Iceland is an island country of glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, and snow- capped peaks. Even though its name is associated with cold, it has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe. Its popularity stems from its magnificent natural locations, including glaciers and thermal springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountain peaks and expansive lava fields. Iceland is also known for its remarkable history and attractive literature, valued traditions, and appealing folklore. This is a special opportunity to tour one of the most unusual and exhilarating countries in the world.
DAY 1. MONDAY: Arrival Day to Reykjavik & Free Day with Suggested Activities:
Our first Arrival day allows for everyone to fly in from around the world, check in to the Hotel and then orient, calibrate, and get your bearings by taking some free time around the city area and Laugavegur St, one of the oldest streets in Iceland’s capital and home to a wealth of souvenir shops and bars. At 1pm meet in lobby to pick up a lunch sandwich and drink. At 5.30pm we meet in the lobby and will head over to our first adventure, Fly Over Iceland!
This is Iceland´s newest attraction and the ultimate flying ride experience. Fly Over Iceland utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight and suspension with your feet dangling, in front of a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. Soar across Iceland’s most spectacular scenery and natural wonders as it’s the perfect introduction to our Iceland tour.
7PM Dinner at Chabad Restaurant
DAY 2. TUESDAY: The Golden Circle - Þingvellir – Gulfoss – Geysir & Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake
Today we drive to your first stop Þingvellir National Park. It is one of Iceland’s most historically significant sites where the Vikings had their general assembly or the Alþingi. Geological, Þingvellir is also a fascinating place. Here you can see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Our guide will walk with you through the park and explain its rich history and unique geological features.
The next stop is the Haukadalur valley where you’ll find the Geysir geothermal area. “Geysir” is the most famous geyser in the world that did lend its name to hot springs all over the world. “Geysir” itself has had minimal activity in recent years and is currently in an inactive phase. However, “Strokkur” its little brother shoots boiling hot water up to 40 meters (130 feet) high every 8 to 10 minutes. You will also find mud pools and fumaroles.
Gullfoss, which is only a short drive away from Geysir, is a two-tiered Gulfoss waterfall that has frequently been voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. There are several different platforms where you can enjoy this powerful waterfall from different angles.
Kerið Crater Lake is a picturesque and often overlooked stop along the Golden Circle in Iceland. Kerið Crater is in southern Iceland, along the popular golden circle. It is about 15km north of Selfoss, off highway 35.
The caldera was formed not by an explosion, but by the depleting levels of magma which collapsed the volcanic cone into the emptied magma chamber. The brightly colored, sapphire water at the bottom of the crater is about the same level as the water table and is not the result of rainfall. The red earth surrounding the crater lake is also a beautiful contrast to the water at the bottom. The crater is about 55m deep and 3,000 years old.
8.00PM Dinner at Hotel
DAY 3. WEDNESDAY: South Coast of Iceland
Today we visit one of the country’s most scenic regions with gorgeous waterfalls, stunning views of glaciers, and visit the famous black sand beaches of Vík. Our first stop is the beautiful waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Enjoy a 360° view of the waterfall and walk behind it if you are wearing good shoes and don’t mind the light drizzle. We then stop at the much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m drop. Above the waterfalls looms the mighty Eyjafjallajökull where the great volcanic eruption took place in 2010. We continue to The Dyrhólaey Peninsula a 120-metre promenade famed for its staggering views over Iceland’s black sand beaches, complemented by the glittering waves of the Atlantic on one side, and distant mountainscapes to the other. As well we will see its historic lighthouse and a wealth of puffin birdlife. It is home to the iconic and massive rock arch, a result of centuries of erosion. This natural feature is so large and dramatic that one daredevil pilot even flew through it, back in 1993. We continue to Reynisfjara, and see the impressive basalt columns rising from the black beach presenting a dramatic foreground. You'll also find a spectacular cave called Halsanefshellir.
In the afternoon, choose from 2 options:
MODERATE & ACTIVE: KATLA GLACIER WALK
Prepare for movie-like landscapes and jaw-dropping sights like nothing you've ever done before. We'll hike across the Myrdalsjokull glacier, then visit the amazing blue and black ice cave of the Kötlujökull glacier on Mt. Katla. Mother Nature has really outdone herself with this one!
This is a moderate walk on a lava pathway for 30min and then arrive at a natural ice cave underneath Katla volcano. Experience lunar landscapes, covered with green moss, and a fun ride on a rough mountain track. You will get a good impression of the uninhabited highlands of Iceland and experience an fascinating combination of a black ice and impressive mountains covered in green moss. In the cave, blue ice meets volcanic ash from the former eruptions of Katla volcano.
