Insight - Inspiring Iceland, a Women Only Tour (07/2023 - 09/2023) (CF0154GL01)

10 Days From Reykjavik to Reykjavik 
Tour Style: Custom Group
Insight Brochure Price from $6,050.00
Brochures: Global Tours
Visits: Iceland

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Explore the Land of Fire and Ice, on a 10-day women only guided tour. Journey from the quirky backstreets of Reykjavik to the immense plains of Thingellvir, via waterfalls, geysers and black sand beaches. Enjoy breath-taking scenery and experience the Icelandic way of life, in harmony with nature and traditions. Meet horse breeders, biologists and master brewers as you join a community working hard to preserve their land and culture. Taste spirulina ice cream in Lake Mývatn and learn about the production of algae. At Iceland Ocean Cluster in the capital, discover fish leather and how the fishing industry has become a model of sustainable production. All along the way, meet passionate and creative women and share their stories. Experience the magic of women’s travel and discover the true heartbeat of Iceland.
Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Fjallsárlón: Hop in a Zodiac boat and sail out amongst floating icebergs on the majestic Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Connect with Icelandic nature in a way you have never experienced before.Alternatively, take a walk around the glacier lake with an expert guide.
• Fjallsárlón: Take a walk around the glacier lake with an expert guide. Get up close to the glacier, learn about its history and discover the flora and birdlife of the area. Alternatively, sail out amongst floating icebergs on the majestic Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Well-being

• : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Authentic Dining

• Reykjavik: Dine tonight with your travel companions in a traditional restaurant. Iceland is known for its fresh fish, famous Icelandic lamb and quality dairy products. A strong emphasis on using local produce leads to very tasty cuisine. Choose from a delicious menu curated by a top female chef.
• Reykjavik: This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.
• Dining Summary: 2 Dinner with Wine (DW), 9 Breakfast (B), and 4 Dinner (D)

Make Travel Matter

• Hellisheidavirkjun: Visit Iceland's newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheidi, the second largest of its kind in the world. During this Make Travel Matter experience learn why Hellisheidavirkjun is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. The Power Plant has helped Iceland achieve 70% of the country's energy consumption through renewable energy sources. Hellisheidavirkjun Power Plant, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
• Egilsstadir: Take part in re-forestation efforts during a visit to one of Iceland's national forests.This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
• Lake Myvatn: Try some seriously tasty ice cream and meet Julia. Learn how her bio-technology company MýSköpun is producing a highly nutritious form of spirulina algae, which is found in the area's hot springs. This product is grown inside special tubes designed to optimize algae growth. When the spirulina is ready, it is filtered into powder and used as a supplement, even in ice cream. See the algae brewing and discover how MýSköpun utilizes the internal resources of the Lake Mývatn area in a sustainable way.  The spirulina tasting advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
• Reykjavik: The mission of the Iceland Ocean Cluster is to create value by connecting entrepreneurs, businesses and knowledge in the marine industries. Meet a professor for a tour of the complex. Find out how the fishing industry in Iceland has now become a model of sustainable production and one of the world's most advanced producer of seafood. Taste and learn about products developed and produced by Icelandic innovation. These include fish oil and dried fish, fish liver pate and even fish leather. The visit to Ocean Cluster House advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Insight Experiences

• Eyrarbakki: The village of Eyrarbakki has played an important role in the history of Iceland for centuries. Take a storytelling walk with Ásta Kristrún, author, musician and director of heirtage museum Bakkastofa. Ásta and her husband have turned the house in which she and her 19th-century ancestors grew up into an intriguing cultural center. Explose the various outposts including The House, The Maritime Museum, and Kirkjubær or the Old Baiting Shed. Enjoy stories of Ásta's family and learn how they coexisted with volcanoes and geysers as neighbors!
• Fjallsárlón: Hop in a Zodiac boat and sail out amongst floating icebergs on the majestic Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Connect with Icelandic nature in a way you have never experienced before.Alternatively, take a walk around the glacier lake with an expert guide.
• Fjallsárlón: Take a walk around the glacier lake with an expert guide. Get up close to the glacier, learn about its history and discover the flora and birdlife of the area. Alternatively, sail out amongst floating icebergs on the majestic Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
• Akureyri: Meet an expert biologist and learn about the fisheries in Iceland and the impact of climate change on the fishing industry.
• Akureyri: Meet Agnes, owner and founder of one of the first microbreweries on the Island. With limited opportunities for female employment in the area, Agnes started the project in 2003. She wanted to use the clear water from the area to create something unique, to both diversify the local economy and support her family. She now produces quality beer with her husband using Icelandic water from the nearby Sólarfjall mountain.
• Borgarnes: Meet the lovable horses of Iceland - the original Viking horses and vital servants of the first Icelanders to arrive in this vast, wild county. Learn why they have two more gaits than most other breeds of horses, and how their double-layered coat enables them to withstand Iceland's tough winters.
• Reykjavik: This fun and informative tour of the city looks back on the history of women in Reykjavík. Learn how the history of the movement relates to the current, fourth wave of feminism that is ongoing in Iceland, and the world.

