South Iceland in Autumn | October 1, 2024

$5699 $5499 per person

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*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only).

*Single Supplement rate is $6899 CAD (this includes the early booking savings). Only 2 single rooms available. If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate, of the same gender, please reach out to us for details.

*Prices are subject to change until final payment without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, fuel or due to availability problems.

*This group departure will take 16-24 participants maximum. Please confirm with Trip Merchant on the amount of passengers booked before booking airfare.

*Air Round Trip International Airfare routing/pricing based on a request basis. On select dates, direct flights available from Vancouver and Toronto to Reykjavik with Icelandair.

*Please note: Airport arrivals into Keflavik airport are in the early morning. With our scheduled arrival of October 2nd you will be able to check into your hotel that morning, before your early afternoon guided city tour of Reykjavik. In order to accommodate early check-in for October 2nd arrivals, we have included the room for the previous night. If you choose to arrive the day earlier (October 1st) you can take advantage of that full extra night. Check-in time will be around 3pm if you decide to do that.

*Although this is the season for the Northern Lights, this is not a guaranteed viewing.

Early Booking Price Expires February 1st, 2024 (or until sold out)

South Iceland in Autumn: October 1-9, 2024

Experience this incredible Trip Merchant Journeys small group adventure through the land of fire and ice – Iceland! This country will be one of the most unique destinations you will travel to…Iceland is a fascinating country full of lava fields, volcanoes, geothermal pools, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, small remote fishing villages, welcoming people, delicious cuisine, and it is home to not only the “Vikings”, but also a variety of bird and marine life.

After two successful Iceland group departures in May of 2023, we have added new departures for 2024, and we haven’t changed much at all, due to the incredible reviews on this trip! Iceland is booming with tourism and 2023 is their busiest year for international visitors yet! If you’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, then the time is now! We have decided to not only introduce a May 2024 departure, but also this October 2024 departure as this is another great time to travel to avoid the crowds and have the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights! From the itinerary routing, the many inclusions and highlights, to the sites and regions we visit throughout, this trip to Iceland will be bound to impress you! *The itineraries of the May Icelandic Adventure and this October South Iceland in Autumn are similar (and equally exciting); however, are slightly different as it relates to visits, meals and hotels.

Itinerary Routing (7 Nights / or 8 Nights)

1 Night: Reykjavik – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum (pre-night included for early arrival. In this case, 8 nights is an option at no extra cost)
2 Nights: Thingvellir – Hotel Grímsborgir
2 Nights: Kirkjubæjarklastur – Hotel Magma
2 Nights: Reykjavik – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum

Highlights:

Enjoy a tour of Reykjavík (by foot and on bus) during which we visit the main landmarks of the city including a stop at the Perlan, a dome built on warm water tanks, Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of Reykjavík’s most famous monuments and more.
Visit the Settlement Center which is devoted to recreating Iceland’s earliest days and provides an insight into the settlement of the Vikings who sailed from Norway to these remote shores.
Visit Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (180 liters of boiling water per second!).
Also, stop at the splendid waterfalls Barnafoss and Hraunfossar where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below.
Travel along the scenic Golden Circe route to visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. Along this drive you will also go to Geysir, visit the famous Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Visit Friðheimar greenhouses and discover one of the many benefits of geothermal energy: greenhouse horticulture. Following your visit, enjoy a delicious lunch here.
Walk on Reynisfjara, a magnificent black, volcanic sand beach with basalt columns of all sizes and shapes! You will also have incredible views of Dyrhólaey.
Visit Skaftafell National Park and further east still, we continue our discovery of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
Jökulsárlón boat cruise: We will go onboard an amphibian boat for a cruise of 30-40 minutes among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These ice giants drift peacefully towards the ocean under the impassive gaze of some indolent seals.
Travel to Skógar, where you will see and explore the powerful Skógafoss Waterfall and visit the Skógar museum. Not too far away, you will also visit another stunning waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, where it is possible to walk behind it and go through to the other side!
Stop in Hvolsvöllur to visit the Lava Center (entrance fee included), an interactive museum on volcanic activity in Iceland, earthquakes and the creation of the island over the last 15 million years.
There are many highlights and breathtaking scenery to enjoy along the way!

