SPLENDOUR OF ICELAND

DISCOVER ICELAND´S MOST EXCITING PLACES

This action-packed tour combines the unforgettable thrill of a super-jeep track safari round Iceland’s south, north, and uninhabited highland interior. A tour in which the emphasis is strongly on active member participation, it offers the opportunity to take part in a multitude of exciting activities including swimming, walking, river rafting, whale watching and much, much more, to form an exhilarating experience which the participants will never forget.

Day 1: The spectacular south – Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Meet and greet in Keflavík international airport followed by a meeting with the driver guide and departure along the south coast. Driving east from Reykjavík along the southern coastal plain, we make a stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, before continuing on to the graceful beauty of its neighbour, Skógarfoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. Here we are already in the vicinity of the infamous volcano Eyjafjallajökull and will explore the evidence of the recent eruptions. Accommodation near Skógar.

Day 2: Kirkjubæjarklaustur /Hekla/Landmannalaugar/Hrauneyjar

A visit to the Dyrhólaey nature reserve or the coastal landscape of Reynishverfi is followed by a stop for lunch at the village of Vík. Crossing the vast crater fields of Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava to have ever flowed on earth in historical times, we reach the picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Driving through the southern lowlands and past the slopes of Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, we turn north into the brooding volcanic landscape of Iceland’s highland interior. Crossing rugged lava fields, unbridged mountain rivers and sprawling arctic deserts, the tour reaches Landmannalaugar, a landscape of sweeping mountains and hot and cold springs that blend together to create the ideal setting for a relaxing swim or a bracing walk. We head across the rugged highland interior into the sweeping mountains and lush valleys of west Iceland, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hrauneyjar guesthouse/mountain hut or Hotel Highland.

Day 3: Highland adventure

The vast, empty splendour of Iceland’s highland interior provides the setting for today’s drive, and given that some 80% of the country is uninhabited and lies over 400 metres above sea level, there is plenty of space. Despite the distance covered, the route taken allows plenty time for frequent stops to enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of glaciers, gravel, sandy deserts, lakes and lava fields. A late lunch break offers an opportunity to contemplate the silence and solitude of this breathtaking wilderness, before the group continues north to the beautiful Aldeyjarfoss waterfall. A brief stop is made at Fosshóll, one of the first signs of human habitation on this lonely route, and then it’s on to Lake Mývatn, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel at lake Mývatn.

Day 4: Lake Mývatn

We spend today exploring the haunting natural beauty of the Mývatn area, with its colourful bird life and strange rock formations. Highlights include the natural rock maze of Dimmuborgir, the pseudocraters near Skútustadir and Laxá, one of Iceland’s best salmon rivers. Passing through the brooding Námaskard pass, where the pungent smell of sulphur, boiling mud pools and flashing colours of the surrounding mountains merge with ash and lava from the volcano Krafla, we return to our hotel for the night. Accommodation: Hotel at lake Mývatn.

Day 5: Ásbyrgi/Dettifoss/Whale watching

The horseshoe-shaped rock formation Asbyrgi, lilting echoes of the Hljódaklettar canyons and thunderous roar of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, provide the setting for today’s tour, which includes s whale watching cruise from the picturesque fishing port of Húsavík. (3 hours) Following the return to Mývatn, the day ends with an opportunity to enjoy a walk, hike or horse ride along the shores of the lake and its unique surroundings. Accommodation: Hotel at lake Mývatn.

Day 6: Godafoss/Akureyri/Skagafjördur

Passing the waterfall Goðafoss, named for the pagan idols said to have been cast into it when Iceland adopted Christianity in the year 1000, we head for Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. After a sightseeing of the town, we head for the majestic mountains and narrow passes which lead to the shores of Skagafjördur, and an introduction to the incomparable Icelandic horse, a breed unchanged since its introduction to the country by the Vikings over 1100 years ago. Accommodation: Hotel in Sauðárkrókur or Varmahlid.

Day 7: Hveravellir/Gullfoss/Geysir

Driving south towards the spectacular Kjölur mountain road, we pause for a relaxing swim among the hot-spring area at Hveravellir. Following a visit to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, we head for the surreal colours and hissing steam of the geothermal area at Geysir, possibly the most famous hot spring in the world. Optional is river rafting at the end of the day on the Thjórsá river. (2, 5 hours all together, can also be done the day after if not enough time today). Accommodation: Hotel in Geysir area.

Day 8: Thingvellir/South coast /Reykjavík

The day can begin with a rafting trip if not enough time the day before. On to Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland’s parliament from 930 – 1798, and the place where the North Atlantic ridge splits the geological continents of America and Eurasia. Down to south Iceland’s black, sandy beaches and very tiny and typical villages of Eyrarbakki et Stokkseyri. Drive back to Reykjavík. Accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík.

Day 9: Reykjavík or return Keflavík

A day in Reykjavík to enjoy the capital, unguided or transfer back by fly bus to Keflavík (not included)