Top Rated Highlights

• Skalholt: See the Skalholt historic church.
• Skogafoss: Admire the majestic beauty of these two impressive waterfalls.
• Vik: Enjoy an orientation of Vik, Iceland's seafront village home to black pebble beaches and offshore rock formations.
• Fjallsárlón: This small less-known glacier lagoon is one of Iceland's hidden gems. Meet locals who have witnessed the glacier shrinking and the lagoon growing over time. Learn how it is to live alongside the glacier and how climate change has impacted the life of the local population.
• Skaftafell: Visit the amazing alpine setting of the National Park and experience the might of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.
• Lake Jokulsarlon: See the setting for the James Bond film 'Die Another Day'.
• Hofn: Your Travel Director takes you on a short orientation through this seaside village.
• : Stop along the way to admire this traditional Icelandic Garden. Each stone, mineral and shell has been carefully collected from across the island by the late artist Petra Sveinsdóttir. One of Iceland’s influential artists, Petra’s Garden is seen as a testament to the country’s unique and beautiful geology.
• : Experience the age-old Icelandic tradition of bathing in a natural geothermal pool. Indulge your muscles and mind in the country's only floating infinity pools. Or try the onshore hotel pools, sauna and the cold-water spray tunnel.
• Egilsstadir: Visit this lakeside town, the largest on Iceland's East Coast.
• Lake Myvatn: Traverse spectacular landscapes of craters, boiling mud pots and geothermal hot springs shooting jets of hot water and steam into the air, at this renowned bird-watching site.
• Goðafoss: Nicknamed the "Waterfall of the Gods", these vast horseshow shaped falls are some of the most beautiful sights in Iceland. The spectacular falls are 30 meters wide and between 9 and 17 meters tall.
• Akureyri: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of the capital of northern Iceland, established in 1602.
• Borgarnes: Enjoy an orientation of Borganes, located on a peninsula at the shore of Borgarfjörður coastal region.
• Thingvellir National Park: Thingvellir is very special to the people of Iceland and has outstanding significance both historically and geologically. It is home to the world's oldest existing parliament, assembled here in A.D. 930. The Park is also one of the most unique geological sites in the world, standing between two continental plates. As the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift away from each other, the distinctive geological landscape changes every year.

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Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1	Welcome to Reykjavik
	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!
	Visits: Reykjavik
	Meals: Dinner with Wine
	Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 2	The Power of Nature, from Reykjavik to Vik
	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.
	Visits: Reykjavik, Vik
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
	Accommodation: Hótel Kría, Vik.
Day 3	Glaciers, Lava and Lagoons of the Southern Coast
	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.
	Visits: Vik, Fjallsárlón, Skaftafell, Lake Jokulsarlon, Hofn
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
	Accommodation: Hótel Höfn.
Day 4	Through the Fjordlands to Egilsstadir Relaxed Start
	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.
	Visits: Hofn, Egilsstadir
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
	Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.
Day 5	The Lake Mývatn Area
	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.
	Visits: Egilsstadir, Lake Myvatn, Goðafoss, Akureyri
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Day 6	Akureyri - Fisheries and Breweries Relaxed Start
	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.
	Visits: Akureyri
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Day 7	Borgarnes Relaxed Start
	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.
	Visits: Akureyri, Borgarnes, Reykholt
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
	Accommodation: Reykholt Fosshótel.
Day 8	Thingvellir National Park and Reykjavik
	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.
	Visits: Borgarnes, Thingvellir National Park, Reykjavik
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 9	The Spirit of Reykjavik Relaxed Start
	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.
	Visits: Reykjavik
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
	Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 10	Farewell Iceland
	Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
	Visits: Reykjavik
	Meals: Breakfast

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Available Room Types: Single, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17