Iceland Pre-Conference Tour

Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where fire and ice co-exist. Where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A country where insular existence has spurred a rich and vibrant culture

                                                                                   ICELAND ITINERARY

                                                                                             30 MAY - 08 JUNE

                                                                                    B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

MAY

Saturday 31 

Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark & stay overnight at an Airport Hotel

JUNE

Sunday   01                                                                                                                                                                                        

This morning fly to Iceland & travel to Pingvellir National Park, a remarkable geological phenomena & the most important historical site in Iceland. Pingvellir (situated by the biggest lake in Iceland) is the site of the world's oldest democratic parliament founded in the year 930. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates (which you'll walk between) & the area’s combination of natural phenomena & historical significance is why the site is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. We’ll visit the Geysir hot springs to see the famous geyser ‘Strokkur’ that spouts every few minutes, shooting a column of piping hot water up 20m. After lunch travel onto Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe where you’ll see thousands of tons of water thunder majestically down in a double-fall into a deep gorge   (BLD) 

Monday 02                                                                                                                                                                                        

Our first stop is at Seljalandsfoss waterfall at 60m high with a footpath behind the falls for a different prespective. The little known Gljufrabui waterall is close by & hidden, so some short walking in the little runoff allows us to view it. We continue onto Skogafoss waterfall, where this 62m high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff in dramatic style. Climb the 370 stairs alongside it for great views or walk to the foot of the falls, shrouded in sheets of mist & rainbows. There'll be a stop at Reynisfjara, a black pebble beach featuring an amazing cliff of basalt columns & out in the sea are spectacularly shaped basalt sea stacks. We'll also make photo stops at Eldhraun (a lava field covered with mossy boulders, dating from a 1780's eruption) & the spectacular Fjadrargljufur Canyon (with its steep walls & winding river) before travelling onto our hotel   (BLD)                                                                          

Tuesday 03                                                                                                                                                                                        

Great start to the day visiting Fjallsarlon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoons who's icebergs come from Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. Seals can be seen swimming in or on top of the icebergs floating in the lagoons. We'll walk on the black sand Diamond Beach, famous for huge, glistening iceberg fragments that drift ashore. You may also see arctic terns & a number of other birds in this area. As we travel up the scenic East Coast, you'll glimpse Vestrahorn mountain & a photostop at Eystrahorn mountain, before travelling onto our hotel in the Lake Egilsstadir area   (BLD)

Wednesday 04                                                                                                                                                                                  

We start with a scenic drive northwest to visit Dettifoss waterfall, reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, its sediment-rich runoff colours the water a greyish white. On the way to Lake Myvatn, we'll cross Namaskard Pass & visit a geothermal area on the mountain Namafjall. Connected to the Krafla volcano system, Namaskard is notable due to its barrenness, no vegetation grows on its slopes due to the heat beneath the earth & the acidity in the soil. We'll have lunch at a local farm & then continue to Dimmuborgir Lava Field - near the shores of Lake Myvatn - consisting of huge lava rock formations which make you feel like you've stepped into another world, they are a true wonder of nature. The formation of these extraordinary cliffs & pillars, stems from an eruption some 2,300 years ago. You'll see the extinct Krafla volcano & our last stop today is Skutustaðagigar, a series of pseudocraters formed by lava flow on the shores of Lake Myvatn. We continue onto the city of Akureyri at the base of Eyjafjordur Fjord in Northern Iceland. A free evening to explore this little city   (BL)

Thursday 05                                                                                                                                                                                     

As we travel south this morning, you’ll view the beautiful scenery of West Iceland - fjords, mountains & towns - and there's the chance to see the famous Icelandic Horses. This afternoon we embark on an ‘Into The Glacier' adventure, a truly unique experience. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s greatest wilderness - Iceland’s second largest glacier - from the inside! Via the Langjokull ice tunnels, you’ll see the beautiful blue ice at the heart of an ice cap glacier. We’ll travel in a specially modified snow truck on the glacier so you'll enjoy the glacier from above & then, journey inside the pristine blue ice via a man-made tunnel into the heart of the glacier. This will be a once in a lifetime adventure!   (BL)

Friday 06

Before we leave the area, you’ll view the little known Hraunfossar Falls - clear, cold springs of subterranean water seeping through the lava as tiny waterfalls & rapids into the river. We travel onto Reykjavik for a leisurely walking tour of the capital to see the Lake & City Hall, which is where the settlement of the city began. We’ll walk to Austurvollur Square, where the Parliament building & national cathedral stand & stroll through the main shopping district to Hallgrímskirkja Church, which is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks & have a look inside the church. You'll also see the National Theatre, Arnarholl Hill, Harpa Concert Hall & Sun Voyager statue. Blue Lagoon will be our last stop for a unique spa experience, enjoying the warm lagoon water & a silica mud mask while sipping an included drink. Scientific studies show that the Lagoon’s silica & algae have effective properties against skin aging! Back to Rekyjavik & free time for dinner   (B)                                   

Saturday 07                                                                                                                                                                                      

The day is free to relax & enjoy Reykjavik - Take in the views from the top of Hallgrímskirkja's tower, visit Perlan Wonders of Iceland (an interactive natural history museum) or the Settlement Museum (an excavation of a Viking longhouse right under the city) or wander this colourful city with lots of street art before our farewell dinner tonight   (BD)

Sunday 08

Fly back to Copenhagen & stay overnight at an Airport Hotel   (B)                                                                           

If you would like to join us in Greenland & on the pre & post conference tours, please complete the enquiry form below & we'll email you the details