Itinerary Expand allReykjavik to Reykjavik Day 1Start Reykjavik Fly to Keflavik; transfer to Reykjavik hotelAfter a Flybus transfer from the airport, our trip begins with a briefing at our hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to visit to one of the public hot tubs. Remember to bring your towel and swimsuit in hand luggage. Day 2 Thingvellir, Geysir, GullfossToday we drive inland to the Thingvellir World Heritage Area, where the world's first 'democratic parliament' meeting took place - the area became Iceland's first National Park in 1928 and a World Heritage area in 2004. Sitting right on top of a major fault line it is the best place in Iceland to see the continental drift - the movement of the Eurasion and North American tectonic plates. Here they are literally pulling the earth apart as they inch away from each other causing the land between to subside. Not surprisingly the area abounds with waterfalls, immense fissures and the largest lake in the country. We then carry on to see the world famous geysers. The most reliable eruption comes every 5-10 minutes from one called 'Strokkur'; the 30-metre jet of water and steam is spectacular. To round off the day we drive a short distance on to Gullfoss, a huge dramatic waterfall located in a 70m deep canyon of River Hvita (White River). Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Head east, taking in Skogarfoss, Dyrholaey and JokulsarlonWe head east to the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull Ice Cap; this area was heavily affected by ash fall during the eruption of 2010 and a great deal of ice was melted by the boiling lava. The glacier feeds many beautiful waterfalls and we visit two of them: Skogarfoss and Kvernufoss. Both have rushing water dropping 60m, and in the case of Skogafoss, this wall of water rushes down in a 25m wide sheet, providing quite a spectacle. Continuing east, we cross the black flood-plain of Solheimasandur, before reaching the green valley of Myrdalur and continuing to Dyrholaey. This dramatic 120-metre high promontory is the southernmost point in Iceland. It is rich in birdlife, and a nesting site for Puffins and Arctic terns in spring. If we are lucky we might see whales and seals from the promontory on calm days. We continue further east to Vik, Iceland's southernmost town, a great place from which to see the Reynisdrangar needles. Then it is further across Myrdalssandur flood plain and then Skeydararsandur flood plain. Both created by the countless floods created by volcanic eruptions over time. We head for Vatnajokull NP with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajokull and it further on to the famous Glacier Lagoon at Jokulsarlon where thousands of icebergs are separating from the country's largest glacier and are floating in the pale green sea-level lagoon. We take a walk beside the lagoon for excellent views and if conditions allow can head down to the black sand beach where chunks of ice are washed back up onto the shore by the sea, creating some wonderful shapes and formations. We then continue further east with the steep mountains of Vatnajokull on one side and the exposed south coast on the other, to our accommodation Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 The Eastern Fjords and EgilsstadirA day of scenic driving, with a number of stops as we travel through fjord country. This stunning mountain region has been sculpted as much by glaciers as volcanic activity. The spectacular road winds from one fjord to another, passing a few farms in each fjord where there is enough flat land for hayfields. The birdlife is rich and in late summer thousands of moulting whooper swans feed in the sheltered lagoon of Alftafjordur (Swan fjord). We then continue to the town of Egilsstadir Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Studlagil Canyon, Saenautasel farm, Dettifoss MyvatnHeading inland and west we pass through the starkly contrasting desert scenery of the North East Highlands and follow the track that takes us north to Jokuldalur valley and to Studlagil Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyon of Columnar basalt in Iceland. Then its on to Saenautasel farmstead short distance away. Saenautasel was left abandoned due to have ashfall shortly after the volcano Askja erupted in 1875. From Saenautasel we drive enroute Modrudalur to the enormous Dettifoss Waterfall. This is Europe's most powerful waterfall, bizarrely set in an arid area of sand and rock formations. Our journey then takes us on to the Krafla volcano area to explore the craters and lava from the eruptive period of 1975-1984. We hike into one of the craters and look at the strange textures of cooled magma splatters and rich colours of the mineral deposits. From Krafla we head for our hotel at Lake Myvatn. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Lake Myvatn, Hverfell, Godafoss, AkureyriWe spend the day around lake Myvatn and go for a short walk in the lava fields and craters. We start at Dimmuborgir, a vast area of lava towers and natural arches. The most spectacular of them is 'the Church', a large vault resembling a church. Only a short distance from Dimmuborgir is Mt.Hverfjall, a huge circular crater with a depth of 140 metres and 1000 metres in diameter. It is one of the most beautiful craters in Iceland, one which erupted some 2500 years ago and covered the Myvatn area in tephra (fragments of volcanic rock). It is also thought to be one of the largest on the planet. We traverse Mt.Hverfjall, and a little further north is the rift crevasse Grjotagja with its crystal clear warm water. We explore the pseudo craters of Skutustadir. After Myvatn we head to the Godafoss Waterfall en route to Akureyri. