Go across the wilderness with 11 day escorted bus tours packag...

Across the Wilderness 2024 - 12 days

Guided rough terrain vehicle tour - 12 days

Explore Iceland’s hidden highland beauty as well as famous natural wonders with this popular combination of small group sightseeing and nature walks. Come with us and see the secret wilderness gems that so few visitors ever experience!

Experience the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Iceland’s uninhabited interior. You’ll travel off-the-beaten track in a specially outfitted 4X4 mountain coach through the untamed highlands of Iceland, highlighted by the multi-colored mountains of the Landmannalaugar nature reserve, the volcanic Askja area, and the legendary black sands of Sprengisandur. When combined with other major attractions such as the Geysir geothermal area, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Dettifoss waterfall, this tour is a spectacular experience. You will also enjoy short and easy guided nature walks bringing you closer to Iceland’s natural beauty.

We support Icelandic nature! As part of our pledge to preserve Iceland’s fragile nature, all our escorted tours include carbon offsetting through Kolviður, the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF)

Highlights:
• Discover the beauty and power of Iceland’s highland wilderness, a majestic area that few travelers visit
• Visit beloved “must see” natural wonders of the Golden Circle region and the Glacier Lagoon
• Join our expert guide on short walks/hikes that give you more insights into Iceland’s unforgettable natural wonders
• Catch the adventurous spirit with travel on unpaved mountain tracks in a specially outfitted wilderness tour vehicle

IT05 Map

AVAILABLE:
June 27 to August 22

DURATION:
12 days, 11 nights.

TOUR ID:
IT05

BESTSELLER

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival

Transfer to Reykjavík is on your own. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers.

Once in Reykjavik, check into your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, you might want to explore Reykjavik’s old town area, location of many museums and galleries. You might also enjoy visiting one of the city’s outdoor geothermal swimming pools where you can shake off your jetlag. In the afternoon you could take one of our day tours, such as whale watching. If you want to stretch your legs, the city has many scenic walking trails.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm).

Overnight stay in Reykjavik
Dinner on your own.

Day 2. Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir

Viking Heritage site with Geological Wonders – Glorious Waterfall & Exploding Geysers

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel and start your adventure! Your first day begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Here you can see the dramatic continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Your guide will share interesting facts about some of the interesting historical events that have happened at Thingvellir.

An hour’s drive away, visit the popular Geysir geothermal area. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes, but you will also see several other boiling pools and hot springs.

Head onwards to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”). A series of easy footpaths leads around the waterfall, giving you the chance to get excellent views from different angles.

Highlights: Geysir Hot Spring - Thingvellir National Park - Gullfoss Waterfall

Overnight and dinner: Hella area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 280 km (174 miles)

Day 3.Hvolsvöllur - Vík - Dyrhólaey - Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand – Lava Fields

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by driving along the highway, making a stop at two impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head to the black sand beaches to enjoy the far-reaching views from Dyrholaey headland, where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest (puffins generally seen between May and mid-August). Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains created by flowing water from nearby glaciers. The day ends after passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the world’s largest recorded single lava flow in the last 10.000 years.

Highlights: Skogafoss Waterfall - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - Eyjafjallajokull Glacier - Eldhraun Lava Field - Reynisdrangar Cliffs - Dyrholaey Promontory

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the next two nights.

Approximate Driving Distance: 190 km (118 miles)

Day 4. Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell

Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Scenic Glacial Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest national park in Western Europe. The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the country’s highest peak. The highlight of the day will surely be the Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon lagoons, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Experience up close this stunning sight on a Zodiac tour among Fjallsarlon Lagoon’s icebergs. You will also view the much-photographed Diamond Beach area, where glittering shards of ice rest on a black sand beach. Continue on your way, passing by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajokull National Park.

Highlights: Hvannadalshnjukur Peak - Skaftafell National Park - Vatnajokull National Park - Vatnajokull Glacier - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Öraefajokull Glacier - Svartifoss Waterfall

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 260 km (161 miles)

Day 5. Landmannalaugar

Multi-colored Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing

Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing!

Breakfast at your hotel. It is now time to leave the asphalt behind and meander along the scenic and rugged Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, an astonishing area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. The surreal beauty of the uninhabited interior reveals deep valleys and sculptured mountains, many formed by volcanic eruptions that happened beneath glaciers during the Ice Age. After a nice walk in the nature reserve (optional), enjoy a relaxing bath in a warm brook created by the convergence of hot and cold springs. It’s an authentic Iceland experience! Head to Thjorsardalur, a scenic valley that holds Iceland’s longest river. The valley is perched just on the edge of the highland wilderness.

