Iceland Grand Circle
September 14-22, 2027
Reykjavik City Tour
Wonders of Iceland Exhibit
Turf Church
Akureyri Botanical Gardens
Goðafoss Waterfall
Lake Mývatn Pseudo Craters
Mývatn Nature Baths
Two Nights of Northern Lights Tours
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
Námaskarð Hot Springs Area
Vatnajökull National Park
Dettifoss Waterfall
Travel on Iceland’s ring road and discover volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, the Northern Lights, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls!
Featuring Iceland’s Ring Road & a Chance to see the Northern Lights!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Diamond Beach
Eldhraun Lava Field
Reynisfjara Black Lava Beach
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
LAVA Center
Geyser Geothermal Area
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Icelandic Horse Demonstration
Thingvellir National Park
Highlights:
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A Riley motorcoach will transfer us to MSP Airport where we will board an overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.
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We’ll arrive in Iceland this morning and be transported to our hotel. Our local tour guide will give us a tour of Reykjavik. You will have the rest of the day to get rested or explore the city on your own. Our hotel is centrally located within waking distance to many of the sights, shopping and restaurants in Reykjavik.
Hotel: Fosshotel
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Our day starts at the Perlan Museum, home to the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition. This unique nature museum showcases volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy. Visitors can explore the world’s first indoor ice cave, learn about glaciers, and enjoy a stunning 360° display of the northern lights, along with their formation and ancient stories. Additionally, experience the Geldingadalir eruption in an impressive volcanic show about Iceland’s first volcano eruption. Afterwards, we begin our travels along Iceland’s Ring Road. First stop, Grabrok Volcano Crater. The crater is the largest of three craters and formed about 3400 years ago in a fissure eruption. Climb the steps to the top of the crater where you can walk around the top while enjoying beautiful views of the Borgarfjörður countryside. Continuing our tour along the Ring Road, we stop at Turf Church, Víðimýrarkirkj which was built in 1834 and features a traditional turf roof and timber structure. Step inside to admire the beautifully preserved interior with intricate wood carvings, colorful decorations and historic artifacts. We continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. (B, D)
Hotel: Hotel KEA
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This morning we visit the botanical garden. As we depart the city, enjoy panoramic views over Eyjafjörður fjord before we enter Vaðlaheiði, a tunnel system that runs beneath the Vaðlaheiði mountains, stretching approximately 7.2 Kilometers. This afternoon we visit Goðafoss known as the waterfalls of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn and Skútustaðagígar where you can walk around pseudo craters. To end an exciting day, we take a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths, a small lagoon with a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm soothing waters benefit both skin and spirit alike. This evening our guide will take us on a Northern Lights Tour to hopefully see the Aurora Borealis. (B, D)
Hotel: Sel Hotel Mývatn
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In the morning we take a walk at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles,” a lava labyrinth, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. Walk around this unique nature park featuring bizarre lava formations that were created as molten lava cooled, with steam percolating through it. This afternoon we visit the hot springs area of Námaskarð, with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. As we make our way to our next attraction, we travel through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surrounding to east Iceland. With some luck we might spot an artic fox or see a reindeer. We will take a detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. (B, D)
Hotel: Hérað - Berjaya Iceland Hotel
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We continue our travels along the Ring Road with our first stop at stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. As we explore this extraordinary site maybe we’ll see seals swimming in the arctic waters. You can walk on the famous “Diamond Beach” where large icebergs get stranded on the black sand beach. The ice pieces, shaped by the ocean, stand out against the dark sand, creating a unique scene. Get up close and personal with the ice while walking along the beach. Afterwards, we board Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour. Travel across the lagoon seeing floating icebergs and the glacier up close. This evening our guide will take us on a Northern Lights Tour to hopefully see the Aurora Borealis. (B, D)
Hotel: Hotel Laki
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A beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits as we continue along the coast passing Eldhraun Lava Field then cross the Sandy Desert overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near the village Vik where we will stop for lunch. Next stop is at Skógafoss, an impressive waterfall that is 60 meters high. We continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain. And finally, we make a visit to the LAVA Center to learn about past, present and future volcano eruptions in Iceland. (B, D)
Hotel: Stracta Hotel
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Today we begin at the geyser geothermal fields with hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser “Geysir” is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur which erupts at every 5-10 minutes. We continue our travels to Gullfoss known as “the golden falls.” This double waterfall tumbles 34 meters into Hvita River. Enjoy a tour at Friðheimar Tomato Farm and a geothermal greenhouse, a delicous tomato soup lunch is included here. Here we will also learn about the Icelandic horse and it’s special qualities and history. As we make our way on the final leg of the Ring Road, a stop is made at Thingvellir National Park which sits on the boundary between the Northern American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You will see dramatic landscapes of rift valleys and crystal-clear lakes. We return to Reykjavik for our last evening to enjoy on your own. (B, L)
Hotel: Fosshotel
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This morning we will say goodbye to Iceland and board our flight at Keflavik airport to fly back to Minneapolis, MN. (B)
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We will start off the day visiting DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, what started as a small construction project in the early 1950s developed into a 10-acre National Historic District designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia. After lunch on your own, we head over to the Mineral Discovery Center to learn about the copper mining process. While here we do a Mine Tour in an open-pit copper mine and see how copper ore is mined and how it is processed in the mill to extract the copper minerals. The rest of our afternoon will be spent at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. A natural history museum, zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and aquarium, featuring 21 acres of desert landscape. It is home to more than 230 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. (B)
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Our tour comes to an end today as we make our way to the airport in Phoenix and fly home.