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Siglufjordur, Hofsos, Borgarvirki, Kolufljufur CanyonA free morning in Akureyri. Akureyri is a town of some 17,000 inhabitants and is the biggest town outside the capital. It is the cultural, commercial and educational centre for northern Iceland and is 60 km south of the Arctic Circle. Whale watching tours depart regularly and there are a number of great museums to visit. This northerly town is also remarkably green and has the northernmost botanical garden in the world. The Lutheran church in Akureyri is an interesting visit, featuring a stained-glass window above the altar that has its origins in England.As with most towns in Iceland there are also thermal baths, enjoyed as much by the locals as by visitors, and if you just fancy a wander, there are plenty of interesting shops, coffee shops and even ice cream parlours. If you don’t want to relax and explore town then an optional whale watching tour is possible in the morning.We leave Akureyri and drive around the Troll Peninsula, via few fishing villages on the peninsula. We stop at the magnificent outdoor swimming pool at the village Hofsos and go for a quick dip. This remote geothermal swimming pool has some of the best views in the country over the Skagafjordur bay. We head further south and stop at Borgarvirki, an old Viking fortress. The Citadel is a columnar basalt fortress and a volcanic plug. A little further south we head into Vididalur valley and make a short stop at beautiful waterfalls in Kolugljufur canyon, named after a giantess, once said to live in the area. From Koluglufur we head for our hotel close by. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Snaefellsness Peninsula, vikings and StykkisholmurToday we drive west to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Along the way we visit a reconstructed Viking house once home to Eirik the Red and his son Leif Eiriksson - the two most famous travelling Vikings. The 'Eirikstadir' gives an interesting insight to way of life for the early settlers and an introduction to the historic tradition of the 'Icelandic Sagas'. From Eiríksstaðir we head for the village Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snaefellsnes is perhaps best known for the Stratovolcano 'Snaefellsjokull'. Jules Verne, in his classic 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', describes this as the start point for the characters' descent. New Age followers consider this area to be one of the earth's seven major energy centres. We head to our accommodation, located on the southern side of the peninsula, on the beach with great views over Snaefellsjokull. Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Drive to ReykjavikThe exposed coast of the of Snaefellsnes peninsula is the goal for today, and this area has recently been designated a National Park. We visit the old church at Budir, one of the most picture tic on in the country. Sea cliffs at Arnarstapi swarming with birds, to the rocks of Djupalonssandur and the sites of old shipwrecks in the black basaltic sand. Our guide will tell us about the old cod-fishing methods from open boats in the bountiful seas and towering above us is the volcano - Snaefellsjokull. Some of the best fisheries are of the peninsula and whales can often be seen from shore on calm days. We pass through fishing villages on the peninsula and head to one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland Mt. Kirkjufell. After kirkjufell we start heading back to the capital. Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Our trip ends in Reykjavik after breakfast.Our trip ends in Reykjavik after breakfast. Flybus transfers are available to the airport. Meals included: Breakfast End Keflavik AirportOur trip ends with a Flybus transfer to Keflavik airport. Meals included: Breakfast
Hotels & Guesthouses This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and simple guesthouses. Hotels are generally of a 3* standard and selected for their location and good standards of service. Guesthouses are often family-run establishments that pride themselves on offering a warm welcome and traditional Icelandic hospitality.Reykjavik: Hótel Klettur or Centerhotel Midgardur. Hvolsvöllur: Hótel Fljótshlið or Hótel Drangshlíð.Höfn: Guesthouse GerðiEgilsstaðir: Hótel ValaskjálfMyvatn: Sel Hótel or Hótel Laugar ReykjadalurAkureyri: Hótel Norðurland or Hotel Edda AkureyriLaugarbakki: Hótel LaugarbakkiSnæfellsbær: Langaholt Guesthouse or Kast GuesthouseThe accommodation on this trip consists of twin rooms, although single rooms are also available. All accommodation has private bathroom facilities. While we pre-book all accommodation according to the itinerary, as space is limited we may move to alternative accommodation according to availability. A limited number of single rooms are available, at a supplement on a strictly first come first served basis. Please contact our sales team for details.
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Reviewed March 2022 Sue WoolmanMagical Iceland Iceland in March is a challenge.....ice and snow underfoot (boot chains provided!) high winds, intermittent torrential rain, bad road conditions. But the beauty of the country more than makes up for any discomfort. Travelling around the whole island, the scenery is constantly changing....wild coasts, snowy mountains, sparkling fjords, black lava flows and of course, wonderful waterfalls. For any lover of the great outdoors, this trip is a mustWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking among the icebergs on the black beach. Entering Hallgrimskirkja and being blown away by its beauty.What did you think of your group leader? Jon is amazing, singlehandedly driving, portering, organizing, commentating......always full of energy and enthusiasm. I loved that, as well as information about Iceland, he also treated us to tales from the sagas, norse mythology and folklore.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring lots of clothes and be prepared for all weather types in one day.Is there anything else you would like to add? Maybe the itinerary needs reviewing. We struggled to fulfill the schedule on some days because of road/weather conditions, resulting in very long days and late hotel arrivals. That's why I gave this tour 4 stars, not 5.
