Iceland Tour: In the Path of the Vikings

Why travel on Far Horizons’ Iceland Tour?

  • Led by Dr. Christopher Callow, a Medieval Iceland specialist
  • Enter the Snorrastofa Research Center
  • See the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Skaftafell and Thingvellir
  • See the Keldur turf house, occupied for 1,000 years
  • Learn about the unique Icelandic horse at a breeding farm
  • Travel by ferry to Westmann Islands
  • Dine on produce at a geothermal greenhouse farm
  • Visit Erik the Red’s homestead
Iceland - NOW BOOKING!
FromUSD$11,995

Guided Tour Led by:

Associate Professor
Medieval History
University of Birmingham
Iceland - NOW BOOKING!
FromUSD$11,995
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4647
  • August 1 - 11, 2025
  • 11 Days
  • $11,995.00 + Air
  • Single Supplement: $1,995.00

Tour Iceland and experience dramatic landscapes, Norse longhouses, Viking ships, and learn about the heroic stories in the ancient sagas

Sitting in a remote corner of the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is a mountainous island nation celebrated for its dramatic scenery. Shining black sand beaches, stunning fjords, gushing geysers, majestic volcanoes, misty waterfalls, and massive glaciers create some of the most atmospheric landscapes on the planet.

During the Early Middle Ages, Norsemen traveled, traded, and established permanent colonies in many locations throughout northern Europe. As seafaring increased, either blown off course or intentionally exploring, Norsemen ‘discovered’ Iceland. Unlike other regions colonized by the Vikings, this new land had no indigenous population (although Irish hermit monks were probably on the island earlier than the Norsemen). Ancient sagas describe Iceland as a rich land filled with game and fish, birch and willow woodland, and forests that stretched from highland slopes to the valleys below. Tales of this paradise spread, and in the 9th century, Scandinavian pioneers looking to start a new life arrived in Iceland. The people who inhabit Iceland now are direct descendants of the Vikings.

Won’t you join us to explore Medieval Icelandic history through this remote land?

Any questions? Please contact us

What are the ‘Sagas’?

A unique contribution to Western literature, sagas are prose narratives written almost one thousand years ago. A unique form of medieval literature, these tales told of the adventures, struggles, and often bloody feuds of the great Norse families in both Norway and those who settled on this remote island a thousand years ago. First passed down orally from generation to generation, 1190-1320, writers inscribed these stories into books. Among the most important are the Njáls Saga, a compelling story of a fifty-year blood feud, and the Gísla Saga, about a tragic hero who must kill one of his brothers-in-law to avenge another brother-in-law.

Iceland Archaeology Tour Itinerary

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1Depart for Iceland

Depart on a flight bound for Reykjavik, Iceland.

Day 2Arrive Reykjavik, Viking World Museum, Blue Lagoon

Arrive at Reykjavik Airport by 7 am. Upon leaving the airport, stop by the Viking World Museum, home of the Íslendingur, the Icelander. Built in 1996, the vessel is a replica of the famous Gokstad, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882. Additionally, the museum houses the Viking Millennium exhibition produced by the Smithsonian Institution. Called Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga, it reveals the Norse settlement and explorations of unknown lands.

Then it’s on to the renowned Blue Lagoon. Here, geothermal waters keep the bathing temperature at 39°C (102°F) year-round and we will test the waters! Note: this stop is based on availability.

Our hotel for the next two nights is the boutique Apotek, housed in a historical building that was once a pharmacy and located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. (L/D)

Day 3Snorrastofa Research Center, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss

Snorri Sturluson was a 13th-century Icelandic historian, poet, politician, and the author of the Prose Edda saga. A renowned leader, he was twice elected as lawspeaker (lögsögumaður) to the Icelandic parliament, the Althing. His former estate at Reykholt, where he resided from 1206 until 1241, is now the Snorrastofa Research Center. While here, learn about the excavations of his home and inspect the 800-year-old, still functioning ‘hot tub’ that Snorri built for his bathing enjoyment.

Continue to Hraunfossar, where we’ll see a series of vivid blue rivulets flowing out of this lava field. Then we wander to Barnafoss, a rapid waterfall just a short walk away. The Icelandic horse is derived from ponies brought to the island by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Due to archaeological excavations in Europe, we know that this equine is descended from an ancient breed. Markedly, it has been preserved in isolation and is extinct outside of Iceland. At Sturlureykir Horse Farm we will learn about these special animals.

Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Reykjavik’s excellent restaurants. (B/L)

Day 4Keldur at Rangárvellir, Skógasafn Museum, Skógafoss

As we traverse the southern edge of Iceland, we will take in several interesting sites. Keldur at Rangárvellir is an 11th-century farm that has over 20 still-standing turf structures. This historic settlement once belonged to Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, a character that appears in Njál’s Saga and elsewhere in medieval literature. Keldur Hall was constructed in the old stave method with lovely carved moldings decorating the old wood and turf house. Interestingly, from the hall, there is an underground tunnel thought to date from the 12th to 13th century. Certainly, it was an escape route during times of conflict. If available, we meet with the curator who will discuss the lengthy history of the farmstead.

