2025 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Iceland Exploration

2025 Iceland Exploration: The Land of Fire and Ice

Daily Itinerary
October 27 – November 2, 2025 –  7 Days/6 Nights

Are you ready to explore the most dazzling wonders of nature and a truly unique Nordic country? Join me in Iceland, where its 400,000 residents have found unique ways over the centuries to blend seamlessly and sustainably into the landscape formed by explosive volcanos, erupting geysers, geothermal wellness, frozen glaciers and so much more.  Let’s discover the bustling city of Reykjavik with its unique neighborhoods, creative cuisine and boutiques.  We will adventure into wilderness each day to take in the quiet night sky poised for Northern Lights, to overlook active volcanos with flowing molten lava, and to witness the extent to which water from melting glaciers creates unique formations throughout this island nation.  This Exploration offers a truly unique, luxury travel immersion into the highlights of life in the land of fire and ice.

My Essential Earth Explorations 2025 Iceland Exploration is the perfect travel adventure for active world travelers who are ready to walk the paths and hike into the ice caves, to steer a snowmobile and head out to sea for whale watching.  We’ll soak in the healing waters, learn to cook traditional Icelandic cuisine, and discover Iceland’s unique terrain and historical sites. Join me to explore the spectacular, natural wonders and experiences offered on my 2025 Iceland Exploration: The Land of Fire and Ice in a program I have planned for you with the help of my incredible travel partners at Learning Journeys!

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Monday, October 27 – ARRIVE IN ICELAND – NATIONAL MUSEUM, CULINARY WORKSHOP & TASTING

Welcome to Iceland!  Please meet your driver at the arrival hall with the name sign for our private, group transfer to the Hotel Sand by KEA from Keflavik International Airport. As most flights arrive early morning before 8:00 am, you’ll check your bags at the hotel and join us for a 2-hour guided tour to the National Museum of Iceland. We’ll stretch our legs on our way there with a 20-25-minute, relaxed walk with our guide. This museum offers insight into Icelandic cultural history and artifacts from the past, present and future and sets the perfect foundation of information for our week.

Next we’ll discover Icelandic cuisine together in a hands-on 3.5 hour gourmet cooking workshop and tasting with a local chef.  Our chef will guide us in preparation of fresh, local ingredients, enjoyed with a glass of wine. During the tasting, sample Icelandic specialties such as smoked Artic char, lamb, rye bread and local beer. Learn about the country’s culinary traditions in this private, small group setting sure to satisfy!  Following our afternoon cooking class, we’ll return to the hotel to check in time and get settled into your room to relax, or explore areas near the hotel.

The Hotel Sand is a highly desirable 4-Star luxury Iceland property located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. It features a relaxed atmosphere and artistic touches with its boutique-style design. Just around the corner you’ll step into the bustling city life and rich culture of the capital city. This unique property houses two 100+ year old businesses – the Sandholt Bakery and Gudstein Eyjólfsson haberdashery.  Reykjavik is a walkable city with fascinating neighborhoods to explore. We’ll provide some great suggestions for you to explore for a few hours on your first day in Iceland.  Enjoy a good night’s rest before we continue our  Exploration of Reykjavik.

Overnight: Hotel Sand by KEAHotels, Reykjavik (Luncheon sampling at cooking class)

DAY 2 – Tuesday, October 28 – DISCOVER REYKJAVIK – MUSEUMS – LAVA SHOW

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head out to discover Reykjavik with a 4-hour private, sightseeing tour.  Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world, and one of Europe’s youngest cities. It offers a vibrant blend of history, culture and stunning, natural beauty.  We’ll take time to visit and linger over the city’s most iconic historic landmarks and hidden gems. We’ll see charming neighborhoods, scenic coastal areas and bustling local spots full of color and life!  Learn about the city’s Viking roots, its evolution into a modern capital, and the unique way its people live in harmony with nature.

