Our Journeys
Grand Tour of Iceland
May 19 to June 1, 2024
Journey Highlights
Take your time exploring every corner of Iceland, with its sparkling glaciers, aqua blue waters, jagged volcanic rocks and erupting geysers. Stand in front of mesmerizing waterfalls, soak in the mineral-rich hot springs, and explore the range of dramatic sights along the entire Route 1 Ring Road that surrounds this breathtaking nation. From quaint villages to epic national parks, Iceland is bursting with adventure.
Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
Golden Circle
Golden Circle
Embark on a famous route to see Icelandic natural beauty on full display. Starting with Thingvellir National Park, feel the warmth of fissures dotted along a vast plain, next to Iceland’s largest lake. Visit the oldest existing parliament in the world, followed by the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Complete this golden experience with two geysers that erupt to a height of 25 metres.
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
With over 20 different species of whales enjoying the waters surrounding Iceland, this is a must-do for visitors to the country. Sail through the waters of scenic Skjalfandi Bay to spot the majestic minke whale. For a challenge keep a watch out the rarer humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins. Whale watching will prove to be an exhilarating wildlife experience.
Vatnajökull Park & Glacier
Vatnajökull Park & Glacier
Utterly entrancing, Vatnajökull National Park is surrounded by crystalline white glaciers, vast canyons, enormous craters, and hot streams erupting from frozen ice banks. Embark on a Jeep adventure past thundering waterfalls, exhilarating volcanoes and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull Glacier.
All was exceptional. Pace of the trip was excellent – No especially long days and time for exploring privately in lovely towns and landscapes.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Steep in the rejuvenating natural wonders of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Relax in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field while admiring the epic surroundings. Leisurely soak in the vibrant turquoise waters that are known to offer deep revitalizing qualities due to its rich minerals. It is the ultimate spa experience.
Horse Show
Horse Show
Enjoy a truly unique experience at the Icelandic horse farmstead Lýtingsstaðir. Set in the heart of Iceland’s natural beauty, step inside the impressive Old Stable built from turf for an incredible Horse and heritage Show. An exceptional experience on a quiet and remote farm in the depths of Iceland.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Discover the enchanting and colourful city of Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement, Reykjavik. Admire the picture-perfect background of fjords and mountains and the largest church in Iceland scraping the sky. Spend time leisurely strolling along Laekjargata, Reykjavik’s central street, popping into boutiques and galleries before grabbing a delicious bite at a cafe.
Journey Map
Journey Map
Click here to view the detailed map.
“We wanted to create a Journey that gives you a complete and comprehensive tour of the entire country. The Ring Road is the best way of ensuring that experience. It starts and ends in Reykjavik, wrapping around the island and winding its way through diverse scenery and breathtaking vistas.
Also to ensure that the pace was just right for our guests, we focused on two and three-night hotel stays, using hotels as hubs for day trips out to explore the surrounding area. Iceland is a place like no other, and Journeys by Van Dyke has taken exceptional care in creating a high-quality, curated guest experience that reflects this one-of-a-kind destination.”
