TRAVELIN' TIM
Seeing the world, one week at a time.
MY ICELAND ITINERARY
An eleven-day circumnavigation of an amazingly beautiful country.
Wednesday, May 19 - Raleigh to Boston to... psych! Icelandic Air cancels my flight to Reykjavik at the last minute. D'oh!
Thursday, May 20 - Spend the day bopping around Boston, then catch the (thankfully NOT canceled) flight to Reykjavik.
Friday, May 21 - Welcome to Iceland, here's a swab up your nose! Driven to Selfoss to await the results of the airport COVID test (about six hours), then meet up with my tour group for dinner.
Saturday, May 22 - Stops at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a folk museum, and some amazing black sand beaches on the way to the incredible accommodations at the Magma Hotel. That night I get to watch the Eurovision finale, where Iceland places fourth.
Sunday, May 23 - Skirting around the Vatnajokull Glacier, which takes up about 8% of Icelandic territory. A boat ride on the glacier lagoon at Jokulsalon for close-up looks at the glacier, the icebergs, and a few playful seals.
Monday, May 24 - A snowy hike to see the Dettifoss Glacier, then driving across the moon-like lava landscape of North Iceland to the picturesque fishing village of Husavik.
Tuesday, May 25 - A morning trip to Jokulsargljufur National Park and the Asbyrgi Canyon, then a free day to explore Husavik. I end the day with a dip in the geothermal sea baths at GeoSea.
Wednesday, May 26 - Another spectacular waterfall (Godafoss), a lunchtime visit to the charming town of Akureyri, and a visit to the Herring Era museum in Siglufjordur before coming to another wonderful accommodation among the farmlands of Skagafjordur. Clear views of the amazing northern sunset, as the sun slides under the horizon around 11:45 p.m. only to reemerge around 3 a.m.
Thursday, May 27 - On to the Snaefellsness Peninsula, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and spectacular views. Accommodations right on the waterfront.
Friday, May 28 - Off to Reykjavik we go, but not before stops at the stunning Church Mountain (Kirkjufell) and the little Black Church at Budir. I try to book a hike to the erupting volcano at Fagradalsfjall, but gale-like weather on the trail cancels it. I discover Reykjavik's Lebowski Bar, where I have an enjoyable evening chatting with locals and tourists alike.
Saturday, May 29 - Once again, the weather cancels my volcano hike, so I spend the day exploring Reykjavik.
Sunday, May 30 - A little souvenir shopping, a big bottomless brunch, then off to the airport for my flight back to Boston.
Monday, May 31 - Up bright and early for the flight to Raleigh, then the three hour drive back to the homestead.