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Land of Snow and Ice

Trip type: 
Active
Adventure level: 
3. Moderate
Max group size: 
16
Avg user rating: 
5
Iceland, Europe | 8 days
Trip code: 
IL
New
What's included: 

Transport - Charter bus, on foot, super jeep, snowmobile, boat.

Accommodation - Hotel (7 nts)

Meals - 7 breakfasts

Trip Highlights: 
See whales off the coast of Reykjavik
Marvel at the natural wonders in this geographical playground
Keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights
see full itinerary >>
You'll follow an itinerary which has been researched and planned by our experts, saving you all the hassle of organising the trip. The itineraries are designed to minimise the time spent travelling and maximise the variety of experiences.
We often have multiple itineraries so please check to see which itinerary is suitable for you, by selecting the relevant tab.
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Itinerary

(Departures in 2012-13)
  • Day 1 - Fly to Reykjavik
  • Day 2 - Reykjanes Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon
  • Day 3 - Glacier adventure & Golden circle
  • Day 4 - Winter whale watching
  • Day 5 - Northern Lights
  • Day 6 - Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
  • Day 7 - Free day
  • Day 8 - Fly home
Extensions and Extras: Extend your holiday and see more of the world. View additional tours for this trip »
Day
1

Fly to Reykjavik

Your trip starts at Keflavik international airport, from where you make the short journey into the centre of Reykjavik where you will be based for the week.

You will receive full details of exactly where to meet your Group Leader on the Joining Instructions which will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before your trip starts. For information on when the trip ends please refer to the itinerary as described below.

After you arrive at the hotel, you will be taken for a tour of the city. The world's most northerly capital is also the largest city in Iceland and is a fascinating cultural centre. The old town of Reykjavik is instantly recognisable from the brightly coloured buildings and is an enjoyable place to wander around. There are a number of interesting buildings and architecture that you can see as you take in the sights of the town. (Hotel 7 nights Bx7).

Day
2

Reykjanes Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon

Today you can head out into the rugged wild south of Iceland. The Reykjanes peninsula is home to many active volcanoes and large lava fields, which ensures that little grows there. You can walk among the lava fields and soak in the dramatic landscape as the sea beats down on this barren shore in the morning, before heading to the world renowned blue lagoon.

One of the most famous and instantly recognisable thermal springs in the world, the blue lagoon is a geothermal spa caused by silica and sulphur in the ground. Temperatures in the swimming area can reach as high as 40 degrees, so if you do decide that you want to take a dip, make sure you are prepared for the heat! The lagoon is known for having healing properties, so after a long soak here you may come out feeling renewed and invigorated.

On your return to Reykjavik, you have some free time to wander around the streets of this pleasant city.

Day
3

Glacier adventure & Golden circle

Iceland is a geographical wonderland, home to some of the most varied natural landscapes in the world, from the barren volcanic landscapes in the south, to the frozen wildernesses further north. However, the geyser is something that defines Iceland so much that this name has become synonymous with this spectacular occurance.

From the ancient Icelandic world  'geysa', meaning to gush, this is now the name that is given to a high pressure discharge of water from the land the world over. Today, in the Golden Circle, you will see the Great Geyser in the Haukadular Valley, where eruptions can force water 70 metres in the air. Within the Golden Circle there are several of these geysers which erupt with great frequency.

Another one of the most exciting parts of a visit to Iceland is surely a trip out on the frozen icy glaciers. And what better way to do this than by four wheel drive jeep? The super jeeps that are used in Iceland are specially designed so that they can get over the ice and around the frozen terrain with ease.

Once you reach the ice, you can change to a snowmobile to continue your drive over the icy landscape (FOC for bookings prior to 12/02/13 due to a brochure error but as of then must be pre booked at an additional cost) Reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, you will drive over the ground, hearing the whizz of your tracks in the snow, and marvelling as the world rushes by you.

Day
4

Winter whale watching

Take to the water today in Reykjavik bay as you voyage in search of whales, the largest mammals on Earth. In the harbour off the coast of the capital you can encounter minke or humpback whales. These majestic creatures are gentle giants, and their inquisitive nature can bring them close to the boats so you may well get to see them at close quarters.

This evening you may be able to see the northern lights. These naturally occuring phemonena are a true marvel of nature, and on a clear night you can see them light up the night sky in various shades of green, blue and red. Caused by the emmisions in the earth's atmosphere, the colours are determined by the change in oxygen and nitrogen atoms, and have been revered as mythical phynomenon by indiginous peoples all over the northern hemisphere.

Day
5

Northern Lights

After a free day, head out this evening for your chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. If youre lucky enough to see them, then be prepared fpr one of the most marvelous spectacles on Earth as you witness the lights dancing in vibrant greens and reds before your very eyes. A magical experience that you certainly wont forget in a hurry. Remmeber though that due to the nature of this spectacle, we simply cannot gurantee that you will see the lights and even if you do please also remmember that they dont always look like they do in the pictures.

Day
6

Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

In April 2010, the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull caused planes to be grounded all over Europe. Today, you head down to the south shore of Iceland, where this now world famous volcano is among the many sights.

You head down to the southern headland of Iceland , through small villages and farmlands with views to the majestic mountains towering over the coast . On the way, there are great views of snow shrouded Hekla volcano, and the towering, ice capped strato volcano Eyjafjallajökull  This area is a paradise for geology, showing the forces of nature and creation of life very clearly.

Continuing on your walk you pass spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, which tumble down over jagged rocks. Then its on to Dyrhólaey, a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs, before heading for the shore for lunch. On the way back to Reykjavik, you can admire the towering cliffs above you.

You can also take part in a glacier walk if you would like (Must be pre booked at an additional cost)

Day
7

Free day

Today ahs been left free for you to enjoy the ebst that Iceland has to offer. There are a great many activities available to you in and around Reykjavik (additional charges can apply). Following on from your earlier visit to a glacier, you can try your hand at a glacier walk, or try horse riding along the rocky peninsula. Or, if you prefer, you can spend time in the city of Reykjavik itself, and enjoy the best that this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Day
8

Fly home

Today the tour ends at the hotel in Reykjavik.