Reviewed January 2022 Andrew WalshThe light What a fantastic place , so beautiful especially all dressed in white with snow and ice. The scenery is truly stunning. Waterfalls like you've never seen them before, fantastic coastline with the iconic black sand. Food ... best fish we have ever tasted. Acc'n .. excellent.. a couple of the hotels were very modern and quite luxurious.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? not easy to pick one ... the ice from the glacial lagoon on the black beach was pretty amazing... so was Dettifoss with ice clinging to it.. The mountains / volcanoes covered in snow and blushing with the alpine glowWhat did you think of your group leader? Oskar - fantastic bloke .. unparalleled driving skills.... the roads are ice this time of year.. the snow is bonus. Great local knowledge. Friendly and considerate. Would go on a trip with him again no hesitation.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The kit list is pretty good dont ignore it. If you are a large person I would take a good pair of boot spikes - ones that are metal underneath and up the sides and have actual spikes. They're not expensive and you can use them ad infinitum. The yaktrac ones aren't tough enough.. Some people broke theirs. As usual exodus had thought of this and had a some spares, thanks Exodus.Is there anything else you would like to add? The Light is crazy... we were the last group of the season.. the sun never really got up. Sun rise was about 11 - 11:30 depending on terrain and crept low across the ski to disappear about 15 -15:30. There was some twilight at each end of this but not much. The itinerary needs some careful tinkering to take this into account (a long chat with Oskar).. In the western world retail is the same wherever you go.. they're shops - get over it... Iceland is about the beauty not about bargains. To see Iceland you really need the light so to squander it on a morning walking round a small town (Akureyri) is a waste and should be taken off the itinerary. Travelling can be done in the dark seeing vistas you cant find anywhere else needs the light. Add the price of the hot pools near Myvatn into the trip. Maybe here rather than Hofsos.
Reviewed November 2021 Anthony TeperekGreat Overview of Iceland As with all Exodus holidays - read the detailed itinerary carefully and you should not be disappointed if you choose to go. We had yet another superb Exodus guide in Kristian (I have probably mis-spelled that!) who was also the bus driver for the 16 in the group which I think is the maximum. Inevitably you spend a good deal of time on the bus but no surprises there, that's why I stress to read the itinerary. The views are constantly excellent and Kristian would stop regular to stretch legs and admire the view. This holiday gives a good overview of the entire island. Although a good deal of the driving is on gravel roads do not expect to be taken deep into the interior where the really rough roads are that need specialised transport. Just one night in each place but all the hotels were fine with the possible exception of the one in Akureyri. Our room was adequate but some had tiny rooms with poor showers. Some of the more remote places offer very limited menus, if you like lamb and fish you'll be okay! We had a vegan in the group who had very limited options at one place. Highlight was undoubtedly the last day when Kristian rejigged the itinerary (with our permission) so that we could trek to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which Kristian had heard was ramping up activity. Wow! We were treated to specular displays of erupting lava and Kristian told us that in 25 years of guiding we were the first group of his to witness such a thing. Weather was mixed as you would expect in early September. Two very wet days - one with a gale - and 4 days of blue skies and flat calm, the other days being between those extremes.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Witnessing the volcanic eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.What did you think of your group leader? Kristian was excellent. Kept us informed and amused!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Clothing wise, you need layers and waterproof over trousers are useful. Currency: I took no Icelandic money and never needed any. Everywhere accepts a card - even the pay toilets. On the first meeting I said to Kristian "I have no local currency, do I need to get some?". His reply was "Most Icelanders have no local currency either!"Is there anything else you would like to add? As with all Scandinavian countries food and especially drink is expensive.
Reviewed September 2021 Nicola PeersA journey around Iceland This trip exceeded my expectations. The ever changing landscape was stunning, the food was excellent (although vegetarians are less well catered for, and it helps to like fish), and all the accommodation was clean and comfortable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day had at least one "wow" moment but the highlight for me from the published itinerary was the time we spent in the Krafla area, seeing the crater lake and walking over the lava fields. The Glacier Lagoon was also breath taking. To fit in our pre departure lateral flow tests, the itinerary was amended to arrive early in Reykjavik, which gave us the opportunity to hike to the active Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This was without doubt the overall highlight - never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined seeing red hot lava flowing, and fire bursting out of the earth.What did you think of your group leader? Kristjan was one of the best guides we have had on an Exodus trip. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and professional. He kept calm through every challenge - for example when one hotel could not accommodate the group at the last moment he made alternative arrangements without giving any indication that this had been difficult or stressful. He worked incredibly hard every day, as he was on his own to both drive and guide. The bus was spotless each morning and he was quietly aware of different needs within the group. Thank you Kristjan!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are vegetarian, take some snacks. The trip was a little more active than we had expected (which suited us very well) - be prepared for some walks on rugged terrain, and some lengthy steps to climb.
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