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Wilderness Highlands & Highlights

12 days
11 nights

Rates

Dates

Rates:

USD
EUR

PER PERSON :

$ 4,955.00 (double / twin occupancy)
$ 6,350.00 (single occupancy)

Optional Tours and Services
$ 65.00 (GeoSea Geothermal Baths)
$ 45.00 (Flybus Plus airport transfer - one way)
$ 75.00 (Flybus Plus airport transfer - return)
$ 265.00 (Private Airport Transfer [1-3 people])
$ 110.00 (Whale Watching from Reykjavik)
$ 100.00 (Blue Lagoon - comfort)

Children 10-11 years sharing a room and/or traveling with a guardian will receive 25% discount from the listed price, valid when one child shares a double room with 2 adults. We do not recommend this tour for children 9 years and younger. Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults.

*Please note triple rooms / double rooms with extra bed are always upon request.  Hotel rooms in Iceland are often smaller in size when compared to hotel rooms in countries such as the USA or Canada, and triple rooms will often be a double room with an extra bed with limited space in the room.

Dates:

Jul 06, 2023 - Jul 17, 2023 sold
Jul 13, 2023 - Jul 24, 2023 
Jul 20, 2023 - Jul 31, 2023 sold
Aug 03, 2023 - Aug 14, 2023 
Aug 10, 2023 - Aug 21, 2023 sold
Aug 24, 2023 - Sep 04, 2023 sold

Hotels:

This tour stays in comfort-level hotels with private bathrooms. These hotels are well situated to enjoy the beautiful places your group will explore. Most of the groups stay at the following hotels. Please note this is an advised hotel list and subject to change.

Day 1 – Berjaya Reykjavik Natura
Day 2 – Stracta Hotel
Day 3 & 4 – Klaustur Hotel or Geirland
Day 5 – Hrauneyjar Highland Hotel
Day 6 – 8 – Country Hotel Narfastadir
Day 9 – Laugarbakki Hotel
Day 10 – Hotel Stykkisholmur
Day 11 – Center Hotel Grandi

Included:

  • Guided Coach Tour from day 2 to day 11
  • Expert professional local guide from day 2 to day 11
  • Free Wi-Fi on board tour vehicle
  • 11 nights in a standard room with private facilities at a hotel in the countryside
  • 11 Icelandic breakfast buffets (except arrival day)
  • 9 two-course or buffet-style dinners in the countryside
  • 2 packed lunches (day 6 and 8)
  • Zodiac Tour on Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon (day 4)
  • Entrance to the Eric the Red Museum (day 10)
  • Great photo stops
  • Seat rotation during the tour
  • Customer care service during office hours

Highlights & Experience:

  • Discover the beauty and power of Iceland’s highland wilderness, a majestic area that few travelers visit
  • Visit beloved “must see” natural wonders of the Golden Circle region and the Glacier Lagoon
  • Join our expert guide on short walks/hikes that give you more insights into Iceland’s unforgettable natural wonders
  • Catch the adventurous spirit with travel on unpaved mountain tracks in a specially outfitted wilderness tour vehicle

Itinerary:

Iceland Tour for all first-time visitors, as well as returning wilderness fans!

As the name suggests, our Iceland tour Across the Wilderness will take you off-the-beaten track through the uninhabited and deserted highlands adorned by the colorful mountains of the Landmannalaugar Nature reserve and the black sands of Sprengisandur. You will travel by  a specially adapted 4x4 mountain coach. You will explore other major attractions such as Dettifoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.  There’s always plenty of time to stop and fully appreciate the magnificence of Icelandic nature. 

Day 1  : Arrival

Reykjavik City Hall - Tjornin Pond - Harpa Concert Hall - Reykjavik

Arrival at Keflavik airport. We would be glad to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time. When you arrive in Iceland, you might enjoy stopping at the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport to Reykjavik. Again, we’ll be happy to arrange a transfer for you and entrance to the Blue Lagoon.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers many restaurants and coffee houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00 p.m.), and early check-in is not guaranteed. However, most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you cannot check in early. 

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Options: Transfers, Blue Lagoon
Day 2  : Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir (174 mi)

Viking Heritage site with Geological Wonders – Glorious Waterfall & Exploding Geysers

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel. The first stop on our tour is the national park known as Thingvellir, which was home to the world's first parliament. The tremendous continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates also occurs here. Your tour guide will share fascinating information about memorable historical occurrences at Thingvellir.