Get ready for a truly unique stop at the Perlan ‐ Interactive Nature Museum.  This museum sits on top of Öskjuhlíð hill, offering a panoramic 360° view over Reykjavik. It is surrounded by woodland and the perfect destination in any weather!  Inside, we can explore a real, indoor ice cave, a fascinating nature exhibition, a high-definition planetarium, a cozy café and a stunning view deck!  Perlan is considered a “must visit” by most traveling to Iceland.

Like Perlan, our next stop is described in one word —WOW!  Get ready to watch real lava (yes it IS real) flow just yards away as it is superheated to 1100°C / 2012°F and poured into the showroom! Over the course of an hour, the LAVA SHOW offers a thrilling, award-winning experience that blends science, culture and spectacle into an unforgettable encounter with the power of Iceland’s volcanoes.  Outside the LAVA SHOW, volcanic eruptions in Iceland are a natural phenomenon that occur once or twice a year, only controlled by Mother Nature, so seeing the REAL lava flow in this show will be fantastic!

From here, we’ll return to our hotel for an evening on your own to explore Reykjavik’s nearby restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel Sand by KEAHotels, Reykjavik (B)

DAY 3 – Wednesday, October 29 – SNOW & ICE ADVENTURE

Following breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head out for a full day tour of some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and geologic formations in the world. Today’s itinerary features the Langjökull Explorer: Snow & Ice Adventure. We’ll begin the day at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where steaming geothermal energy rises from deep within the Earth. Next, we’ll wander along the riverbanks where two stunning waterfalls await: the delicate, lace‐like streams of Hraunfossar, flowing from beneath a lava field,and the dramatic surge of nearby Barnafoss, with its tragic legend and wild currents. Our route continues through the serene and rarely traveled Hvalfjörður fjord, where sweeping landscapes meet still waters and echoing silence. The adventure reaches its peak atop Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier.

Now it’s time to layer up in all the gear provided, and move across the landscape with a thrilling snowmobile ride across the endless white expanse, leading to the entrance of the world’s longest ice tunnel. Everyone will be provided their own snowmobile (unless you prefer to share) and all necessary gear. For one truly unforgettable hour, we explore the glacier from the inside — walking beneath ancient ice, marveling at its textures and colors, and learning how it has shaped Iceland for millennia. This experience is a rare blend of adrenaline, serenity, and discovery — an extraordinary day where you don’t just witness Iceland’s beauty, you feel it. A valid driver’s license is required to drive a snowmobile.

Following this fabulous day of exploration, we’ll head back to our hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Hotel Sand by KEAHotels, Reykjavik (B)

DAY 4 – Thursday, October 30 – WHALE WATCHING CRUISE – NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

Get fortified at breakfast before we take a 15-minute walk to the seaside pier where we step aboard step aboard our Whale Watching cruise ship and head out to sea for an unforgettable, 3-hour encounter with Iceland’s gentle ocean giants. Sailing from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, we’ll explore the rich waters of Faxaflói Bay, home to majestic minke and humpback whales, playful dolphins, and sometimes even orcas gliding through the waves. Crisp October air, dramatic skies, and the thrill of spotting a whale make this a magical experience you won’t forget.

Take an afternoon break and later this evening, get ready for our 4-hour Private Northern Lights tour offering us a chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights— one of nature’s most elusive and magical phenomena. We’ll leave the glow of the city behind, venturing into the darkness of the Icelandic night, where the skies are clear and stars shine bright. While the Aurora Borealis is never guaranteed, the experience of chasing it is unforgettable. If luck is on our side, we’ll witness dancing ribbons of green and violet light — a natural wonder that has inspired countless myths and legends.

Overnight: Hotel Sand by KEAHotels, Reykjavik (B)

DAY 5 – Friday, October 31 – GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

Today we’ll check out of our hotel after breakfast, and head out for a full day on our private Golden Circle tour – an essential journey for anyone visiting Iceland, especially for the first time. In just one day, you’ll witness some of the country’s most iconic natural and historical wonders: Þingvellir National Park – A place where history and geology meet. Here, you can literally walk between continents as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart.

