Inspiring Iceland, a Women Only Tour

Flanked by rugged scenery and beautiful mountains, Reykjavik is one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your city-center hotel, perfectly located to explore this colorful, quirky city. At 18:15 join your Travel Director and other female traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner. Enjoy the culinary skills of a top female chef at a local restaurant and toast to the start of your special women only tour!

70% of Iceland’s energy consumption is achieved through renewable energy sources. This is thanks in huge part to the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant. This morning, visit the plant and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about sustainable energy. In the nearby historical village of Eyrarbakki, take a fascinating storytelling walk with local educator and author Ásta. Later, visit the ancient bishopric of Skálholt and see the historic church, then continue to the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. The day’s exploring ends in Vik, with a brief orientation tour of the main sights.

Today travel along the south coast of Iceland, beside black sand beaches and basalt rock formations. Cross Eldhraun, the largest lava flow to have occurred on Earth in recorded history (1783 – 1784 AD). At the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, learn about the effects of climate change from local guides. Then explore the glacier with Insight Choice. Choose a glacier lagoon cruise and sail up to the icebergs. Alternatively, choose a guided lake walk with a Local Expert. At the National Park at Skaftafell, admire the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Then travel to Diamond Beach to see the luminous blue icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon.

Enjoy a relaxed start before embarking on a stunning scenic drive. Soak up views of the majestic coastline en route to the East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the sea. Stop on the way in the village of Djúpivogur to see the “Eggs at Merry Bay.” This outside artwork consists of 34 huge granite eggs. Each one represents a species of nesting birds in the area. Visit Petra's Stone Garden and see Iceland’s beauty showcased through a unique stone collection. The east coast of Iceland was once knowns for its mighty forests, now a fragile eco-system. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and take part in re-forestation efforts during a visit to one of Iceland's national forest. Continue to Egilsstadir and join your Travel Director for an orientation. This evening, relax the Icelandic way in the floating geothermal pools of the Vök baths. Off the traditional tourist trail, these baths are mostly frequented by locals.

This morning head to Lake Mývatn, crossing the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi and colorful boiling mud pools of Námaskarð pass. Explore the wildlife-rich Lake Mývatn area. Marvel at the curious lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the Laxá salmon river. Later taste delicious spirulina ice cream on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet food scientist Julia, from bio-technology company Mýsköpun. Learn how she is enhancing production of a new type of spirulina algae. The algae are found in hot springs around Lake Mývatn and are said to be the most nutritious spirulina in the world. Continue to Akureyri, stopping at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall.

After a relaxed start, join your Travel Director for an orientation of Akureyri. The capital of northern Iceland, the town was first established as a trading center in 1602. Join a fascinating talk on fisheries, from an expert biologist. Learn about this important industry, and the impact climate change has on their future. 
Later visit the women-owned Kaldi microbrewery. Meet the owner Agnes and learn how and why she created the first microbrewery in Iceland. Taste quality beer made using Icelandic water from the nearby Sólarfjall mountain.

Take your time this morning with a relaxed start. Then prepare to fall in love with Iceland’s horses on a visit to a horse farm. This intriguing breed is known for its kind nature, unique movement and ability to withstand the harshest weather. Passing volcanic craters, continue to Borgarnes where your Travel Director will give you an orientation.

Today meet Volcanologist Helga Kristín Torfadóttir, your expert guide for your golden circle tour. A fantastic storyteller and educator, she is carving a name for herself in a traditionally male dominated field. Your day starts in Thingvellir National Park, uniquely situated between two continental plates. The park is home to the oldest ongoing parliament in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the famous hot springs at the Geysir Geothermal Area and the iconic Gullfoss “Golden Falls”. The spectacular two-tiered waterfall drops a total of 32 meters, while spanning the entire width of the Hvítá River. On arrival back into Reykjavik, join a special guided tour of the city. See the sights and learn about the history of the women’s movement in Iceland.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning. Then head to the Iceland Ocean Cluster in the new dynamic area of Reykjavik for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit the food hall and fish market with a professor and learn about the history of the fishing industry in Iceland. Hear how, through research and innovation, the fish and seafood industry is becoming the most sustainable industry in the world. Taste some of the products and even uncover the secrets of fish leather! Conclude your Iceland guided tour with an evening toast to your travels and newfound friends over a delicious Celebration Dinner.

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.