Amazing Iceland Tour

Experience the best of expansive glaciers, dazzling hot springs and geysers, abundant waterfalls, show-stopping volcanos, shimmering northern lights, vibrant culture, and rich Viking history. Iceland is one of the safest and most beautiful countries in Europe, so get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Daily Itinerary:

Day One – September 16

Welcome to Iceland; land of fire and ice. After arrival at Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, our guide will pick us up and we’ll take our private ground transportation to our hotel in the Old Harbour area and get settled in. Welcome dinner this evening. Overnight at Exeter Hotel or similar. (D)

Day Two – September 17

Today we explore the Silver Circle of Iceland – comprised of Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe’s most voluminous hot spring, surrounded by amazing colors. Then it’s on to the tiny village of Reykholt, at one time one of the intellectual centers of the island. Afterwards, we visit Hraunfossar & Barnafossar Waterfalls which are small rivulets streaming down the lava, spanning over 900 meters (3,000 ft.) wide. A truly spectacular sight! We finish the day at Húsafell, a stunning and beautiful area placed between lava mountains and Langjokull glacier.

There is an optional hike through remote Icelandic Wilderness ending with a geothermal soak in pools nestled in magnificent Húsafell canyon. The pools vary in temperature from 86F – 105F.

20 min. hike featuring 64 steps down to the baths and then back up.

Overnight at Exeter Hotel or similar. (B)

Day Three – September 18

We start our day going to the Caves of Hella. The caves are thought to be Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains. Some believe they date further back then the settlement era of the Vikings in Iceland. You will explore the many wonders the caves hold and learn about their history and saga's. While exploring the caves, we will have the opportunity to sample Icelandic Flóki Whisky and learn about the processes involved in creating spirits from Icelandic barley. The whisky barley is grown in a nearby farm. We will also have the opportunity to sample beer from the Icelandic beer brewery Álfur in Þykkvibær. The small brewery brings sustainability to Icelandic beer as Álfur is brewed with potato peels. And finally, we will be offered delicacies from the region. (If you are vegan or vegetarian they have options.)

Then, it’s on to the South Coast of Iceland in our private vehicle. First stop is Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and we can walk behind the torrents of the fall. We shouldn’t get completely drenched but the view and experience are worth getting slightly soggy for - it’s a great photo opportunity! Up next Skógafoss Waterfall is one of the largest and most elegant waterfalls in Iceland. If this waterfall seems to be familiar to you this may not be déjà vu! This location has been quite popular with film-makers, scenes of Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and other productions were shot here. Then, we visit Reynisfjara Black Beach, a world-famous black-sand beach. Afterwards, we head to Vik, a remote seaside village found South of Katla Volcano. The most popular attraction is the striking Víkurkirkja Church, built-in 1934. Nestled on the top of a nearby hill, the church is considered the safest place to escape to in case of a sudden Katla Volcano eruption and flood. Because of its mild climate, Vik is home to many different species of birds and marine wildlife like the adorable puffins.

Today there is also an optional activity to do a walk on Sólheimajökull glacier. Sólheimajökull glacier is an outlet from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull and is surrounded by some of Iceland's most grand volcanoes. Right at the foothills of the glacier, you will lace up your crampons and follow your guide to explore this otherworldly natural wonder, a rugged, raw, and ever-changing hub of ancient frozen water. This glacier hike is an adventure like no other, and with the rapid rate of global climate change, this popular activity is only available in very few parts of the world. The hiking part of the tour is about 2 hours, with 1-1.5 hours spent on the glistening glacier. Overnight at Hotel Kría or similar. (B)

Day Four – September 19

We’ll start our adventure today at Skaftafell National Park. Skaftafell is a beautiful mountainous region in the south of Iceland on the southern edge of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. The rugged landscapes, mountains and glaciers, the flora and the fauna have a magnetic influence on visitors. A short walk into Skaftafell Park leads to the famous Svartifoss (Black Falls) which tumbles over a cliff which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns, resembling pipes of a giant organ. This wonder of natural architecture inspired the design for Iceland’s National Theater in Reykjavik.

We next make our way to The Glacier Lagoon Area. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is said to be one of the greatest wonders of nature in Iceland. This lagoon is a recent one, the result of a warming climate. The surface is at sea level and sea water flows into the lagoon at high tide.Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. Near the lagoon we'll find the so-called "Diamond beach". This beach is a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland. Here, the icebergs which fill Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, standing dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. It is, therefore, a favorite among photographers, nature-lovers, and wildlife-enthusiasts. Many seals call this beach home, and it is one of the best places in the country to see Orcas from the shore.