Drive about an hour to the well-known Geysir geothermal area. There are several more boiling pools and hot springs in addition to Strokkur, the most active geyser, which shoots water several meters into the air every few minutes.

Continue to Gullfoss (known as "Golden Falls"), Iceland's stunning two-stage waterfall. You may enjoy fantastic views of the waterfall from various angles thanks to the easily accessible walkways.

Overnight stay in the Hella area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 3  : Hvollsvollur – Vik – Dyrholaey – Kirkjubaejarklaustur (118 mi)

Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand – Lava Fields

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day by traveling down the highway and stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two magnificent waterfalls.

To experience the expansive vistas from Dyrholaey Headland, where hundreds of puffins and other marine birds nest, walk to the black sand beaches (puffins seen between May and mid-August).

Before passing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains produced by flowing water from neighboring glaciers, take time to see the charming settlement of Vik.

After traversing the enormous Eldhraun lava field, the most significant single lava flows documented in the previous 10,000 years, your day ends at the hotel.a

Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 4  : Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell (161 mi)

Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Scenic Glacial Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Breakfast at your hotel. Today we explore the Vatnajokull National Park area, the biggest national park in Western Europe.The day begins with a journey through the picturesque countryside toward Vatnajokull, Europe's biggest glacier. The tallest peak in the nation, Hvannadalshnjukur, will also be visible to you.

The Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon lagoons, where enormous icebergs dance around in frigid seawater, will undoubtedly be the day's highlight. Take a Zodiac cruise among the icebergs of Fjallsarlon Lagoon to witness this breathtaking spectacle up close.

You will also see the famous Diamond Beach region, where glistening ice fragments lie on a black sand beach. Then, continue traveling while passing by several Vatnajokull outflow glaciers. Along the way, you'll see stunning views of Skaftafell, a paradise in Vatnajokull National Park with a glacier-topped peak.

Overnight Kirkjubaejarklaustur area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 5  : Landmannalaugar (124 mi)

Multi-colored Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing

It's time to leave the asphalt and travel down the picturesque, arduous Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, a breathtaking location encircled by colorful rhyolite mountains. Deep valleys and sculpted mountains may be seen in the interior's surreal grandeur, many of which were created by volcanic eruptions beneath glaciers during the Ice Age.

Enjoy a soothing soak in the warm brook formed by the convergence of hot and cold springs after a pleasant stroll around the nature reserve (optional). An actual Icelandic experience!

Because you're traveling on highland wilderness paths today, some of the roads will be rough, but that's all part of the fun! There will be some stunning views today!

Overnight in the Thjorsardalur Valley area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 6  : Sprengisandur Trail (186 mi)

Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, wilderness adventure awaits! It's time to travel across the center of Iceland to the north. Along the Sprengisandur highland route's black sands, uncover the unexplored secrets of Iceland's desert interior. You will rely on your skilled driver to guide you through the treacherous journey between the glaciers because there are only unpaved roads and unbridged glacial rivers. An authentic flavor of Iceland's wild side can be found here. You'll learn more about the mythology and ghost stories associated with this route. One of the most well-known folk tunes in the nation was even inspired by it! 

Your group will travel the Kjolur highland route if Sprengisandur is closed due to poor road conditions. Because you're traveling on highland wilderness paths today, some of the roads will be rough, but that's all part of the fun! There will be some stunning views today!

Overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 7  : Lake Myvatn – Dettifoss – Asbyrgi – Tjornes (186 mi)

Magnificent Canyon – Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Volcanic Wonderland

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you will explore Lake Myvatn and the northern region of Vatnajokull National Park. First, we visit the breathtaking Lake Myvatn region, a geological marvel and a birdwatcher's heaven.

Continue to the vibrant Hverarond boiling mud pits and the Krafla volcano's still-warm lava fields, which are rife with lava flows, fissures, and explosion craters. These are two of the area's most peculiar sights.

The trip continues to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, situated in the breathtaking Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the imposing 100-meter (328-foot) high cliffs of the Asbyrgi Canyon, fashioned like horseshoes. The canyon is said to be the footprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged magical horse of the Norse god Odinn. The northernmost point of your voyage is the Tjornes peninsula.

Drive to Husavik in the late afternoon if you want to take advantage of the optional geothermal saltwater baths at the GeoSea spa.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Options: GeoSea Geothermal Baths
Day 8  : Askja Caldera (249 mi)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll be going to the Askja caldera, a submerged crater in the Odadahraun desert region of Vatnajokull National Park. Due to its remoteess and unearthly landscape, Askja was a training site for astronauts who embarked on moon missions in the 1960s and 1970s .

