HIKING & BIKING IN SOUTHWEST ICELAND - 8 days / 7 nights
This is a new activity tour for 2012 offering a week long stay in Reykjavik with daily hiking and biking tours in Southwest Iceland. Included is a bike tour of Reykjavik, a Golden Circle minibus and bicycle tour combination, walking in the mountains and the nature reserve close to Reykjavik and a glacier walk and ice climbing near to the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. You will climb Mt. Esja, the city moutanin of Reykjavik, bike through lava fields and along the sea shores of the Atlantic Ocean. You will explore pure Icelandic nature, geothermal springs and get the chance to bathe in a natural hot river and in the famous mineral-rich Blue Lagoon. Daily departures are offered from the beginning of June to the end of August.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Individual airport transfer (not included in the price). Check-in for 7 nights at accommodation of your choice in Reykjavik. Selection of guesthouse, 3 star and 4 star hotel.
Day 2: Explore Reykjavík
Start the hiking and biking program with an easy and fun bike tour in Reykjavik to explore Iceland's capital city. The biking tour may include many stops such as Reykjavik's south facing beach - Ægissiða, the University of Iceland campus, the culture centre of Nordic House, Reykjavik's Old Harbour, and some spots in the city centre - Reykjavik's Catholic Cathedral, the Parliament building, the city pond Tjörnin. You may also a pass the home of some of Iceland's most famous people. The tour lasts about 2,5 hours and covers about 7 km (4,3 miles).
Bring along: Headwear and gloves, warm outer layers that are wind- and rainproof - take a look at the weather forecast at your accommodation to choose your clothing.
Day 3: Hiking in lava landscape & bike along the seashore and visit Blue Lagoon
Helgafell, the town mountain of Hafnarfjordur, is an everyday hiking route of many individuals and families in Iceland. We leave the car at the water spring of Hafnarfjordur town and walk over for 15-20 minutes over the moon-like landscape to the mountain. We take it easy on our way up with good stops in between to listen to information and stories about the mountain and the landscapes we see. On top of Helgafell we take good time to enjoy the view and write our names in the guest book before we head down again. The complete hike is 6.4km (4 miles) back and forth. The elevation is 260m.
Bring along: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support and walking poles are recommended! You need a day back-bag for extra layers, water and picnic lunch.
In the afternoon bus transfer to the fishing village of Grindavik where you start a 2-3 hours biking tour. This is an easy and interesting trip through lava fields and along the seashores. We cycle to an area with some of the oldest remains of the salt fish production in Iceland. From there the road goes to Hópsnes Lighthouse, where in clear weather you can see the Island Eldey. Nearby are wrecks of ships that stranded in the bay area of Grindavík. We continue along the harbour and follow the coast further to the west. We stop there and there, enjoy the view before we cycle through the town passing the swimming pool and the sports area. Bicycle distance is about 12-14 km (7,5-8,5 miles) mostly flat and on a mix of gravel and paved roads.
Bring along: Headwear and gloves, warm outer layers that are wind- and rainproof and we recommend a day day back-bag for extra layers and water.
Afterwards relax in the famous Blue Lagoon that is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field and an oasis that owes its existence to a nearby geothermal power plant, looming large over the aqua tinted waters. After a day of hiking & biking you will enjoy refreshing bathe or a swim in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water (37°C-39°C/98-102°F), reputed for its healing properties. An indoor pool and geothermal sauna are also on the site. Bathing in this surreal environment is a unique experience no one should miss. The Blue Lagoon's warm water and natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and escape the stress and strain of daily life. The bus will return to Reykjavik at 21:00.
For the Blue Lagoon bring along your swimsuit and toiletries. Towel is included in your package and provided by the Blue Lagoon.
Day 4: Golden Circle Tour and biking
Morning free is free at leisure. This mini-bus and bicycle tour combination takes 8 hours, starts at noon and includes all three highlights of the Golden Circle Tour, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs and Thingvellir National Park. We start with the highland plateau of Hellisheiði, an area with large lava fields and steaming valleys and we pass the greenhouse town of Hveragerði. You'll stroll down to Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls. Gullfoss is an amazing sight, a double waterfall where the water rushes down over three steps of lava layers with breathtaking power and grandeur. Now you'll bike to the geothermal area in Haukadalur, the home of the original Geysir. There the ground gurgles, bubbles and super heated water escapes from the ground with enormous force. We continue over a highland plateau from where you will bike down to Þingvellir national park. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. It's also where the great tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet and the rift valley between them is clearly visible. This trip has it all; stunning natural beauty, interesting history, amazing geological wonders and a great biking adventure! Bicycle distance is about 25 km (16 miles), mostly on paved roads.
