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Days
9
Price from
4210EUR
Map of Highlights of Iceland including Iceland

Walk among the glaciers, mountains and volcanoes of Iceland.

Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with soaring coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and idyllic waterfalls on a nine-day small group adventure. Enjoy a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon, trek around vast waterside craters, visit local artisans in Grundarfjordur and charming fishing villages, and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean. See the highlights of Iceland with expert local knowledge and time to explore – you’ll get a true taste of this Northern European outpost.

Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Destination
Iceland
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEIK
Physical rating
Trip rating
43 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – bubbling volcanic solfataras, rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons.

  • Stunning no matter when you see it, Gullfoss is more than simply Iceland's largest waterfall, and in the sunlight, it’s graced by a dazzling rainbow!

  • On your journey from Skaftafell, you'll drive through fields of lava created by Laki's famous volcanic eruption of 1783.

  • Raise a glass to the stunning natural scenery with a schnapps and traditional Icelandic delicacy tasting overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

  • Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, and take part in their tree planting project to contribute to their environmental efforts.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Iceland can be very cold at any time of year, so it's important to bring appropriate clothing. On the rare occasion that your leader has to alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.

  • Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives of around 6 hours. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. Of course, you will stop frequently for photo opportunities.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single-room supplement is available at an additional cost. Note that hotels in Iceland often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together or apart. Also, rooms in Iceland can be small, and at times you may be accommodated a short walk away from the main building.

iceland-puffin

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland's quirky capital, and settle into your hotel. There are no activities planned until tonight's group meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, take a stroll and acquaint yourself with the world's northernmost capital. Perhaps take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition on the history of Iceland from the ninth century to the present. As there is not much time spent in Reykjavik on this trip, you may want to consider booking some additional days in the capital before or after your trip. If you wish to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Klettur or similar - Reykjavik (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer from Keflavik Airport
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
A private airport arrival transfer from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your arrival flight details at the time of booking.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today you’ll board a private vehicle and drive to Thingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains) – the original location of Iceland’s first parliament from AD930, and a geological phenomenon. From here enter the Borgarfjordur area and visit the stunning waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava waterfalls) and Barnafossar (Children’s waterfalls). Continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s hottest water spring. In the afternoon head to your overnight stay in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Once settled in, meet up with your group for an included dinner.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse Langaholt or similar - Snaefellsbaer (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Thingvellir (Parliament Plains)
  • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 5 hours; 350 km

Today you will continue around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its magnificent glacier Snaefellsjokull, an icecap covering a dormant volcano underneath. Places you’ll visit today include basaltic pebble beaches framed by strange lava formations, and Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs gives you access to the rich birdlife and other wonders of nature. Continue to the pretty town of Grundarfjordur, where you’ll stop and meet a local artist by the name of Liston, who will show you his workshop. This is a great opportunity to have a look at his stone carving pieces and to interact with a local artisan. Afterwards, drive to your overnight stay in Saudarkrokur in Iceland's north, located on beautiful Skagafjordur Fjord.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mikligardur or similar - Saudarkrokur (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Snaefellsjokull, Arnarstapi & Stykkisholmur
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 5 hours; 400 km

Drive around the picturesque Trollaskagi Peninsula and visit the small fishing town of Siglufjordur. Explore the compact town centre, dwarfed by towering mountains on three sides, and opening up to the fjord on its northern side. Further along the stunning coast you’ll have the special opportunity to dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean and enjoy an Icelandic schnapps tasting, accompanied with some local delicacies. You group leader will offer you some specialties of the region – think shark, lamb’s head, liver sausage and dried fish. They’re not called delicacies for nothing! Continue to the town of Akureyri, Iceland's second town, where you will have the afternoon to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps visit the church or join a whale watching adventure from the town’s port.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kea or similar - Akureyri (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trollaskagi Peninsula, Siglufjordur & Akureyri
Optional Activities
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal) - ISK9000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 3 hours; 200 km

