A short winter trip to Reykjavik and the Icelandic countryside.
Day 1: WELCOME TO ICELAND (50 km/31 mls)
The Flybus shuttle brings travellers from Keflavík International Airport to Hotel Cabin and Centerhotel Plaza in Reykjavík where you spend one night. We provide you with ideas how to explore Iceland's capital on your own.
Day 2: REYKJAVIK CITY TOUR, THE BLUE LAGOON & REYKJANES PENINSULA (220 km/137 mls)
At 09:00 meet your tour guide who shows the group the highlights of Iceland's exciting capital. Then head out to the Reykjanes Peninsula with its hot springs, mountains, bird cliffs, lighthouses and fishing villages. By the end of the day, we get to soak off our travels in the warm mineral-rich waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. We stay for two nights in simple cottages in South Iceland. There is an option to upgrade to studio rooms at the Stracta Hotel in Hella. In the evening, we hear about the Northern Lights from our tour guide at Árhús Cabins. Naturally, once darkness falls, you are out in the garden waiting for the Northern Lights.
Day 3: SOUTH ICELAND (200 km/124 mls)
Today we head along the south coast and reach the area near the active volcano that is beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. We stop at the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges from the mountain. Next, we visit Skógar folk museums, which contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts from Iceland's past and several turf-built houses. Nearby is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country; the 60-meter high Skógafoss waterfall.
In the afternoon we offer an optional glacier walk. The Sólheimajökull glacier tongue extends from the large Mýrdalsjökull glacier, down to the sandy plains of the Icelandic south coast. The spectacular surroundings are marked by rugged and majestic rock formations thoroughly shaped by the glacier. On this fun, safe and easy to moderate glacier walk you get to explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges and deep crevasses on the breath-taking Sólheimajökull glacier. While enjoying all the features of the glacier and its spectacular surroundings, you will learn more about the behaviour of glaciers and their impact on nature. No technical requirements are needed for the tour as an experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use basic glacier equipment, such as crampons and an ice axe which is provided for glacier walks. The unique experience of a glacier walk on one of the many retreating glaciers of the world is sure to leave lasting memories. Duration of this activity is about 3 hours in total, about 90 minutes on the ice and about 30-40 min walk (one-way) from the parking lot to the glacier edge itself. The minimum age for the glacier hike is ten years. You need to bring warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots. The glacier hike can only be booked with the guide on day 2. The special price for the Land of Northern Lights group members is about ISK 14.000 (about EUR 120 per person) instead of ISK 14.900 official rate; prices are subject to change. Payment is due with the glacier hike company on day 3 in Icelandic Krona - cash only!
If you booked the trip without the glacier hike, then the tour continues further south where you can stroll on the black lava beach to see the amazing bird cliffs at Reynisfjara near Vík. In the evening there is another presentation about the Northern Lights. If the night is clear, you might see the Northern Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the heavens in dramatic shapes, colours, patterns and sizes. The grounds of Árhús Cabins and the Stracta Hotel in Hella are extensive and dark, offering you an excellent location for Northern Lights search if the weather conditions are right. It requires patience, warm clothing and the excitement of "maybe there could be Northern Lights".
Day 4: HORSES & GOLDEN CIRLCE (210 km/130 mls)
In the morning you learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Travel the Golden Circle route. See steam rising from the Geysir geothermal fields as you arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River and attracts tourists and travellers in summer and winter. Head inland to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Reykjavík for your last night, either at Hotel Cabin or Centerhotel Plaza.
An optional Northern Lights evening cruise can be booked while in the destination if the weather conditions are ideal.
Day 5: DEPARTURE HOME (50 km/31 mls)
Individual transfer by Flybus airport shuttle from your guesthouse/hotel accommodation in Reykjavík to Keflavík airport.
| Chaange of Program: 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. |