Westfjords of Iceland - 2024

AVAILABLE:
June 16 to August 11

DURATION:
8 days / 7 nights

TOUR ID:
GG22

7 nights accommodation, in rooms with shower/WC
6 days escorted tour with English-speaking guide/driver-guide
Arrival & departure airport transfer by Flybus shuttle (no guide)
7x breakfast
Hike Grábrók crater
Eiríksstaðir
Rauðasandur
Hnjótur Folk Museum
Látrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland
Shipwreck Garðar
Dynjandi waterfall
Gamla bókabúðin or “The Old Bookstore”
Bolafjall
Ósvör Maritime Museum
Saltverk factory
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Any private expenses
Any additional services
Meals that are not listed under “included”
Single supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Day 1. Arrival Day

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You may explore Iceland’s capital city on your own if time allows.

Dinner is on your own.
(50 km/31 mi)

Day 2. Lava, Vikings & Fjords

Meet the tour guide early morning and travel West. The first stop of the day will be at Grábrók, a 3.400-year old volcanic crater, where a 360-degree view of the entire valley can be enjoyed. We continue to Eiríksstaðir, once home to the world-renowned Viking explorers, Eirik the red and his son Leif the Lucky. In a replica of their longhouse and living museum, you’ll get yourself immersed in the way Vikings lived, as well as Icelandic history and folklore. We will stop at the first of many charming waterfalls in the Westfjords, Þingmannaá Waterfall. Our resting spot for the next two nights will be at the quaint fishing village Patreksfjörður, a remote village offering scenic view over the fjord and the Greenland Sea.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(435km/270mi)

Day 3. Iceland's Westernmost Point

Begin the day at one of Iceland’s most beautiful beaches, Rauðasandur. This 10-kilometre-long iridescent beach borrows its name from its stunning red-coloured sand that merges seamlessly with streams of turquoise sea water, offering wonderful picture opportunities. Visit Hnjótur Folk Museum, a perfect introduction to daily life in the Westfjords, as well as the history of agriculture and seafaring in Iceland. We continue to Látrabjarg, one of Europe’s highest seabird cliffs. This promontory is also the westernmost point in Iceland, from which there is an uninterrupted view of the North Atlantic, and of bird colonies such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, extending as far as the eye can see. On our journey today we will also see the shipwreck Garðar, Iceland’s oldest steel ship. In the evening we head back to Patreksfjörður, for a well-deserved rest after a day full of adventures.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(145km/90mi)

Day 4. Beautiful West Fjords

Today’s journey will begin at Dynjandi waterfall, widely regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and beautiful waterfalls. Dynjandi features a tiered structure which creates an ethereal stream of small cascades. We will continue to travel by the coastline and fjords to the captivating pier of Önundarfjörður. Jutting out from a stunning golden beach well into the water, the pier is a perfect place for panoramic views of the fjord. Visiting the village of Flateyri we will stop at a hidden gem, Gamla bókabúðin or “The Old Bookstore”. In operation since 1914, this charming little store is a great place to browse for unique souvenirs and appreciate traditional Icelandic design at its finest. We will learn more about the history of Flateyri and the devastating avalanche in 1995, venturing out to the avalanche protection fences built to protect the locals from future tragedies. In the afternoon arrive to the largest town in the Westfjords, Ísafjörður, which will be our resting spot for the next two nights.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(175km/109mi)

Day 5. Ísafjörður: Land, Sea & Sky

This morning we will venture to the 640 meters high mountain of Bolafjall, which sports a steel viewing platform that juts over the cliff with staggering view of the sea and nearby fjords, not for the faint of heart. Visit the restored fishing hut at Ósvör Maritime Museum, to learn about the old days of rowboat fishing and the challenging life in isolated fishing villages in the 19th century. Afterwards we drive to the village of Suðureyri, where we will enjoy an informative walk around town and have the opportunity to savour delicious seafood sourced from a local producer, which promises to acquaint you with Iceland’s rich heritage and fishing traditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time for leisure in Ísafjörður, or alternatively join an optional addon such as a thrilling ATV tour around Ísafjörður or a visit to the beautiful island of Vigur, a long and narrow island and home to an abundant number of puffins, Artic terns, eiders, guillemots, and more.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(100km/62mi)

