Highland Journey Across Iceland

Transcription

1 Highland Journey Across Iceland Explore the capital city of Reykjavik before travelling across Iceland s rugged highlands to Akureyri, capital of the North. An exploration of south and north Iceland connected by an intrepid highland bus journey called the Kjölur route. This route is not only off-the-beaten track, it also offers a unique insight into the inner section of Iceland. Some areas of Iceland can often be difficult to reach without a car but not anymore! We have put together this fabulous tour using a selection of activities and an adventurous journey on a 4x4 bus across the middle of the country, travelling through the highlands from south to north and passing extraordinary landscapes. This really is a route less travelled and is perfect for those who wish to see as much as possible of Iceland without hiring a car, plus it's a great holiday for solo travellers, as well as couples and families. ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrive at Keflavik Airport and take the airport shuttle bus to your centrally located hotel in Reykjavik. 3 nights REYKJAVIK - Fosshotel Reykjavik or Hotel Reykjavik Centrum (BB) DAYS 2 & 3 Free days in Reykjavik to explore Iceland s quirky capital. You ll find few chain shops here, instead there s an eclectic mix of independent retailers including vintage, record and design shops and a good selection of cosy cafes with homemade food when you need to rest your weary legs. You can also choose from a selection of Optional Activities which give you the opportunity to explore further afield. For a truly out-of-this-world experience why not take the extraordinary Inside the Volcano excursion, descending into the volcano s magma chamber?

2 DAY 4 In the morning you embark on your journey from south to north leaving Reykjavik and travelling northwards by 4x4 bus across Iceland s magnificent highlands to Akureyri (approx, 10 hours). The route heads eastwards over Hellisheiði then through Hveragerði, Selfoss and Laugarvatn, before the continuing to the world-famous Geysir geothermal area, the site of numerous hot springs, Strokkur being the most active one today. A glimpse of majestic Gullfoss waterfall is next on your agenda, before the drive north, up to the high plane of Kjölur. First stop of the day is at the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range before continuing through the rugged wilderness to the oasis of Hveravellir, with its geothermal area and bathing possibilities. The bus continues along the highland road passing Blönduvirkjun hydroelectric power station. In Langidalur valley the road joins Highway 1 to Akureyri arriving at nights - AKUREYRI - Hotel Norðurland*** or Icelandair Hotel Akureyri (B) DAY 5 Today embark on a small-group tour of Lake Mývatn. Highlights include Goðafoss waterfall, Skutustaðir pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, boiling mud pools and sulphur pits, ending the day by relaxing in Mývatn Nature Baths. DAY 6 Enjoy a free day to yourself, either potter around Akureyri or enjoy a pre-booked Optional Activity - how about whale watching or the unique chance to explore an ice cave? DAY 7 Take a short taxi ride to Akureyri Airport for your 45-mins flight to Reykjavik domestic airport. Here you will be met on your arrival at the domestic airport for your private transfer to Keflavik Airport for your return flight home.

3 DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES Departure Day: Daily Departure Dates: 15 Jun - 7 Sep 2017 Duration: 6 nights Prices: Prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room. Single supplement as shown. Fosshotel Reykjavik & Norðurland*** Departure Dates Price per person Sgl Supp 15 Jun - 7 Sep Reykjavik Centrum & Icelandair Akureyri**** Departure Dates Price per person Sgl Supp 15 Jun - 7 Sep Price includes: Scheduled return flights with Icelandair from the UK to Keflavik including taxes. Includes 23kgs of checked luggage per person plus one piece of hand-luggage. Alternative departure airports and airlines available - please ask for details. Airport bus (Flybus) transfer on arrival. Hotel accommodation based on two people sharing a double/twin room with shower and WC including breakfast. Highland bus journey including detour through Golden Circle route. Tour of Lake Myvatn on Day 5. Flight with Air Iceland from Akureyri to Reykjavik including taxes. Private taxi transfer from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Keflavik Airport for return flight home.

4 OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES COASTAL CULTURE & SIGLUFJÖRÐUR FJORD from Akureyri Description: A lovely excursion for those wanting to experience authentic fishing villages and black sand beaches. During this tour you travel by the Eyjafjörður coastline, focusing on coastal culture and the beautiful seaside surroundings. You have plenty of time to walk on a black sand beach, visit small fishing villages and the award winning Siglufjörður Herring Museum, where you learn about the rich herring heritage of the town of Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður was the filming location for the popular Icelandic TV series Trapped, setting the right atmosphere for the thrilling series. You also visit the busy harbour area of Dalvík, one of the largest harbours in Icelandic fishing industry. Operates: All year on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Duration: Approximately 5 hours Departs: 1300 Price: 170 per person (refreshments are not included). Includes: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, transportation, guide and entry to the Herring Museum. HEKLA VOLCANO AND LANDMANNALAUGAR from Reykjavik Description: After boarding your Superjeep in Reykjavik, you cross fertile South Iceland farmlands, opening up to grand views weather permitting of Hekla volcano's snow-covered top (elev. 1491m). Hekla's next eruption is long overdue and could be expected at any time! Since Iceland s human settlement in the ninth century, Hekla's eruptions have ranged from pretty little tourist attractions to explosive disasters. No wonder Hekla has long been taken for the entrance to Hell for damned souls! Conditions permitting, you may make it up onto the volcano s eruptive ridge, ca 900m above sea level, where the air is crisp and the views incomparable. Pushing deeper into Iceland's eruptive interior, you take in and touch scenery so unreal it is repeatedly used for other-world Hollywood A-films. In Landmannalaugar you can hike, or dip in Iceland's most famous natural hot pool, or both. When you have been suitably geothermally cooked, it s Superjeep time again, heading north through does-this-really-exist looking surroundings towards Reykjavík. Operates: 15 June to 30 September Departures: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Pick-up from your hotel. Duration: 9-10 hours. Price: 295 per person. INSIDE THE VOLCANO from Reykjavik Description: Journey into the depths of a dormant volcano on this exhilarating expedition from Reykjavik. After hiking through the lava fields of the Blue Mountains, arrive at the rim of Thrihnukagigur volcano. It s also the only place on Earth where you can take an elevator inside a volcano s magma chamber! The whole programme takes about 5 6 hours to complete, in which time you will: Take a very scenic hike across a lava field, often compared to the surface of the moon. Get to know a bunch of stuff about volcanoes and volcanic activity in Iceland. Enjoy an amazing view of Reykjavik and the Reykjanes peninsula. Get your adrenaline pumping, without doubt.

