Across the Wilderness 2021 - 11 days

AVAILABLE:
June 24 to August 26

DURATION:
11 days, 10 nights.

TOUR ID:
IT05

BESTSELLER
 

Guided Coach Tour from day 2 to day 10
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Expert professional English-speaking local guide from day 2 to day 10
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Free Wi-Fi on board tour vehicle
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Tour pick-up from Reykjavik hotel on Day 2 & drop-off at Reykjavik hotel on Day 10
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2 nights in a standard room w/private facilities in Reykjavík
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8 nights in a standard room w/private facilities in the countryside
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10 Icelandic breakfast buffets (except arrival day)
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8 two-course or buffet-style dinners in the countryside
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Participation in Reforestation Project in Haukadalur
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Zodiac Tour on Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon
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Entrance to Eiriksstadir Museum
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Great photo stops
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Seat rotation during the tour
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Customer care service during office hours
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24-hour emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
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Breakfast on arrival day
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International airfare
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Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
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Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Round-trip transfers between Keflavik airport and hotels
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Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
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Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm)
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Guaranteed late check-out
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Any service not specifically listed under "included"
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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 or horseback riding, both bringing you close to Iceland’s nature and landscape. 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 (airport transfer not included).
Dinner on your own.

Day 2. Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir

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’ll also see several other boiling pools and hot springs.

Next your group will take part in Iceland Travel’s reforestation program, located in Haukadalur valley. You can help your group plant a total of five trees, which not only allows you to leave your mark in Iceland but also for your tour group to reduce your carbon footprint!

Now it’s time to 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: Viking Heritage site with Geological Wonders – Glorious Waterfall& Exploding Geysers – Conservation Project

Overnight and dinner: Hella area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 279 km (173 miles)

Day 3.Hvolsvöllur - Vík - Dyrhólaey - Kirkjubæjarklaustur

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: Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand – Lava Fields

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

Approximate Driving Distance: 190 km (118 miles)

Day 4. Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell

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

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 260 km (161 miles)

Day 5. Landmannalaugar

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!

It’s 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!

Highlights: Multi-coloured Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing

Overnight and dinner: Thjorsardalur area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 200 km (124 miles)

Day 6. Sprengisandur Trail

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!

Today wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting Iceland´s north and south. 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—bumpy roads and driving through rivers are a part of the experience. (Note: If Sprengisandur is closed due to road conditions, your group will take the Kjolur highland route instead.)

Highlights: Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area for the next 2 nights.

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km (186 miles)

Day 7. Lake Mývatn – Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Tjörnes

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 still-warm lava fields of Krafla volcano, teeming with lava flows, fissures and explosion craters. 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 the Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. In the afternoon drive to the town of Husavik where you have the option to experience the hot spring bath named GeoSea.

Highlights: Magnificent Canyon – Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Volcanic Wonderland

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Day 8. Akureyri - Skagafjörður

Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. (The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,) Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful and charming town. Some activities might include a visit to the delightful botanical garden, a swim in the local geothermal pool, or perhaps enjoying the culture, art and fine food of the Listagil artists‘ district.
The route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This area also contains many historical sites from the classic Viking-age Sagas. Tonight, horseback riding on a purebred Viking horse might be an appealing option. Or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the countryside around your hotel.

Highlights: Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Scenic historical fjord

Overnight and dinner : Laugarbakki area.

Approximate Driving Distance: 285 km (177 miles)

Day 9. Hvammstangi - Eiríksstaðir - Vatnsnes Peninsula

The journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 feet) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. This off-the-beaten path peninsula is part of the newly designated Arctic Coast Way, which focuses on the enchanting and wild wonders that border the Arctic Circle. This is an area where the sea and the sky seem to meet together, and there are inspiring views far into the distance. You might also see seals resting close to the beach.
In the after-noon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir. This was the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most legendary Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who demonstrate the lifestyle from 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

Highlights: Historical Farmlands – Mysterious Scenic Peninsula – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Overnight and dinner: Fellsströnd or Snæfellsnes.

Approximate Driving Distance: 150 km (93 miles)

Day 10. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park‘s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, 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 observe 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, the journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.