Today, there’s an optional Zodiac Boat Tour. At Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon the Zodiac boat is waiting. We suit up and meet our experienced guide that leads us through mossy otherworldly like landscape to the lagoon and our boat. After take-off we will be circling icebergs of all shapes and sizes that every so often turn or flip over creating a spectacle, grab the opportunity and taste the ancient ice. Duration: 45 min in boat - 75-90 min total.

There’s also an optional glacier kayaking in the Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon. On this unique journey, you’ll paddle amongst floating icebergs and wildlife, seals and birds. Reasonable fitness is required for the Kayak tour.

This evening we’ll enjoy dinner at a restaurant perched on a hill overlooking the town of Vik. Overnight at Hotel Kría or similar. (B) (D)

Day Five – September 20

Today we’ll get off the beaten track with a 4×4 Super Jeep day tour into Thorsmork (Þórsmörk), a lushly vegetated mountain valley named after Thor, the Viking God of Thunder. On this tour, you will travel in a highly modified off-road Super Jeep that can cross deep glacial rivers and handle nearly any terrain. Our jeep will be equipped with free 4G Wi-Fi and an iPad. Traveling by one of these vehicles is an adventure on its own, and should be on every traveler’s bucket list!

We’ll soon turn off the ring road in the direction of Thorsmork and make a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The breathtakingly beautiful, 60 meters (200 feet) tall Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and it’s on the list of Iceland’s 10 most photographed natural wonders. You can walk behind the waterfall on a walking trail for a unique viewing angle. Bringing either a raincoat or a waterproof coat along is highly recommended if you want to walk behind the waterfall as you will get soaking wet from the pouring water. On a bright and sunny day, there is a chance to see a rainbow in front of the waterfall.

We will continue our way in the direction of Thorsmork and head to Gígjökull, one of the outlet glaciers of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. You can get an idea of the forces that were at play during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull that not only destroyed the agricultural region around it but stopped air traffic in Europe. Powerful glacial bursts emerged from Gigjokull during the eruption, sending meltwater gushing down and flooding the surrounding landscape. You’ll witness that the impact of the eruption is still very visible in the area.

Next stop is exploring a breathtaking canyon, which is just out of this world and one of the filming locations of Game of Thrones. Stakkholtsgjá canyon is a beautiful natural wonder, a 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) long canyon surrounded by 100 meters (330 ft ) high moss-covered cliffs. Walking to the end of the canyon is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Iceland. This dramatic, towering canyon was the filming location of a scene in Game of Thrones season 7 when Jon Snow leads the team to ambush a pack of wights.

After our walk in the canyon, we will follow our way to deep into Thorsmork, the scenic valley of Thor. This will be the best playground for our super jeep: crossing rivers and handling the rough terrain will be a great adventure. Thorsmork is a natural reserve in a remote area of the southern Icelandic Highlands, nestled between the Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull glaciers, and one of the most favorite location for Icelanders and many travelers. The valley is a green oasis between the rivers Krossá, Þröngá and Markarfljót with wide vegetation of moss, birch wood, and other small shrubs. This lush green area contrasts dramatically against the black sand desert of the Markarfljót riverbed and the imposing glaciers around it. Once we are deep into the Thorsmork valley, you have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing landscape, have lunch and take nice short hikes around the area, and really drink in the beautiful unspoiled nature of Iceland.

On our way back we will stop at Nauthúsagil ravine, a true hidden gem of Iceland’s South Coast. Nauthúsagil’s famed characteristics are the rowan trees growing on the ridges, sometimes horizontally, creating a roof of leaves. We will walk through the narrow ravine and explore its unique, beautiful world. At the end of the ravine, there is an enchanting waterfall waiting for us. The combination of the waterfall and the light from above is unrealistically beautiful. Overnight at Hotel Fljótshlíð or similar (B) (L)

