Welcome to Iceland! You’ll arrive at Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport and make your way to the group hotel in Reykjavik via a shared shuttle service. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore the capital city. We recommend checking out the wonderful National Museum of Iceland and learning about the Viking history of the region, or discovering the architectural wonder that is Hallgrímskirkja, one of the most striking churches in the world and where you can find exceptional views over the city from the tower. Meet your fellow intrepid travelers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant that showcases the best of Icelandic cuisine and raise a glass to the beginning of your Iceland adventure. 

Kick off your Icelandic escapades with an enchanting morning in the seaside town of Hafnarfjörður, home to Iceland’s largest colonies of elves, trolls, and mythical creatures Let these tiny creatures cast their spell as you stroll along paths where tiny wooden elf doors adorn boulder and tree. Then, embark on the legendary Golden Circle route, a trifecta of natural wonders. At Þingvellir National Park, you'll walk along the great continental divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Nearby, the geothermal fields of Geysir will dazzle with their erupting fumaroles and hot springs. Then visit Fridheimar Tomato Farm where you’ll refuel with a farm-fresh lunch featuring the beloved Icelandic crop - tomatoes! Afterwards head to the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, feel the mist on your face as you marvel at this spectacular natural wonder. 

Discover Iceland’s picturesque South Coast today, punctuated by several spectacular stops. You’ll see the 200-foot tall Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the impressive Skógafoss waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled as we continue our drive past Drangurinn Rock, a landscape feature that, according to local folklore, was ripped from a mountain by an outlaw and then became a home for elves. A little further on and you’ll find yourself at Reynisfjara, a picturesque beach with enormous columns of basalt rising from its distinctive black sands. Your last stop is Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon renowned for its icy blue waters speckled with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. End our day in the fishing town of Höfn at the base of the Vatnajökull ice cap. 

Leave the mainland today and take a short ferry ride to the nearby Vestmannaeyjar - or Westman Island, Iceland’s best-kept secret. Part of an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the South Coast, Vestmannaeyjar is famous for its spectacular scenery, and being home to the world’s largest puffin colony. A 1974 volcano eruption resulted in the archipelago increasing 20% in size, visit the Eldheimar Museum to learn more about this remarkable volcanic eruption. 

Today promises plenty of feathery fun as we set our sights on Iceland's most adored winged residents - the puffin! Our August 16th departure will see a Puffin Biologist accompany us on our puffin hunt. After a scenic island drive, we'll stake out a prime puffin-viewing spot, hoping to catch these comical little sea parrots waddling along the coastal cliffs with their beaks stuffed full of fish. Catch a glimpse of the World’s Loneliest House, before heading to the innovative Beluga Sea Life Trust, a pioneering sanctuary for puffins, whales, and marine life conservation. Then hop on a zippy RIB boat tour around the islands. The rest of the afternoon is yours to embrace Iceland's great outdoors however you wish - perhaps take a hike up the slumbering Eldfell volcano or an exhilarating ATV adventure over the rugged lava fields. We'll reconvene in the evening to recount our feathered friend sightings over dinner.

Wave goodbye to the Westman Islands as we return to the mainland, bound for the otherworldly landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This fissure-fractured wonderland promises a glimpse into the inner workings of our dynamic planet. You'll literally straddle the great continental rift at the Bridge Between Continents, before exploring the surreal, steam-billowing geothermal fields of Seltun and mystical Kleifervatn lake. Learn about the legendary elves and trolls believed to roam this lunar-like terrain as your local guide recounts Iceland's rich folklore. After a full immersion into the peninsula's volcanic vistas, you'll head back to culture-rich Reykjavik for an evening exploring the colorful charms of the world's northernmost capital at your leisure.

Today we'll delve into the storybook landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, your home for the next two nights. But first, a detour to the spellbinding Borgarfjordur region to witness the mesmerizing waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, where crystalline rivulets seem to magically appear from beneath ancient lava fields. Then it's onward to the peninsula's crown jewel - the glacier-cloaked Snæfellsjökull volcano, which looms large as the fabled "journey to the center of the earth" entry point imagined by Jules Verne. At its base lies Gufuá Farm, tucked amidst lush birch forests, salmon-rich rivers, and gorges sculpted by ancient glaciers. You'll practically be able to hear the echoes of the Peninsula's infamous Viking settlers reverberating across the millenias! 

Enjoy a guided tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula today. Visit the small town of Budir, see basaltic pebble beaches framed by strange lava formations, and study the rich birdlife that call the coastal cliffs of Arnarstapi home. Continue to the pretty town of Grundarfjordur, where you’ll stop and meet a local artist by the name of Liston, who will show you his workshop. This is a great opportunity to admire his stone carving pieces and to find out about the life of a local artisan. Finish the day by visiting the fascinating Shark Museum, a farmstead where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a unique local delicacy - fermented shark. A shot of Brennivín schnapps is offered alongside the shark meat, which visitors often use to wash away the strong flavor of the shark from their palate.

After breakfast, return to the capital. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore on your own, before rejoining your group for a short walking tour of Reykjavik, a compact, walkable city with colorful (and often very unique) architecture, vibrant street art, waterfront views, and pretty green parks. In the evening join your group for an Icelandic beer tasting and one last farewell dinner. 

After a remarkable ten days together, you’ll catch your flight home today or head onward to your next adventure destination. Until our next adventure!