MULTISPORT ICELAND PREMIERE INNS Ready to let off some steam in the Land of Fire and Ice? Here, in the ancient stomping ground of the Vikings, you ll zip in Zodiac boats across an unearthly lagoon. Trek on lava beds to the Forest of Thor. Journey by super jeep near an active volcano. Gaze at massive mountains and hike to a seabird sanctuary. Warm up in geothermal pools after walking on a glacier And that s just the tip of the iceberg! Come discover Iceland at its beautiful, rugged and mythical best with Backroads. 15MIEIR1E (10/3/14)
NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality and we're fully responsible for your great experience. GREAT TRIP! How do you express the Iceland experience to people who have never thought about going there? Backroads did an amazing job of weaving together scenic splendor, physical challenge, local color, history, science and contemporary society. This trip was a huge "WOW" in so many ways. Thank you so much for the experience!! Janet Caylor- Austin, TX Click HERE to read more guest reviews TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards. Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2 4 See below for details TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or 510-527-1555 Open daily 6 a.m. 6 p.m. Pacific time
We want to make sure you re on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception. Accommodations Please note that Hotel Vatnajökull is more basic than the usual Backroads standard. We ve chosen this property in the remote area of southeast Iceland for its proximity to our trip activities. Climate The combination of Iceland s prolific waterfalls, vast icefields, vibrant green landscape and warm ocean currents makes this island like no other place in the world. The island's climate can be as surprising as its terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that can bring sun, wind, sleet, rain and snow all in the same day (or hour!). Please be sure to bring warm layers and waterproof gear for every day of the trip. Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at 9 a.m. at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura (+354-444-4500), located at Nauthólsvegur 52 in Reykjavík. (For more information on Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, see Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip. ) Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes (including sturdy hiking boots) and bring a daypack with your cool-weather hiking gear, rain gear and anything else you may want for today s activities. Flight to Höfn 1 Hour Shuttle to Vatnajökull National Park 30 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Hoffellsjökull Lagoon Loop: 3.5 Miles* (500 elevation gain) Geitafellsbjorg Extended Loop: 4 Miles* (500 ) *with shuttle Welcome to Iceland! After meeting in the cosmopolitan capital city of Reykjavík, we board a scenic flight to Iceland s southeastern shore if skies are clear, you ll have bird s-eye views of the fire and ice wonders of Iceland. We land near Vatnajökull, Europe s largest ice cap. Spanning several active volcanoes whose meltwaters feed hundreds of rivers, Vatnajökull covers eight percent (about 3,200 square miles) of the country and is 3,000 feet thick in spots. After arriving we take a short shuttle to Hoffellsjökull in Vatnajökull National Park to begin our first hike. This incredible protected region has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic eruptions, glacial runoff and rushing rivers and abounds with black volcanic rock and waterfalls. Here you may also find Icelandic fox, caribou, rare lichens and meadows of alpine flowers. Our view of the Hoffellsjökull Lagoon is just one of the many incredible vistas you ll admire throughout your Iceland adventure. This evening we visit the nearby fishing village of Höfn (pronounced Hup ), known for its fresh and delicious langoustine. We tour the town, visiting a local Icelandic sweater co-op, the marina and old town. Then we gather for a wine reception and our first Icelandic dinner. 3 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
