Girlfriends Travel
Dynamic Trips for dynamic women
Incredible Iceland
February 2020
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. ~wikipedia
What is the Aurora Borealis?
An aurora, sometimes referred to as polar lights, northern lights or southern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions. ~ Wikipedia
The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis, and Norðurljós in Icelandic, are one of the most spectacular shows on this earth and can frequently be seen in Iceland from September through March on clear and crisp nights.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in southern Iceland, covering about 300 kilometres looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. It is the area that contains most tours and travel-related activities in Iceland. The three primary stops on the route are the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.
The Blue Lagoon
The water from the Blue Lagoon is a direct result of the geothermal plant found right next door. ... The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland in a location favourable for Geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station.
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1 - Depart for Iceland from EWR or BWI
DAY 2 - Arrive in Iceland
Blue Lagoon (Day) + Northern Lights Evening Tour
Arrive in Iceland and head to soothe away your jet lag at the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. Geothermal seawater is led directly to the Blue Lagoon forming wells as deep as 6,000 feet and the water stays warm at 100-110°F throughout the entire year. An indoor Blue Lagoon and geothermal sauna are also on site. The Blue Lagoon's warm water and natural ingredients of mineral salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and escape the stress and strain of daily life. Later you will transfer to your hotel for the afternoon check in. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. You will be picked up later in the evening to search the skies for the Northern Lights, (Aurora Borealis), one of the most spectacular phenomena on earth. The Northern Lights originate from the sun, where large explosions and electronic storms throw charged solar particles deep into space. This solar wind is caught by the Earth's magnetic field on the south and north poles. The solar particles collide with atmospheric gases and create this wonderful light effect. This evening, hope to see these lights swirling and dancing across the sky, endlessly changing color, shape and size.
DAY 3 - The Golden Circle
Explore the Golden Circle, which showcases some of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions including the country's best known natural, cultural, and historic sites. From Reykjavik, visit 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. Next stop is the Geysir geothermal area, home of the famous Strokkur geyser. The Strokkur geyser erupts every 6-10 minutes, making it one of the most active geysers in the world. Then, on to the Gullfoss waterfall, the queen of Iceland's waterfalls, tumbling down a deep gorge. Then visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet and one of the world's oldest parliaments was founded in 930 AD. Finally, visit the Friðheimar greenhouse where you will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes with the aid of geothermal heat and bumblebees.
DAY 4 - Full Day in Reykjavik
Spend the day exploring the city.
Reykjavik City Tour or head back to the Blue Lagoon,
SOUTH SHORE, OR GLACIER TOUR
DAY 5 - FREE DAY ON YOUR OWN
DAY 6 - Depart back to BWI OR EWR with wonderful memories and photos of your fabulous time in ICELAND!