About the Chase

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Iceland 

DAY 2, Wednesday - Reykjavik City Tour, Village of Hella, Search for the Northern Lights:

Arrive in Iceland and meet your guide. Transfer to Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, surrounded by incredible landscapes and countless natural wonders. After a refreshing breakfast and Welcome Meeting at Harpa Concert Hall, your discovery of this modern city begins with a drive past the Old Town Center, Parliament, the Cathedral and the bustling harbor area. On to the Pearl vantage point, the National Museum and Hofdi House, site of the 1986 Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met. Your drive continues past Reykjavik's largest outdoor swimming pool in Laugardalur, heated with waters from natural hot springs, and Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose striking steeple is a Reykjavik landmark. Depart from Reykjavik to visit the Hellisheiði Power Plant at the foot of Mt. Hengill Volcano, where the Earth's most brutal forces are harnessed and converted to clean energy for space heating. Afterward, continue to the peaceful village of Hella nestled amidst the stillness of rural Iceland. After dinner, meet your tour guide to search the skies for the Northern Lights* (Aurora Borealis) from the comfort of the hotel grounds 

DAY 3, Thursday - South Shore Adventure:

Today as you travel along the South Shore, enjoy the gorgeous mountain views including snow shrouded Hekla, the country’s most active volcano, as well as the famous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Continue through the region where one of the best known of the Icelandic classical sagas, Njál’s Saga, is set. Stop at the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, tumbling over high rock escarpments. Next visit the Skogar Folk Museum to see first-hand how Icelanders creatively adapted to their challenging environment. Then continue past Dyrhólaey, a magnificent rocky headland with dramatic sheer cliffs to Vik, Iceland’s most southerly village. Relax and enjoy lunch in this beautiful setting encircled by fabulous views of the Reynisdrangar pillars and the shore flanked by steep cliffs. On the return trip to Hella, visit the Þorvaldseyri Volcano Visitor Centre with its fascinating exhibits and astonishing imagery. Return to the hotel for leisure time and dinner 

DAY 4, Friday - Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir, Search for the Northern Lights:
Today you will visit some of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Begin at Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall), one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe with thousands of tons of icy water tumbling majestically into a deep gorge. Then, on to the Geysir area with its numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, including the world-famous Strokkur Geysir – watch it erupt every few minutes spewing hot water high into the air. At the remarkable geological and historical area of Þingvellir, visit the site of the world's oldest democratic parliament founded in 930 AD, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the stunning canyon that runs through the park, stand on the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. Lunch follows at the family-run Friðheimar Greenhouse, a unique cultivation center. You’ll be astounded by the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of geothermal heat. A short and informative talk is followed by a tomato tasting. Return to Reykjavik with time to relax before this evening’s private drive to the countryside to continue your quest for the Northern Lights* 

DAY 5, Saturday - The Blue Lagoon:
A truly unique experience awaits you today at the spectacular Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. The high levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its vibrant rich blue color. After breakfast this morning, depart for the Blue Lagoon to enjoy a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm water reputed for its healing properties. The facilities include modern changing rooms and showers, an indoor geothermal pool, an on-site restaurant featuring local favorites and boutiques with seawater products to take back home. Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon. Tonight, you are free to catch up on last minute shopping, or perhaps enjoy a dinner out at one of Reykjavik's fine restaurants 

DAY 6, Sunday - Depart Iceland