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Journey to Iceland Page 2 of 15 Trip Summary

Day 1 Arrive at Keflavík Airport and meet your private driver. Viking World Museum Check in at Ion City Hotel - Ion City Hotel

Day 2 Krauma Geothermal Nature Baths Víðgelmir Cave Tour Check in at Hotel Husafell - Hotel Husafell

Day 3 Into the Glacier tour Friðheimar Greenhouse & Restaurant Check in at Hotel Rangá - Hotel Rangá

Day 4 Day at leisure Enjoy a 2nd night at Hotel Rangá - Hotel Rangá

Day 5 Golden Circle Tour - Starting with Þingvellir. National Park Golden Circle stop 2 - Geysir Golden Circle stop 3 - Gulfoss Falls Check in Konsulat Hotel - Reykjavik Consulate Hotel

Day 6 Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour Reykjavik Consulate Hotel - Reykjavik Consulate Hotel Dinner suggestion

Day 7 Day at leisure Reykjavík - Do & See - Reykjavik Park And Zoo, The Thermal Beach In Reykjavík - Nautholsvik, Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavík Art Museum, Reykjavik City Museum, Whale Watching, National Museum, Horseback Riding

Day 8 Blue Lagoon Private transfer to Keflavík Airport Page 3 of 15 Day 1

Arrive at Keflavík Airport and meet your private driver.

Viking World Museum On your way to your hotel, stop for a visit at Viking World Museum.

Many visitors driving from Keflavik Airport into Reykjavik report seeing an ancient Viking vessel seemingly floating in midair along Faxafloi Bay. This is no mirage, but an optical illusion provided by Viking World Museum which is the proud home of Islendingur (the Icelander), a Viking replica ship completed in 1996 by shipbuilder Gunnar Marel Eggertsson.

The impressive achievement is an exact replica of a vessel discovered during an excavation in Norway in 1880, and is believed to have been built around 870. Using only tools and materials available to Vikings during this time was no small task, and took more than two years to accomplish using these traditional methods.

In the year 2000 Gunnar Marel and a crew of nine passengers aboard Islendingur embarked from Iceland, sailing to New York and back again to celebrate 1000 years since the discovery of America by the Vikings. Viking World also hosts segments from the Smithsonian Institution’s Viking Millennium Exhibition, ‘Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga,’ shedding light on early Norse settlement and exploration.

Check in at Ion City Hotel

Ion City Hotel Laugarvegur 28, Reykjavík, Höfuðborgarsvæði, Ísland, 101 Page 4 of 15 Day 2

Krauma Geothermal Nature Baths

Krauma is a natural geothermal bath resort at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Krauma is open all year round and can accommodate 140 guests at a time.

Experience nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths at Krauma. The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature we mix the hot water with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the glacier Ok, the smallest glacier in Iceland.

Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music.

Enjoy an organic lunch in the restaurant after your morning in the geothermal baths.

Víðgelmir Cave Tour

Hailed as the mightiest of Iceland's caves, its diversity and grandeur is unrivalled. This makes for an experience not to be forgotten.

Just shy of 1600 meters / 5250ft, the cave features amazing colours and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth.

What used to be slow traveled rugged terrain is now easy and enjoyable. Leading from one great hall to the next our path is lit slightly flowing through this magical underworld.

The stunning beauty of Víðgelmir lava cave lies in the amazing colors and rock formations that used to hide in the dark. Not any more! With fixed lights at selected locations this impressive cave can now be enjoyed with all that it offers.

The Cave Explorer offers the very best of caving, the ease, the light and the dark! This adventure takes about one hour, helmets and light provided. Page 5 of 15

Check in at Hotel Husafell Hotel Husafell offers a combination of comfort of a luxurious hotel with the exploration of the unique wonders of Icelandc nature. The hotel is located in an area rich in history and extraordinary natural wonders. Known for its mild weather, the region offers surroundings and activites which cater to all groups of people; regardless of whether you prefer to relax in beautiful surroundings, have an action packed adventure or spend time with your family outdoors.

The surroundings of the hotel include magnificent glaciers, lava caves, waterfalls and fertile areas inspiring for both body and soul. The glaciers are favoured winter sports playgrounds, and accessible all year round with the right equipment. Hotel Husafell only uses 100% pure energy produced on the site. The electricity comes from small hydro powerplants which are driven by crystal clear springwater. Additionally, the hot water which heats up the hotel and geothemal baths comes from nearby mountains Benefit from the bounty of geothermal energy by soaking in wonderfully hot water. This long- held Icelandic tradition will leave you feeling fresh and invigorated.

All rooms are beautifully decorated with paintings from Husafell's own world-renowned artist, Pall Gudmundssson. All of our rooms at the hotel are non-smoking . The deluxe rooms include a spacious, ensuite bathroom with a shower, bathtub and a double sink, and an access to a terrace.

