Inspiring Iceland

Inspiring Iceland

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8 Days From

$5644

$5393

Inspiring Iceland

8 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland

Visiting: Reykjavik, Vestmannaeyjar, Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

DI-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $5644 $5393 Barrhead discount: -$251

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Inspiring Iceland" tour and discover the breathtaking landscapes and unique culture of Iceland. Begin your journey in Reykjavik with a welcome dinner, then explore the stunning Thingvellir National Park, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal wonders of Haukadalur. Travel to the Westman Islands for a Rib Safari and learn about the 1973 volcanic eruption. Visit the picturesque Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and experience the charm of Stykkishólmur with a Viking Sushi boat tour. Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as "Iceland in Miniature," and conclude your adventure with a tour of Reykjavik and a mesmerizing Lava Show. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals throughout this unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

Highlights

  • Visit Thingvellir National Park and see how geothermal bread is made.

  • Marvel at the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss and explore the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.

  • Tour the volcanic island of Vestmannaeyjar and learn about the 1973 eruption.

  • See the majestic Icelandic horse in Sturlureykir and visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

  • Embark on a Viking Sushi boat tour in Stykkishólmur and visit the fishing village of Grundarfjorður.

  • Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including the Black Lava Pearl Beach and Hellissandur.

  • Experience a Lava Show in Reykjavik and tour the capital of Iceland.

Places You'll See

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

Hotel Vestmannaeyjar

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Reykjavik,Iceland

Location: Reykjavik

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Reykjavik,Thingvellir,Gullfoss,Vestmannaeyjar

Location: Vestmannaeyjar

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vestmannaeyjar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

REYKJAVIK–THINGVELLIR–GULLFOSS–VESTMANNAEYJAR Warm Bread! Travel via scenic route to reach Thingvellir National Park. Stop at a geothermal bakery and see how geothermal bread is made. Next, drive to the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls - perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Later, head out to the ring road and get to Landeyjarhöfn and take a ferry over to the Westman Islands for your overnight stay. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CHASING WATERFALLS Visit the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss - the Golden falls - perhaps the most beautiful in the country. Here the glacial river of Hvítá (white river) tumbles 32 meters (105 ft.) in a double cascade. Explore the active geothermal area of Haukadalur which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur, and many other hot springs. Most active today is Strokkur, with hot water and steam erupting to an elevation of 25 metres (82 ft) every 5-7 minutes. TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Enjoy an overnight stay that’s just right for small groups with an overnight getaway on the Westman Islands (or Heimaey to the Icelanders). Speaking of groups, you’re sure to be outnumbered by the largest puffin colony in the world, who call the islands home.

Day 3: Vestmannaeyjar

Location: Vestmannaeyjar

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vestmannaeyjar

Meals Included: Breakfast

VESTMANNAEYJAR Amazing Archipelago This morning, meet your Local Guide for a tour of Vestmannaeyjar. In the early afternoon, take advantage of your small group size to enjoy a Rib Safari. Check out the small islands that are closest to our largest island Heimaey. Then head off further to the other islands that are included in the archipelago. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEARTH SCIENCE Learn about the volcanic eruption in 1973, considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland’s recent history. The eruption began on January 23rd on the island of Heimaey, the only populated island of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. After the evacuation of the inhabitants and during the five months while the eruption lasted, there was much uncertainty as to whether the island could ever be repopulated. Explore bird cliffs during our tour to the Westman Islands, walk up to the volcano crater, and visit the “Pompei of the North“ (Eldheimar Museum), a volcanic excavation project.

Day 4: Vestmannaeyjar,Hraunfossar,Barnafoss,Deildartunguhver,Stykkishólmur

Location: Vestmannaeyjar

Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

VESTMANNAEYJAR–HRAUNFOSSAR–BARNAFOSS–DEILDARTUNGUHVER–STYKKISHÓLMUR Horses and Hot Springs Take the ferry back to the mainland and pass the greenhouse town of Hveragerði. Stop in Sturlureykir and [LF] see the majestic Icelandic horse. Head over to Hraunfossar (Lava falls) and see the clear streams of water run through the lava fields into the river below, and Barnafoss (Children falls). Continue on to the hot spring of Deildartunguhver. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT WILD HORSES The Icelandic horse is local to this volcanic land and is one of the purest horse breeds in the world., Having arrived here on the very first ships of the settlers, these majestic creatures have remained loyal friends ever since.