5 Have a very, very, very close encounter with a volcano. Taste a delicious traditional Icelandic meat soup. In fact, you can have as much of it as you like! The total duration of the tour is between 5 and 6 hours and includes a hike of around 45/50 minutes each way over relatively even ground. For the trip inside the volcano itself they utilise an innovative method to lower visitors down through the crater s opening (roughly 4 4 m/12 12 ft width). They use a system that s normally used to carry window cleaners on the side of skyscrapers an open elevator system. A basket that holds 6 7 people is connected to a crane that has been placed vertically over the crater opening. Massive cable wires move the basket up and down the bottle-shaped vault. The 120 m/400 ft journey takes about 6 minutes to complete, giving you an idea of how slowly you will be moving down into the crater. The slow speed is to ensure the safety of passengers, but also to provide the opportunity to enjoy the amazing scenery. Operates: 15 May to 15 October Duration: 5-6 hours Departs: 0800, 1000, 1200, 1400 with included transfer from Reykjavik Price: 320 per person Includes: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, guided tour, all safety equipment including helmets, harnesses etc, traditional Icelandic meat stew (vegetarian and special diet options available, please advise at time of booking) REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK from Reykjavik Description: During the Reykjavik Food Walk, you will explore the downtown area through 13 traditional cuisines that are rarely mentioned in the typical to-do in Iceland itinerary. On this 4- hour long guided tour, you will stroll around the city and visit six unique restaurants and shops. Despite the tour being centred around traditional Icelandic food, you will be delighted to hear that fermented shark, rams testicles and sheepsheads are left off the menu! Instead, you will taste the traditional Icelandic food Icelanders still enjoy today. On the menu is skyr, homemade ice cream, a hot dog from the famous Icelandic hot dog stand and much more. If unique cuisines, local restaurants and making new friends is something you enjoy, you will definitely enjoy the Reykjavik Food Walk. Taste your way through downtown Reykjavik! Operates: All year, daily except Sunday Duration: Approximately 4 hours Price: 105 per person Includes: Local guide for walking tour and all food. Meeting point is Harpa Concert Hall. THE BLUE LAGOON ON ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE from Reykjavik Description: What better way to start or end your holiday than bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to soothe and refresh body and soul? Relax in the milky-blue seawater (37-39ºC) and try out the sauna, steam bath and powerful massage waterfall. Bliss. Operates: Daily, all year. Duration: Length of time in the Blue Lagoon can be from 1.5 to 3 hours. The Blue Lagoon is 20 mins from Keflavik Airport and approximately 35 minutes from Reykjavik City Centre.

6 Price: 67 per adult, child pay 50%, under 12 free. NB. This tour price has already been adjusted to deduct the cost of the one-way Flybus transfer which is included in all our holidays beginning and ending in Reykjavik. Those with a hire car i.e. where no transfer is included will pay 72 per person for advance booking. WHALE WATCHING DURING THE SUMMER from Reykjavik Description: This trip departs directly from Reykjavik Harbour which is a short walk from most of Reykjavik's city hotels. Here you will find the Visitor Centre, facilitated on board a converted fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier, which is where you will meet your crew for the day. Before (or after) the tour you can have a drink at the Whale Café or enjoy the onboard whale exhibition located in the hull of the boat. The show includes multimedia images and videos of whales as well as fun facts about the cetaceans and other marine animals you are likely to come across on the tour. Once on board the tour boat you will find several outdoor viewing platforms, a large indoor saloon with an on board café where you can buy light refreshments, basic bathroom facilities and a cloak room where you can borrow a blanket or overalls for cooler days. You can either stay outside in the fresh air or inside the heated lounge and observe the views from within, through large panoramic windows. One of your guides will talk about the sights and views at hand through the intercom system and will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the tour. Summer season (1 April - 31 October) is great for whale watching, as the wildlife in the bay is at it's highest peak! The most common cetacean in the area are the Minke whales, White-beaked dolphins and Harbour porpoises. Occasionally we spot other species including Humpback whales, Killer whales/orcas, Fin whales and Blue whales to name but a few. The weather can change quite frequently in Iceland and therefore we reserve the right to alter routes and itineraries by sailing from other harbours in the nearby area where the weather or sightings are more favourable each time, which could result in a slightly longer tour. Please be aware also that the tours are run in wild nature and we can never guarantee sightings on a particular tour. The estimated duration of tours are standard times and can change according to conditions at sea. Although the success rate is high, the cetacean abundance is unpredictable and varies with the food availability off-shore. Departures: 0900, 0930, 1000, 1300, 1400, 1700, 1900, 2030 Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Price: 75 per person Includes: Entry to the Whale Museum, guided whale safari, free use of blankets and overalls, WiFi on-board for those who can't wait to share their experience!