Trip Itinerary
TOUR DATES: September 14-23, 2027
PRICE PER PERSON
Double (2 people/room): $5550
Single (1 person/room): $6950
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $200
IMPORTANT DATES
Booking Deadline: 6/17/27
Final Payment Due: 6/17/27
Cancellation for Full Refund: 6/17/27
TRIP DOCUMENTS ARE MAILED 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Valid Passport Book
MEALS INCLUDED
Breakfast (B): 7
Lunch (L): 1
Dinner (D): 5
INCLUDES
-All Airport Transfers
-Roundtrip Airfare & 1 Checked Bag
-Transportation via Riley Bus & Tours
-English Speaking Local Guide & Bus Transportation
-Tour Representative with Riley’s Traveling with you the entire trip taking care of all of the details
-Accommodations, Attractions & Meals Listed in Itinerary
-All Taxes & Tips for Tour Features
NOT INCLUDED
-Gratuity for Local guide, local driver and Riley Representative
-Luggage handling
TOUR PACE
This tour is considered more active than most of our tours as sightseeing requires walking for longer periods of time on uneven terrain & up flights of stairs; wheelchairs and walkers would not be suitable for this tour.
Please Note: You will stay at unique hotels that reflect the region. Hotels may lack typical US amenities such as air conditioning and modern features. Elevators may not be available.
HOW TO BOOK A TOUR:
We require all travelers to fill out a reservation form and submit a deposit when signing up for a tour. If you want to pay by credit card, you should BOOK ONLINE. If you want to pay by check, you should BOOK BY MAIL. Please be sure to read our TERMS & CONDITIONS.
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Click on BOOK BY MAIL
A printable Reservation Form will pop-up - print this form
Fill out the Reservation Form - Please read the information page that comes with it before fill it out - there are also insurance information with it
Submit the deposit require for the tour you are signing up for - listed under the pricing information
We will MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts- this invoice is the only one you will receive from us
Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour
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Click on BOOK ONLINE
Select the number of people you are signing up (people icon) on the package you are choosing (Double, Triple, Quad or Single)
Follow onscreen instructions
You will need to pay the deposit (or full payment if the full payment deadline has passed) *Please note, there is a non-refundable fee for using your credit card - ACH payments are charged a non-refundable fee also but it is lower than a credit card
You will receive an email confirmation from Riley Tours/WeTravel - SAVE THIS EMAIL if you plan to make your final payment online, it is the only way to access your reservation
We will also MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due - you may choose to pay your remaining balance by mailing us a check if you prefer *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts - this invoice is the only one you will receive from us
Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour
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DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS
Please not that these discounts and credits have no cash value and need to be applied prior to making your final payment. No refunds for a discount or credit will be made if final payment is made. In fairness to everyone, exceptions cannot be made for any reason.
PRE-TOUR LODGING
Upon request, lodging for the night before the tour will be provided at a cost of $50-$100 per room (depending on location) for travelers who live more than 50 miles from the nearest designated departure point. For travelers who live within 50 miles of the nearest designated departure point, we can help you arrange pre-tour lodging for the full cost of the room. We will send this information to you in your tour documents.