What’s Included:

Not Included:

International airfare (Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway) | Optional excursions (as listed in the day by day itinerary) | Out of Country Cancellation and Medical Insurance is mandatory (proof of insurance coverage will be required)

Terms and Conditions:

$500 per person deposit | If you cancel prior to February 1st, 2024, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after February 1st, 2024

Final Balance: July 1st, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)

Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 3

Mention Group Booking Number: TMJICE1024

TESTIMONIALS

“Thanks for organizing a great trip and being able to change plans so seamlessly. The alternative activities were very good. The Trip Merchant Journeys trip to Iceland was phenomenal. We had so many unique experiences in a place that is so different from other countries. The activities were well planned and the overall experience was very positive. Thanks for a trip of a lifetime.”

“Trip Merchant- first class! Thank you for a successful, enjoyable trip. I look forward to choosing another one with you!”

"Exploring an spending time in Iceland has really peaked my curiosity an love for the outdoors. We need to continue to protect an support biodiversity in nature both land an water. It was interesting to learn more about geothermal energy a unique solution."

"I was keeping my expectations lowish because I don’t generally take guided tours. I was so impressed. Trip Merchant so far exceeded my expectations - the tour guides, the meals, everything we saw. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on upcoming tours they offer and would have no qualms about booking another."

"Travel with Trip Merchant and feel the difference quality makes. I wouldn't travel with anybody other than Trip Merchant!"

"Loved the hotel in Vik for 3 nights. ALL the meals! Iceland’s incredible landscape…every single day there was something awesome to feast your eyes on…"

"Very impressed with Trip Merchants Iceland Tour, just as we were with a previous Egypt trip. The tour was well organized and conducted at a reasonable pace. The hotels, meals, transportation and tour guides were exceptional. The trip provided good coverage of most of the highlights of Iceland and was well worth the money!"

"Love Iceland! There were too many highlights throughout this Trip Merchant Journeys program. Iceland is so diverse, and so fascinating! Look forward to returning one day.

9 Days/7 Nights

13 Meals

Europe

Group Departures

Guided Tours

Trip Merchant Journeys

Trip Merchant Journeys Group Departures

Destination

Iceland
Arrival City

Reykjavik, Iceland
Departure City

Reykjavik, Iceland
Activity Level

This tour is moderate in terms of physical activity; however, some days or excursions may require more physical activity.
Passenger Limit

16-24 passengers

Tuesday, October 1, 2024: International Depart (Overnight Flight)

Today you will fly on your international flight to start your Icelandic adventure! Flights depart in the evening from Canada, with an arrival into Keflavik Airport in the early morning (approx. 6am).

*Please note: On October 1st, we have included the room this evening in Reykjavik so that when travellers arrive on the October 2nd on the early morning flight from Canada you will be able to check into your hotel once you are transferred from the Keflavik airport to your Reykjavik hotel. This allows you to settle in, sleep and/or relax, before your early afternoon guided city tour of Reykjavik. For anyone that wishes to arrive a day earlier into Reykjavik on October 1st, you can do so and have this hotel night included (with an afternoon check in). Breakfast included tomorrow morning if you stay this night prior.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík / 50 km

Arrival at Keflavík International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. Along the way, drive through the lunar, volcanic landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula. Check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, we go on a tour of Reykjavík (by foot and on bus) during which we visit the main landmarks of the city. We stop at Perlan, a dome built on warm water tanks, and Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of Reykjavík’s most famous monuments. We also visit the small city center where we see Tjörnin (the “lake” of Reykjavík), the Town Hall (built partly on the lake), the Parliament building and the harbor, dominated by Harpa, Reykjavík’s modernistic concert hall and conference center.

Welcome dinner in a gastronomic restaurant and overnight in Reykjavík.

Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum (1 Night)

Hotel Reykjavík Centrum stands in the bustling city center within walking distance of museums, restaurants and bars. Located on Aðalstræti, one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. On either side of it, new buildings have been built in the likeness of their historic predecessors Fjalakötturinn and Uppsalir.

