Iceland - Fjords, Glaciers and Hot Springs

Explore the rugged beauty of this North Atlantic island nation. For most people, the name Iceland conjures up little more than snow and ice. But it is much more than ice - in its sagas, puffins, glaciers, fjords, active volcanoes, lava fields and hot springs, you'll find the perfect blend of nature, culture and history.

We begin in the capital city of Reykjavik and continue south along the scenic coast, taking in lava fields, hot springs and bird cliffs enroute. See the remarkable Geysir, the geyser from which all geysers derive their name, and Hveravellir hot springs - an oasis of warmth amidst two interior glaciers. Experience the hospitality of Icelanders in the quaint coastal towns of Akureyri and Höfn, and enjoy an exciting whale watching trip from Husavik.

In Lake Myvatn - world-famous for its bird life - we spend time visiting fishing villages, exploring Asbyrgi National Park and marvelling at Dettifoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. The East Fjords - 18 million-year-old geological wonders are carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. At Vatnajukoll icecap to the southeast, we visit Skaftafell National Park and a glacier lagoon. Accompanied by Icelandic mountain guides, explore the park's surrounding glaciers and be introduced to the "world of ice" that few people have seen.

Enroute to Reykjavik, stop to view Dyrholaey - a natural 400-foot high rock arch over the Atlantic Ocean that serves as a nesting point for thousands of puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Finally, spend a day exploring the fascinating capital city of Reykjavik. Join ElderTreks adventure to the land of the midnight sun and learn about European life in the Arctic Circle.