At a Glance
Attain a refined sense of adventure in the famous ‘Land of Ice and Fire’. Experience a world beyond, navigating through Iceland’s golden circle and volcanic highlands featuring lush canyons, lava fields, colourful rhyolites, mesmerising waterfalls and erupting geysers. Awaken your senses at every turn on an active 6-day multi-adventure discovery from hiking, horseback and rafting.
Begin your journey in Reykjavik with a hike to the recent eruption of Fagradalsfjall to a secluded waterfall set in a narrow ravine, Gjufrabui. Ride an all-terrain Super jeep to hike a section of the famous Fimmvörðuháls. Take in breathtaking views of the south coast, the vast Atlantic Ocean, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps. Set out for a walk through the Geysir Geothermal Area for a marvellous sight of the famous Strókkur geyser eruption. Embark ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin-share basis
- All Luggage transfers
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Park and other entry fees
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Welcome to Iceland! You’ll meet your tour leaders at 8.30 a.m at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica located at Sudurlandsbraut 2 in Reykjavik. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, additional layers, hat, gloves, and anything else you feel you may need for today’s hike (your luggage will be transferred to our first night’s accommodation). Begin your hike with an adventure to the recent eruption site of Fagradalsfjall Volcano. Marvel at the black lava and the marks and scars from the prolonged eruption. Be treated to a delicious lunch along the way before making our way to Gljufrabui, a hidden waterfall inside a narrow ravine and then continue until we get to the Seljalandsfoss, where we walk behind its falls. |
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In the afternoon, we begin our hike directly from our hotel and into the surrounding hills. Drink in breathtaking waterfall views, the south coast, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Or, if you’d prefer, you can stay in this afternoon and perhaps take a soothing dip in the hot tub or a refreshing time in the sauna at the hotel. You’ll stay at a quaint family-run hotel and farm, located right in the heart of Southern Iceland, Skálakot Manor. Take a lovely stroll exploring the grounds and admire the property’s Icelandic horses and fluffy sheep. Tonight, we convene for a welcome reception and a dinner of local specialties at the hotel’s restaurant. |
Skálakot Manor, Skálakot
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Minimal elevation gain Savour a delightful breakfast before a brief shuttle to take in stunning views of the mighty Skógafoss waterfall. Then transfer to an all-terrain Super Jeep (an off-road, all-terrain vehicle) and cruise to the Fimmvörðuháls plateau. Hike a section of the famous Fimmvörðuháls, passing 25 waterfalls we descend the stunning “waterfall way”. Explore lush green canyons and rocky outcrops, keeping your eyes peeled for grazing sheep. Marvel at magnificent views of the massive Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps before enjoying a scenic spot for lunch. |
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You’ll shuttle to your home for the next two nights, the luxurious Torfhús Retreat. With living turf rooves, stone, and reclaimed wooden walls, this charming getaway blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Tonight, savour a delicious gourmet dinner in the hotel’s quaint dining room. |
Torfhús Retreat, SelfossBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Wake up to a fulfilling breakfast before setting out early. Begin the day with a walk through the Geysir Geothermal Area to witness the famous Strókkur geyser eruption (this happens every 6-10 minutes!). Then hike through the marvelous Haukadalsskógur Forest, a national treasure and a unique Icelandic area as only 2 percent of the country is forested. Listen to the rushing Beiná River, admire the pleasant Haukadalskirkja forest, and look for mushrooms and berries (if they’re still in season). Enjoy a delectable lunch at the only local mushroom farm in Iceland. Spend time exploring the fascinating farm, before savouring the tastes of their hard work with the mushrooms grown on the land. All the delicacies here are fresh and locally produced. Continue on a thrilling rafting adventure on the glacial river Hvitá, admiring the spectacular Gullfoss river from a new perspective. We don thermal wetsuits and float on dazzling blue-green waters, taking in beautiful canyons with steep rock walls and otherworldly rock formations. Unwind back at your countryside retreat. Take a soothing dip into the private basalt stone hot pools before gathering for dinner at the hotel tonight. |