Start the day by driving to the waterfall Godafoss, also known as The Waterfall of the Gods. Continue to Lake Myvatn, one of the most interesting geological and geographical areas of the northern hemisphere and in Iceland. Visit a number of geological anomalies lining the lake’s shoreline, including the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir and the pseudo-crater group at Skutustadir, and the boiling mud pots and sulphuric vents of Namaskard. From Lake Myvatn, drive to the magnificent waterfall Dettifoss. You will spend the night in the Modrudalur Valley, a settlement in Iceland's highlands.
Accommodation
  • Fjalladyrd Farm House - Modrudalur Valley (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
  • Dettifoss Waterfall
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 5 hours; 300 km

This morning after breakfast, continue back to the coast and along the beautiful coastal region of Iceland's East Fjords, with spectacular landscapes, high mountains and deep fjords. If you are lucky you may spot a seal or two! Drive to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for an unforgettable boat tour on the milky blue waters and between floating icebergs, originating from Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Afterwards, continue on to Skaftafell for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Skaftafell or similar - Skaftafell (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • East Fjords
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 6.5 hours; 500 km. Today is a long day of travel, however the scenery and beauty of the coast makes up for this.

Visit Skaftafell National Park and walk to the tongue of the glacier of the same name. Drive over the black sands and lava formations caused by the Laki eruption of 1782-1783 (an event that has shaped Iceland's history and culture) to the village of Vik. From here continue to the beautiful scenery of Iceland's South Shore, with sights including the Solheimajokull glacier and the towering black rocks of Reynisdrangar. If the sky is clear you will be able to see the Eyafjallajokull volcano. In the afternoon you will visit the waterfalls of Seljarlandsfoss and Skogafoss before arriving at your overnight stop in the Hvolsvollur Valley. Here our local friends will give you an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in this area of Iceland. The guesthouse is the leader in responsible tourism and sustainability in Iceland. Since the arrival of the first settlers to Iceland, deforestation has taken place in order to make space for pastures. With this in mind, the owners had the idea to start a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering CO2 and counteract soil erosion. Join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself!
Accommodation
  • Hotel Fljotshlid Smaratun Farm or similar - Hvolsvollur Valley (1 night)
Included Activities
  • South Shore, Reynisdrangar & Solheimajokull Glacier
  • Laki Lava Fields
  • Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls
  • Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Driving time approximately 3.5 hours; 300 km. Please note that the tree planting activity is only possible during the summer months from mid-May to mid-September and depends on weather conditions.

From Hvolsvollur, drive to the geyser geothermal area for the spouting hot springs of Geysir (after which all other geysers were named) and Strokkur, the most reliable of the geysers, erupting every ten minutes, on average. Don’t stand downwind if you don’t want a hot shower! Then it’s on to Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) where, on a sunny day, you can see rainbows shimmer in the spray above the waterfall. In the afternoon, drive back to Reykjavik for a short city tour before checking into your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the streets of Iceland’s capital, so perhaps join the locals in one of the many cafés.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Klettur or similar - Reykjavik (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour
  • Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Driving time approximately 3 hours; 250 km. Arrival back into Reykjavik this afternoon will be at around 3 and 4 pm.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability). Use your time in Reykjavik to soak up the local art scene and café culture or pay a visit to the bubbling Blue Lagoon – an absolute must when in Iceland.
Optional Activities
  • Volcano House - ISK1790
  • Perlan Museum - ISK3900
  • Saga Museum - ISK2200
  • Settlement Exhibition - ISK1700
  • Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK2900
  • Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Maritime Museum - ISK1700
  • Blue Lagoon - ISK11000
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal) - ISK11000
  • Nauthólsvík Thermal Beach - Free
  • Fludir Secret Lagoon - ISK3000
  • Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - ISK3800
  • Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Blue Lagoon has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit. Find out more information at bluelagoon.com.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (8 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer from Keflavik Airport
  • Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Thingvellir (Parliament Plains)
  • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
  • Snaefellsjokull, Arnarstapi & Stykkisholmur
  • Trollaskagi Peninsula, Siglufjordur & Akureyri
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
  • Dettifoss Waterfall
  • Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • East Fjords
  • South Shore, Reynisdrangar & Solheimajokull Glacier
  • Laki Lava Fields
  • Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls
  • Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour
  • Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)

Dates & availability

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Important notes

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from Keflavik Airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight times at the time of booking.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Essential trip information

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