Bring along: Headwear and gloves, warm outer layers that are wind- and rainproof and we recommend a day day back-bag for extra layers and water.
Day 5: Glacial hike & Ice climbing
Today's tour will start with a pretty drive through lava heaths, lush green fields, steaming mountains of South Iceland. Your destination is the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull, part of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. You will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges accompanied by an experienced glacier guide. Along the way your guide will find an ice wall on the glacier and show you how to try your hand at ice climbing. You will be provided with all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines, making sure you are very safe as you brave the heights. (And it can be plenty fun to just watch, too!) After the tour on the glacier, you'll make a stop at the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, where 200 feet drop of water often produces a double rainbow. Then you'll head back to Reykjavik and be dropped at your accommodation. You'll experience glaciers on a 4 hour guided glacial walk & ice climbing adventure. Packed lunch included. Duration of the tour is about 9 hours.
Bring along: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended! Crampons will be provided.
Day 6: Hiking Challenge
Today you'll see Iceland on your own two feet, with a 3-4 hour hike into the mountains and volcanic landscape of Southwest Iceland and get the chance bathing in a natural hot river. Hike from the outskirts of Hveragerði, the town of hot springs and flowers, up into the beautiful valley of Reykjadalur. Up there hot water rushes down the slopes of Hellisheiði mountain range and creates the ideal place to relax in an untouched natural hot stream. The valley also has an amazing abundance of geothermal springs and you will witness everything from small gurgling melting pots to vibrant super heated pools of water. After strolling along these wonder of nature and bathing in a natural hot river, you'll hike back down into the town of Hveragerði. This is a great trek that everyone can participate in. Get in touch with the pure Icelandic nature on your own two feet! Picnic lunch included.
Bring along: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support and walking poles are recommended! You need a day back-bag for your clothing and carry your picnic lunch. You need also a towel and swimsuit if you plan bathing in the hot river. At one location you will have to wade through the river and therefore bringing a towel and extra pair of socks is recommended.
Day 7: Mt Esja - The City Mountain of Reykjavik
All Icelanders dream of climbing Mt Esja, the city mountain of Reykjavik, some day and tens of thousands make that dream come true every year. We take it nice and easy on our way up the mountain and enjoy the hike with good stops in between for information and stories from the guide. To reach the top we have to climb some cliffs but it is an easy climb. At the top we enjoy the view, write our names in the mountain guest book and have some refreshments before we head down again. The complete hike 4-5 hours, about 16 km (10 miles) back and forth. The elevation is 820m. Duration of the tour is about 7 hours.
Bring along: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support and walking poles are recommended! You need a day back-bag for extra layers, water and picnic lunch.
Day 8: Departure
Individual transfer (not included) to Keflavik airport.
DEPARTURES:
Daily from 01.06.-31.08.2012 – The sequence of some tours may be altered on some departure dates.
Duration: 8 Days / 7 nights
Tour Code: GJ62
Accommodation: Choice of guesthouse, 3 star and 4 star hotel
Group Size: Guaranteed departures with a minimum of 2 persons. The sequence of activities may be altered in some cases.
Languages: English
Meals: Daily breakfast and two picnic lunches included
Included: 7 nights accommodation, 7x breakfast, 2x picnic lunch, tours & activities as per detailed itinerary on day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Also included: All tours include hotel transfers. We supply all specialized equipment for biking, glacial hike & ice climbing.
Important: Good hiking boots, warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves and a towel are needed for this trip (see further information on detailed itinerary)
Minimum ages & activity difficulty level: see trip guide
Note: Airport transfers on arrival and departure day not included
Rates:
Guesthouse Borgartún, rooms with private shower/wc
per person in twin room: EUR 1.170 / Single supplement: EUR 235 / per person in triple room: EUR 1.170
Fosshotel Lind, 3 star
per person in twin room: EUR 1.280 / Single supplement: EUR 325 / per person in triple room: EUR 1.280
Grand Hotel, 4 star
per person in twin room: EUR 1.490 / Single supplement: EUR 565 / per person in triple room: EUR 1.490
Children discount: not available
Bookings to be sent: to email: Icelandontrac@icelandontrack.is
after we receive your booking by email, you will get a short reconfirmation from us by email. Payment is due latest 4 weeks prior to arrival and vouchers and detailed itinerary will be sent after receipt of final payment. This concept will assure an interactive relation between you and our company and we can assist you with any personal needs you might have.
CANCELLATIONS
A cancellation fee of 10% of the tour price and accommodation will be retained us for cancellations made from 1 month to 14 days before departure. From 14 days until 48 hours before departure, the fee is 50%. No refund is possible for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure, or f
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