Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Girls Trip 2015: 16 Days in Iceland!



It's that time of year again...My FAVORITE time of year!!!  It's time for this summer's "Girls Trip" 2015!!! Since 2007, I've been going on a summer adventure with girl friends.  Girls trips have ranged from camping the Michigan coast, hiking through Colorado, and exploring Newfoundland.  This year's adventure is a big one...we are spending 16 days traveling around the Nordic country of Iceland!

I've been planning, saving, and daydreaming this trip for at least three years and today is the day.  I'll post when possible so other adventurers can get advice.  What's more, please leave comments below or on my facebook page if you have suggestions.  Our trip was planned with the help of tour company Iceland Unlimited and our agent Linda. She have been extremely professional and easy to communicate with.

Here's the plan...

Day 1 (July 8) - Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon - Arrive in Iceland at 6:30 am. Take Flybus to Blue Lagoon for opening at 8:30 am.  From Blue Lagoon, take Flybus to Reykjavik.  Check into Guesthouse Aurora and explore local spots.

Day 2 (July 9) - West Iceland - Get rental car from Enterprise and drive west.  Explore Hvakfjordur fjord and the Glymur waterfall. See other sights along the road. Stay at Hotel Hafnarfjall.

Day 3 (July 10) - Snaefellsnes -  Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and glacier.  Stay at Guesthouse Kast.

Day 4 (July 11) - Westfjords -  Take 9 am ferry  in Stykkisholmur alon Breidafjordur bay.  See Latrabjarg cliff and puffins!  Stay at Radagerdi hostel in Patreksfjordur.

Day 5 (July 12) - Waterfalls and Coastal Villages - Explore more of the Westfjords including Patreksfjordur, Talknafjordur, and Bildudalur.  Visit the Dynjandi waterfall and Isafjordur.  Stay at Hotel Edda Isafjordur.

Day 6 (July 13) - Strandir and Holmavik -  Explore the capital of sorcery and witchcraft while exploring more fjords and beauty.  Stay at Guesthouse Laugarholl.

Day 7 (July 14) - Northwest Iceland - Drive by fertile farmland and barren mountains roads.  Take an afternoon tour on Icelandic horses.  Stay at Guesthouse Holar.

Day 8 (July 15) - Akureyri - Drive to the capital of the north.  Explore the town and stay at Guesthouse Gula Villan.

Day 9 (July 16) - Whale Watching - Head for Lake Myvatan.  On the way stop and see Godafoss waterfall.  Go on 3 hour whale watching tour in Husavik.  Stay at Guesthouse Stong.

Day 10 (July 17) - Egilsstadir - Drive to Eastern Iceland.  Stop to see Dettifoss - Europes most powerful waterfall.  Stay at Icelandair Hotel Herad.

Day 11 (July 18) - East Iceland - Drive through East Fjords and fishing villages.  Stay at Guesthouse Arnanes.

Day 12 (July 19) - Glacier Lagoon and Vatnajokull - See glacial lagoon through a boat tour.  Explore Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss Waterfall, and Vik.  Stay at Hotel Edda in Skogar.

Day 13 (July 20) - The South Coast - Drive the south coast and stop to see many waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. Snorkel to Silfa in Thingvellir National Park. Spend the night at Guesthouse Lambastadir.

Day 14 (July 21) - Golden Circle - Visit Thingvellir National Park.  See geysers and gullfoss waterfall.  Return rental car and stay at Reykavik Hostel Village.

Day 15 (July 22) - Reykjavik - Enjoy the last day in Iceland by exploring Reykjavik on foot.

Day 16 (July 23) - Fly home - Morning flight back to Boston.

I can't wait to start this adventure and continue the tradition of amazing girls trips!