Highlights: Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Overnight: Reykjavik.
Dinner on your own.

Approximate Driving Distance: 340 km (211 miles)

Day 11. Departure

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

June 24, 2021	English, French			Max group size 24 passengers
July 01, 2021	English, French			Max group size 24 passengers
July 08, 2021	English, Dutch			Max group size 24 passengers
July 15, 2021	English, French			Max group size 24 passengers
July 22, 2021	English, Dutch			Max group size 24 passengers
August 05, 2021	English, French			Max group size 24 passengers
August 26, 2021	English			Max group size 24 passengers

20% Deposit
Cancellation Policy
Time of cancellation for individual traveller(s):
More than 3 weeks (22+ days) prior to arrival: deposit (20%) charged
3 weeks (21 days) and more than 1 week (8 days): 50% charged
1 week (7 days) and more than 72 hours: 75% charged
72 hours' notice and less: 100% charged

Maximum nr. of passengers: 24
Minimum nr. of passengers: 2

Activity/Difficulty Level: 2 out of 5 (Easy)

New for Summer 2021:
• 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)
• Even more flexibility – we offer a version of this tour without pre/post nights in Reykjavik. Contact us for details and prices
• Even more seat space – you have the option during your tour to purchase the seat next to you as an open seat

Important
• Please note: that we reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice should the necessity arise due to road conditions.
• Please note that good trekking shoes/hiking shoes are required for this tour, as some of the walking is on unpaved, sometimes with uneven surfaces.
• Please check the “Program Details“ section in your travel documents to see which your tour’s hotel list and how to meet your guide at the start of the tour
• Please advise us at booking time if you have food allergies or dietary preferences
• French and English departures: Iceland Travel reserves the right to guide these tour departures as bilingual English/French tours to ensure an optimal group size

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.


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.

Optional tours:
You can book and pay for these tours in advance for your convenience and to ensure a spot for you on the tour. Let us know during the booking process.

Day 1, Day 10, Day 11- Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon | Duration: flexible | Includes: Bathing fee, towel rental, silica mud mask, first drink of your choice | Not included: Swimsuit rental
You must also book an unguided Blue Lagoon shuttle between Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

Day 1, Day 10 – Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbor – Look for whales, dolphins and sea birds on a guided boat tour | Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours | Includes: Guided boat tour, warm overalls during tour

Day 7 – GeoSea geothermal baths – Soak in the naturally hot seawater while enjoying the spectacular mountain view Duration: flexible | Includes: Bathing fee | Not included: Swimsuit and towel rental

Day 8 – Horse riding tour – Discover Icelandic nature close up and get to know Iceland’s friendly horse breed | Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours | Includes: 1 hour guided riding tour, safety helmet

Important - Safe travel
Iceland is a clean, safe country with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy our incredible natural landscapes.

We take our responsibility as proud local hosts very seriously, and that includes making sure your trip is safe and relaxing. We are implementing the advice of international and Icelandic health authorities as a part of our tour operations.

You’re in good hands with our guides/drivers
• We’ve given our hand-picked guides and drivers thorough health and safety instructions and procedures for your tour.
• Your tour vehicle will have hand sanitizer dispensers on board that your driver will make sure are filled regularly.
• At the end of each day your driver will wipe down the tour vehicle’s seats and interior with sanitizers.
Most importantly, we want you to have a fantastic Icelandic experience! Relax, breathe the clean Icelandic air, and enjoy the insights and commentary of your licensed guide as you travel through Iceland’s beautiful landscapes. Come join us in Iceland!

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.

Children 6-11 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 0-5 years old travel on scheduled tours.

Special Offers:
Participants on this tour are able to get a 20% discount on each of the following amazing experiences in Iceland:
Perlan’s renowned Wonders of Iceland exhibit: Perlan is an amazing experience. You can walk through a real ice cave, feel the power of volcanoes and earthquakes, view a realistically constructed bird cliff and ocean wonders and learn about northern lights at a planetarium show.
FlyOver Iceland experience: Enjoy an amazing simulated flight experience over Iceland’s natural wonders.

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.
TOURIS accepts Visa and MasterCard

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.