iExplore Iceland: Viking Challenge

Tour Description

Welcome to Iceland! The Viking Challenge tour is filed with awesome adventure activities that are fun, while providing insight into Iceland's culture and daily life. You'll be based in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital- in a first-class hotel. From there the daily activities take you right into the heart of Iceland's nature, with challenging adventures and fun ways to experience Iceland's unique natural world.

Highlights:

· Multi-sport & activities include white river rafting, glacial hike & ice climbing, ATV ride, horseback riding, whale watching and hiking.

· Also included: entrance to Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik treasure hunt.

· A lot of adventure, daily departures and excellent price value.

· Viking Challenge Certificate- on completion of your Viking Challenge you will receive a special certificate highlighting your achievement.

Itinerary

Day 01: Reykjavik, Iceland

Today when you arrive in Reykjavik, make your way to the Hotel Reykjavik, where you will be based for the next six nights.

Ideally located in the center of Reykjavik, this friendly hotel is located just minutes from Reykjavik's main shopping street and most popular attractions. The rooms are comfortable, and well equipped, with bath and/or shower facilities, minibar, telephone, satellite TV, pay TV, wireless Internet, radio, hair dryer, coffee and tea making facilities and other amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Rooms for non-smokers are available upon request.

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 02: Golden Circle and White River Rafting

Today you'll visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs and the Gulfoss Waterfall. Then experience Iceland's glacial rivers with a 2-hour white river rafting through some exciting rapids and deep gorges. Lunch is included. Duration: 10 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 03: Glacial Hike & Ice Climbing

See the lovely landscape of southern Iceland, including the dramatic Skogafoss Waterfall. You'll experience glaciers on a 4-hour guided glacial walk & ice climbing adventure. A packed lunch is included. Duration: 9 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 04: ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon

The moon or Iceland? Decide for yourself during a 3-4 hour ATV-adventure on the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Then, soak it off in the afternoon with a relaxing bath at the famous Blue Lagoon. Duration: 9-10 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 05: Treasure Hunt, Horses & Whales

Test your knowledge of Reykjavik with a Treasure Hunt in the morning. Mid-day you'll have a 2 ½ to 3 hour ride on Iceland's famous horses (less experienced riders have a shorter option). In the afternoon enjoy a whale & bird watching cruise from Reykjavik Harbor. Duration: 11-12 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 06: Hiking Challenge

Today you'll see Iceland on your own two feet with a 4-6 hour hike into the mountains and volcanic landscape of southwest Iceland. Hiking distance is about 12-17 km. Duration with transfers is 6-8 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik

Day 07: Departure Day

Make your way to Reykjavik Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! This tour operates daily between June 1 and August 31 for a minimum of two persons.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices: valid June 1 to August 31, 2011

$1,760 per person double occupancy.

$675 single room supplement.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of September, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Duration: 6 nights

Meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches.

Included on tour: 6 nights accommodations, 6 breakfasts, 3 light lunches, tours and activities as per the detailed itinerary on day 2,3,4, 5 and 6. All tours include hotel transfers. All specialized equipment for river rafting, glacial hike & ice climbing, ATV adventure and horseback riding.

On Tour: Good walking boots, warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hat gloves and a towel are needed for this trip.

Exclusions: All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/telephone charges.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes

Do I need any special clothing and equipment when traveling to Iceland?

You should bring waterproof clothing and good strong shoes on all tours, since you will be walking on rough terrain. Our temperature chart will give you some idea of what to expect during the time you are traveling. A fleece and/or warm layers are also recommended. Don't forget to bring your swimming costume, as there are many excellent swimming pools, hot pots and natural hot springs. We recommend that you bring your own towel.

Do most people travel with a friend or partner?

Our groups vary considerably - people travel alone, with friends, with a partner or with their family. Our passengers come from many different countries and often new and lasting friendships are made.

Are there any age or fitness requirements?

It is wise to be fit especially for our walking and activity tours. All tours include a number of walks and bus travel. There are few proper hiking paths, and you will be walking over moraine, lava and snow. Age groups range from 8 to over 80 and if you have a good sense of adventure and are willing to accept that it may not be sunny every day, these tours are definitely for you.

Are there any hidden costs?

On each tour we state what meals are included. Entrance fees to museums are included where stated. Otherwise the entrance fee is between 300.- and 500.- Icelandic Krónur. Swimming pool entrance fee is approximately 350. - Icelandic Krónur.

When should I travel?

Iceland is a land for all seasons. The main season lasts from mid-May until early September. During this time there are long daylight hours. Traveling in Iceland off-season - winter, spring and late autumn - can also be very special. From the beginning of July most interior and highland routes are open.

What do I do when I arrive in Iceland?

You will find a Fly-bus waiting in front of the Airport Terminal. If you do not have a coupon, you can buy your ticket to Reykjavík City Terminal either in the terminal prior to boarding or on the bus; the cost is approximately 1.200.- Icelandic Krónur and the journey time is 45 minutes. If you have booked an inclusive tour with accommodation before and after with us, you will be met at the City Terminal by one of our representative and transferred to your accommodation. Return transfer is on an individual basis and a Fly-bus operates for every departing flight. Don't forget you can buy your Duty Free allowance on arrival at Keflavík Airport.

Can I expect any changes to my itinerary?

On early season tours, which involve highland travel, it is possible that some routes will not be open. Should this happen, then an alternative route will be chosen by the driver and tour leader. Also, there are possibilities of itinerary changes due to bad road conditions caused by weather in the highlands or the unbridged rivers being swollen and difficult to cross. On some tours a reversed itinerary may be expected.