Description
Summary
When to book
Most travelers book about 3.5 months ahead.
Description
Explore North Iceland's natural sights on this shore excursion along the Diamond Circle route, with the option to finish at a geothermal spa. The tour suits cruise passengers who want to make the most of their time in Iceland and see waterfalls, villages, and geothermal landscapes.
Your excursion begins with pickup at Akureyri's cruise ship terminal, where you meet your guide and the rest of the group.
First up is Godafoss Waterfall, the Waterfall of the Gods. Legend says that when Iceland converted to Christianity, the chieftain of the time threw his idols of the old Norse gods into the waterfall, and from that day on, it was known as Godafoss.
The falls are 39 feet (12 meters) high and span 98 feet (30 meters) in a semicircle. You have time to enjoy the waterfall and take photos.
The second stop is Asbyrgi Canyon, a valley surrounded by tall cliffs, where green forest contrasts with the rocky terrain around it.
Your third stop is Dettifoss Waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Next, your driver takes you to the fishing town of Husavik, known even more for its whale watching tours than for fishing. You can enjoy the harbor, with boats on the calm water, colorful buildings along the shore, and the town church and hills in the background.
Not far from Husavik, you take in the views from the Tjornes viewing platform at Hringsbjarg Cliff. You look out over the ocean and can watch for nesting puffins.
The landscapes continue at the Namaskard Geothermal Area near Lake Myvatn. Also called the Hverir Geothermal Area, its colorful, steaming ground has an unmistakable sulfur smell.
The tour's final stop is a viewpoint over Lake Myvatn, a good spot for photos before you return to Akureyri.
If you have time, you can also be dropped off at the Forest Lagoon spa, set in a forest with views of Eyjafjordur Fjord and Akureyri.
If you want to bathe there, book your spa ticket in advance for eight hours after the tour's start time. The Forest Lagoon is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.
If you skip the Forest Lagoon, your driver drops you back at Akureyri's cruise terminal, where the tour ends.
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