LEISURELY & RELAXED: ICELANDIC LAVA SHOW
This is the only place in the world where you safely experience hot molten lava in proximity! The show is both educational and exhilarating. The show recreates a volcano eruption, like what Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcano are famous for, by pouring molten lava (1100°C / 2000°F) into the showroom and over ice. It is an epic battle between the elements and a unique opportunity to get close to red-hot lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the intense heat that radiates from it.
8.00PM Dinner at Chabad Restaurant
DAY 4. THURSDAY: Landmannalaugar
This super jeep day tour to Landmannalaugar is the perfect “next level” experience in Iceland. In this tour, only available in summer, you’ll have the opportunity to visit waterfalls and sights that most travelers miss out on. Witness the spectacular natural colors of the Landmannalaugar mountains, hike around the area, bath in a big natural thermal pool and experience some real super-jeep action!
When entering the highlands, you will notice extraordinary scenery all around you, e.g. Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanos. Some still call it the “Gateway to Hell”, a nickname from the Middle Ages.
The first official stop of the tour is at Hjálparfoss waterfall. Hjálparfoss translates to “The Helping Waterfall”. The name has its origin in the Viking era, for this was their last stop before entering the highlands. The Highlands of Iceland - Before entering the gravel roads and rougher grounds, your guide will release some air from the tires for smoother driving. When in the highlands, the first stop is by Ljótipollur, or “The Ugly Puddle”. This eruption crater is far from being ugly, with its blue water and red ash all around. You will also make a stop at Frostastaðavatn “The Frosty Lake” close-by and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Before reaching your destination, the super jeep will drive through a couple of rivers, which can be quite adventurous!
Landmannalaugar is such a unique and spectacular area that the question is if you will believe your own eyes upon arrival! The colorful mountains all around appear in unusual colors and seem out of this world. You will get up close to some of the beautiful mountains and visit an old lava field for spectacular photo opportunities. Relax in a Natural Thermal Pool. After the hike, you are welcome to relax in a natural thermal pool close to the Landmannalaugar huts. The name “Landamannalaugar” derives from this and other thermal pools in the area, as it loosely translates to “Pools of the People”. Do not forget to bring your swimsuit, watershoes and towel!
2 options to choose from upon arrival: FIT & ADVENTUROUS OR LEISURELY & RELAXED
8.30PM Dinner at Hotel
DAY 5. FRIDAY: Perlan Museum and Sky Lagoon
Perlan 'The Pearl' is a museum and rotating glass dome that stands on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill in Reykjavík; surrounded by forest, it is one of the capital's most distinctive landmarks. The Glacier Exhibition of Iceland project contains a 100-meter-long ice tunnel, where visitors are offered a glance into the past, present, and future of Iceland’s glaciers. It is the only museum in the world with such a feature. Áróra, the world’s first interactive planetarium film is a beautiful show that was compiled by some of the nation’s most celebrated photographers, writers, and musicians, Áróra encourages its guests to dance as part of the piece and choreograph their own Northern Lights experience. The planetarium also educates guests on what creates this incredible phenomenon, and the stories people across the world had devised throughout history to explain them. Wonders of Iceland’ exhibition, which also includes a cinematic display of the country’s underwater world and a wealth of displays about Iceland’s geology, such as its volcanoes, tectonic plates, and geothermal sites and earthquakes. We then head to the newly opened beautiful Sky Lagoon geothermal spa for an Erev Shabbat relax and refresh after the last few adventurous days on the road. We reserve for you Sky Passes which include admission to the Sky Lagoon, towels, the complete seven-step ritual and changing facilities. Enjoy the healing warm geothermal water of the lagoon with breath-taking views through the largest single window in Iceland and the sensory treat of coastal aromas and sounds. You will then step slowly through the cold fog-mist space. While at the lagoon you can enjoy an Icelandic beer in the Lagoon Bar where the sea meets the sky.
We then head back to Reykjavik to prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat Dinner at Chabad Restaurant
DAY 6. SHABBAT: SHABBAT IN REYKJAVIK & GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Tefillot and Shabbat meals with Rabbi Feldman of Chabad. After a rest in the early evening, we take a walking guided tour and visit the city’s major attractions including the Parliament, the Harbor, the Hallgrímskirkja and the new Harpa Cultural Center building. Reykjavik means the “smoking bay”, named because of the volcanic activity surrounding it. The city is enclosed by mountains and is located within a wide bay, in the heart of a geothermal area of hot springs, which erupt from the ground and serve as natural central heating with no air pollution. The air is clear and clean, aided by the winds that constantly blow. Reykjavík has a population of close to 120,000. In winter, it has only 4 hours of daylight, and in summer the night is almost as bright as the day. The sun sets after 11pm, so that the cafes and pubs as well as the heated thermal pools are bustling till late.