Hotel Husafell Stórarjóður, Borganes, WEST, IS, 311 435 1551 Page 6 of 15 Day 3

Into the Glacier tour Into the Glacier tour is an adventure that will lead you to the untouched beauty and raw nature of Langjokull , Iceland’s second largest glacier. The ice caves reach about 300 meters into the glacier and you will get to learn about the mystery and history of glaciers – from the inside! The deeper you go, the bluer the ice, but the majestic Langjokull glacier is the only place in the world where you can epxlore an ice cap from inside. It truly is another magnificent world. Enjoy this opportunity of a lifetime as you journey up the white slopes and go deep inside the man-made ice tunnels leading to the blue heart of the glacier. Experienced guides will lead the way and make sure that everyone is both enjoying themselves and learning the basics of glacier knowledge.

Friðheimar Greenhouse & Restaurant A visit to Friðheimar Greenhouses is an out of the ordinary “from the stem to the table” experience in the Icelandic countryside. Specializing in tomato cultivation, the greenhouses at Friðheimar are increasing diversity in the local tomato market. Since starting out in 1995, these family run greenhouses have introduced Plum tomatoes, Flavorino cocktail tomatoes and Piccolo tomatoes on a year-round basis in Iceland.

On this tomato based tour, visitors gain insight into the processes of Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. With a short and informative talk on the subject, you'll learn about how this farm grows vegetables in cold climates by creating warm geothermal Mediterranean conditions, all year round – even through the long dark winter. Each visit includes a short informal tour and interactive discussion showcasing the growing methods used at Friðheimar which are eco-friendly using green energy, pure water and biological pest controls.

Visitors with an interest in gardening and horticulture are sure to be delighted by this trip as is anyone who just happens to love a great tomato! And just to note – Icelandic Cucumbers have also been cultivated at Friðheimar since 2011 and they are showcased throughout the experience.

At the end of the tour, visitors are welcome to purchase delicious food and souvenirs from “The Little Tomato Shop” such as Tomato Jam, Cucumber Salsa and a Tomato Drink.

Friðheimar Greenhouses are open all year round and can be combined with a visit to the Friðheimar Equestrian Farm. (This is an excellent option for anyone with tomato allergies!).

Get up close and personal to meet the team of Friðheimar horses in the warm and bright stables. Alongside a visit with these friendly creatures and their caretakers, there will be photo opportunities and a demonstration of the famed 5 gaits, unique to the Icelandic Horse. Page 7 of 15

Check in at Hotel Rangá Hotel Rangá is a comfortable hotel built in log-cabin style, which offers all the facilities and service of a first-class hotel. Located only about 90 minutes by road from Reykjavík, on the banks of the Eystri-Rangá River in south Iceland, the hotel offers excellent facilities for meetings and courses all year round. The hotel is also suitable for various functions, such as wedding and confirmation receptions – and the hotel’s outstanding restaurant specializes in Nordic cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

The restaurant at Hotel Rangá is an acclaimed gourmet restaurant overlooking one of Iceland's finest salmon rivers, East- Rangá River. The restaurant's motto is the concept of a "Farmers Market" - in effect using predominantly local ingredients of the highest quality and freshness - following seasonal availability. The wine list and bar selection is extensive and is sure to satisfy even the most demanding connoisseur.

There are 38 rooms at the hotel, equaling a capacity of 76 guests with 2 persons per room. Each room is equipped with a direct-dial telephone and satellite TV. Each bathroom is large and luxurious with a mini Jacuzzi tub. The rooms in the south side of the wings have a private terrace overlooking the Ranga River.

The Hotel Rangá Astronomical Observatory is the latest addition to the hotel. The roll-off roof observatory has room for up to 30 people and is equipped with two high quality 11-inch computerized telescopes, making it the most advanced observatory in Iceland.The observatory is located about 150 meters north of the hotel's main building to minimize light pollution.

Scopes can be turned towards the stars to view amazing detail on Jupiter, see Cassini's Division in the rings of Saturn, and resolve details on the surface of Mars. Even the distant Uranus and Neptune are within your reach. Light pollution around the hotel is minimal, making it the optimal location for viewing the night sky.

Hotel Rangá Suðurlandsvegur, Hella, Suðurland, Ísland, 851 +354 487 5700 Page 8 of 15 Day 4

Day at leisure Today enjoy hiking, biking, ATV'ing, a game of golf, fishing or a helicopter sightseeing tour. There is also no shortage of museums. Depending on season, you have so many choices.

You might also just enjoy hanging out in one of the hotubs on the property.

