DATES & GENERAL INFO With so much to discover and explore in Iceland, this comprehensive tour highlights the natural wonders, the majestic landscapes and the unique character of Iceland. This tour provides the perfect mix of culture and nature.
OPERATION:
July 04, 2013 - August 12, 2013
DURATION:11 Days/10 Nights
2 nights in Reykjavík, 8 nights in the country side.
Travelling along a mountain track in a mountain truck allows us to combine classic routes and all the famous points of interest in Iceland with the uninhabited and volcanic highlands, the vastes area of wilderness in Europe. This tour truly showcases the Icelandic diversed nature.
Across the Wilderness offers a complete Icelandic experience into only 9 days, which will conquer the hearts of first-timers as well as those that have been here before.
Across the Wilderness is a unique tour for various reasons:
• With maximum 19 participants, the small group size ensures that guests can be treated individually, giving space and focus to their different interests.
• With only a basic promised itinerary, this tour ensures freedom and flexibility to add extras and personal content.
• Only a manageable daily mileage ensures time to not just tick off boxes but take in this land of endless variations of natural power.
• The trips start at the end of snowmelt in the highlands and continue into early autumn. The high season trips give you midnight sun, but the last trips give you the chance to see the northern lights - Aurora Borealis
Day 1: Arrival / Pre night
Overnight stay in Reykjavík (transfer from Keflavík Airport is not included, but can be bought seperately. We recommend our Airport Express Shuttle service. See www.airportexpress.is).
Day 2: Þingvellir National Park - Gullfoss - Geysir
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - The Famous Golden Falls - Exploding Geysers
We begin with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament and a jewel of nature. Next we travel to the nearby geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Onwards to the beautiful Gullfoss of “Golden” falls considered by many to the most impressive in Iceland.
Overnight in Hvolsvöllur area
Day 3: Vík - Dyrhólaey - Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Thundering Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore - Lava Fields
Admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before crossing Mýrdalssandur plains. Stop to enjoy the great views from Dyrhólaey* headland where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. In Reynishverfi we can go for a stroll on the black sand beach and enjoy a view to the Reynisdrangar cliffs. Drive through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the largest of its kind caused from a single eruption in Iceland.
Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 4: Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell
Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe’s Largest National Park - Europe’s Largest Glacier
Start the day by visiting the mystical Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. It is possible to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs. Spend the afternoon hiking in Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap.
Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 5: Landmannalaugar
Multicolored Mountains of the Highlands - Lava Fields - Hot Springs with Bathing - Hekla Volcano
Follow the Fjallabaksleið interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, forming this uniquely colorful landscape. There are several hiking trails in the area.
Overnight in the Þjórsárdalur area.
Day 6: Sprengisandur
Uninhabited Interior and Highland Desert
Discover hidden parts of the Icelandic interior, exploring the desolated wilderness of Sprengisandur highland route. Sprengisandur is the longest stretch between the South and North and is passable during the summer months. Traverse the rugged track with its scenic beauty, crossing rivers where necessary and driving over the largest continuous lava field in Iceland, Ódáðahraun.
Overnight in the great Lake Mývatn area.
Day 7: Tjörnes - Ásbyrgi - Dettifoss - Lake Mývatn
Glacial River Gorge - Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife
An adventure filled day with a backdrop of heavenly landscapes. This journey travels around the stunning Tjörnes peninsula. Discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi National Park which according to Norse mythology, is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Óðinn. Continue to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Drive to the stunningly beautiful area of Lake Mývatn, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Explore the solfataras at Hverarönd geothermal region, peculiar lava formations and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir.
Overnight in the great Lake Mývatn area.
Day 8: Akureyri - Skagafjörður
Waterfall “Of the Gods” - Iceland’s Second Largest City - Viking Horses
Drive towards Goðafoss waterfall before continuing to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North” and the second largest urban area in Iceland. Spend time in Akureyri which can include a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens. Continue to Skagafjörður with inspiring scenery. This area is renowned for horse breeding as well as being home to many important sites relating to the classic Icelandic Sagas. In the evening, optional horseback riding tour on purebred Viking horses or take a refreshing walk in the picturesque surrounds.
Overnight in the Hvammstangi area.
Day 9: Hvammstangi - Eiríksstaðir - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Fertile Farmlands - Birthplace of Leif Eiríksson - Quaint Fishing Villages
The journey continues through rolling farmlands and across Laxárdalsheiði heath to the Viking Age living museum at Eiríksstaðir, the original home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world. Travel through the small fishing villages of the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Overnight in the Snæfellsnes area.
Day 10: Snæfellsnes National Park
Snæfellsjökull Glacier - Black Sand Beaches - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife - Quaint Fishing Villages
Morning drive to Snæfellsnes National Park. Circle around the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, where, according to Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the Earth can be found. Continue to the beautiful rocky sea shore by Djúpalónssandur. Stop at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi with its magnificent columnar basalt rock formations. Take a unique walk between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar before driving to Reykjavik.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 11: Departure DEPARTURE| June 27 |
| July 11 |
| July 25 |
| August 08 |
| August 22 |
| September 05 |
Maximum nr. of passengers: 19
Minimum nr. of passengers: 2
Departures with English speaking Driver-Guide:
Price per person July 1 - August 31, 2013
Price per person in EUR
| Double | 2.240,- |
| Single | 2.835,- |
For departures in other languages than English (with 1 driver and 1 guide) prices will be published as soon as possible.
CHILDREN RATE
• Children 6-11 years sharing a room and/or traveling with a guardian will receive 50% discount from the listed price.
• Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults.
• It is not recommended that children 0-5 years old travel on scheduled tours.
INCLUDED
• 9 day coach tour with driver-guide from/to Reykjavík
• Accommodation 2 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in Reykjavík
• Accommodation 8 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in the countryside
• 8 dinners in the countryside
• Entrance Eric the Red museum
NOT INCLUDED
• Optional tours
• Meals other than those listed in itinerary
• International flight
• Any service not specifically listed under "included"
OPTIONAL (at extra cost):
• Boat tour on the Glacial Lagoon
• Horse riding tour
• Evening whale watching trip from Húsavík (high season)
• Tour to Blue Lagoon the last evening