12.30PM Shabbat Lunch & Dinner 8PM Seudah Shlishit at Chabad Restaurant
DAY 7. SUNDAY: Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands
We will start earlier than usual from Reykjavik as we need to catch the ferry from Landeyjahöfn to reach the main island Heimaey. Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands are a cluster of islands that can only be described as a wonder of nature, just a few decades ago there was a volcanic eruption on the main island and a part of the town was buried under the lava. There is no way to describe the power of nature when it hits a small town like this, but the towns people fought the volcano and won. We will visit the Eldheimar Museum for some inside information from the locals about the devastating eruption.
In the afternoon, choose from 2 options:
FIT & ADVENTUROUS
Eldfell: The hike up to the top of the volcano takes approximately 45 minutes. The path is on gravel and somewhat steep at times. Once at the top, you get the most beautiful view of the Westman islands.
LEISURELY & RELAXED
Beluga Sanctuary: As of now, the two belugas are in the sanctuary, and home to 9 rescued puffins and 1 guillemot, which you'll get to see. There is an aquarium with sea life from all around the Westman islands, as well as a natural history museum focusing on the flora and fauna of the area.
Ferry cross and drive back to Reykjavik
8.30PM Dinner at Chabad Restaurant
DAY 8. MONDAY: Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Today we go on an unforgettable tour by chartered plane and visit Europe‘s largest glacier Vatnajökull that covers more than 8% of the island. We continue to the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and see the birthplace of icebergs. We have a zodiac amphibian boat tour, cruise between huge icebergs and enjoy the impressive scenery. We head to the domestic airport in Reykjavik and fly 50min to Höfn. We will see the beautiful South Coast of Iceland from above. Our first destination is the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Jökulsárlón is one of the most famous sightseeing highlights in Iceland. It is larger than all other glaciers in Europe combined. This glacier and its various tongues flow along steep mountainsides, gently dominating the region’s coastline. We will see learn how huge aqua-blue icebergs dot this mystical space. We board a amphibian boat ride and for an otherworldly cruise, zigzagging between the imposing bergs. This area was the setting for the opening scenes of the James Bond film, Die Another Day.
In the evening we take the plane back and transfer back to our hotel for our sumptuous dinner.
8.30PM Dinner at Hotel
DAY 9 TUESDAY: The Silver Circle: Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Víðgelmir Lava Cave
Get ready for a real adventure! We start our drive past the famous and majestic Mt. Esja and then through an underwater tunnel up to Borgarnes. The first stop is Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe with a rapid flow rate of 180 liters of boiling water per second. Take a walk on the safe wooden path and admire the constantly bubbling energy. The spring provides hot water to the nearby towns of Akranes and previously visited Borgarnes, which is a great example that shows how Icelanders utilize green resources.
Next on the list is Hraunfossar, a cascade of stunning waterfalls that flow from underneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field. It is a truly extraordinary sight! Within few steps from this impressive location, you will get to admire Barnafoss, which carries a tragic tale about two boys from a nearby farm.
We then visit the 1600 meters long Víðgelmir, the mightiest of all lava tubes in Iceland, with its stunning colors and lava formations that originate deep in the earth. Get as close as possible to the power and scale of volcanic eruptions, and you will be led through the amazing lava stalactites, which come from the ceiling, and stalagmites, from the ground.
It is time to explore the lush oasis of Húsafell. It has been both a refuge to the weary travelers in the past and home to talented, Icelandic artists, with modern-day stone sculptor Páll Guðmundsson. What’s more, Húsafell is known for its dense and relatively tall birch forests. It happens to be reasonably sheltered, so the trees protected from the severe Arctic winds can grow up to 4 meters tall. Our last stop is at the village of Reykholt, where a small and charming hot spring Snorralaug can be found. It is supposedly the oldest hot spring to have been used by locals since the 12th century. This hobbity little pool was first mentioned by Snorri Sturluson, a famous medieval Icelandic poet, who used to live and bathe here too.
8:00PM Dinner at Hotel
DAY 10 WEDNESDAY: Free Shopping Time & Airport Transfer
Many of Iceland’s coolest shops and bars call one major street in Reykjavik home - Laugavegur, which means “Wash Road,” was once the route to the hot springs where many Icelanders took their clothes to launder. Now, this hyper-cool thoroughfare is a place where you can easily drop hundreds of dollars on clothes, housewares, and accessories at once. Think of it as a street that symbolizes an entire country. Within just a few blocks, you can get a wide sampling of what the innovative, surprising, and design-obsessed country has to offer.
12:30PM Group Bus Airport Transfer to the airport for your flight back home
Our tour has ended, and we wish you a safe flight home
At Kosher Travelers, we are passionate about travel. Like you, we believe in opening new horizons and breathtaking vistas that will forever expand who we are and how we view the world.
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