Enjoy a 2nd night at Hotel Rangá

Hotel Rangá Suðurlandsvegur, Hella, Suðurland, Ísland, 851 +354 487 5700 Page 9 of 15 Day 5

Golden Circle Tour - Starting with Þingvellir. National Park Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift; some parts of it, such as the Westfjords and Reyjavík, are on the North American tectonic plate, while others, such as Vatnajökull glacier and the East Fjords, are on the Eurasian plate. Iceland is the only place in the world where this rift is above sea-level, and nowhere can you see the edges of both plates as clearly as in Þingvellir.

The tectonic plates move apart at approximately 2.5 centimetres a year and have done for millenniums. The effects of this movement are very clear within the park. Lava fields fill the valley, from magma that welled up as the continents spread, and the whole area is littered with ravines, ripped open by centuries of earthquakes.

No single place epitomizes the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Þingvellir by the river Öxará.

At Þingvellir - literally "Assembly Plains" - the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.

Golden Circle stop 2 - Geysir There could be seen some of the most famous sights of the island, the geysers. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir itself, which gave the others their name. Strokkur is very dependable and erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, throwing a white column of water up into the air to a height of 20 30m. In the beginning of 18th century Geysir erupted three times each day. Nowadays the bigger Geysir has been quiet for some time. There are also a lot of other little hot spring nearby.

How do they work?

The Great Geysir erupts very irregularly and today it has almost completely stopped erupting unless it is treated with soap. In 1984 a young pharmacist put 10 pounds of soap in Geysir in order to trigger eruption – to rousing Geysir from its slumber. The Natural way for an eruption to occur is as follows. 3 basic things are needed – plumbing system, hot water and chamber where underground water can be accumulated. It works like steam pot in the kitchen. The boiling starts in the bowl where water can reach temperatures more than 120 °C as deeper in the earth– the hotter the temperature. Then, under the pressure of creating steam, water is pushing via the plumbing system up. When the water and steam will find an open pipe it will surface in the shape of a column. When most of the water is gone, the pipe will starts fill again and a new cycle begins.

Geysers are individual and erupt differently from place to place. The reason for eruptions are still a matter of controversy.

Blesi – is not geyser now but previously did erupt up to 1m height. Small blue lake located up to the Strokkur. The bluish colour is due to silica colloidal solution that scatters light. Blesi is a common Icelandic name for a horse with a light coloured patch on the forehead. The hot spring is divided into two halves, one is clean and second one blue-green. The dividing bar between two halves is “the blaze” = Blesi. Page 10 of 15

Golden Circle stop 3 - Gulfoss Falls Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most stunning sights in Iceland. No matter the season, the mighty Gullfoss is a must-see spot in the land of fire and ice.

Gullfoss waterfall is listed as on of the top 10 waterfalls in the world by the World of Waterfalls. The mighty Hvítá (White River) is a glacial river flowing southward straight from Langjökull (Long Glacier) giving Gullfoss an awesome flow rate.

The waterfalls drop a total of 32 meters in two stages as it flows through the rugged, at times 70 meters high, canyon. About a kilometer from Gullfoss, the river turns very sharply to the right where it flows down through a dramatic, wide canyon before the vast volume of water is very powerfully forced into a narrower channel.

This waterfall has a very important place in the hearts of most Icelanders. Not surprisingly, the potential to utilize the colossal hydro-electricity generating potential has created something of a bi-polarity between those who wished to exploit this site and those who wanted it to be preserved.

The well-known poet and lawyer, Einar Benediktsson, supported exploitation and local farmer’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, was determined that Gullfoss be preserved. Some say she even threatened to throw herself down! There is a stone memorial to Sigríður above the falls.

There are higher waterfalls in Iceland but a chance to witness the sheer power and grandeur of Gullfoss is something no one should miss.

Check in Konsulat Hotel It's a pleasure to welcome you to Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel. We give you a glimpse into the history of Reykjavík. And are proud to share with you the great story of Consul Ditlev Thomsen, a true entrepreneur, and travel enthusiast.

We follow in his footsteps as hosts of curious travelers while simultaneously offering you personal service and timeless elegance where the lines between a hotel and a home are blurred. Every nook and cranny tells a story from old photographs to quirky vintage decor to epicurean touches. We offer you a serene, eclectic sanctuary from the bustling cityscape right outside the hotel walls.

We at Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel look forward to welcoming you as our guest. Be a part of Reykjavik's living history. Page 11 of 15

Reykjavik Consulate Hotel Hafnarstræti 10, Reykjavík, Höfuðborgarsvæði, Ísland, 101 Page 12 of 15 Day 6

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour Full day magical mystical tour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and surroundings.

Countless lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas lie in store for us as we drive west out of Reykjavik and head towards the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier.