Hotel Website: https://www.islandshotel.is/hotels-in-iceland/hotel-reykjavik-centrum

Meals Provided: Dinner

Thursday, October 3, 2024: Reykjavík – Borgarfjörður – Thingvellir / approx. 310 km

We depart north toward Borgarnes and the Borgarfjörður region. There, we visit of the Settlement Center (entrance included). The Settlement exhibition is devoted to recreating Iceland’s earliest days and provides an insight into the settlement of the Vikings who sailed from Norway to these remote shores. The Egil´s Saga Exhibition, on the other hand, profiles one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes, Egill, the son of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson.

Further on our way, we also stop at Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (180 liters of boiling water per second!). Stop at the splendid waterfalls Barnafoss and Hraunfossar where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below.

By the end of the day, we reach our hotel nearby Thingvellir area and the beautiful Thingvallavatn lake.

Dinner and overnight in Thingvellir area.

*Depending on local weather conditions, this first night in the Icelandic countryside, away from the light pollution of Reykjavík, will be our first real chance to observe northern lights, this mesmerizing natural phenomenon also known as aurora borealis. However, sightings can never be guaranteed, and we’ll have to hope that Nótt, the Norse goddess of the night, and Baldur, the god of light, join their forces for our pleasure and delight!

Accommodation: Hotel Grímsborgir (2 Nights)

Hotel Website: https://www.grimsborgir.com/

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday, October 4, 2024: Golden Circle / approx. 190 km

We start by visiting Þingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields.

We then go on to visit in Geysir. There we see the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. After visiting this remarkable site, we take a short detour to the famous Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.

During the day, visit Friðheimar greenhouses. Discover one of the many benefits of geothermal energy: greenhouse horticulture. Visit an organic greenhouse where tomatoes grow throughout the year thanks to the geothermal resources of the region. Tomato tasting at the end of the visit.

Return to our hotel in Thingvellir area for the night.

Dinner and overnight in Thingvellir area.

Accommodation: Hotel Grímsborgir

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday, October 5, 2024: South Coast – Vík – Kirkjubæjarklaustur / approx. 270 km

We depart towards Iceland’s South Coast and Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, located in an idyllic setting famous for the Reynisdrangar pillars that rise from the sea just off the shore. On our way, stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall special not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side! In Skógar, we will see the powerful Skógafoss and visit the Skógar museum. Visit the excellent Skógar folk museum and immerse yourself in the daily life of Icelanders of past centuries. Discover a vast collection of artifacts touching on all aspects of life (fishing, embroidery, breeding, culture, transportation, etc.) and step in old houses such as a traditional farmhouse with peat walls and a grass-covered roof.

Close to Vík, at the southernmost point in Iceland, we will walk on Reynisfjara, a magnificent black, volcanic sand beach with basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. We also approach Dyrhólaey cliffs and we will enjoy views of its magnificent, natural arch.

From Vík, we drive over Mýrdalssandur and the vast Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubæjarklastur region.

Dinner and overnight in Kirkjubæjarklastur area. Hotel Magma

Accommodation: Hotel Magma, Kirkjubæjarklastur area (2 Nights)

Hotel Website: https://www.magmahotel.is/

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday, October 6, 2024: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón / approx. 250 km

Further east, beyond Lómagnúpur cliffs, the highest in Iceland (670m), we discover Skaftafell National Park. At the feet of Öræfajökull stratovolcano and Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in the country (2110m), we are surrounded by the glacier tongues emanating from Vatnajökull icecap on one side and Skeiðarársandur volcanic sand plains on the other side. Weather permitting, we go on a hike in the National Park to Svartifoss waterfall (approx. 3 miles, 1,5-2hrs). For those members of the group who would not be willing to enjoy this hike, an alternative easy walk will be suggested, or they can take some time to relax at the visitor center.

Further east still, we continue our discovery of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Stop at Jökulsárlón (30-40 min. amphibian boat tour included: Go on board an amphibian boat for a cruise of 30-40 minutes among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These ice giants drift peacefully towards the ocean under the impassive gaze of some indolent seals. Also, we take time to walk around in these magnificent surroundings, including on the nearby beach (“Diamond beach”).

By the end of the day, we head back to our accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklastur.

Dinner and overnight in Kirkjubæjarklastur area. Hotel Magma

Accommodation: Hotel Magma, Kirkjubæjarklastur area

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Monday, October 7, 2024: South Coast – Reykjavík / approx. 280 km

We start the day by driving along the South Coast back toward the west.

