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Exploring Iceland

Islands to The Highlands

This summer tour will take you past the incredible volcano of Mount Hekla to Heimaey, the primary island of the Westman Islands to the incredible Highlands of Iceland, which are only accessible during the summer months. You will hike up volcanoes, through national parks and along glaciers, pass between the Islands by boat, bathe in hot springs, visit traditional Viking houses, observe the dangerous Vestmannaeyjar sport of Spranga and discover the wonders of the south coast.

This itinerary is purely inspirational. All of our holidays are bespoke and will be tailored to suit your likes, loves and requirements. To find out more about our Grand Tour of Iceland  give us a call at UK 020 7112 0019 or email steffi@fleewinter.com to start planning your holiday.

 

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Mt Hekla

Explore the vicinity of Mount Hekla, which last erupted in 2000. The lava fields and primordial landscape is vast and spectacular. Hike up to the Valahnukar peaks and along the Valagja Rift Valley. Pass by the cascading Gjain river and its arctic flora oasis and later, visit a Viking replica farmstead. After a busy first day, relax at a lovely rural boutique hotel.

Day 2 - Westman Islands

Catch the short ferry ride to the Westman (Vestmannaeyjar) Islands. Take a short hike up the active volcano, Heimaey which erupted in 1973. Observe puffins in the largest nesting ground in the North Atlantic and walk to Storhofdi (Big Cape), the windiest place in Europe (but not in summer). You will visit the striking rock formation, Elephant Rock and some more Viking replica houses before watching the locals partake in the crazy sport of Spranga. Your guide may be able to teach you the knack of this ‘daredevil’ tradition. You could also go for a boat ride around the islands and between the staggering sea cliffs and observe the bird and marine life. There are some lovely restaurants on the island and you will spend the night at Hotel Vestmannaeyjar.

Day 3 - Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & Glaciers

Return to the mainland this morning where you will spend the day exploring the spectacular south coast. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach (filming location for Game of Thrones), Dyrholey cape and a hike on the outlet glacier of Solheimajokull. You may even make it, if conditions are good, to a secluded spot on the glacier where you can descend into some ice tunnels. In the afternoon you can visit the picturesque village of Vik or Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Day 4 - Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Today you will explore the magnificent highlands of Iceland, which are only accessible during summer. Your guides will drive you to Eldgja volcanic fissure  where you can hike for a couple of hours and pass by Ofaerufoss waterfall. Then it’s onto the spectacular Landmannalaugar, the famous highland nature reserve. The craters, hills, valleys and mountains are truly spectacular due to the incredible views and astounding colour of the rock. You can walk through the Laugahraun lava field and finally relax and bathe in the geothermally heated stream. Later if you have the energy, go for a short walk in the midnight sun to the powerful, world renowned Gulfoss waterfall.

Day 5 - The Golden Circle

Opt for an early start so you can miss the crowds and visit the Geysir geothermal park close by. Continue onto Thingvellir national park, the old Viking Parliament site which is home to the incredible rift zone of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Walk along the fissure, Almannagja, that marks the border of the American and Eurasian plates. You could opt to go snorkelling at Silfra between the tectonic plates.  You will visit Fridheimar geothermal greenhouse for lunch. Their signature dish, tomato soup is fantastic and you can even sample some tomato beer! A guide will give you a tour of their greenhouse explaining the methods they use for growing vegetables so close to the Arctic Circle. You could choose to visit the Fontana geothermal baths. Return to Reykjavik that afternoon/evening.

Day 6 - Reykjavik or Extend Your Trip

You could either spend your last full day soaking up the Reykjavik culture and perhaps visiting Sundhollin baths and socialising as the locals do or you could choose to extend your holiday and visit the West Coast of Iceland for a day or two. Alternatively you could explore the Husafell area where you can visit Hraunfossar falls ( 900m series of mini waterfalls) and Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful) hot spring. Descend into one of Iceland’s most impressive lava tube caves, Vidglimur, or go for a  trip ‘Into the (Lanjokull) Glacier’ and discover this extraordinary glacier cave.

Day 7 - Blue Lagoon & Fly Home

This morning your guides can whisk you away for a few hours to soak in the restorative silky smooth waters of the world renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Alternatively, you could explore the Reykjanes peninsula to experience that ‘land’s end’ feeling. You could also visit the village of Grindavik and the Gunnuhver hot springs before bidding Iceland farewell and catching your flight home!

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £4200 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • All transfers/visits in private vehicle (4×4)
  • Private guides
  • Local taxes
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary excluding suggested activities
  • Internal flights
  • Self-drive option (POA)
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA
NOT INCLUDED:
  • Entrance fees to optional sites in Reykjavik
  • Additional excursions
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