Iceland - Land of the Midnight Sun
Iceland - Land of the Midnight Sun
Iceland - Land of the Midnight Sun
9 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park, Vik, Djúpivogur, Akureyri, Dettifoss, Reykjavík
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SUN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Follow Iceland's famous Ring Road and make the most of long daylight hours on this summer adventure. Discover Iceland's two cities, Reykjavik and Akureyri, and the volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers that make up the countries dramatic landscape.
Golden Circle - See the remarkable natural wonders of Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Drift past icebergs on a boat trip across the lagoon
Eastern Fjords - Spot puffins and discover mountainous landscapes carved over the years by glaciers
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel Klettur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Storm
Today the adventure begins with a transfer from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to our hotel on the public FlyBus shuttle bus service. On arrival at Keflavik Airport please proceed to the FlyBus desk which is located in the arrivals hall. A FlyBus representative will give you a voucher and direct you to the buses which leave every 35-40 minutes. The drive to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes, via the main bus terminal where you may be asked to board a smaller bus for the final part of the journey to your hotel. On the drive from the airport to the hotel you'll get your first glimpse of the blackened and rocky volcanic scenery found on this part of the island.
There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive at a time that suits you. After checking-in to the hotel, you may have time to explore a little of the world's most northerly capital. Bustling with cosmopolitan energy and surrounded by pure, unpolluted nature, Reykjavik is a city of striking contrasts. Small colourful corrugated iron houses nestle next to futuristic glass buildings; state-of-the-art facilities lie beside rugged volcanic terrain and international influences mingle with Icelandic national traditions. All this creates a unique culture where old embraces new.
On this holiday you'll be accompanied by an Explore Leader from days 2 to 8, so this evening you are free to settle in and enjoy this charming city.
Day 2: Explore Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park And Gulfoss Falls
Location: Þingvellir National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gullfoss
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll meet our leader at 8:30am for a welcome meeting and to get excited about the plans for the week. We'll begin by exploring Reykjavik on a city tour before travelling to Iceland's major highlights in the Golden Circle, starting with Thingvellir National Park.
Thingvellir translates to 'the fields of parliament' and was once the meeting place of more than 30 clan leaders who came together to reconcile differences and create a united nation after years of turbulent fighting. For this reason Thingvellir plays a very important role in Iceland's heritage but its geology is equally fascinating. The west half of Iceland sits on the North American tectonic plate and the east half sits on the Eurasian tectonic plate. Here at Thingvellir is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Rift can be seen above sea level and we can take a walk between two continents.
We move on to the 'Beauty' of Iceland, Gullfoss Waterfall. Arguably Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, here the water plunges into a deep ravine with tremendous force whilst its mists form colourful rainbows in the sun.
Close by is the Great Geysir. With the claim-to-fame of being the first spouting spring known to Europeans, Geysir has given all such springs their name. However, it is the Strokkur, meaning 'The Butter Churn', which is the main attraction these days, due to its impressive 30 metre eruptions every few minutes.
Day 3: Travel To Vik Via Skogafoss Falls And Reynisfjara Beach
Location: Vik
Accommodation: Hotel Jokull
Accommodation Name: Hotel Katla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll see one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, Skogafoss. Standing at 62 metres tall it's an impressive sight, and if we are lucky with the light we should spot rainbows in the spray.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is almost as tall as Skogafoss and here, weather permitting, we'll have the chance to walk behind the curtain of water! The pathway shows off the falls from the front, then circles around the back and emerges on the other side. Because of the constant spray the path is always slippy and can be closed in winter when the path freezes over.
We'll end the day at Vik I Myrdal, a rocky beach with incredible basalt cliffs that are said to have inspired Reykjavik's impressive cathedral. The beach is often incredibly windy and there are great photo opportunities of the waves crashing against the cliffs. From the shore we will see the oddly shaped Reynisdrangar stacks out in the ocean and if we're lucky we'll spot the resident puffins, fulmars and guillemots.
Day 4: Visit Skaftafell National Park, Take A Boat On Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Location: Djúpivogur
Accommodation: Wilderness Centre
Accommodation Name: Hotel Smyrlabjorg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Vik we'll visit Skaftafell, an area of wilderness inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park. Another day, another waterfall and this one will not disappoint. Svartifoss translates to Black Fall and it's easy to see why this waterfall adopted its name being framed perfectly by downwards facing black basalt columns. We will enjoy a half an hour walk along gravel paths to reach this gem that's hidden away from any main roads.