Highlights: Hekla Volcano - Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve - Thjorsardalur Valley

Overnight and dinner: Thjorsardalur area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 200 km (124 miles)

Day 6. Sprengisandur Trail

Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing!

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover the hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the black sands of the Sprengisandur highland route. With only rough tracks and un-bridged glacial rivers, your group will rely on your experienced driver to navigate the rugged passage between the glaciers. This is a true taste of Iceland’s wild side. You’ll also discover how this route holds legends and ghost stories. It is even inspiration for one of the country’s most famous folk songs! Through the day you will get a glimpse of the beautiful flat-topped Herdubreid, Iceland’s “Queen of Mountains.”

Emerge back into “civilization” in North Iceland, where the landscape is very different from the southern region. Head to the Myvatn area for your overnight.
Note: If Sprengisandur is closed due to road conditions, your group will take the Kjolur highland route instead.

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area for the next 3 nights.

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km (186 miles)

Day 7. Lake Mývatn – Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Tjörnes

Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Magnificent Canyon – Volcanic Wonderland

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park, as well as Lake Myvatn. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland and paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most visually bizarre attractions in the region include the colorful boiling mud pits of Hverarond and the surreal steaming slopes of Namaskard. The journey continues to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the awe-inspiring Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the impressive 100 meter – (328-feet) high walls of the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Drive around Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. In the afternoon visit the pretty fishing village of Husavik to get a glimpse of local life before returning to your accommodation.

Highlights: Myvatn Lake - Dimmuborgir Lava Pillars - Hverfjall Crater - Jokulsargljufur National Park - Asbyrgi Canyon - Vatnajokull National Park - Dettifoss Waterfall - Husavik

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Day 8. Askja Caldera

Queen of the Mountains – Trip to another Planet – Volcanic Crater Lake

Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure and the views will be amazing!

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you’ll be visiting the Askja caldera (a sunken crater) located in Vatnajokull National Park’s Odadahraun desert area. Askja’s geographic isolation and otherworldly terrain are reasons why NASA leaders used it as a training site for astronauts who went on moon missions in the 1960s and 1970s.

View the vast Askja caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption during the last Ice Age. You’ll also take a walk to see the mountain-ringed Lake Askja, formed by a powerful 19th century volcanic eruption. The same eruption created an imposing crater called Viti, “the gate to Hell.” Standing at the edge of Viti crater and viewing its vast size and the brilliant turquoise water is an amazing experience!

During the day you’ll also visit Drekagil, the Dragon Valley, famous for its strangely shaped lava formations.

Highlights: Askja Volcanic Area - Vatnajokull National Park

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 400 km / 249 miles

Day 9. Along the Arctic Coast Way

Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Scenic Historical Fjord

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, your route takes you along the Arctic Coast Way, which focuses on the enchanting and wild wonders bordering the Arctic Circle. The route takes you alongside the beautiful coastline and tranquil villages, a contrast to the rugged majesty of the highlands you’ve enjoyed the last few days.

Start your adventure with a visit to Godafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”), one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful and charming town.

Travel on the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi), where the rugged rocks indeed look like frozen trolls. Have your camera ready for the breathtaking views where steep mountains meet the vast Arctic Ocean. You’ll also enjoy the views of tiny and colorful fishing villages cradled in the magnificent setting. One of these villages is Siglufjordur, site of an interesting 20th century herring “gold rush.”

Your route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This fjord also holds many historical sites from the classic Viking-age Sagas

Highlights: Godafoss Waterfall - Skagafjordur Fjord - Akureyri - Trollaskagi Peninsula - Siglufjordur - Saudarkrokur - Hofsos

Overnight and dinner : Laugarbakki area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Optional activity – You MUST book and pay for this activity in advance to ensure a spot for you. Let us know during the booking process if you would like add this activity.

Forest Lagoon Geothermal Bath – Soak in the naturally hot pools while enjoying the spectacular forest and fjord view | Duration: flexible | Includes: Bathing fee and towel | Not included: Swimsuit rental

Day 10. Vatnsnes Peninsula - Hvammstangi – Eiriksstadir

Historical Farmlands – Mysterious Scenic Peninsula – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Breakfast at your hotel. Your journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which holds the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 feet) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. This is an area where the sea and the sky seem to meet, and there are inspiring views far into the distance. You might even see seals resting close to the beach.