We first stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur cayon, in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Further away, west of Vík, we also visit Sólheimajökull glacier tongue and go on a hike there, weather permitting, in order to approach the lagoon that the retreating glacier has left behind.

Further away, we stop in Hvolsvöllur to visit the Lava Center (entrance fee included), an interactive museum on volcanic activity in Iceland, earthquakes and the creation of the island over the last 15 million years.

Return to Reykjavík.

Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Reykjavík

Day spent at leisure in Reykjavík.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner hosted by Trip Merchant Journeys!

Overnight in Reykjavík. Hotel Reykjavík Centrum

Accommodation: Reykjavik Centrum Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (ON THIS DAY):

Optional: Wonders of Snæfellsnes National Park

There is something so otherworldly about Snæfellsnes. This tour provides an insight and spectacular views of this unique area where geological wonders boarder on the magical. The Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West of Iceland is almost like a miniature version of the entire island. The area has beautiful samples of some of the natural wonders Iceland is so famous for. This includes black beaches, magnificent mountains, volcanic craters, incredible birdlife, and of course, the most picturesque glacier of them all, Snæfellsjökull. Duration: Approx. 12 hrs (approx. 450km) / Included: Regular bus day tour, guidance in English, pick-up and drop-of at the hotel Important note: This tour is not operated daily (2 to 3 days a week) and its availability on this specific day can’t therefore be guaranteed until schedule in September 2024 has been issued.

Note: Add-ons below (whale-watching, Sky Lagoon, the Lava Tunnel and Inside the Volcano) can be booked on an individual basis, on this day or tomorrow morning, depending on flight schedules.

Whale watching from Reykjavík: Go on board an old fishing boat for a whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Duration: Appox. 3 hrs / Not included: Guidance, transfer by foot or in taxi to the harbor from the hotel.

Sky Lagoon: This thermal spa inspired by nature is situated minutes away from Reykjavík. Immerse yourself in warmth at the oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Then, take your relaxation deeper with the Ritual, a unique seven-step experience. Included with supplement: Pure pass including admission fee, Sky Lagoon Ritual and towel rental. / Not included: Guidance, transfer in taxi to the lagoon from the hotel.

The Lava Tunnel – Raufarhólshellir: Discover one of the longest natural lava tubes in Iceland. With the aid of easy-access walkways, you discover an ancient lava tunnel illuminated by beautiful lighting effects. Impressive and surrealistic experience! Duration: Approx. 3hr / Included with supplement: Transfer from Reykjavík, guided tour, helmet and headlight.

Inside the Volcano: Unique experience that will allow you to discover an ancient volcano from the inside. At the end of a relatively easy walk, but still requiring the ability to hike on an irregular path of approx. 3.5 km (approx. 45 min, there AND back), you reach the mouth of the crater. You then board an open cable lift that will allow you to reach the bottom of a vast volcanic cave in which you could easily fit the Statue of Liberty or the church of Hallgrímskirkja, one of the largest buildings in Iceland. You are in an old magma chamber with oxidized and sulphurous walls, where molten lava circulated some 4000 years ago. With a floor of some 3500m² /35,000 ft² and a ceiling rising more than 200m / 650 ft above your heads, you are at the heart of an underground cathedral of gigantic proportions. Amazing! Duration: Approx. 5-6hrs / Included: Transfer from Reykjavík, local English-speaking guide.

*Prices available on request basis for the above optional excursions

Wednesday, October 9, 2024: Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport / 50 km

Today you bid farewell to Iceland!

Breakfast at hotel and you can explore the city or take an optional tour this morning before the late afternoon/early evening flight departure.

Transfer from your hotel to Keflavík International Airport and departure flight.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

*OTHER NOTE(S):

In some cases, customers may be required to transport/carry their own luggage from the bus stop in Reykjavik to the hotel, due to the nature of the Reykjavik hotel location.

Guide is not present in the evenings on Day 8 and 9 back in Reykjavik (as it is more at leisure).

Photos displayed are based on different times of the year.

Although in October is in the season for the Northern Lights to be seen, this is not a guaranteed viewing (but with a very strong possibility).

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