The glacier sits atop the active stratovolcano of the same name that took centre stage in the Jules Verne sci-fi novel, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. You might even have spotted the ice cap glittering from across the bay in Reykjavik. The volcano is thought to house mystical powers and is considered by many to be one of the seven main energy centres of the earth, so don’t be surprised if you experience an unexplained spiritual energy flow whilst in it’s presence.

This is an area is of exceptional geological beauty – craters, lava fields (some more recent than others) idyllic, hidden coves and bizarre rock formations all lie in wait to be explored and discovered. Local legends and folk stories abound and are an essential element of this multifaceted tour.

Reykjavik Consulate Hotel

Reykjavik Consulate Hotel Hafnarstræti 10, Reykjavík, Höfuðborgarsvæði, Ísland, 101

Dinner suggestion You might enjoy the Hlemmur Foodhall tonight for dinner. Page 13 of 15 Day 7

Day at leisure Enjoy one or more of the many sites to see and things to do in Reykjavik.

Reykjavík - Do & See Glaciers, geysers, hot springs and volcanoes are the exotic attractions that have drawn tourists to Iceland for a long time. Reykjavík itself has recently become one of the world’s greatest weekend destinations and hosts visitors from across the world. Reykjavík also offers splendid architecture, fantastic shopping and a raft of cultural delights with Iceland’s amazing natural wonders just around the corner.

Reykjavik Park And Zoo Múlavegi 2, 104 Reykjavík +354 411 5900

Along with some 150 animals from 19 different species, including seals, foxes and reindeers, the zoo also features an amusement park with rides and activities, and offers visitors the chance to ride an Icelandic horse. This is the ideal place for a day out with the family.

The Thermal Beach In Reykjavík - Nautholsvik Nautholsvik, 108 Reykjavík +354 511 6630

Nautholsvik is one of the few places in Iceland where you can take a dip in the sea, which, in most of the other locations, is normally too cold for swimming. Here you can find a thermal beach where natural hot water flows out into the sea and allows Icelanders and tourists to swim in the Atlantic waves.

Hallgrímskirkja Church Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík +354 510 1000

Take the lift to the top of this 75-metre high and incredibly iconic church for amazing views of the Icelandic capital. Page 14 of 15

Reykjavík Art Museum

Spread over three different buildings, this museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring the works of some of Iceland’s most famous artists. It is also committed to showcasing new talents. Different exhibitions are held at different times of the year.

Info about the three locations:

Hafnarhús Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6400 Open daily 10am-5pm and on Thursdays 10am-10pm Kjarvalsstaðir Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík +354 411 6420 Open daily 10am-5pm Ásmundarsafn Sigtúni, 105 Reykjavík +354 411 6430 Open daily: May-September 10am-5pm, October-April 1pm-5pm

Reykjavik City Museum Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6300

This open air museum was established in 1957 and aims to give visitors an idea of Icelandic architecture and the lifestyle on the island in the past.

Whale Watching

Watch minke, humpback and killer whales, seals and dolphins on one of the many whale watching tours that depart from Reykjavik, during which you almost always spot some of these magnificent mammals. Find more at: www.whalewatching.is www.specialtours.is

National Museum Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík +354 530 2200

A comprehensive picture of the Icelandic history from the Settlement to the present day. The museum holds up to three thousand objects. Among them you'll find most of the greatest treasures of the Icelandic nation.

Horseback Riding

The Icelandic horses are sturdy and very strong, the direct descendants of the horses first brought to Iceland in the Viking Age. They have an extra gait which is unique to the breed, and their friendly nature is perfect for first-timers. Horse riding tours are available in beautiful sites on the outskirts of Reykjavík. The trips can be from one hour to a whole day or even longer. Page 15 of 15 Day 8

Blue Lagoon You didn't think we'd let you leave without this amazing experience, did you? This is the perfect way to spend the day before heading to the airport.

Beautifully situated amongst the dramatic lava fields of Reykjanes, the Blue Lagoon offers a relaxing wellness experience in soothing waters enriched with silica and minerals beneficial for the mind and body.

The Blue Lagoon is large, but not very deep, and provides a moon-like ambiance for lounging in its bright blue water. Other amenities on site include a sauna, steam room and a warm waterfall which is refreshing and good for the muscles. There are pots of silica around the lagoon for guests to give themselves a unique facial treatment and a “swim up” bar that offers among other refreshments; the famous Blue Lagoon cocktail. A multitude of invigorating or relaxing treatments can be booked in addition to a stay in the lagoon and most are performed in the water. The spa team also provides a range of luxurious packages from short two hour introductions, to whole day pampering sessions.

The Blue Lagoon is a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik and a 15 minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. Trips scheduled around arrival and departures to Iceland are popular and secure luggage storage can be arranged.

Enjoy lunch in the delicious Lava restaurant before heading to the airport.

Private transfer to Keflavík Airport Safe travels home.