Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire

Monday 8th September 

Today we head to Iceland to start our tour in the Land of Ice and Fire.  Transferring from the airport to the capital, we’ll explore Reykjavik with a guided walking tour that incorporates the cities contrasting and unique charms. The tour will include attractions such as the Hallgrimskikja Cathedral, Iceland’s largest church with its magnificent wing-shaped tower and the beautiful harbour front. The city has a rich Viking history and possesses a fascinating old town with colourful and traditional Icelandic buildings. These are juxtaposed with spectacular pieces of modern architecture giving the city a mismatched charm synonymous with Reykjavik. After our orientation of the city, we’ll check in at our hotel and have some time to relax before our first taste of Icelandic hospitality. 

Overnight in Reykjavik. 

Tuesday 9th September 

After breakfast, we head out to discover The Golden Circle, Iceland’s best known natural phenomenon and a must for any visitor. We’ll travel to Thingvellir National Park to the location of Iceland’s first parliament, established in the year 930! Here, we are standing on the divide between two tectonic plates and the two continents of North America and Europe. We continue to a geothermal region to visit the bubbling volcanic mud-pools, where Iceland’s most impressive, hot-spring Geysers erupt, sending plumes of steam skywards. We then visit the magnificent Golden Waterfall of Gullfoss, and feel the fresh spray of the icy water as it plunges into the abyss below. This is a day spent truly appreciating the awesome power of nature. 

Breakfast and dinner included.  Overnight in Hella. 

Wednesday 10th September 

Today we are exploring the south coast of Iceland with visits to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon; the black sand beaches of Vik and the spectacular Sólheimajökull glacier. Shaped by ice ages, rivers, glaciers and weather, the southern shores of Iceland are truly dramatic.  We’ll visit the steep walled Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with its winding river pushing its way through to the volcanic, black and sparkling sand beaches.

We will explore the frozen magnificence of the Sólheimajökull glacier with a guided hike over its black streaked ice.  These marks are created by volcanic ash and make it one of the most unique glaciers in Iceland.  We’ll then return to our cosy accommodation in Hella for a hearty, well earned, dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Hella.

Thursday 11th September 

After a good breakfast we head out today to one of the most beautiful regions of  Iceland, Landmannalaugar.  Taking smaller 4 x 4 vehicles into the pristine landscape, we’ll enjoy a guided 7 km walk to Brennisteinsalda, the crown jewel of the Landmannalaugar. The path is rocky, but well trodden and takes you to one of the most striking mountains. Created by the geo-thermal heat, colours of red, blue and yellow are visible on the rocks as a result of the iron oxide, with a deep black being brought by the lava and ash, and vibrant greens by the moss and lichen.

After our hiking adventure, we will have the chance to experience the natural geo-thermal hot spring nearby. A well-deserved dip before returning to the capital for one more day of exploration.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Friday 12th September 

Our final full day in Iceland has been kept free for independent exploration in your pairs. You might choose to explore Reykjavik’s cosmopolitan charm further with a stroll around the main harbour, or alternatively a visit to one of the many fascinating museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland, or The Árbær Open Air Museum. Or, if relaxing is your thing, perhaps a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon to soak away your worries in its blissful geo-thermal waters. There is also the option to take a boat ride for some whale watching and end your trip potentially spotting these majestic giants off the shores of the capital!

Breakfast included. Overnight in Reykjavik. 

Saturday 13th September 

After breakfast this morning we check out of our hotel for our journey home with fantastic memories of a fascinating and beautiful destination. 

Breakfast included. 

Please be aware that, although not a walking/hiking tour specifically days 2-4 will cover some rocky terrain and several kilometres in distance.  You need to have good walking/hiking shoes/boots and a reasonable level of fitness to take part in these days.