The stunning Herdubreid, Iceland's Queen of Mountains, with her magnificent table-shaped peak, will be visible throughout your path. See the sizable Askja caldera, created by a volcanic explosion during the last Ice Age. You'll also go to Lake Askja, surrounded by mountains and was created by a strong volcanic eruption in the 19th century. The same eruption also produced Viti, also known as "the doorway to Hell," an impressive crater. It is a remarkable sensation to stand at the crater's edge and observe its enormous size and the gorgeous turquoise water. You will also head to Drekagil during the day, known for its bizarrely shaped lava formations.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Day 9  : Along the Arctic Coastway (186 mi)

Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Scenic Historical Fjord

Breakfast at your hotel. Today we take the Arctic Coast Way, Iceland's first scenic byway. In contrast to the raw beauty of the highlands you have been enjoying the past several days, the route takes you along the lovely coastline and through peaceful communities.

One of the most stunning waterfalls in the nation, Godafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), is a great place to start your adventure.

Next, we will stop in Akureyri, the thriving "Capital of the North," and enjoy some free time to stroll around this vibrant and inviting city. A visit to the lovely botanical park and dining in the Listagil artists' quarter are just a few possible activities.

We continue to the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi), where the rocky terrain resembles frozen trolls. Be prepared with your camera for the spectacular sights where the vast Arctic Ocean meets rocky terrain. Additionally, you'll savor the views of the little, vibrant fishing towns nestled within the breathtaking scenery. One of these communities is Siglufjordur, the scene of a fascinating herring "gold rush" in the 20th century. The community is renowned for its outdoor activities, including summer hiking and winter skiing.

We drive further to the historic center of Icelandic horse breeding, Skagafjordur. Many historic locations from the well-known Viking-age Sagas can be found in this fjord.

Overnight in Laugarbakki (breakfast, dinner)

Day 10  : Vatnsnes Peninsula - Hvammstangi – Eiriksstadir (155 mi)

Historical Farmlands – Mysterious Scenic Peninsula – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Breakfast at your hotel. The Arctic Coast Way emphasizes the fascinating and untamed treasures that border the Arctic Circle. One of them is the off-the-beaten-path Vatnsnes Peninsula. Here, the water and the sky appear to merge, and the views in the distance are breathtaking. The remarkable rock formation is known as Hvitserkur, 49-foot (15-meter) high cliff that protrudes directly into the ocean, and local seals rest on the beach.

The Viking Age residence at the Eric, the Red Museum, can be reached by driving over rolling fields and across Laxardalsheidi heath in the afternoon. This was Eric the Red's original homestead and the spot where his son Leifur Eiriksson was born. These two men are the most famous Vikings in history. Meet contemporary Vikings who will demonstrate crafts and pastimes from 1.000 years ago in a recreated grass-roofed home.

Overnight stay in the Snaefellsnes area (breakfast, diner)

Day 11  : Snæfellsjökull National Park (193 mi)

Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Breakfast at your hotel. You will spend the day discovering the astounding variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The Snaefellsjokull glacier, located on top of a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD, is the park's jewel.

You'll also view Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most famous mountains. Take a stroll around the Djupalonssandur beach's distinctive pebbled seascape. Arnarstapi is a charming port village where you will see stunning basalt rocks stacked in unique forms and walk along the impressive hiking track connecting the two ancient settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

We return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. At your accommodation, say goodbye to your guide.

Overnight in Reykjavik (breakfast)

Day 12  : Departure

Breakfast at your hotel. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers. We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight.

We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!

Options: Transfers

Notes:

Generally, on Day 2 – 11 there will be no more than 45 minutes to one-hour driving between each tour stop. You’ll arrive at each night’s accommodation in the late afternoon.

If you have added extra nights in Reykjavík before your tour, the guide will meet your group for the start of the tour on the morning of Day 2 according to the standard “Across the Wilderness” itinerary.

Some of the roads on highlands wilderness tracks will be bumpy, but it’s all part of the adventure! The views will be amazing!

We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice, due to road conditions

Please note that good trekking shoes/hiking shoes are required for this tour, as some of the walking is on unpaved, sometimes uneven surfaces

Please check the "Program Details" section in your travel documents to see which your tour’s hotel list and how to meet your guide at the start of the tour

Not Included:

  • Breakfast on arrival day
  • International airfare
  • Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Round-trip transfers between airports and hotels
  • Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
  • Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm)
  • Guaranteed late check-out
  • Any service not specifically listed under "Included"