Fire and Ice A nordic adventure to the Island of Geysers and Glaciers Mar 15-20, 2018
Iceland Welcome to the lands of ancient mystery. To an encounter with unspeakable majesty. Step out and explore that spark in your soul that yearns for adventure and join us for an excursion across glacial fields, volcanoes and the icy waters of the Atlantic. A challenge in itself, we will self drive from stage to stage in specially equipped Land Rovers. By kayak, snow mobile or on foot we then venture into the open, hike and climb through dreamlike landscapes, and swim in crystal clear waters between tectonic plates of two Continents. We will chase Northern Lights unspoiled by light or air pollution, get beneath the surface of centuries-old glaciers and enjoy icelandic music with local culinary highlights from the comfort of iconic lodges. Welcome to this magic experience of true nordic luxury.
The journey at a glance Day 1 Arrival in Iceland Transfer from Keflavik Airport to Skàlakot for welcome reception and dinner. Day 2 Across glaciers and rivers Early departure in special self drive Land Rovers across glaciers and through rivers: ice climbing/hiking; overnight in mobile expedition camp. Viking dinner/music by the open fire. Day 3 Geysers, waterfalls and ice tunnels Continue by Land Rover to giant waterfalls and geysers; snow mobile across the Langjokull glacier to caves of blue ice deep beneath its surface. Transfer in super jeeps to Husafell Hotel for dinner and Northern Lights. Day 4 Between two continents Off road transfer to Thingvellir National Park; snorkeling in the Silfra ravine between continental plates. Transfer to Ion Hotel for overnight and dinner. Day 5 From sea to sky Drive to Hvalfjordur for extreme Kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean; Transfer to a secret location for a special lunch; farewell dinner and final night at our city hotel in Reykjavik. Day 6 Farewell Breakfast at leisure, explore Reykjavik and depart to the Airport for return flight home.
Activity Log Self Driving Experience Driving specially equipped Land Rovers through dramatic volcanic scenery Challenge Maneuvering off road on ice and through rivers Trip 2 days Rating easy to moderate Ice hiking / climbing Experience Challenge Trip Rating A wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses climbing ice walls using crampons and ice picks 3.5 to 4 hrs total easy to moderate Snowmobile Experience Challenge Trip Rating Snowmobile excursion to Ice Tunnels on Langjokull glacier Crossing a 45 Km ice field 2 hrs + 1 hour inside Glacier moderate (demanding in severe conditions) Snorkeling Experience Snorkel in crystal clear, ice cold waters between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates Challenge Water temperature of 3 Celsius (37 Fahrenheit) Trip 4 hours total - up to 45 minutes in the water Rating easy (but cold ;) Sea Kayaking Experience Extreme Kayak in icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean Challenge temperature and wind Trip 2-3 hours Rating moderate (weather dependent)
The stages of our journey Day 1 Arrival in Iceland, Skàlakot Lodge Our team will welcome you at Keflavik international airport and take you directly to our brand new lodge in Skàlakot about an hour and thirty minutes to the south-east from Reykjavik, embedded in South Iceland s panoramic scenery. We will officially start our adventure in the evening with a welcome reception and dinner at the lodge. The next morning we head out after an early breakfast in self drive Land Rovers for our first day of adventure.
Day 2 Ice climbing and off-road driving On our way to the Glacier we first head towards the southernmost point of Iceland and its black lava beaches. From there it is a 25 minute drive up to Myrdalsjokull, the 4th largest glacier on Iceland sitting on a very active volcanic mountain. A wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and crevasses awaits us as we hike towards the ice field where we take on the glacial ice walls with crampons and ice picks, secured by ropes. After lunch in the mountain glacier hut we drive North to Skogarfoss waterfall and continue towards Thorsmorsk - a difficult section crossing three glacial rivers with floating ice. We finally arrive at Basar Camp for the briefing and and check-in to our expedition tents and crown the adventurous first day with a Viking dinner feast.
Day 3 Geysers, glaciers and tunnels beneath the ice Today we head to Langjokull Glacier, Europe s 2nd largest ice cap. On our way we stop at Gullfoss waterfall to see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down into a deep gorge. Next up is Geysir, which gave its name to all other erupting hot springs and will also see Strokkur, one of the most active geysers in the area spouting up to 90 feet into the air. We then take to snow mobiles for the last 45 Km across the Langjokull ice field for a private reception in the ice tunnels. Deep in the heart of this remote and spectacular glacier we will see the magnificent blue ice and unravel the glacier s mysteries - until recent the exclusive privilege of only a handful of glaciologists. A super jeep then waits with snacks and hot chocolate ready to take us on the 45 minute off-road drive to Husafell hotel for dinner and dancing Northern Lights.
Day 4 Snorkeling between continents The next morning we continue off-road and head across the ice towards Thingvellir National Park and the Silfra ravine for a spectacular snorkeling excursion. The rift was formed in the divergent tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates, which drift about 2 cm apart each year. The water is cold - around 3 Celsius (37 Fahrenheit). Drysuits protect us from the icy temperature as we silently drift along between continents.the snorkeling itself (it is possible to dive if you have a padi license) in the crystal clear lake with almost unlimited visibility takes about 40 minutes. In the afternoon we transfer to the iconic Ion hotel to warm up, relax and enjoy dinner, drinks and music in the evening.
Days 5 and 6 Icy waters and snowy mountains The day starts with a drive into Hvalfjordur for our extreme Kayak expedition in the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by unforgettable scenery. Before we set out, we need to gear up in special suits and gloves. The paddle in the icy waters of the fjord takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. It is our last activity but not the end of our journey. We continue to a secret location for a special private lunch before heading to Reykjavik. Back in the city we will celebrate the end of our adventure in style at our brand new City Hotel. Morning at leisure to explore Reykjavik and private transfer to the airport, where it will be farewell to the magic land of fire and ice.
Main Facts Destination Iceland From / to Reykjavik When Mar 15-20, 2018 Duration 6 days / 5 nights Participants 8-15 Cost per person sharing From 6,500* *single occupancy supplement 1,150 Included - Private itinerary and guided activities as outlined - 4 nights at 4 Lodges/Hotels - 1 night in private expedition camp - All meals / water included in cars all day - All transfers Not included - International flights - Alcohol and drinks