After lunch we'll travel to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon known as Iceland's Crown Jewels. Here the lagoon waters are speckled with icebergs and the surrounding black sand beach is littered with large, crystal-like chunks of ice. We'll take an exciting 30 minute boat ride to see the blue-hued icebergs up close and search for seals lounging on the floating ice.
Heading further east to Hofn, tonight we'll have time to relax and enjoy the curious experience of night-time sun. Hofn means harbour and on arrival it will be easy to understand the name as it's surrounded by oceans on three sides sitting on a small peninsular.
Day 5: Discover The Bird Watching Haven Of The Eastern Fjords And Small Fishing Villages
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation: Hotel Nordurland, Akureyri
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Eastfjords
Meals Included: Breakfast
The lesser-visited Eastern Fjords are a stark contrast to the flat, black sand beaches of the south coast and as we travel today we will see where glaciers carved deep into the mountainous green terrain over thousands of years as we follow the natural bends of the fjords. Small fishing villages are dotted along the shorelines at the bottom of the white-capped mountains and herds of reindeer graze on the hillsides.
Along the way we'll visit some of the villages to experience the slow pace of life in this rural area and enjoy the natural surrounding beauty. Djupivogur is a historic trading village dating back to 1589 and, due to being nestled between two large lagoons, is very rich in birdlife. In Faskrudsfjordur, also an old trading post, we'll have some free time before travelling to our hotel for the night.
Day 6: Travel To Akureyri, Stopping To Explore Lake Myvatn On The Way
Location: Dettifoss
Accommodation: Hotel Nordurland, Akureyri
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Husavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll spent time exploring Lake Myvatn, a volcanic lake formed 3,800 years ago when a lava flow blocked the valley. It is now one of the most fertile spots in the world and attracts a wide range of nesting ducks. We'll take a short walk on lava fields and discover Dimmuborgir dark castle. Created from lava, the arches and columns here are said to resemble a castle and the landscape is a great spot for photography.
Then we'll visit the thundering giant that is Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe's most powerful falls with an amazing 44,000 litres of water tumbling over the crest every second. Dettifoss is Iceland's 'Beast' due to sheer cliffs and clouds of mist that can be seen from several miles away, whilst Godafoss in the south is known as 'Beauty' and here we will need to wear our waterproofs to enjoy the spray and roar up close.
This afternoon we'll arrive in the 'capital of the north', Akureyri where we will stay for the next two nights. Iceland's second city has a wide array of places to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal and a great spot to enjoy the long daylight hours as it is surrounded by mountains and sea.
Depending on the weather conditions, your tour leader may switch the activities on days 6 and 7 around so as to maximise your experience.
Day 7: Visit The Giant Rock Formations Of Asbyrgi And The Thundering Dettifoss Waterfalls
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation: Hotel Klettur
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Husavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today is at Asbyrgi, an enormous rock formation said to be the hoof print of Sleipnir, God Odin's eight legged horse, whilst other legends tell tales of these towering vertical cliffs being home to Iceland's hidden people, the Huldufolk. Our local guide will tell us more!
We'll have a chance today to experience Icelands geo thermal waters with a twist at the GeoSea baths close to Husavik village. These baths are set right at the waters edge, and are filled with naturally heated sea water which was discovered in the mid 20th century when locals were drilling in the hope of finding fresh water. With the coast on one side, and volcanic mountains on the other this is a wonderful way to relax for a few hours.
Depending on the time of year there may be the opportunity today to take an optional whale watching trip for anyone who wants to try to spot these enormous, gentle giants.
Day 8: Return To Reykjavik, Stopping At Kolugljufur Canyon En Route
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation Name: Hotel Storm
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll make our way back to Reykjavik today. The drive will take approximately five hours but we'll be rewarded with more of Iceland's beautiful, volcanic scenery as we go. We'll break the journey at Kolugljufur Canyon, a deep canyon carved by the Vioidalsa River. Following the path to a viewing platform we can see the water change from a calm flow to a dramatic waterfall cascading over multiple rock faces.
After checking in to out hotel for the night we'll head out to the harbour area and try out one of the cities great restaurants for our last dinner together.
Day 9: Trip Ends In Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast this morning. The transfer back to Keflavik airport (KEF) will be on the public FlyBus shuttle bus service and your leader will provide you with the details of your pick up time and with your voucher for this service.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 7
Dinner: 1 -
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Accommodation
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Meals
Breakfasts: 8
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.