7-Nights Tailor Made Iceland: Summer in the Land of Fire & Ice - Luxury Tailor Made Travel

Thingvellir

The unique history and geology possessed by Thingvellir makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Iceland’s Parliament was established in this city in 930 and remained there until the late 18th century. In 1930, Thingvellir National Park (the first of its kind in Iceland) was established to preserve the remains of the original parliament site as well as the natural wonders in the surrounding area. The city is home to Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland, as well as the Silfra fissure and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. Diving or snorkeling through the crystal clear waters in the rifts between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is also a very popular activity for visitors to Thingvellir.

Reykjavik

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.