FORM OF PAYMENT
Personal Checks, Money Order, Credit Card and Cash are acceptable forms of payment. Please note, all credit card transactions are subject to a non-refundable 3.95% service fee. *Fees are subject to change*
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Full refund will be made provided we receive notice 31 days prior to the tours departure for most tours. Each tour has a cancellation date listed on the brochure or catalog page. For tours which include air, a full refund will be made up to 61 days before departure or the date indicated on the brochure. For tours which include a cruise, a full refund will be made based upon the cruise line’s cancellation policy. Cancellations or changes made within 60 days of departure may be subject to charges assessed by the airlines and/or tour suppliers. Refunds are at the discretion of Riley Tours based on non-recoverable expenses and other factors. If you are sharing a room and your partner cancels or leaves the tour en route, you will be required to pay the difference between the double and single accommodation tour cost if you did not purchase trip insurance. Riley Tours reserves the right to modify it’s refund and cancellation policy when a sizable amount of cancellation or delay of travel that is related to or arising out of acts of God, pandemics, weather, government actions, mechanical breakdowns, acts of terrorism and war. In any one of these circumstances, Riley’s will issue the amount paid in the form of a travel voucher that does not expire.
TRIP INSURANCE
Riley’s offers an Travel Protection Plan for every tour. This coverage can protect you from non-refundable charges and any additional expenses if a illness or an accident prevents you or your partner from going on a tour or leave a tour while it’s in progress. This plan is optional and at an additional cost. It is non-refundable.
PICK UP POINTS
Inside secure parking is offered at our office in Murdock, Minnesota. Other locations we pick up but do not offer inside secure parking in Minnesota include Hutchinson, Waconia, St. Joseph, Alexandria and St. Michael. We also pick up in Plymouth, Minnetonka, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Eden Prairie but there is not parking arrangements there. These departure points are scheduled based on the tour routing. We suggest you contact our office for the most convenient departure point that is available from your area. Courtesy transportation will be provided upon request for ten or more passengers departing from one location on most tours. If no pick-up point is determined on passenger's reservation form, the nearest one with parking will be selected by Riley Tours.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
A Passport is required for all passengers traveling by air to and from Canada and Mexico along with on international tours. U.S. Customs suggests that your passport’s be valid atleast six months past your return date. If you are applying for a passport, we recommend applying for a passport as you register for a tour, as it can take up to eight weeks to process. For land crossings a passport or an enhanced drivers license is required. A REAL ID is required for tours flying within the United States unless you plan to use your passport. Please make sure you have the proper ID when making your reservation. Riley’s is not responsible for costs incurred due to a traveler not having the correct form of ID to travel. Travelers are responsible for checking with the government authorities for all countries visited to determine if the traveler is allowed to enter due to policies in place by that country. For Example: Criminal history such as DWI may not allow someone to travel into Canada.
TOURS THAT INCLUDE AIRFARE
For tours that include airfare, Riley Tours book these tickets as a group. Seats are assigned by the airlines and a seat next to your traveling companion is not a guarantee nor is a seat request such as aisle, window seats or upgrades. Riley Tours staff submits these request to the airline and will make every attempt to get travel companions close to each other on the plane but Riley's is not responsible if those requests are not followed by the airline. Any flight deviations or reservations after the final payment on tours that include airfare, are subject to additional costs/fees and payment for the airline ticket is due at the time of purchase. It is the responsibility of each Tour Guest to provide their name as written on their government-issued photo ID (or Passport if required) when registering for a tour. This is the ID you must bring and use at the airport. If the incorrect name is given, Riley Tours is not liable for additional expenses incurred or travel delays as a result of airline ticket name changes.
TOUR DOCUMENTS
Complete joining instructions with pick up times and locations, an itinerary, and hotel listing will be included with your luggage tag and medical form. This material is mailed to you approximately 21 days prior to the tours departure date.
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend for all of our tours that you wear comfortable shoes made for walking. Bring clothing that can be layered easily for changing weather conditions. Bringing a raincoat that can easily be folded and stored is always a good idea. If special events or activities require more dressy attire, it will be noted on your tour documents. We suggest you bring a bathing suit if you enjoy utilizing the hotel pools and Jacuzzis.
SINGLE TRAVELER
Riley Tours welcomes single travelers and will try to assist in arranging a roommate for any person wishing to share accommodations at the double rate. Travelers looking for partners are responsible for meeting one another and deciding if it is a good match. Riley’s shall not be held liable should the arrangement fail. If a shared arrangement not be available or does not work out, the single rate will apply. Single travelers that sign up for a tour are purchasing a single seat and may be required to share a seat with another single passenger if the bus is full.
