Dine Safely Gluten Free as You Tour the Spectacular Country of Iceland
December 28, 2019
Iceland has become the most popular destination of the Nordic countries over the past 5 years, due to its stunning landscape and the unique experiences to be had. Imagine walking on glaciers, viewing geothermal hot spots and lava fields, bathing in geothermal healing waters, standing on the "Bridge Betweeen the Continents" connecting the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and visiting volcanic craters, gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the house where Reagan and Gorbachev met to begin the process of ending the Cold War. And, of course, there is charming Reykjavik to explore at your leisure, with all of its shops, cafes, and nightclubs.
This itinerary has been put together by Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us, in conjunction with an owner of the travel company Nordic Destinations, who also happens to be gluten free. As always, working with Ellen will ensure all your gluten free needs are taken care of, both at the hotel where you will stay (breakfast is included each day) and at the restaurants that she will recommend to you. Keep in mind that, although you get the benefit of "group pricing," this is not a group tour. You can travel whenever you want and with whomever you want. You can even alter the itinerary according to your interests, desired length of stay, and budget. For more information, you can contact Ellen directly at 312-337-9235 or email her at [email protected].
Travel interest in this otherworldly and stunning island is still growing steadily. When traveling to Iceland, you can expect a warm and proud welcome by the Icelandic people, who will show you culture and history and tell you tales about the elves and trolls. You'll experience the beautiful landscape mixed with green meadows, black sand beaches, and ancient volcanoes and glaciers. Again, the whole trip is customizable, depending on your interests. The 6-day/5-night itinerary below, with breakfast included daily, is just a suggestion that focuses on the highlights. Pricing is always based upon number of travelers, time of year, city of departure, and exact itinerary. The itinerary below includes private bus transfers to and from the airport and hotel, 5 nights accommodation in Reykjavik (includes breakfast and tax), a guided bus tour of Reykjavik and Reykjanes Peninsula with pick up/drop off from hotel, entrance to the Blue Lagoon (includes towel use, drink of choice, Silica mud mask, and more), guided Super Jeep tour (of volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls), glacier walk with equipment, and a 13-hour private guided Super Jeep tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with pick up/drop off from hotel.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland and Reykjavik City Tour
Most U.S.-based flights are red-eyes and arrive in Iceland early in the morning. Upon arrival, you will receive airport bus or private transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik. You'll leave your luggage at the hotel reception, while you relax or explore the area, before your Reykjavik city tour. Your hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to shops, restaurants, museums, cafes, and the beautiful coastline at the harbor. A bus will pick you up at the hotel after lunch time. On your three-hour guided tour of Reykjavik, you will experience the historical and cultural highlights of Iceland's capital. There will be a stop at Hallgrimskirkja church, Perlan with its fabulous viewing deck, The Hofdi house (where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 to begin the process of ending the Cold War), and the beautiful Harpa concert hall. The guide will provide you with all the essential information regarding Reykjavik's rich culture, history and natural environment. This tour provides the essential introduction to Iceland's capital!
Day 2: Lava fields, tectonic plates, and the Blue Lagoon
After a delicious breakfast, you'll be picked up by the bus at the hotel. You will get a little bit of everything Icelandic on this tour, which includes two geothermal sites, dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. Between the lava fields and geothermal hot spots, you will really get a feeling of the life and power of this young land. It's hard to explain the charm of this cozy tour because half of the attraction is the beautiful scenery, starting with the endless lava fields and the quaint and historic small town Eyrarbakki, which you pass through en-route to the legendary Strandakirkja church. You can see the ground cooking at two different geothermal areas: Krysuvik and Gunnuhver, and enjoy delicious lobster soup in Grindavik (optional). Take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, and finally step out on the "Bridge Between the Continents" which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates - all while surrounded with the breathtaking scenery of the Reykjanes peninsula. You will stop at the Blue Lagoon to relax after the day's adventures. At the Blue Lagoon you can enjoy the geothermal healing waters, try the silica mud mask or an optional in-water massage. Either enjoy dinner at the famous Lava Restaurant or back in the city of Reykjavik.
Day 3: Super Jeep, volcanoes, and a glacier walk adventure
Another adventurous day is ahead! Pick up by Super Jeep in the early morning. Set out from Reykjavik, taking the road east towards the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano. There you'll head inland in the direction to Thorsmork and all the way up to Gigjokull, an outlet glacier that falls down from the Eyjafjallajokull Crater. Here you can get an idea of the forces at play in the 2010 eruption as the impact of the eruption is still very visible on the glacier and the area around it. Continuing east you'll come to Solheimajokull glacier where you go for a short and easy Glacier Walk up onto the ice field. You may also choose to stay by the Jeep and explore the area. As you learn more about the Icelandic glaciers, you examine the wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses. On the way back to Reykjavik, you'll stop to visit two impressive waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Day 4: Free Day to Explore!
Today you have a FREE day to explore the capital city on your own. Visit downtown Reykjavik for shopping and sightseeing opportunities. "Laugavegur" is the primary commercial artery of downtown Reykjavik and one of the oldest shopping streets. The name means "wash road," as it used to lead to the hot springs in Laugardalur, where in olden times the women of Reykjavik took their laundry for washing. It was constructed in 1885 as a result of the town council's decision. It has experienced economic setbacks in recent years mostly because of the increase in popularity of shopping malls. It still maintains the charm of a historical shopping street and is still home to the more exclusive stores in Iceland. It is also home to many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. On Friday and Saturday nights, the street is often filled with people. (If you don't wish to have a Free Day, inquire about optional tours.)
Day 5: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Early pick up by Super Jeep for an absolutely amazing guided tour. The Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland is almost a miniature version of the island. In addition to its characteristic Snaefellsjokull glacier, there are black sandy beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters. On this tour, you will likely stop at the small fishing village Arnarstapi, the ancient fishing village Hellnar, visit Djupalonssandur beach and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. The stunning landscape of the peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world, ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." During this day's excursion, you'll stop for lunch at the famous Hotel Budir.
Day 6: Departure
Bus or private transfer to airport for your flight according to flight schedule.
Please contact Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us directly at 312-337-9235 or email her at [email protected] for pricing and for answers to any of your questions.
PLEASE NOTE: IN THIS SPECIAL SITUATION, IF WE CAN GET A NUMBER OF TRAVELERS WISHING TO GO AT THE SAME TIME, WE COULD CREATE A GROUP TRIP IF YOU DESIRE.