The extraordinary Skógasafn Museum is a collection of 18,000 regional folk crafts exhibited in three museums and six historical buildings on the property. Handsomely displayed are old bibles, ornate gold and silver jewelry, hundred-year-old cars and farm equipment, and other items from everyday life. Particularly of note, are the 18th and 19th-century national costumes worn by women along with their elaborately decorated side-saddles.

Our final stop is at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s biggest and unquestionably most beautiful waterfalls. Any time the sun emerges, a rainbow is produced by the voluminous spray of the cascading water.

In the town of Vik, on the southern tip of the island, we spend two nights in the lovely Hotel Kria in the town of Vik. (B/L/D)

Day 5Reynisfjara, Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafellsjökull Glacier

Today’s all-day excursion takes us further east. Our first stop is Reynisfjara where ebony basalt columns dominate a sparkly black sand beach. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on Earth.

Our ultimate goal is Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the national parks of Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur along with the Vatnajökull ice cap. At Skaftafell there is a short, easy trail leading to the base of Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. Bordering Vatnajökull, we will see the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón where still waters are dotted with aquamarine icebergs from the upstream glacier. Generally, seals cavort among the icebergs in search of dinner.

At the end of our long day, we will return to Vik and the Hotel Kría. (B/L/D)

Day 6Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Ferry to Heimaey, Eldheimar Museum, Stave Church (replica)

Begin today with an opportunity to walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss waterfall (we’ll wear raincoats here!).

After that, we board a ferry to Heimaey off Iceland’s south coast and visit the only occupied island in the Westman Archipelago. In Icelandic called Vestmannaeyjar, these land masses were formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. In 1973, Eldfell Volcano on Heimaey erupted. The lava flow destroyed buildings and forced a months-long evacuation of the entire population to the mainland. The fascinating Eldheimar Museum reveals the results of this eruption’s destruction. As we walk through the town, stop to admire the church. This is a replica of the Norwegian Haltdalen stave church which was built around 1170.

Return to the mainland and continue to Reykjavik and the Hotel Apotek for five nights. Lunch is on our own. (B/ /D)

Day 7 The Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið Volcanic Crater, Þingvellir National Park

Our explorations take us into the mountains and river valleys east of Reykjavik through stunning landscapes to early Old Norse sites. Situated in the lower part of the Biskupstungur Valley, Skálholt was one of two episcopal seats in Iceland. Certainly, the first cathedral was built here in the 12th century. Subsequently, as many as ten churches have stood in this spot. Finally, the present sanctuary dates to the 1950s. While excavating for the foundation, a sarcophagus was found. Inside were the remains of Páll Jónsson, a bishop who died in 1211. Today, the coffin is on display in the church crypt.

We continue into Haukadalur Valley to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Within the region are a plethora of hot springs and geysers. Here, we will watch Strokkur Geyser shoot jets of boiling water high into the air every few minutes.

Nearby, view Gullfoss Waterfall’s dramatic show produced by the melting waters from Langjökull Glacier.

Along the way, stop to see Kerið volcanic crater lake.

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, on the UNESCO Tentative List, is a rift valley. Remarkably, this gorge marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A venerated spot to Icelanders, this is where the open-air gathering of the National Assembly, called Althing, was established in 930. The Althing continued to meet at this spot until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly met to set laws and settle disputes. Significantly, it was here that the nation abandoned the Old Norse pagan belief system and, in 1000, converted to Christianity. Nearly a millennium later, in 1944 on this spot, Icelanders declared their independence from Denmark and confirmed their first President.

Greenhouses in Iceland use geothermal waters of hot springs to grow vegetables. At Friðheimar Greenhouse Farm we will learn about the cultivation of tomatoes. Moreover, 30% of the tomatoes eaten in Iceland are cultivated here! Afterward, we will lunch on produce grown on this farm.

On our way back to Reykjavik, we will dine on lobster at Fjöruborðið Restaurant. (B/L/D)

 

Day 8Reykjavik: National Museum of Iceland, Settlement Exhibition Museum

This morning, we will visit two splendid museums in Reykjavik. The National Museum of Iceland displays enthralling exhibitions illustrating the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking settlements to current contemporary culture. Unquestionably unique, the Valthjófsstadur Door, a medieval church gate dated to 1200. Beautifully carved, it displays the legend of the lion-knight that appears in several Icelandic sagas.

In 2001, the remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse were found during excavations in downtown Reykjavik. To preserve this historic discovery, The Settlement Exhibition Museum was built around the remains of the hall.

After seeing the exhibit, we will lunch in a typical restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine.