In the afternoon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath and into Western Iceland. Visit the Viking Age house at the Eric the Red Museum. This was the original homestead of Eric the Red, as well as the birthplace of his son, Leif Eiriksson. These men are two of the world’s most legendary Vikings. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who will show you crafts and activities from a thousand years ago.

Highlights: Vatnsnes Peninsula - Hvitserkur Cliff - Eiriksstadir Viking Home

Overnight and dinner: Snæfellsnes area

Approximate Driving Distance: 250 km / 155

Day 11. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can see magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations and perhaps take a walk along the unique hiking trail linking the historical settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. At the end of the afternoon, your motor coach heads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.

Highlights: Arnarstapi - Snaefellsjokull National Park - Djupalonssandur Beach - Hellnar - Kirkjufell Mountain - Eldborg Crater

Overnight: Reykjavik.
Dinner on your own.

Approximate Driving Distance: 310 km / 193

Day 12. Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight.

Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to book a transfer for you. We recommend departing your hotel no later than three hours before your international flight.
We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight.

Tour Dates

June 27, 2024	English, French	Max group size 24 passengers
July 04, 2024	English	Max group size 24 passengers
July 11, 2024	English, French	Max group size 24 passengers
August 01, 2024	English, French	Max group size 24 passengers
August 22, 2024	English, French	Max group size 24 passengers

Price Information

June 27, 2024 - August 22, 2024:

Price per person in Double/Twin room	734618 ISK (5383 USD)
Price per person in Single room	894015 ISK (6551 USD)

Payments & Terms

20% Deposit
Cancellation Policy
Time of cancellation for individual traveller(s):
More than 8 weeks (56+ days) prior to arrival: deposit (20%) charged
10 days and more than 72 hours: 75% charged
72 hours' notice and less: 100% charged

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Maximum group size: 24 persons
Minimum group size: 3

Activity Level: Easy
Languages: English, French
Minimum age: 8 years
Duration: 12 days/11 nights

Good to Know: Days 2 – 11: Each day there generally will be no more than 45 minutes to one-hour driving between each tour stop. Your tour vehicle will generally arrive at your next night’s accommodation in the late afternoon.

Important
• Please note: that good trekking shoes/hiking shoes are required for this tour, as some of the walking is on unpaved, sometimes uneven surfaces
• We reserves the right to guide these tour departures as bilingual English/French tours to ensure an optimal group size
• We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice, due to road conditions
• Please advise us at booking time if you have food allergies or dietary preferences
• A minimum of 3 participants is required to guarantee each departure

Accommodation:
This tour stays in comfort-level hotels with private bathrooms. These hotels are well situated to enjoy the beautiful places your group will explore. Most of the groups stay at the following hotels. Please note this is an advised hotel list and subject to change.

Day 1 – Hotel Klettur

Day 2 – Stracta Hotel

Day 3 & 4 – Magma Hotel

Day 5 – Hrauneyjar Highland Hotel

Day 6 – 8 – Country Hotel Narfastadir

Day 9 – Laugarbakki Hotel

Day 10 – Hotel Stykkisholmur

Day 11 – Hotel Klettur

Optional activity:
You MUST book and pay for this activity in advance to ensure a spot for you. Let us know during the booking process if you would like add this activity.
Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa – Soak in the naturally hot pools while enjoying the spectacular forest and fjord view | Duration: flexible | Includes: Bathing fee and towel | Not included: Swimsuit rental

Please note: that this tour books up quickly and therefore we recommend to book with advance. An update on availability may not appear immediately at our website after the tour fills up. Kindly contact us to check for availability before making an online booking.

Travel Tips
* Some people like to bring hiking poles, though they are not required.
* We also suggest bringing a mosquito/fly head net as there can be harmless midges around Lake Myvatn. It‘s not required, but some visitors have found it more comfortable.

Children 8-11 years sharing a room and/or traveling with a guardian will receive 25% discount from the listed price, valid when one child shares a double room with 2 adults.
Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults.
It is not recommended that children 0-8 years old travel on scheduled tours.

Payment:
A non refundable deposit of 20%, of the total package price should reach TOURIS within 3 days of confirmation of booking and full payment not later than 6 weeks prior to tour departure. In case of delay on payments, TOURIS will reserve the right to treat this as a cancellation and withdraw its confirmation of the services.

Every detail regarding the booking must be included, in order for TOURIS to ensure efficiency, including the passengers name, flight information, all accommodation, tours and other services.

Travel Insurance:
To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

Prices may change without prior notice. If an incorrect price has been listed, we reserve the right to refuse, cancel or limit any order placed at the incorrect price.