Iceland: Horticultural Expedition
Reykjavik
Golden Circle
Westman Islands
Akureyri Island
Reykjavik
- Royal Adventures
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- Sample Programs
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- Iceland: Horticultural Expedition
Program Overview
Program Details
Duration: 7 Days
Locations: Reykjavik
Golden Circle
Westman Islands
Akureyri Island
Reykjavik
Program Highlights
Reykjavík City Tour – Explore Iceland's vibrant capital, including the Botanical Garden and (seasonally) the Bonsai Park in Hellisgerði.
Golden Circle – Visit the stunning Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO site), erupting Strokkur geyser, majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and enjoy unique visits to a rose farm and geothermal tomato greenhouse.
Westman Islands Exploration – Discover volcanic Heimaey Island, its still-warm Eldfell crater, nesting puffins, buried homes, and the inspiring “Garden in the Lava.”
Garden & Landscape Design Immersion – Visit Iceland's top landscaping firm Landslag and enjoy exclusive access to two private Icelandic gardens.
Lake Mývatn & Akureyri Botanical Gardens – Experience the volcanic landscapes and rich birdlife of Lake Mývatn, along with a tour of Akureyri’s renowned botanical gardens featuring over 2,000 species flourishing in a rare warm microclimate.
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S. to Reykyavik
Flight from the U.S. to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Day 2: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavík this morning. Later, depart on an afternoon city tour exploring the northernmost capital in the world, showcasing its rich blend of history, culture, and nature. Highlights include visits to the old town center, Parliament, Cathedral, National Museum, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church. Discover the charming harbor, the Pearl, and historic Höfði House—site of the 1986 summit. Enjoy scenic stops at the Árbæjarsafn folk museum, a pollution-free salmon river, and Laugardalur’s geothermal pool. Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil Botanical Garden and, season permitting, the enchanting Bonsai Park in Hellisgerði, nestled in lava formations and folklore. OVERNIGHT: Reykjavik.
Day 3: Golden Circle
Experience Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle on a full-day adventure combining natural wonders and agricultural innovation. Begin with a visit to a flower farmer specializing in roses in Mosfellsbær, followed by the historic Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in 930 AD. The canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point between two tectonic plates. Continue with a unique stop at a tomato greenhouse for a tour and schnapps tasting. Witness the erupting Strokkur geyser and the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, before ending the day in Flúðir, known for its geothermal greenhouses, with an evening arrival in Rangá. OVERNIGHT: Rangá.
Day 4: Westman Islands
We journey south from Rangá to the captivating Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago just off Iceland’s southern coast. After a scenic ferry ride, explore Heimaey—the only inhabited island—where a dramatic 1973 eruption reshaped the landscape and enhanced the harbor. Discover Eldfell’s still- warm crater, watch puffins nesting on the sea cliffs, and walk among buried homes frozen in time. A highlight is the remarkable “garden in the lava,” a symbol of resilience where vibrant flowers bloom defiantly in the volcanic rock. Continue to Reykjavik. OVERNIGHT: Reykjavik.
Day 5: Reykjavik Landscaping and Private Gardens
Today offers a unique glimpse into Icelandic garden design and landscape architecture. Begin with a visit to Landslag, Iceland’s leading landscaping and planning firm, for an engaging presentation by one of their expert designers. Then, enjoy exclusive tours of two private gardens, where you'll meet the passionate owners and learn firsthand about gardening in Iceland’s unique climate. OVERNIGHT: Reykjavik.
Day 6: Akureyri Island
Fly north to the island of Akureyri for a full-day adventure exploring the natural wonders of the Lake Mývatn region, a breathtaking landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Renowned for its abundant birdlife—especially its exceptional variety of duck species—Lake Mývatn is a haven for nature lovers. Highlights include the bubbling solfatara fields of Hverarönd, the dramatic Hverfjall crater, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir, known as “The Dark Castles.” The day concludes with a visit to Akureyri’s Botanical Gardens, where over 2,000 species of native and exotic flowers thrive outdoors in the town’s unusually warm microclimate, before returning to Reykjavík by air. OVERNIGHT: Reykjavik.
Day 7: Reykjavik / Return to U.S.
Transfer to the airport for flights back to the U.S.