Iceland : The Countryside Explorer

Escorted scenic walking tour and whale watching experience

On this fascinating tour you will walk through some of the most stunning scenery you are ever likely to see. Highlights include Europe's most powerful waterfall, the magnificent Lake Mývatn, the famous Geysir hot springs and the unique Landmannalaugar geothermal area. Accommodation is in simple yet clean and comfortable summer hotels and guest houses.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow - Arrive Reykjavik

On arrival at Keflavik airport, transfer to Hotel Reykjavik for overnight bed and breakfast.

Day 2 - Reykjavík - Hella

After breakfast, you have time to explore the most northerly capital in the world. A walk around the city provides an insight into its past and present with fascinating sights to capture such as the distinctive Hallgrims Church, Einar Jonssonar sculpture garden and the National Museum. We depart Reykjavik in the evening travelling directly to Hella, where we stay for three nights. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Gullfoss - Geysir - Thingvellir

We visit the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall, known in Iceland as the 'Golden Falls' because of the rainbow that spans the water in sunlight. Nearby is the fascinating Geysir geothermal area with its hot springs and mud pools. The most active geyser is Strokkur (‘The Churn’) which can spout up to seventy feet every five to seven minutes. From here we travel to Thingvellir National Park, the site of the old Viking Parliament and an area of great geological interest, before returning to Hella. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Landmannalaugar

Today offers a fascinating detour into the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, a jewel in Iceland’s geological crown. The surrounding rhyolite mountains range in colour from beige to red and from blue to black, a bizarre landscape that will give you the impression of being on another planet. Here you will have the opportunity of enjoying a relaxing bath in a warm spring water pool. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Hella - Eyjafjörður

This morning we drive north via the Sprengisandur highland desert with its views of the distant Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. We enjoy a picnic lunch and visit the majestic Aldeyjarfoss waterfall and Godafoss, the waterfall where it is said that the wooden idols of Norse mythology were thrown into the waters when Icelanders adopted Christianity in the year 1000 AD. We will stay in the north for the next three nights. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Tjörnes - Dettifoss

On the Tjörnes peninsula we visit the high sea cliffs that are rich in bird life. Then we move on to Hljóðaklettar and the magnificent yet puzzling Ábyrgi canyon, said to be a hoof print of the eight-legged horse of the ancient God Ódin, before arriving at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Húsavík Whale Watching - Lake Mývatn

This morning we travel to the coast town of Húsavík where we board our boat for a 3 to 4 hour whale watching tour (weather permitting). Then its a short drive to Lake Mývatn, a uniquely fertile area that features strange lava formations, attractive bays, pseudo craters and thousands of birds. We stroll through the Dimmuborgir lava field, ending with a walk up to the rim of the Hverfjall volcanic ash crater. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Eyjafjörður - Reykjavík

Today we return south via Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, over the Öxnadalur mountain pass and on through the ever changing countryside to Skagafjörður where we will have an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse. We then visit the Glaumbær folk museum before returning to Reykjavík. Overnight at the Hotel Reykjavik. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Reykjavík

After breakfast, transfer to Keflavik airport in time for your return flight. Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Iceland - The Countryside Explorer - Prices From:
Dates	Price
	Adult
04/07/2009 - 16/08/2009	£2,415
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing. The tour departs on the following saturdays from the UK in 2009, 04,11,18,25 July 01 & 8 Aug 2009

Prices for single travellers:

Iceland - The Countryside Explorer - Prices From:
Dates	Price
	Adult
04/07/2009 - 16/08/2009	£2,854
Notes
Prices are per person. The tour departs on the following Saturdays from the UK in 2009, 04,11,18,25 July 01 & 8 Aug 2009

What's Included?

• Return flights with Icelandair from London Heathrow to Reykjavik
• All airport taxes and security charges
• 6 nights in hotel/guest house accommodation sharing a twin/double room with private facilities on a half board basis (plus lunch on Day 5)
• 2 nights at the Hotel Reykjavik on a bed and breakfast basis, based on 2 sharing
• Transportation by bus
• English-speaking guide
• 3-4 hour whale watching safari (weather permitting)

What's NOT Included?

• Return airport transfers
• Optional activities

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