgi - Dettifoss - GeoSea (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. It is 3.5 km long and over 1 km wide. Ásbyrgi was formed by two or more catastrophic floods caused by glacial bursts from the northern part of the Vatnajökull ice cap, one between eight and ten thousand years ago and a second approximately three thousand years ago. Since then the bed of the river has moved eastwards. However according to legend, Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse, put one of his hooves down as the god rode by.

Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland, and is reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls.

Geosea is not only a world-class geothermal bathing mecca — it is an experience that taps into the historical roots of a small fishing town in North Iceland that has harnessed the earth's geothermal waters for centuries. It is a rare union of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the Earth's core. Perched along a western-facing cliffside that overlooks the Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle to the north.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Icelandair Hotel Mývatn (or similar)

Day11 - Wednesday 20 September 2023

Námaskarð - Dimmuborgir - Goðafoss (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Namaskarð which earns its notoriety chiefly because of its sulphurous mud springs called solfataras and steam springs called fumaroles.

Dimmuborgir or Dark Cities is an area of randomly strewn lava rocks and cliffs, surrounded by vegetation such as low bushes and plants. Dimmuborgir is a place of surprises with its myriad forms and images, small caves and towering volcanic rock, pierced by natural apertures. The most famous of these formations is the cave "The Church", aptly named for its dome-like ceiling.

The Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 metres.

In the year 1000, the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion, Þorgeir threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall.

A city tour of Akureyri is also included.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: KEA Hotel Akureyri (or similar)

Day 12 - Thursday 21 September 2023

Whale watching from Hauganes – Herring era museum - Siglufjörður (B, L)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Herring era Museum - Herring is one of this century's principal shapers of Icelanders' destinies. Without herring it is questionable whether the modern society that now exists in Iceland could ever have developed. At the museum you learn about this important part of Icelandic history

Whale watching tour - The Northern part of Iceland is globally recognized as the best location to experience whales in the world. Here are sightings og Humpback whales, white beaked dolphins and minke whales

Today, lunch is included and will be at Siglufjörður.

Overnight: KEA Hotel Akureyri (or similar)

Day 13 - Friday 22 September 2023

Viðimýri Church - Kolugljúfur (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Víðimýrarkirkja Church is one of the few preserved turf churches in Iceland. The church was built in 1834 and has turf walls, but timber gables both back and front.

Watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive dalls into the Kolugljúfur gorge.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Langaholt Guesthouse, Snæfellsnes (or similar)

Day 14 - Saturday 23 September 2023

Grundarfjörður - Kirkjufell - Arnarstapi - Gerðuberg (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Kirkjufell - Grundarfjörður's beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike.

Arnarstapi was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now. Columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the Arnarstapi pier. There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A walk along the coastline is recommended to watch the birds and the magnificent lava formations. The seaside and the cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar have been made a Natural Reserve in 1979. A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old lending places of fishermen, lots of birds like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield.

Gerðuberg is a row or basalt columns alsmost perfectly hexagonal in shape in a row.

Overnight: Hótel Varmaland (or similar)

Day 15 - Sunday 24 September 2023

Grábrók - Hraunfossar - Barnafoss - Deildartunguhver - Krauma (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Hraunfossar - Lava Falls - are beautiful and unusual natural phenomena. Clear, cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita River.

Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring. It provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water.

Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver.

The waters at Krauma baths originate in Europe‘s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). Krauma has a total of six baths, five warm and one cold.  No extra chemicals are needed to keep the pools clean, as the water is constantly being replaced because of the rapid natural flow rate of the hot springs.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Hótel Reykjavík Saga (or similar)

Day 16 - Monday 25 September 2023

Reykjavik (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

The Wonders of Iceland exhibit is located at one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavík, Perlan (the Pearl). Originally it was a cluster of hot water tanks but in 1991 it was converted to a building. The balcony at Perlan gives one of the best views over the city in all directions.

At the Pearl is the Wonders of Iceland exhibit that provides deep insight into the unique nature in Icceland. Visitors can feel the power of volcanoes, geothermal energy and eartquakes and learn about the wild life that calls the Island and its oceans home. Walk through the 100 m long Ice Cave, the first of its kind in the world.

​Dinner tonight at our hotel or local restaurant.

Overnight: Hótel Reykjavík Saga (or similar)

Day 17 - Tuesday 26 September 2023

Reykjavik (B, D)

After breakfast today's itinerary includes:

Free morning at leisure.

FlyOver Iceland utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience.

Sky Lagoon is the ultimate experience, true of Icelandic bathing culture, at the oceanside geothermal lagoon. Located just minutes from Reykjavik center, in a setting where the sea and sky blend together. Sky Lagoon is about that Icelandic feeling of warmth and wonder. Designed to be a visual and spritual experience, Sky Lagoon invokes all the senses: the salty scent of the Atlantic Ocean, the sounds of the wildlife and the ocean tides and the feel of the warm geothermal water. But perhaps the most powerful of all are the inspiring and captivating views from the 75 metre infinity edge of the lagoon.

A farewell dinner tonight to celebrate amazing memories with your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Hótel Reykjavík Saga (or similar)

Day 18 - Wednesday 27 September 2023

Reykjavik - Copenhagen (B)

Today we farewell Iceland as we make our way to Reykjavik Airport for our flight to Copenhagen. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our hotel with the remainder of our day at leisure.  Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager.  The city's historic centre contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th century rococo district home to the royal family's Amalienborg Palace.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight.

Overnight - Scandic Palace Hotel  (or similar)

Day 19 - Thursday 28 September 2023

Copenhagen Sightseeing (B)

Today we'll enjoy a city tour of Copenhagen including the Round Tower, Grabodretorv Square, Church of our Lady Cathedral, Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle and the colour waterfront precinct of Nyhavn.

The remainder of the day at leisure.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight.

Overnight - Scandic Palace Hotel  (or similar)

Day 20 - Friday 29 September 2023

Copenhagen - Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

Today, we'll transfer to the airport to begin our fight home to Melbourne.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines.

Day 21 - Saturday 30 September 2023

Welcome Home

Wow, what an adventure. Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back.