REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

This is a classic excursion from Reykjavík covering the ‘Big Three’ – Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir. Collectively they are known as the Golden Circle – the fantastic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned.

This is a classic excursion from Reykjavík covering the ‘Big Three’ – Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir. Collectively they are known as the Golden Circle – the fantastic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. We leave the pier heading for Thingvellir National Park, approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) inland. Our visit allows us to experience some of the most outstanding scenery in the country. Thingvellir ranks at the top of Iceland’s tourist attractions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The outstanding scenery here is of tremendous geological and historic interest. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. The area is covered with typical Icelandic vegetation, low birch and willow trees, blueberry and crowberry bushes. Our tour continues to the mighty Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’ – the most famous of the country’s many waterfalls. Here the Hvita River drops 30 metres (96 feet) in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle. During our next stop, at the Geysir area, we will be able to see hissing springs and other geothermal activity. The active Strokkur geyser spouts every few minutes. Lunch is served at a restaurant in the Geysir vicinity. On the return drive to Reykjavík we make a photo stop at Keriđ – a lake-filled, extinct volcanic crater – before travelling via the village of Hveragerdi, a community built over hot springs providing heat for homes and Iceland’s greenhouses in which fruits, vegetables and flowers are grown for the domestic market. We pause at the greenhouse ‘The Garden of Eden’ – an example of how the warm water is harnessed. Once back in the capital we visit The Pearl – a dome of glass built on top of hot water storage tanks. The viewing platform affords a lovely panoramic view of Reykjavík and surroundings.

This tour is suitable for passengers with limited mobility, and wheelchair users, as most of the sights can be viewed from the coach. However, walking will be required at the Geysir area to get to the lunch venue – approximately 100 metres (328 feet) over paved and gravel paths and may include steps. For those passengers not wanting to stay on the coach there is approximately an hour and a half of walking and standing in total, as well as steps involved. At Thingvellir there is a slow walk of approximately 25 minutes on gravel and even wooden paths, including less than ten steps in total. To fully experience the power and beauty of the cascades of the Gullfoss waterfall, a walk down to the river on an uneven, sloping gravel path is required. This walk should take five to ten minutes. To fully enjoy the hot spring area, and get close to the active Strokkur geyser, walking of 400 metres (1,312 feet) over paved, gravel and mud paths is required. At Keriđ crater the walk from the coach is on uneven gravel, and is less than five minutes. We recommend wearing sensible shoes and warm clothing – layers (including a windproof jacket) that you can remove if necessary are best. Please note that the coach used may not have air conditioning. Places may be visited in a different order than that described.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES