Compare Multi - Activity Adventure by Icelandic Mountain Guides vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 10 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 540 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Activity, Action and the Highlights of South Iceland A tour full of activity and adventures! This Multi-Activity tour gives you a chance to get to know the best of Iceland and enjoy different activities at the same time. On the tour we will go mountain biking through a geothermal area, river jetting on Hvítá river, sea kayaking on the Atlantic ocean, horse riding, visit Sólheimajökull for a walk on a glacier, and finally hike up to Iceland‘s newest volcanic craters that were formed in the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The highlights of the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon will not be missed nor will the valley of Þórsmörk, an oasis between the glaciers. For the first part of the tour we will be staying at a farm in the south, but in Þórsmörk we will get into the highland feeling while staying in a hut. This is a tour that mixes a discovery of Iceland with fun activities and adventure. |
Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a walking tour of the city’s premier sights—led by a Local Expert. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power—from renewable energy sources. |
Day 1: Reykjavík - Half day bike tour - Farm stay
The morning will be dedicated to mountain biking in the lunar landscape and lava fields around Reykjavik. Then we head to Hveragerði village known for hot springs and green houses and there we can visit the local swimming pool. In the afternoon we come to the farm stay where we will spend the next 3 nights and after settling in we can say hello to the horses and goats.
Driving: 2-3 hrs total
Activity: 4-5 hrs total
Day 2: Golden Circle and River Jet
Today we head inland to visit some of Iceland most renowned places, the golden waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area. On the way we will stop for an exciting River jet tour on Hvítá river close to Gullfoss. The tour starts where the river is calm, but we then head upstream and into the canyon where the current is stronger so the ride becomes more thrilling! We continue the day visiting the World Heritage Site Þingvellir National park the site of the ancient Viking parliament and a place where the continental drift can be observed as here is where the Mid Atlantic Ocean Ridge surfaces. (Warm clothing and a cap necessary on colder days)
Driving: 4-5hrs total
Activity: River Jet 1 hr, shorter hikes 2-3 hrs total
Day 3: Sea Kayak tour
This morning we head to the small town of Stokkseyri located on the coast and one of the better places for a kayak ride. Here we can freely explore the waterways and labyrinths of the inland lagoon for a couple of hours and then take a dip in the local swimming pool to warm up. In the afternoon we get to know the Icelandic horses as we go for a horse riding tour at a Horse Riding Centre close by. The ride will take us through meadows and lava fields of the area.
Driving: 2-3 hrs total
Activity: Sea kayak 2-3 hours, horse riding 1h30-2 hours.
Day 4: Glacier Walk and Þórsmörk
Today we pack our bags and head east towards the Eyjafjallajökull massif and the glacier Sólheimajökull. Here we will put on crampons and go on a short glacier walk (1h30) exploring the water cauldrons and other ice features found in the glacier ice. After the glacier walk we take a look at the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before turning into the highlands and the valley of Þórsmörk – the hidden green oasis located behind the glaciers of the south.
Night in a mountain hut.
Driving: 4-5 hrs total
Activity: 2-4 hrs
Day 5: Volcano Hike
From the comfortable mountain hut we set out for the hike up to the new craters of Fimmvörðuháls pass. These craters were formed during the first phase of the 2010 eruption. This is a hike that takes us through the magnificent landscapes of Þórsmörk cut with deep canyons and sharp ridges. Up on the hills we will enjoy fantastic views towards the surrounding glaciers as well as the green valley of Þórsmörk itself. Arriving at the craters we will see the new lava, still hot under the surface. After exploring the site we return down to the mountain hut for the night.
Night in mountain hut (BBQ dinner)
Hiking: 8-10 hrs total
Day 6: Blue Lagoon
Leaving Þórsmörk we head back west along the south coast. We follow the coastline on to the Reykjanes peninsula with its lava fields and formations and finish off our tour with a visit to the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík.
Driving: 3-5 hrs
Activity: 2-4 hrs total
Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.
Hótel Kría, Vik.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn
Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
Hótel Höfn.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start
Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.
Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri
Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Breakfast
Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park
Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík
Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
Breakfast