Day 5: Stykkishólmur,Viking Sushi Boat Excurion,Stop In Grundarfjörður

Location: Stykkishólmur

Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Meals Included: Breakfast

STYKKISHÓLMUR–VIKING SUSHI BOAT EXCURION–STOP IN GRUNDARFJÖRÐUR Coastal Treasures Join your guide for a tour of Stykkishólmur before going on a Viking Sushi boat tour. Afterwards, visit the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, a place with an impressive coastline and mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Embark on the perfect small group adventure on a Viking sushi tour while sailing around Breiðafjörður's innumerable islands. Get a glimpse of the fjord's fairytale-like scenery, featuring dramatic rock faces along with the strongest ocean currents anywhere on Iceland's coasts. A highlight of your tour is the towing of the dredge along the ocean floor as a variety of shellfish are scooped up from the bottom of the ocean with a haul of scallops, sea urchins, crabs, and starfish, some of which can be eaten fresh. (Think scallops and sea urchins!)

Day 6: Stykkishólmur,Excursion To Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Djúpalónssandur Stop (Weather Permitting),Hellissandur

Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Meals Included: Breakfast

STYKKISHÓLMUR–EXCURSION TO ARNARSTAPI–HELLNAR–DJÚPALÓNSSANDUR STOP (WEATHER PERMITTING)–HELLISSANDUR Iceland at a Glance Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula through lava fields, and along the ocean and stop in the village of Arnarstapi. If conditions allow, stop at Djúpalónssandur, the Black Lava Pearl Beach. Finish your tour with a stop in Hellissandur, “the street art capital of Iceland” as the town is adorned with beautiful murals painted on some buildings. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTICELAND IN MINIATURE Snaefellsnes is a large peninsula extending from West Iceland, often nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature" due to the wealth and diversity of natural features found there. A common knowledge amongst Icelanders is that the area is the only part of Iceland where you can see all of the unique natural elements in one place, from untouched lava fields, tall volcanoes, mystical glacier and black beaches to white beaches, a national park, and hazardous cliffs along the coastline.

Day 7: Stykkishólmur,Reykjavik

Location: Reykjavik

Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Reykjavik

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

STYKKISHÓLMUR–REYKJAVIK Lava Love Head back to Reykjavik. Join your guide for a tour of the capital of Iceland followed by a Lava Show. Tonight, bid farewell to your travelling companions with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Volcanic eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous events, where access is more often than not prohibited to the public due to poisonous fumes and other volcanic dangers. With this mesmerizing show you will be able to experience real flowing lava in a safe environment.

Day 8: Reykjavik

Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Reykjavik at Grand Hotel Reykjavik and Fosshotel Reykjavik, in Vestmannaeyjar at Hotel Vestmannaeyjar, and in Stykkisholmur at Fosshotel Stykkisholmur.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast (B) and several dinners (D) as specified in the itinerary.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Welcome dinner on the first day in Reykjavik.

  • Local Guide

    Local guide for a tour of Vestmannaeyjar.

  • Rib Safari

    Rib Safari in Vestmannaeyjar.

  • Viking Sushi Boat Tour

    Viking Sushi boat tour in Stykkisholmur.

  • Lava Show

    Lava Show in Reykjavik.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavik.

  • Tours and Excursions

    Various tours and excursions including visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and more.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Accommodation

Stay at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik and Fosshotel Reykjavik in Reykjavik, Hotel Vestmannaeyjar in Vestmannaeyjar, and Fosshotel Stykkisholmur in Stykkisholmur.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes scenic drives, ferry rides to the Westman Islands, and a Viking Sushi boat tour.

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik and Fosshotel Reykjavik in Reykjavik, Hotel Vestmannaeyjar in Vestmannaeyjar, and Fosshotel Stykkisholmur in Stykkisholmur.

  • What activities are included on the second day of the tour?

    On the second day, you will travel to Thingvellir National Park, visit a geothermal bakery to see how geothermal bread is made, drive to the Gullfoss waterfall, and take a ferry to the Westman Islands for an overnight stay.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Vestmannaeyjar on the third day?

    In Vestmannaeyjar, you will meet a local guide for a tour, enjoy a Rib Safari to explore the small islands around Heimaey, and learn about the 1973 volcanic eruption at the Eldheimar Museum.

  • What will we see on the fourth day of the tour?

    On the fourth day, you will take a ferry back to the mainland, pass through Hveragerði, see the Icelandic horse in Sturlureykir, visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and stop at the hot spring of Deildartunguhver.

  • What is the Viking Sushi boat tour on the fifth day?

    The Viking Sushi boat tour involves sailing around Breiðafjörður's islands, where you will see dramatic rock faces and strong ocean currents. The tour includes towing a dredge along the ocean floor to scoop up shellfish like scallops and sea urchins, some of which can be eaten fresh.

  • What highlights are included in the sixth day's itinerary?

    On the sixth day, you will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visit the village of Arnarstapi, stop at Djúpalónssandur (weather permitting), and see the murals in Hellissandur.

  • What special experience is included in Reykjavik on the seventh day?

    In Reykjavik, you will join a guided tour of the capital, experience a Lava Show where you can see real flowing lava in a safe environment, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

  • How does the tour conclude on the eighth day?

    The tour concludes with breakfast in Reykjavik on the eighth day.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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