Afterward a short shuttle takes us to our home for the evening, the newly renovated Hotel Vatnajökull, which offers stunning panoramic views. Lodging: Hotel Vatnajökull Day 2 Shuttle to Jökulsárlón 1 Hour Zodiac Boat Ride 1 Hour Shuttle to Skaftafell National Park 45 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Svartifoss Loop: 3.2 Miles* (1,200 elevation gain) Sjonarnipa Loop: 5.2 Miles* (1,300 ) Dyrhólaey Coastal Cape Route 1 Mile (200 ) Shuttle to Hotel Rangá 3 Hours *with shuttle We shuttle first to Jökulsárlón, to take in views of Iceland s largest and most famous glacial lake, which was formed as the Breidamerkurjökull Glacier (a tongue of the Vatnajökull) began receding from the Atlantic Ocean. Then, after a few minutes shuttle, we arrive at the majestic Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon bundle up in thermal suits, board our private Zodiac boats and take to the water. Have your camera ready to capture the incredible scene of white and translucent icebergs, sculpted by wind and water, floating in this spectacular ice lagoon. We pull up close to the towering wall of the magnificent Öraefajökull Glacier to learn more about this incredible ice environment. Back on land, a shuttle whisks us to Skaftafell National Park, where you witness the force of nature firsthand as you climb to three beautiful waterfalls, including Svartifoss or black falls (foss is Icelandic for waterfall), a gorgeous cascade that pours from a cliff made of black hexagonal lava columns. Continue ascending through the upland heath, with wildflowers underfoot and views of glaciers and mountains ahead. Reaching the end of the route, a viewpoint offers expansive vistas over the PREMIERE INNS* HOTEL VATNAJOKULL 1 NIGHT (CASUAL INN) Newly renovated, this simple yet well-appointed hotel offers panoramic views of the Vatnajökull Glacier. Höfn +354-478-2555 www.fosshotel.is HOTEL RANGA 2 NIGHTS A countryside log cabin-style resort with hot tubs overlooking a river and the Hekla Volcano. Hella +354-487-5700 www.hotelranga.is HOTEL GRIMSBORGIR 1 NIGHT An elegant country inn situated along the River Sog, in the heart of the Golden Circle. Selfoss +354-555-7878 www.grimsborgir.com HOTEL ION 1 NIGHT (ABOVE) This sleek modern hotel sits amid geothermal pools near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (spa) Nesjavellir +354-482-3412 www.ioniceland.is KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders. *With 1 Casual Inn night at Hotel Vatnajökull Iceland Multisport 4
Skaftafellsjökull Glacier, black sand floodplains, and the sea beyond. Simply put, the scenery is breathtaking. In the afternoon we continue on to Dyrholaey, a 400 foot high coastal promontory on Iceland s southernmost point. Dyholaey (or doorway ) was named for the massive arch that cuts through the rock it s large enough for the ships to pass through when seas are calm. As you walk, admire the many sea stacks just offshore and look for the puffins, common guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes that call this bird sanctuary home. At the end of the day, a shuttle whisks us along Route 1, commonly referred to as Iceland s Ring Road, to Hotel Rangá, a unique log cabin-style resort set on the Eystri- Rangá River. With glaciers to the northeast and views of the formidable Mount Hekla in the distance, this landscape is a feast for the eyes. Make yourself at home and perhaps indulge in a relaxing soak in one of the three outdoor geothermal tubs. The hotel s chef, acclaimed for his gourmet cuisine featuring farm-fresh seasonal ingredients, serves tonight s memorable dinner. Lodging: Hotel Rangá ROUTE RATING INFORMATION The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2 4. LEVEL 2 21 30 miles (biking) 4 7 miles (walking/hiking) 2 4 hours LEVEL 3 31 40 miles (biking) 5 9 miles (walking/hiking) 3 5 hours LEVEL 4 41 55 miles (biking) 6 11 miles (walking/hiking) 4 6 hours Day 3 Super Jeep Expedition to Fimmvörduháls 3 Hours Walking & Hiking Options: Skógafoss & Thórsmörk Waterfall Route: 5 Miles* (600 elevation gain) Fimmvörduháls to Thórsmörk Route: 7.5 Miles* (1,200 ) *with shuttle Ready for our next adventure? We climb into our private all-terrain super jeeps to explore a remote and rocky road past waterfalls and canyons near the active mount of Katla Volcano. A trip in itself, our ride ends at the Fimmvörduháls hut, where we begin the mostly downhill trek to Thórsmörk (meaning the forest of Thor, the god of thunder), a protected area between Tindfjalla and Eyjafjalla Glaciers that is considered one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. A local mountain guide accompanies us and a safety cable lends assistance on some of the steeper sections as you hike past peculiar basalt rock formations to a glacier tongue surrounded by pristine valleys and ice fields. Not only do the mountains and glaciers offer a majestic backdrop, but they also protect the Thórsmörk Valley from harsh elements, creating a warmer climate where wildflowers bloom and verdant mosses, ferns and birch woods thrive. It s a vibrant green wonderland, ringed with icy peaks and crossed by running glacial streams. If a shorter amble sounds appealing, you can get a boost to one of the countless waterfalls along the Skógá River to begin your hike. Skógafoss is especially lovely, with its 200-foot cascade set off by bright green mosscovered rocks. After the hike, a super jeep whisks you to Thórsmörk for more hiking, amazing waterfalls and cave exploration. We then return to our hotel by super jeep, navigating glacial river crossings and lunar landscapes. Tonight when you re deciding what to order for dinner, consider that our hotel sits on the shores of the salmonstocked Eystri-Rangá. A local smokehouse adds a mouthwatering flavor it doesn t get any more local than this! Lodging: Hotel Rangá Review the Route Rating section on the web for more details on daily route options. 5 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