Day 6. Geothermal Production & Sorcery of Iceland

Today we travel along the fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp, where incredible views can be enjoyed – if you are lucky, you might even spot a whale! We visit the Saltverk factory in Reykjanes and learn about the process of salt manufacturing, which is powered 100% by geothermal energy. Our next stop takes us to the picturesque village of Hólmavík and its Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. We learn about the history and folklore surrounding witchcraft and sorcery in Iceland, a vast collection of artifacts such as ancient grimoires, ritual objects, and the remarkable Icelandic magical staves which were believed to possess protective and magical powers. After an exciting day of discoveries, we travel to the remote Vogur Country Lodge in West Iceland. This overnight location is a truly peaceful and beautiful place close to Breiðafjörður Bay.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(330km/205mi)

Day 7. Icelandic horses & Reykjavík city

After a long week of many discoveries, we head back to the city of Reykjavík, with few wonderful stops along the way. Starting at Hraunfossar or “the lava waterfalls”, which are fed by a glacial river that travels hundreds of kilometres, filtering through lava, making the water appear to originate from the lava rocks. Then visit a horse farm, where we will get to meet face-to-face with one of Iceland’s fluffiest and friendliest natives, the Icelandic horse. In the afternoon we will explore the capital, learning about its history and stopping by its many landmarks such as the popular church of Hallgrímskirkja, The University campus and Reykjavík’s charming harbour to observe the colourful fishing vessels, the beautiful mountain backdrop, and the spectacular concert hall and conference centre of Harpan.

Breakfast included. Lunch & dinner is on your own.
(330km/205mi)

Day 8. Departure Day

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.

Breakfast included.
(50km/31mi)

June 16, 2024	English
June 30, 2024	English
July 14, 2024	English
July 28, 2024	English
August 11, 2024	English

20% Deposit
Cancellation:
A cancellation fee of 20% of the tour price and accommodation will be retained by us for cancellations made from 4 to 8 weeks before departure.
A cancellation fee of 50% applies for bookings cancelled 14-28 days prior to tour start.
No refund is possible for cancellations less than 14 days before departure, or for no shows, and for a tour begun but not completed.
CHILDREN DISCOUNT: 20% discount for children 8-11 years of age if sharing room with parents. Tour is not recommended for children younger than eight years of age. Triple rooms are double rooms with extra bed and ideal for two adults and one child.

DEPARTURES: From June - August

DURATION: 8 days / 7 nights

LANGUAGES: English

GROUP SIZE: Max 20 people

Min Age: 8+

Complementaries:
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus

Additional Services:
• Extra night in Reykjavik before/after the tour - on request
• Upgrade for private airport transfer - on request

Dinner: Dinner is on your own.

ACCOMMODATION 2024: Comfort tourist-class hotels (subject to change)

Reykjavik: Reykjavík Natura Berjaya Iceland Hotel or similar
Patreksfjörður area: Fosshotel Westfjords or similar (2 nights)
Ísafjörður area: Hótel Ísafjörður or similar (2 nights)
West : Vogur Country Lodge or similar (1 nights).
Note that the hotel list is subject to change.
Note that most double rooms in Iceland are actually twin bedded rooms

NOTE: Itineraries may be subject to change at short notice during severe weather conditions and certain outdoor activities/day trips may be cancelled during the winter season in Iceland. In these rare cases, where situations of force majeure apply, excursions/activities cannot be refunded but the local guides will try their best to find reasonable alternatives where and whenever possible.

*This tour is not suitable for young children.

PAYMENT:
A non refundable deposit of 20%, of the total package price should reach TOURIS within 2 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.

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.