Day 6 – September 21

Our driver guide will pick us up from our accommodation for the famous Golden circle route! Up first is the Geysir Geothermal area. The dormant geyser Geysir, is the one and only geyser that gave all other geysers their name! It is no longer active, but Strokkur geyser erupts every 20 minutes or so, and can reach heights up to 25 meters (82 ft.)! Then it’s on to Gullfoss Waterfall, the waterfall which gives the Golden circle its name. It is mostly known for its beauty, but the sheer power of it has also been the cause of much debate on hydro-plants vs tourism and land preservation. Afterwards, we head to Thingvellir National Park. Besides being a natural wonder, it is also the sight where the world’s longest continuously run parliament was founded and still running some good 1,000 years later, but now as Althingi in Reykjavik. Thingvellir is also a site of geological wonders, as it lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. You can clearly see the rift and how the movement of the tectonic plates pulls the island apart, approximately 2.5 cm (1 in.) every year. We then visit Friðheimar Restaurant & Tomato Farm. Tomatoes are the theme of Friðheimar cuisine – and that’s not surprising, since three different varieties of tomato are cultivated in the greenhouses, where food is served among the tomato plants. A unique food experience in a restaurant located in the middle of a greenhouse, with tomatoes growing all around you! Tomato soup and fresh baked bread as well as other goodies, in this charming environment among the tomato plants. Visitors gain an insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture, with a short and informative talk on the subject – and in fact it is quite remarkable that it should be possible to grow vegetables in this cold climate, by creating warm Mediterranean conditions, all year round, through the long dark winter. The Atrium also includes an exhibition about the use of geothermal heating in Icelandic horticulture. And visitors can take away delicious food souvenirs such as Tomato Jam, Cucumber Salsa and Tomato Drink. We’ll enjoy a unique food experience in the restaurant, where the tomatoes grow all around! Tomato soup and freshly baked bread, along with other delicacies, in a pleasant environment among the plants.

Today there’s an optional activity of snorkeling (or diving) the Silfra Fissure. Earth is divided with underground tectonic plates. Iceland is situated right in the middle of the two of them – North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates. Silfra Fissure is one of the places in Iceland where you can see where the tectonic plates have slowly been separating – yet not on land, but under water. In this magical place, the water is considered to be one of the cleanest waters in the world, with a visibility of more than 100 meters (328 ft.). This incredibly clean water comes from the melted ice of Langjökull glacier. This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel in the middle of two tectonic plates, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! Overnight at Exeter Hotel or similar. (B) (L)

Day 7 – September 22

Today we can move at a more leisurely pace while shopping for souvenirs and explore the city of Reykjavik. Reykjavik, translated to "Smokey Bay" is the northernmost capital in the world. And although Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, it is by no means a huge metropolis. Exploring the city is easy. It has been the capital since the settlement in 870, and it is believed that the first settler, the Viking Chieftain Ingólfur Arnarson chose this place to build his farm. Reykjavík city center really has a cute small town character to it, with quirky little houses and cozy restaurants. This evening we’ll take a walking food tour around town, sampling both traditional classics and modern favorites. We’ll learn what the Vikings ate and how Icelandic people have survived harsh winters thanks to their special cooking and preserving methods. (Vegan and Vegetarian options available.) Overnight at Exeter Hotel or similar. (B) (D)

Day 8 – September 23

After breakfast we’ll check-out of our hotel and take private ground transportation to Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik for our flights back home. We trust you now have many wonderful memories of your travels through the land of fire and ice. If you are staying in Iceland for the optional post-tour (please inquire for details), you’ll be picked up by your driver to begin your adventure. (B)

PRICE: $3,600 per person based on double occupancy (Single supplement $1,200)

PAYMENTS TIMELINE: $1,000 deposit due May 15, 2024. Final Payments due July 8, 2024.

CANCELLATION POLICY: From time of payment to 10 weeks prior to arrival = 50% refund. From 9 weeks prior to arrival = no refund is possible.

INCLUDED:

✓ 7x accommodation in above mentioned hotels
✓ 7x breakfasts
✓ 2x lunches
✓ 3x dinners
✓ 1x tasting experience
✓ Professional local guide✓ Private ground transportation
✓ All sightseeing and entrance fees listed in itinerary except for (4) optional activities

NOT INCLUDED:

X Airfare
X Travel Insurance
X Alcohol Drinks other than tastings listed in program
X Tips for Guide and Drivers

OPTIONAL:
✓ Húsafell canyon hike and pools on Day 2- $85.00
✓ Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike on Day 3- $170.00
✓ Zodiac Boat Tour on Day 4- $100.00
✓ Kayak Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - $120.00
✓ Silfra Fissure snorkel on Day 6- $180.00 ($300 for dive)


OTHER:

✓ Itinerary Subject to Change
✓ Group size limited to 15 people – minimum 8 people
✓ Travel Insurance is always recommended. You can compare policies at www.insuremytrip.com

2-NIGHT OPTIONAL POST-TOUR AVAILABLE / HUNTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS DURING THE AUTUMN EQUINOX EXTRAVAGANZA AND A DAY AT THE WORLD FAMOUS BLUE LAGOON SPA: Please inquire for details.

Jack@GetFitwithWitt.com