Hofskirkja turf church in the Öræfi region in South-East Iceland

Iceland 8-Day Vacation: Dive into the Historic & Cultural Past of Iceland

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Iceland

Places Visited

Reykjavik, Akureyri, Vik, Seydisfjordur

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Designed for the traveler who wants to seek the ancient and cultural origins of Iceland, this customizable 8-day adventure leads you on an expedition to understand Iceland’s past. Below the snow-capped mountains and long stretches of black sand beaches lies a historical past that begins with the first settlers of Iceland in the 9th century. Iceland is the home to the settings for memorable battles, vibrant trading posts, and many locations that Vikings once settled to tell their story. Book a...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Traverse in the same footsteps as Vikings who settled the area of Reykjavik, according to the Book of Settlements
  • Transport yourself to the past as you explore Irskrabrunnur or the Well of the Irish that has been standing since the 9th century
  • Delight in journeying to the original battlefield of one of the bloodiest battles in Iceland at Orlygsstadir
  • Trek to the top of Mount Gvendarskal, where the well blessed by the bishop and Saint Gudmundur Arason lies
  • Journey to the mythical capital of Huldufolk, where Odin’s eight-legged steed left a hoofprint at Asbyrgi Canyon
  • Luxuriate at Reynisfjara Beach and explore one of National Geographic’s top 100 non-tropical beaches
  • Wander back to the 9th century as you venture around the Viking longhouse in Hofsstadir
  • Bask in the heated depths of the oldest geothermal pool in Iceland at the Secret Lagoon that was built in 1891

Detailed Description

Iceland is a country that is known for its raw beauty and majestic surroundings, but it has profound roots in its historical and cultural past. As you traverse across the fascinating landscapes, you will be pulled in deeper once you learn the true stories behind all of the magnificent locations that you will be staying. During your stay, you will experience some of the most enthralling historical and cultural landmarks throughout the country. From Reykjavik, which was one of the first places to be permanently inhabited, to wandering around the cobblestones where Vikings laid the groundwork for Iceland to be the country it is today, you will be astonished to feel the history that lies within the city limits.

As you venture to Akureyri, you and your experienced guide will come across the location for one of the bloodiest battles within Iceland: the Battle of Orlygsstadir. When you reach the monument that will be dedicated to the battle, you will be able to imagine the feud that lies within the ground in stark contrast to the peaceful setting of Iceland today. Then, you will visit Gasir, which is home to one of the vibrant trading posts in the country. Afterward, you will indulge in a visit to Siglufjordur, where the infamous Herring Era Museum sits, and you can walk in the same footsteps as the fishermen from the past. The following day, you will drive to Asbyrgi Canyon, where Icelandic legend tells of how the eight-legged steed of Odin stepped upon the land, leaving behind a large horseshoe-shaped canyon. Your breath will be stunned at the striking vistas that you will see from your helicopter ride.

Next, you will climb to the top of the Myrdalsjokull Glacier to capture the gorgeous allure of the country’s fourth-largest ice cap. It will be a thrilling sight for you to see and will remain forever in your heart. On your way to Vik, you will stop at Reynisfjara Beach, which was voted one of National Geographic’s top 100 non-tropical beaches to visit. When you step foot onto the black sand, you will feel transported to another world, and you can stare out into the Atlantic Ocean’s waves as they crash against the rocks. You will travel to Reykholt, which is the cultural and medieval center of the country and where Snorri Sturluson once wrote his famous Prose Edda and the Heimskringla. The cultural nature of this tiny country will capture your heart, and you will want to return for more as your guide drives you to Keflavik Airport for your departure home.

Starting Price

$3,635 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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