Iceland
The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts
Program No. 3342RJ
Traverse the wonders of Iceland with locals and scholarly experts, delving deep into a landscape of stunning geological features, glaciers and bubbling thermal pools.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 9L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Borgarnes
Borgarnes
4
Reykholt, Borgarfjördur Region
Borgarnes
7
Lake Mývatn
Akureyri
9
Akureyri, Fly to Reykjavik
Reykjavik
At a Glance
Named by a Scandinavian explorer inspired by the beauty of icebergs bobbing through a fjord, Iceland is in fact not very icy at all, boasting abundant vegetation, a veritable menagerie of wildlife and stunning geological features. Journey through Iceland’s north, south and west with native experts who introduce you to their country’s history, music, food and traditions. Learn about the sagas of Icelanders and explore a dramatic landscape, from the coast to the Blue Lagoon.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 3 miles per day, most days on uneven and hilly terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Witness geology in action in the “Land of Fire and Ice” and visit a geothermal power plant.
- Enjoy a scallop fishing demonstration on a boat excursion in the Breidafjördur and take a bite out of another Icelandic delicacy: shark.
- Experience 1000 years of Icelandic history at the Borgarnes Settlement Center.
Suggested Reading List
(16 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts
Program Number: 3342
The Sagas of Icelanders
Nine sagas and six tales composed between the years 1000 and 1500, including an account of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, all newly translated.
The History of Iceland
A history of Iceland from the Viking-era through colonization, independence and the 20th century. Karlsson draws on the sagas and rich literature of Iceland in presenting this comprehensive history.
Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
This history of the Vikings tells their story through a series of innovative maps and excellent photographs. It traces the routes of 9th-century Viking merchants and explorers throughout Europe and the New World.
North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland
Catering to a rising interest in Nordic cuisine, this cookbook celebrates Iceland’s food alongside its haunting landscapes, portrayed in starkly beautiful, full-color photos.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
A primer on Arctic climate, geography, plants, birds, mammals and insects in a single nicely written book. It's a highly recommended, enthusiastic guide to natural history throughout the Circumpolar North.
Last Places, A Journey in the North
Millman explores the culture and history of the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland in this hilarious account of his travels in the wake of the ancient Vikings.
Island on Fire: The Extraordinary Story of a Forgotten Volcano That Changed the World
Two science writers discuss the political and natural ramifications of the 1783 eruption of Iceland’s largest volcano, Laki, which led to global death, famine and even revolution. Great for the geologically minded but accessible to all with an interest in volcanoes.
Independent People, An Epic
Rich in local color, this great mock-epic by the Icelandic Nobel Prize-winner features the indelible Bjartur of Summerhouses, a hard-headed, independent-minded sheep farmer.
Names for the Sea, Strangers in Iceland
A stranger in a strange land, British novelist Sarah Moss captures the spirit of Iceland in this tale of a year in the Reykjavik with her husband and two children.
Iceland Adventure Map
A detailed map at a scale of 1:465,000, printed on handy tear- and water-resistant paper.
Letters from Iceland
Written with fellow poet Louis MacNiece, this quirky, under-appreciated masterpiece captures the spirit of Iceland, its people and landscapes.
Iceland, Land of the Sagas
Krakauer and colleague Roberts hike and climb around Iceland in this classic travel narrative, reissued as a paperback and featuring Krakauer's color photographs. The book interweaves the natural and cultural history of the island with the authors' own adventures.
Insight Guide Iceland
This guide emphasizes culture and history, with wonderful photographs, maps and essays from experts.
Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History
A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.
Butterflies in November
Scorned by love, a quirky, unapologetically independent 33-year-old woman takes a spontaneous trip along Iceland’s Ring Road, her best friend’s 4-year-old deaf-mute son in tow. Evocative of the Icelandic spirit.
Jar City
Indridason's first moody police procedural finds Reykjavik detective Erlendur Sveinsson investigating the brutal murder of a lonely pensioner and the man's connection to the deaths of a number of young women. Made into a darkly superb film.
Meals
27 Meals
10 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Sep 21, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
- Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024
- Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024
- Jul 23, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
- Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
- Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024
- Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024
- Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
- Sep 21, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
- May 11, 2025 - May 21, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 28, 2025
- May 25, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
- Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
- Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
- Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Centrum Hotel is located by Akureyri’s main street. You will find an abundance of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and attractions within a short walking distance.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Centrum Hotel is located by Akureyri’s main street. You will find an abundance of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and attractions within a short walking distance.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Centrum Hotel is located by Akureyri’s main street. You will find an abundance of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and attractions within a short walking distance.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
3 nights
Reykjavik
The Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel is a new and stylish hotel in the old downtown harbor district of Reykjavik. The hotel combines colorful and modern design with old relics of the harbor and shipyard to create a bright and authentic maritime atmosphere.
3 nights
Borgarnes
Hotel Borgarnes is a three-star hotel in a town 70 kilometers west of Reykjavík and 120 kilometers from the international airport. There are many opportunities for recreation in the area: scenic hiking and riding paths, historical monuments, hot and cold swimming pools, and a museum.
3 nights
Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, the gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort.
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