TRIPLE & QUAD
These accommodations are usually in rooms with two double beds. A roll-away bed or cot is subject to availability on a request basis only and at an extra cost.
TOUR PARTICIPATION
Tour participation will be granted to all persons. Any person who requires special assistance needs to be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them throughout the trip. Riley Tours regrets that we are not able to provide individual assistance to guests with walking, wheel chairs, or other personal needs. Please note it is the responsibility of the traveler to pay for any expenses incurred for special arrangements required.
MOBILITY DEVICES
Foldable wheelchairs and walkers are welcome. They are not permitted onboard the motorcoach and will be stored in the baggage compartment. If you intend to bring a wheelchair or walker, please notify us when making your reservation. We can accommodate motorized wheelchairs of a specific size and weight.
ADA ACT ON INTERNATIONAL TOURS
Be aware that the ADA Act is only applicable in the U.S., so traveling outside the U.S. with a disability may be more difficult.
LUGGAGE
Each person is allowed ONE LARGE SUITCASE which will be handled for you throughout the tour. In addition, a small overnight case or tote bag may be carried aboard. Carry-on articles are the responsibility of each person. A purse or small bag can be in addition to your carry-on as well as a C-Pap breathing machine as it is considered a medical device and doesn’t count as a carry-on. Though every effort will be made to safeguard your luggage, Riley Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage. Each person is required to handle their own luggage at airport check-in.
SMOKING POLICY
For the comfort of everyone, smoking aboard the coach and at included group functions is not permitted. Frequent stops enable those who wish to smoke to do so.
SEAT ROTATIONS
To enable everyone to enjoy the view from all areas of the motor coach, seating will be changed on a daily basis on tours with 20 people or more, your tour director will explain this procedure.
INCLUDED MEALS & ATTRACTIONS
You will be advised of those meals that are included as part of your tour. We regret that food substitutions are not always possible for pre-arranged or set menus. Please let us know when signing up if you have special dietary requests so we may try to accommodate them. Refunds cannot be given, should you choose not to join the tour group for an included meal, or sightseeing that has been prepaid or arranged on a group basis.
TOUR DIRECTORS
Every Riley Tour is accompanied by a professional Tour Director who handles all the details of your tour. Cruise tours may not have a Tour Director onboard.
RESERVATION FORMS
When filling out a reservation form, please write your full legal name (as written on your ID). If you have a nickname you would like on the name tag that you will wear throughout the tour, you may request that under the “Names on Tag” section of the form. If the form is filled incorrectly, Riley Tours is not responsible for fees to make changes.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Please let us know in the special requests line of your reservation form if you need any of the following: handicapped accessible room or other special room requests, walking restrictions, wheelchair, special dietary needs, if you plan bringing any medical items necessary for your trip, etc. Riley’s must have notice that you need a wheel chair prior to your tours departure in order for the wheel chair to be reserved for a passenger. Please note: handicapped accessible rooms with 2 queen beds is not always available at hotels so please specify what you need exactly so we can make sure your request is accommodated correctly. For example: walk in shower, raised toilet, etc.
GRATUITIES
Tips for all included features of your tour (luggage handling, included meals, etc.) will be taken care of by your tour director. Tips for meals on your own or other services are at the discretion of each tour participant. Customary tips for the tour director and driver of your tour should be on a voluntary basis and given individually at the end of the tour. If tips are not included, it is noted on the tour brochure. We suggest $5-10 per traveler per day.
LIABILITY & RELATION WITH AIRFARE
We assume no liability for any actions of the airlines, such as flight delays, flight cancellation and equipment failure. The obligations and liabilities of an airline to you, and your rights against the airline, are subject to the terms and conditions of the airlines’ tickets and tariffs. It is important to understand that portions of a trip missed due to a flight delay are lost and no refund will be issued by Riley Tours.
RESPONSIBILITY
These tours are operated by Riley Tours of Murdock, MN. Riley Tours and their agents act only as an agent for such other parties, firms, or corporations providing services herein. No liability shall be incurred by Riley Tours, their agents, presenters, or cosponsors because of injury, loss, delay, or other complication experienced by tour participants. Riley Tours reserves the right to correct printing errors, to make any changes or alterations in the printed itineraries, dates, routes, hotels, or included features prior to or during the tour, as may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the tour. The names of the hotels used may be changed without notice. Riley Tours also reserves the right to accept, decline, or retain any person as a participant of these tours at anytime.