The afternoon is free to explore Reykjavik’s historic area with dinner on our own. (B/L)

Day 9Þjórsárdalur Stöng Excavations, Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng House

One thousand years ago, Viking farmers settled in Þjórsárdalur Valley unaware of a nearby volcano. Unfortunately, Mt. Hekla erupted in 1104, and twenty-two settlement farms were destroyed. As a result, one of these farmsteads, Stöng, had been hidden under massive layers of pumice for 835 years. In 1939 archaeologists excavated the exceptionally well-preserved ruins and today, the remains of the longhouse are protected by an enclosed building. In the 10th century, according to the Saga of Njáll, the Viking Gaukur Trandilsson lived at Stöng. Consequently, a reconstruction of the Viking-era farming complex where he lived, Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, was developed.

Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 10Landnámssetur Settlement Exhibition, Stykkishólmur Village

A variety of cultural and natural history awaits us today. Located at the head of the fjord in Borgarnes, Landnámssetur Settlement Exhibition tells the Saga of the Settlement of Iceland. Additionally, an exhibition of Egil’s Saga profiles one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes.

Following our visit, we drive north to the picturesque fishing town of Stykkishólmur, overlooking the natural harbor of Breiðafjörður Bay. While here, see Stykkishólmur’s graceful church, which opened in 1990. It was designed by the Icelandic architect Jón Haraldsson and the altarpiece was painted by Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir.

Our last stop is Eiríksstaðir, the former homestead of Eiríkr Þorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red. After being exiled from Iceland for committing a murder, he is remembered in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first settlement in Greenland. Most compelling evidence points to Eiríksstaðir as the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America.

Return to Reykjavik in the evening. Gather this evening for our final dinner party in one of the city’s exceptional restaurants. (B/L/D)

Day 11Depart Iceland

Transfer to the airport for our morning flights home. (B)

Tour Information

Tour Cost & Inclusions

Price is based on double occupancy and includes:

  • Internal flights during the trip (if applicable)
  • The accompaniment of your scholar throughout the entire trip
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel accommodations (3 or 4 stars; or best available based in the area)
  • Ground transportation
  • Airport transfers for arrivals and departures
  • Most meals as noted in the itinerary
  • Entry fees to all included sites and museums
  • Gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff
  • Coordination for any private presentations or tours

Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.

Single Supplement

Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

Exclusions

  • International round trip airfare
  • A separate donation check of $150.00 per person to a designated donation project
  • Passport or visa fees
  • Required vaccines or tests
  • Airport or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic drinks, beverages or food not included on set menus
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Personal tips and hotel incidental expenses
  • Laundry or other items of a personal nature

Donation Checks

As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.

Registration

A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.

Visas

We will let you know if you need a visa and provide details and instructions on where to obtain your visa. You are responsible for securing your own visa. If you would like to look into specific visa requirements based on where you live and where you would like to travel, we suggest visiting Sherpa to find out more about the latest visa and travel requirements.

ETIAS

Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. ETIAS (which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travelers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes. Travelers who currently visit Europe visa-free are able to enter EU and Schengen Member countries cost-free and without any digital security screening prior to their arrival to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa, and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers not requiring a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks prior to being permitted to enter the EU. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. For more information, please visit the ETIAS website.

Cancellation

Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.

Air Ticketing

International round-trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like us to handle your air ticketing. We offer a ticketing service for a small fee.

Private Tours and Talks

The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

Walking and Standing

Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.

Expectations During Travel

This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days when we have very long drives, and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to Western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes, we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine, and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude, we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.

Itinerary Changes

Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read, as well as patience, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance. Should illness or an unforeseen event force you to cancel your travel plans after your final payment or during your trip, it would be doubly unfortunate to incur a significant financial loss. Trip cancellation protection will enable you to be reimbursed for the loss of your payment if you are unable to travel for any of the covered reasons in the “Outline of Coverage” section or should you have an accident or suffer from any medical conditions during the trip.  
 
Far Horizons offers customized protection plans through Travel Insured International (a Crum & Forster Company) with the following benefits:
 
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption for covered reasons
• Trip Delay
• Baggage Loss and Baggage Delay
• Emergency Medical Expenses and Emergency Medical Evacuation
• 24-Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• 24-Hour Travel Assistance & Concierge Services
• Option to upgrade to ‘Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)’
 
We recommend reviewing the language in detail so you are aware of specific parameters. Depending on the policy, to waive the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion or to upgrade to CFAR coverage, the plan must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of the initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and the traveler is medically fit at the time of plan purchase. Otherwise, coverage may be purchased at any time before departure. 
 
To obtain a personalized quote and/or purchase a plan through Far Horizons/Travel Insured International, simply click HERE. For specific questions regarding the Worldwide Protector Plan, please contact Travel Insured International’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-243-3174 or by email at customercare@travelinsured.com, and refer to Far Horizons’ account number: 54070.

Tour Map