Journey Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARYDEPART FOR ICELAND
| Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight to Iceland. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details, allowing you to embrace your Journey. | |
| Overnight: | Flight |
| Meals: | — |
ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK
| The oldest permanent settlement in Iceland, Reykjavik is now an enchanting and colourful city just waiting to be explored. Upon arrival, our local guide leads us on a tour of Reykjavik. Visit the heart of the capital city, and see the Hallgrímskirkja-Church, City Hall, and Althingi – the Icelandic Parliament. Enjoy the panoramic views over Reykjavik, the fjord, and the mountains from the balcony of ‘the Pearl’ – Reykjavik’s renowned Perlan Museum and Planetarium. Join your fellow guests for a casual welcome lunch before checking in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Dinner this evening will be served at the hotel. | |
| Overnight: | Reykjavik, Fosshótel |
| Meals: | Lunch, Dinner |
REYKJANES PENINSULA & BLUE LAGOON
| This morning we discover the wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula with its ruff shore-side, spectacular breaking surf, hot spring areas, small fishing villages, and abundant bird life. Pass through the picturesque town of Hafnarfjörður before stoping for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, visit one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field. Enjoy a swim in the rejuvenating and warm mineral-rich waters, reputed for its healing properties. We return to Reykjavik and you will have some time at leisure before dinner at a local favourite. | |
| Overnight: | Reykjavik, Fosshótel |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
DISCOVERING THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
| Embark on a day of discovery as we travel the famous Golden Circle. On a scenic drive from Reykjavik, we reach the vast plain of Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Alþingi, walk between the American and Eurasian continental plates at the Mid-Atlantic Rift, which is slowly pulling Iceland apart. Visit the mighty Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), perhaps the most beautiful in the country, and enjoy lunch along the way. After, explore the geothermal-active valley of Haukadalur, home of two famous erupting geysers: Geysir and Strokkur. We arrive in the coastal town of Borgarnes and settle into our hotel before dinner. | |
| Overnight: | Borganes, B59 Hotel |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
ICELANDIC HISTORY IN REYKHOLT
| Begin today with a visit to the Settlement Center, devoted to recreating Iceland’s earliest days. Be introduced to Iceland’s best known hero, Egill Skalla-Grímsson. Admire a scenic drive out of town, and marvel at two spectacular waterfalls, Barnafoss and Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfall), before a visit to the most powerful hot spring in Europe – Deildartunguhver. With temperatures reaching 97°C, the scalding water bubbles out of an algae-covered rocky outcrop creating a steamy source of power. In Reykholt, stop at Snorrastofa – a cultural and medieval centre situated in the ancient homestead of Snorri Sturluson. | |
| Overnight: | Borganes, Hotel Hamar |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
ICELANDIC HORSES
Today, we Journey to northern Iceland. Our first stop is to see turf houses at Glaumbær and look at how life in Iceland was back in the 18th & 19th century. We continue to Víðimýrarkirkja, a beautiful old turf church which was built in 1834. After a local lunch, delight in a visit to the Icelandic horse farmstead Lýtingsstaðir and enjoy a Horses and Heritage Show that highlights the only breed of horse in Iceland. Visit the Old Stable, which is built from turf, to see how horses used to be kept on farms. We arrive at the hotel in Akureyri in time for dinner.
| Overnight: | Akureyri, Kea Hotel |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:
24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
- In addition to knowledgeable local guides
Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included
Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport
Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 12 nights in outstanding hotels
- All meals included: 12 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Icelandair
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- All taxes as well as service charges
- Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Hotels
Fosshótel, Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland’s largest hotel stands prominently in Reykjavík’s business district, only a short walk from the main shopping area. Here, from the heart of the city, you can easily explore Reykjavík’s magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture – ideal starting point for experience the best of everything the city has to offer.
B59 Hotel, Borganes
Inspired by the natural beauty of the land, Hotel B59 is a warm and luxurious hotel with breathtaking views. The sleek rooms offer cozy accommodation with natural Sóley Organic products in the bathrooms. The lower ground floor features a luxury spa and fitness centre, an ideal place to relax after a hard day of exploring.
Hotel Hamar, Borgarnes
Hotel Hamar is a magnificent hotel in the West in a quiet location by the Hamar golf course on the main road just outside Borgarnes. The hotel has peace and quiet which makes the hotel a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, with professional services and all comforts at hand. The view over Borgarfjörður is spectacular and Hamarinn, the hotel’s restaurant, has a good reputation for serving great food from local ingredients.
Kea Hotel, Akureyri
The Hotel Kea is centrally located in the very heart of town on Akureyri’s pedestrian street. Set right by the stunning Eyjafjördur Fjord and the iconic church of Akureyri in North Iceland, the hotel offers an incredible stay with plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants nearby. A wonderful stay.
Fosshotel Eastfjords, Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fosshotel Eastfjords is a beautiful three-star hotel in Fáskrúðsfjörður near Reyðarfjörður, which is in the centre of the Eastfjords. The hotel was renovated in 2016 and is in a historic building built in 1903 and previously used as a hospital for French fishermen.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Hnappavellir
Sleek and newly-built, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a contemporary hotel on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. The simple and elegant rooms feature snug beds for a restful stay and amazing views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and ocean seascapes. This chic hotel also has a lovely restaurant and bar.
Hotel Vik, Vik
Located in South Iceland in the heart of a stunning nature reserve, Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is a family-run hotel that offers world-class hospitality. The 78 guest rooms offer views of either the ocean, columnar basalt sea stacks, or the nearby mountains and come with either twin or double beds.
