Blogs from Iceland, Europe - page 3

Our intrepid band of 6 set off for Iceland in January to see the Aurora Borealis. We accomplished our mission and had a fun, but cold, three days in the frozen north. The five hours of daylight each day, forced us to pack in as much as possible, before the sun set at 4:15 pm. So, we were off to see the city of Reykjavik, do the thermal baths, and explore the countryside. The first two nights were spent chasing the Northern Lights. The first night was a disappointment, but we did see some lights on the second night. They were not as spectacular as the night before we arrived, but what we saw was still impressive. It made standing out in the wind and bitter cold worth the effort. After two frigid nights standing outside ... read more

SUN, 02 OCT 2022 – Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula/Reykjavik - 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. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking. Perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savoury schnapps. Total driving distance - approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles), or 4 hours. UNCLE LARRY'S NOTE: On Sunday evening we all participated in an optional farewell dinner organized by our tour leader, Stefano. Hats off to him for a job well ... read more

FRI, 30 SEP 2022 – Day 5: Lake Myvatn/Akureyri - Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can 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. Total driving distance - approximately 250 ... read more

WED, 28 SEP 2022 – Day 3: South Coast/Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 25-metres wide with a 60-metre 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. You'll also have the option to walk on the mottled blue, grey and black face of one of the tongues of Europe's largest glacier, the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. From here it is ... read more

MON, 26 SEP 2022 – Day 1 Introduction - Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands. Marvel at geothermal hot springs, witness the steamy eruptions of a giant geyser, touch the tongue of Europe's biggest glacier at Vatnajokull and cruise the Jokulsarlong Glacial Lagoon, see lava that's still warm after decades and witness the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls in all their splendour. Travel through Iceland's isolated corners and the land of the famous Blue Lagoon – so mysterious and ethereal that they have inspired artists, poets and musicians for centuries. Plus, with a local leader on hand to answer any questions and get you from place to place, you’ll be cruising around this icy isle in no time. MON, 26 SEP 2022 ... read more