Torfhús Retreat, SelfossBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft) After a delightful breakfast this morning, ride a majestic Icelandic horse beneath Bjarnafjall Mountain and drink in sweeping views of the glaciers and icefields beyond. Discover more about this unique breed and its importance in Icelandic culture. Stop for a delicious, locally sourced lunch at a locale before continuing your journey, hiking through the beautiful canyons around Gullfoss. Your hike ends with some of the best views of these famous cascades. Hop into the Super Jeep for an adventurous and varied ride through the highlands, one of the sacred areas in Iceland. We take the famously scenic F35 road that runs between the Langjökull and Hoffsjökull glaciers, passing glacial lakes, ancient volcanoes, rushing rivers, and deep canyons— some of Iceland’s most powerful and beautiful landscapes. The land remains in its pristine form and not many individuals get to experience this remote side of Iceland as you venture towardy our highland hotel. You’ll stay at Highlander Base at Kerlingarfjöll, a remote and newly renovated lodge nested in nature’s embrace. Settle down in the comfort of your relaxing guest room or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, enjoy a stroll through the dramatic landscapes surrounding the hotel. Tonight, we reconvene for a locally sourced dinner at the hotel. |
Highlander Base at Kerlingarfjöll Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: After a hearty breakfast, board back in your Super Jeep for a short transfer to the wild and mythical base of the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain range. Your hike takes journeys through an otherworldly valley of smoke, mud pots, and boiling water set against the backdrop of rainbow-coloured tuff mountains. Wonder at the volcanic rhyolite, fumaroles, and rising steam as you make your way to Ásgard. In Nordic mythology, Asgard is a location associated with gods and is often referred to in Old Norse sagas. Drink in stunning panoramas of the Hofsjökull glacier and the highlands in the distance. Indulge in a lovely lunch at the hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing at your retreat. Alternatively, if you yearn for more adventure, continue with another spectacular highlands hike and enjoy a close look at the breathtaking and rarely found combination of geothermal and glacial alpine terrain. Indubitably, the highlands are a place of beauty, mystery, and drama intensified by their isolation and wild character. Tonight, gather for a farewell reception and dinner, reminiscing and sharing stories, celebrating your adventure-packed week in the Land of Ice and Fire. |
Highland Base, KerlingarfjöllBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) Start the day with a hearty breakfast before a shuttle to Thingvellir National Park for a walk around this World Heritage Site and a symbolic heart of the Icelandic nation. The country’s first general assembly, the Althing, was established here in AD 930, and it continued to be based here until 1798. Thingvellir boasts a diverse biosystem housing 40 percent of all Icelandic flora and was chosen in part for its accessibility and flavourable conditions, including good pastureland, firewater, and water. Make your way through the rift valley between two tectonic plates to Öxarárfoss Waterfall and through various historic sites. Continue to enjoy sweeping views of Thingvallavatan, Iceland’s largest natural lake. End your incredible adventure with a shuttle to Reykjavik for a final celebratory lunch with spectacular views of the bay before saying your heartfelt goodbyes to your tour leaders and new friends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is avaialble on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Reykjavik.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Reykjavik. Reykjavík Airport is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, located about two kilometres from the city centre. Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country's main hub for international flights.
Iceland, near the Arctic Circle, has a cold and temperate climate due to the North Atlantic Current that carries Gulf Stream warm water north. That means that even though winters are cold, Iceland generally experiences higher average temperatures than other places in the world located at a similar latitude. Iceland's climate includes conditions typical for a Nordic country, but there are some variations between different parts of the island: The south coast tends to be warmer, wetter, and windier than the north, and snowfall in winter is more common in the north than in the south. Known as the Land of Ice and Fire due to its many volcanoes, Iceland is always subject to the possibility of volcanic activity.
The summer months of May through August are ideal for lots of daylight hours. December is also popular for the winter holidays and seeing the Northern Lights, although it will be quite dark during that time and you will see very little—if any—sunlight at all.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-4 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-5 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
