Itinerary:

• Day 1: ARRIVE IN REYKJAVK, ICELAND

Welcome to Iceland! If you arrive early, leave your luggage at the hotel and go out exploring Reykjavik, as check in may not be possible until the afternoon. Use your CosmosGo app for inspiration on what to see and to find your bearings. You will meet your Tour Director in the evening.

• Day 2: REYKJAVKSNFELLSNESARNARSTAPSNFELLSNES PENINSULA

Rich fertile farmland and rugged cliffs greet you on your morning drive along the beautiful coastal road to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See the SNFELLSJ-KULL VOLCANO, which can be spotted from Reykjavk on clear days, as well as the glacier that covers its summit. More than 4,700 feet (1446 meters) in elevation, the mountain gained notoriety as setting for Jules Vernes Journey to the Center of the Earth. Arrive in the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and walk around the harbor area to enjoy the fresh sea air and watch the antics of circling birds. Later, arrive at the dramatic black-pebble Djpalnssandur beach, where four lifting stones ranging from 50 to 340 pounds were once used to qualify men for work on fishing boats. Spend the night in the quaint Snaefellsnes area. (B,D) Todays Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km

• Day 3: :- Tue. SNFELLSNES PENINSULAEIRKSSTAAKUREYRI.

Icelands natural beauty unfolds as you drive through green pastures and meandering lava flows that have formed over the centuries. Via the colorful harbor town of Stykkishlmur, U.S. Marine landing site in the novel Red Storm Rising, reach the Haukadalur valley, home to some of the countrys most famous geothermal features. At Eirksstair, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of ERIK THE REDS FARM which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky, said to have discovered America. This afternoon, head into Skagafjur, the renowned Valley of Horses and one of Icelands most prosperous agricultural regions. Overnight in Akureyri, the Capital of North Iceland. (B) Todays Distance: 241 mi/ 388 km.

• Day 4: Wed. AKUREYRI. EXCURSION TO GOAFOSS & MVATN.

First stop this morning is at GOAFOSS, the Waterfall of the Gods. Then, follow the shores of Mvatn Lake for vistas of the splendid volcano, peaceful wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Later, stop at Sktustair to see the intriguing volcanic pseudo-craters; DIMMUBORGIR, the Catacombs of Hell, with its bubbling mud pools, volcanic caves lava tubes and unusual rock formations; and the Krafla caldera with its ochre-colored glow of subterranean lava. Relax in the mineral-rich waters at the MVATN NATURE BATHS before returning to Akureyri for another overnight. (B) Todays Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km

• Day 5: AKUREYRIREYKHOLT

Today features an introduction to the spectacular geothermal hot springs at DEILDARTUNGUHVER. Here, you’ll find clusters of emerald-green deer ferns growing, a plant that grows nowhere else in the country. Next up is the tiny hamlet of Reykholt, former home of medieval Icelandic poet, historian, and politician Snorri Sturluson. Then, see the fascinating series of waterfalls at Hraunfossar before enjoying a stroll along the riverbanks to the BARNAFOSS waterfall, where the glacial cascade has carved out rock formations. (B,D) Todays Distance: 238 mi/ 383 km

• Day 6: REYKHOLT INGVELLIR GEYSIRGULLFOSSREYKJAVK

Some of Icelands most spectacular sights are on the agenda today as you visit INGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK, a rift valley and boundary between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. See geysers as they erupt from the earths geothermal vents, and, later, see the famed GULLFOSS waterfall before heading back to Reykjavk. (B) Todays Distance: 163 mi/ 263 km

• Day 7: REYKJAVK. EXCURSION TO THE SOUTH SHORE.

Explore the South Shore today, and have your cameras ready for the awe-inspiring SELJALANDSFOSS and SKGAFOSS waterfalls. Then, visit the tiny settlement of Skgar to admire turf farmhouses, a pioneer-era hydroelectric plant, and examples of many periods of Icelandic architectural history at the SGAR FOLK MUSEUM. On to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, to see its black-basalt beach, counted as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches on Earth in Islands Magazine. The cliffs here are home to a large seabird population, including puffins. Finally, marvel at the Slheimajkull glacier before enjoying a stop in the village of EYRARBAKKI. (B) Todays Distance: 71 mi/ 114 km

• Day 8:REYKJAVK | Departure

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.