Day 4 Shuttle to Thjódveldisbaerinn Stöng 1 Hour Biking Options: Laugarás Route: 29 Miles* (800 elevation gain) Vikings and Highlands Route: 48 Miles* (1,900 ) *with shuttle If you ve been itching to explore this beautiful landscape by bike, now s your chance! Today we head into the gateway of the highlands for a bike ride through the Thjórsárdalur Valley. Our first stop is the reconstructed farm of Thjódveldisbaerinn Stöng, a Viking settlement where early Icelanders lived for centuries until the valley was swamped by ash from an eruption of Mount Hekla in 1104. Here your Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before you set out on two wheels to explore a landscape of sharp contrasts flourishing birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls. Midday, shortly after crossing the broad river Ida, we pause for lunch in the hamlet of Laugarás and dine in one of the many greenhouses that harness the abundant geothermal energy in this region to produce herbs, fruit and vegetables. Still looking for more riding? After lunch continue your journey deeper into the rolling plains of upcountry Árnessýsla, the agricultural heartland of southwest Iceland, before arriving at our next hotel. Our home for the night is the Hótel Grímsborgir, a charming and elegant country inn. Tonight we dine at the hotel s restaurant, which offers a beautiful array of seasonal dishes with an emphasis on sustainable ingredients. Lodging: Hótel Grímsborgir Day 5 Biking Options: Parliament Route: 16 Miles* (1,000 elevation gain) Lakeside Route: 25 Miles* (2,300 ) Lake Thingvellir Loop: 31 Miles (3,100 ) Optional Thingvellir Historical Hike 1.6 Miles (200 ) *with shuttle Ready for more riding through one of Iceland s most revered landscapes? Our route today takes us along rolling terrain around Lake Thingvellir, a beautiful and protected national shrine. Thingvellir National Park is a World Heritage site and the symbolic heart of the Icelandic nation. The country s first general assembly, the Althing, was established here in 930 AD, making it the oldest extant parliamentary institution in the world. The natural landscape of Thingvellir is a marvel as well, as its broad rift valley punctuated with crumbing fissures of stone is where the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge make landfall. Our home for the night, Hotel Ion, is located next to a geothermal valley with views of steaming rivers and Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. Tonight we celebrate an incredible week together with a festive dinner at the hotel. Lodging: Hotel Ion Iceland Multisport 6
Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location. To make our morning meeting time, plan to arrive in Reykjavík at least one day before the trip starts. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in Iceland is the krona (ISK or kr). At the time of printing, 115 ISK = 1 USD. Day 6 Ion Geothermal Hike 3.7 Miles (700 elevation gain) Shuttle to Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura 45 Minutes or Keflavík International Airport 1½ Hours This morning we set out from the hotel through an incredible valley that comprises part of the Hengill Geothermal hiking area. Our route starts with a flat section past one of Iceland s most important geothermal plants, then continues with a gradual climb through a beautiful gorge. Make your way through the valley and loop back toward the hotel, passing bubbling mud pots with views of Thingvellir Lake and the surrounding hills along the way. After returning to Hotel Ion for lunch, we shuttle to Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura and the Keflavík airport, where our trip ends. Please see Arriving & Departing for end-of-trip logistics. PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedules were current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time. CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip your Trip Leaders will shuttle you back to Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, arriving around 2 p.m., and then on to the Keflavík