Þingvellir is also the birthplace of the world’s oldest parliament, Alþingi, founded in 930 AD. It’s no wonder this remarkable site is listed as a UNESCO World  Heritage Site. Gullfoss Waterfall – one of Iceland’s most beloved natural treasures, is where the mighty Hvítá river plunges dramatically into a deep canyon, creating a powerful and breathtaking display of cascading water and mist. We’ll also visit the Geysir Geothermal Area  to witness Strokkur, a spectacular geyser that erupts every few minutes, sending hot water up to 30 meters (98 ft.) into the air. Get ready for a mesmerizing show of the Earth’s raw power.

After a full day of wonderous, natural sightseeing, we’ll arrive for an unforgettable experience at the ION Adventure Hotel. This truly unique, remote hotel set against a wild backdrop of majestic mountainous lava fields is surprisingly less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík.  Get ready to relax and enjoy their award-winning Northern Lights bar, the beautiful Lava Spa, the Silfra Restaurant, and perhaps later, a quiet, soulful soak outdoors beneath the Northern Lights. The magnificent landscape that stretches out to the horizon wherever you look around the hotel, provides the calm and good service so you can recharge, reflect and relax in the wonders of Iceland.

Overnight: ION Adventure Hotel, (B)

DAY 6 – Saturday, November 1 – THERMAL WATER SOAK – BLUE LAGOON & RELAXATION

We have the perfect final, full day planned for you after breakfast and checkout. We’ll travel for 1.5 hours to the world-famous thermal soaking pool, the Blue Lagoon, and our unique luxury hotel for the night, the Silica Hotel.  Today is the day to focus on your wellbeing as we take in a true, local, Icelandic cultural tradition – soaking in the healing, geothermal waters. We will have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the world‐famous Blue Lagoon — a geothermal spa surrounded by lava fields and dreamy, otherworldly landscapes. Soak in the warm, mineral‐rich waters, enjoy a silica mud mask, and let your worries melt away in the steamy embrace of Icelandic nature. This is pure bliss, no matter the season.

The Silica Hotel is the gateway to a day of wellness. It was designed to blend seamlessly with the moss-covered landscape and surrounding, serene waters. This luxury property combines modern design with warm hospitality. Each of its 35 rooms feature clean lines, cozy minimalism, and stunning views in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. As guests at the Silica, we have access to a private, soaking lagoon, and are only a short, 10-minute walk from a soak at the famous Blue Lagoon. Today would be the perfect day to pre-reserve a spa session delivered in the lagoon—a truly unique Icelandic approach.

Tonight, we’ll gather as a group for a fabulous tasting menu at the LAVA Restaurant Blue Lagoon.  Nestled into a lava cliff overlooking the Blue Lagoon, LAVA Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. With its elegant design, exceptional Icelandic cuisine, and stunning views of the geothermal waters, it’s the perfect place to celebrate our time in Iceland together and indulge before or after your soak.

Overnight: Silica Hotel (B, D – tasting menu)

DAY 7 – Sunday, November 2 – DEPART FOR HOME

Today we say goodbye. Following breakfast and check out, you’ll take our private, group transfer to Keflavík International Airport and check-in for your flight home. We hope your time in Iceland was magical and full of unforgettable moments! Safe travels to all!

(B)

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT, DRIVERS LICENSE and VISA. A Visa is not currently required to enter Iceland.

For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required as rules can change on occasion. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. To operate a snowmobile during our Glacier Tour, you must have a valid US Drivers License with you to present to the tour operator that day. Select countries require additional documentation for children under the age of 18 years especially when one parent is traveling without the other parent. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges listed will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Iceland is not an easy destination to navigate if one has compromised mobility. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided based on the number of participants in our party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features. Optional add ons and hotel reservations are non-refundable once reserved and paid.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour. Suggest Tipping in USD will be provided in the months leading up to the Exploration.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.