Dramatic landscapes born of volcanoes and shaped by glaciers. A fantasy world of boiling mud pots, rugged coastlines, and rhyolite peaks. Hveragerdi, a geothermal region whose subterranean heat feeds tropical hothouses. The steaming lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula; the ever-changing landscape of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Warm, healing waters in the Blue Lagoon. Nature's artistry: The incredible oasis of Thorsmork Valley, brilliantly green; mountains of gold, orange, purple and rose at Landmannalaugar. Moss fields, meadows of wool grass, rare orchids. A river warm enough to bathe in; a white glacial waterfall cascades 105 feet into a narrow canyon, leaving a rainbow in its wake. Spectacular geysers shoot into the air. The mystical grandeur of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where elves and faeries are said to dwell. Extraordinary, otherworldly beauty. See and believe.
Highlights:
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge: divides the Atlantic Ocean
- The Blue Lagoon
- Hidden waterfall in the Stakkholtsgja Canyon
- Ice caps and glaciers
- Hot springs and fumeroles
- Rhyolite lava field: Laugahraun
- Gullfoss Waterfalls
- The Great Geyser
- Luxurious Hotel Budir
- Bilingual guide
Tour Details:
Grade: moderate to challenging hiking;
Daily hiking: 3 to 12 miles per day;
Tour Dates: June 16-22, July 29-Aug 4 from Reykjavik, Iceland.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
We will meet you at the Keflavik International Airport upon your arrival early in the morning or at your hotel. We’ll begin our adventure in relaxation at a geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most supernatural looking body of water on Earth. The temperature in the swim-able area averages about 40C (104F), and the soothing, mineral-rich water is rumored to have curative powers. Welcome to Iceland! At the Krysuvik geothermal area we will see closely some very active bubbling mud pots and sizzling steam vents or fumaroles. The sulfuric acid that is created dissolves the surrounding rock into fine particles of silica and clay, that mix with what little water there is, to form the seething and bubbling mud pots. Fumaroles, or steam vents, are hot springs with a lot of heat but so little water that it all boils away before reaching the surface. After a picnic lunch we’ll visit one of Iceland’s oldest churches and one with an interesting history, Strandarkirkja. We’ll arrive early at the Hotel Rangá www.hotelranga.is (Ph: 354-487-5700) to relax before dinner. This evening enjoy a walk along the peaceful Rangá River. (Hike up to 3 hours, drive up to 4 hours)
Day 2:
Today’s adventure takes us to the Thorsmörk Valley via the Seljalandfoss Waterfall. Thorsmork is an incredible oasis area hidden between three glaciers in the southern part of Iceland. To arrive here, we’ll travel a rough mountain track and, literally, cross through many rivers. We’ll hike to a hidden waterfall in the Stakkholtsgjá Canyon. Hiking in this “Jurassic” looking canyon will make you forget what period the earth’s evolution is in. Our hike at the end of the day offers us the magnificent view of the entire area surrounded by ice caps and glaciers. We’ll stay at the same hotel this evening. (Hike up to 3 hours, drive up to 2 ½ hours)
Day 3:
Today we’ll travel to Landmannalaugar via the Fjallabak south road. This unique pearl of the interior is situated in a valley between colourful (yellow, orange and purple) steep mountains at the high and dark edge of the rhyolite lava field, Laugahraun. While wandering through this intoxication of color, you'll come upon Icelandic moss fields, meadows of wool grass, steam springs, and bizarre lava formations, where various blossoms defy the raw climate. Here you also find a rare orchid, during the summer, which only exists in Iceland and in the Rocky Mountains. This magnificent fragile eco-system seems out of place amidst these volcanic mountains and you’ll even start believing in elves and fairies, as we enjoy bathing in the geothermal warmed river. Tonight we’ll enjoy the hospitality of the same hotel again. (Hike up to 4 ½ hours, drive up to 3 hours)
Day 4:
We’ll drive across the agricultural centre of Iceland on our way visit two of the “Natural Wonders of the World”. Gullfoss Waterfalls is an enormous white glacial cascade dropping 105 feet into a narrow canyon. Its spectacular two-tiered cataract hangs in the air like fine drizzle, which forms a rainbow in the sunlight. In winter it has an unusual appearance when it is garbed in ice and snow. For someone who has never seen a geyser, the Great Geyser, is an overwhelming sight. This landmark of Iceland is a spectacular natural phenomenon beyond description. In the historical Thingvellir Valley, we’ll learn about the history of Iceland. We’ll enjoy a wonderful walk through the densely vegetated National Park. We’ll stay at the Hotel Valhöll www.hotelvalholl.is (Ph: 354-480-7100) located in the heart of the historical homeland of Iceland. (Short walks and sight-seeing, drive up to 5 hours)
Day 5:
In the Kaldidalur Valley we’ll view the splendid Langjökull glacier and hike to one of the longest (2 km) lava caves of Iceland, Surtshellir. This was once a famed location for outlaws hiding out. Upon entering the caves you will see the beautiful structures that the flowing lava created in these caves thousands of years ago. We’ll visit Barnafoss and Hraunfoss Waterfalls as well as the largest hot water spring in the world, Deildartungarhver. This spring supplies the hot water for nearby communities. We’ll spend a night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the fishing village of Grundarfjördur. At the Hótel Framnes (Ph: 354-438-6893) www.hotel-framnes.is , we’ll enjoy the quaint hospitality of this old-fashioned fisherman’s hostel and enjoy a “fresh catch” for dinner. This village is very representative of the many fishing communities up and down the coast. (Hike up to 2 hours, drive up to 2 hours)
Day 6:
This morning we’ll enjoy a walk about the village with a delightful local resident who will tell us a bit of the history of the area. As we circumnavigate the peninsula we’ll hike the coastal trails along the Southside of the island. This coastline continues to change as the rugged lava formations are stopped by the cold and powerful Atlantic Ocean. We’ll end our day with our farewell dinner at the Hótel Búdir (Ph: 354-435-6700) www.budir.is , a Condé Nast Traveler pick as one of the 100 best new hotels worldwide. If you don’t believe in elves yet…after staying here…you’ll understand why 80% of Icelanders do believe in elves. This location is utterly magical! (Hike up to 4 hours, drive up to 2 ½ hours)
Day 7:
We’ll end our adventure in the countryside and travel to the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, where you may discover the wonders of this city on your own. Stops will be made at hotels for those who are staying in Reykjavik and an airport shuttle will depart at 2PM for traveling home today. (Drive up to 3 hours)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- All meals
- Lodging at comfortable and often luxurious accommodations
- Knowledgeable and friendly regional guides
- Transportation in modern air-conditioned vans
- All park entrances and other entry fees for museums included in our itinerary
- Fares for ferries
- Whale and seabird watching cruises and tidal bore rafting, where offered
- Gratuities at inns and restaurants
- All taxes.
Not included: airfare, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for guides.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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