International Airport, arriving by 3 p.m. If you plan to fly out that day, please book a flight departing after 5 p.m. FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS We recommend that you fly into and out of Keflavík International Airport in Reykjavík (airport code: KEF; www.kefairport.is). For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GO- ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT TO OUR MEETING LOCATION Taxi: A taxi from Keflavík International Airport into downtown Reykjavík costs approximately $120 and takes about 1 hour. Flybus: The Flybus departs the airport 35 40 minutes after every flight arrival. The bus drops off at the BSÍ Bus Terminal, where a smaller bus will take you to your hotel. The total trip from the airport to downtown takes around 1¼ hours and costs about $20. You can buy tickets online (www.re.is/flybus), or upon arrival at the Flybus booth inside the airport terminal or from the automatic ticket machine located by the terminal s exit door. (Tickets cannot be purchased aboard the bus.) 7 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
IMPORTANT LUGGAGE INFORMATION The private charter plane we use on our trip is a 19- passenger aircraft, with limited luggage capacity. This flight allows us to start our trip from a more distant and beautiful region of Iceland. Charter requirements and safety specifications restrict each passenger for the duration of the trip to: one small carry-on bag: not to exceed 10 pounds, and one checked bag: not to exceed 45 pounds. These weight and size limits are strictly enforced. Please make sure to label your luggage clearly with your name, address and phone number. Any excess baggage that you might need before or after your Backroads trip can be stored at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura in Reykjavík. Climate Though Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle, warm currents help keep the southern part of the island, where our trip takes place, more temperate. However, it s not uncommon to experience sunshine, fog, wind and rain all in one day. Rain in very likely in Iceland! It s essential that you bring appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, and plenty of warm clothes. Please be prepared for all types of conditions to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Please see Suggested Packing List in your Travel Planner for details on clothing and gear. Reykjavík Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun High F 35 37 37 41 47 52 Low F 27 29 29 33 39 44 Precip. inches 3.4 2.9 3.0 2.2 1.7 1.8 Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High F 55 54 49 44 38 36 Low F 47 46 41 36 31 28 Precip. inches 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.5 3.3 3.3 Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details. Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season! Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms may be smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a room overlooking the hotel s garden or courtyard. REYKJAVIK (DOWNTOWN) We recommend booking well in advance, as the summer months are extremely busy in Reykjavik. Also note that Reykjavík is touted as Europe s clubbing capital. If you choose to stay downtown, street noise may be loud, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura (Our meeting location on Day 1 & a drop-off location on Day 6) Built in 1964, this hotel offers a welcome blend of traditional touches, modern conveniences, and a beautiful setting sure to please even the most discerning traveler. Nauthólsvegur 52 www.icelandairhotels.com/hotels/reykjaviknatura +354-444-4000 220 rooms & suites Rates: Iceland Multisport 8
Hotel Borg The stately Hotel Borg has been hosting celebrities and royalty since its debut in 1930. If you re sensitive to noise, request a room above the lobby, facing away from the main square. Posthusstraeti 11 en.hotelborg.is +354-551-1440 56 rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Ódinsvé Ideally situated off the main square, Hotel Ódinsvé offers bright modern rooms, many with views of Reykjavík. The National Gallery, Hallgrímskirkja tower, main shopping street, Leif Eriksson statue and Culture House are all a 5-minute walk away. Guest rooms vary considerably in size; request a deluxe room or junior suite. Thorsgata 1 www.hotelodinsve.is +354-511- 6200 43 rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Although parts of this renovated hotel date back to 1764, the Hotel Reykjavík Centrum has a decidedly fresh feel. Three cheery historic buildings house elegant guest rooms, each well-equipped with satellite TV and wireless internet access. Adalstraeti 16 www.hotelcentrum.is +354-514-6000 89 rooms Rates: Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel Formerly home to Iceland s first shipping company 1919 is the year it was built this city landmark is long on style and substance. Please note that ocean-view rooms book up quickly. Posthusstraeti 2 www.radissonblu.com/1919hotel-reykjavik +354-599- 1000 88 rooms & suites Rates: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina Located in the downtown harbor district, this vibrant hotel combines modern design with relics from the city s rich maritime history. Enjoy views of the docks, the sea or Mount Esja from your bright and comfortable room. Myrargata 2 www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/marina +354-444-4000 108 rooms & suites Rates: REYKJAVIK (OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN) Grand Hotel Reykjavík Two new thirteen-story towers connected via a glassenclosed atrium help make the Grand Hotel the largest hotel in Iceland. Guest rooms are fairly plain; for a nicer room with a whirlpool bath and a beautiful view over the city, reserve a junior suite. (spa) Sigtún 38 www.grand.is +354-514-8000 312 rooms & suites Rates: Hilton Reykjavík Nordica This sleek Hilton offers airy guest rooms furnished in neutral and coral tones, some of which have panoramic views. (spa) Sudurlandsbraut 2 www.hiltonreykjavik.com +354-444-5000 252 rooms & suites Rates: 9 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
Extending Your Vacation Many other fantastic destinations in Iceland are accessible by a short flight, land transfer or boat. THE BLUE LAGOON Start or end your Backroads vacation with a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon. Located just outside Reykjavík, this geothermal spa is arguably the most popular tourist destination in Iceland. The milky blue water stays at a comfortable 98 102 F and is reputed to have medicinal properties. Relax with a cocktail and apply a silica-rich mud mask to your face or spoil yourself with a luxurious spa treatment. All-day entrance fees start around $50 (with reduced prices for children); drinks, spa treatments and services are additional. (www.bluelagoon.com; +354-420-8800) THE GOLDEN CIRCLE The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Southern Iceland. The 200-mile route loops from Reykjavík to central Iceland and back, covering some of Iceland s most stunning scenery. The three main stops on the route are the spectacular, two-tiered waterfall Gullfoss (golden falls), the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur, and the national park Thingvellir. A day tour of the Golden Circle is available through Reykjavík Excursions (www.re.is/day-tours/the-goldencircle). For information on activities in Thingvellir National Park, including diving or snorkeling in Lake Thingvallavatan, visit www.thingvellir.is/plan-yourvisit.aspx INSIDE THE THRIHNUKAGIGUR VOLCANO For an extraordinary experience, venture deep into the Thrihnukagigur Volcano. After hiking across a lava field, board an open elevator at the crater s mouth and SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS Backroads has negotiated special rates for our guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit www.backroads.com/hotelsavings. descend 400 feet into the abyss. Explore the rocky bottom and marvel at the incredible coloration of the walls inside this enormous cavity. Tickets cost around $300 and include round-trip transportation from your Reykjavík hotel. Please note: the minimum age to participate is 12 years old. (www.insidethevolcano.com; +354-863-6640) WESTMAN ISLANDS Comprised of 18 small islands off the southern coast of Iceland, this volcanic archipelago boasts a spectacular ever-changing landscape. The only inhabited island is Heimaey, accessible by a 25-minute flight from Reykjavík or a ferry from outside of the city. (www.visitwestmanislands.com) Hike up a lava field: The Edfell Volcano on Heimaey erupted in 1973, covering the old part of town with brick-red and black lava. For otherworldly scenery and a panoramic view of the islands, hike up to the top of the volcano. The entire island is ideal for exploring by foot with an abundance of walking paths and trails. Spend the day puffin-watching: The largest colony of puffins in the world spends summers on the islands and locals collect their eggs and hunt the birds for food. During the month of August, juvenile puffins emerge from their holes in the sides of the cliffs and flutter into town by the dozens. Golf in a volcano: Vestmannaeyjavöllur is the only Icelandic golf course located inside a volcano crater. Although the wind can make golfing tricky, the unsurpassed views from the 18-hole course make it worth the challenge. Iceland Multisport 10