Tour Overview
Based both near the southern town of Hveragerdi and in the capital Reykjavik, this active program takes you right into the heart of Iceland’s nature, providing challenging adventures. Glacier walking, hot springs, river rafting on the magnificent Hvita River and horse riding throughout the countryside, go biking and hiking in the beautiful Þingvellir National Park. Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel near Hveragerdi offering private facilities and a hot pot to relax in after the day’s activities. In Reykjavik you will stay at the Borgartun Guesthouse in rooms with private facilities close to an outdoor swimming pool and sports complex. This is for sure one of the best multi-activity tours in Iceland- a lot to do and see in just 5 days. For the outdoor active person- the Viking Challenge is THE TOUR. Little driving- lots of action, sport and activities.
Day 1: (Sunday) Rafting the White River
We start the day with a visit to the hot springs of Geysir and then on to Gullfoss waterfall where we get our first view of the Hvítá River as it thunders over Gullfoss waterfall. The rafting starts below the waterfall close to the canyon of Pjaxi and takes around 2 hours through some exciting rapids and deep gorges. Accommodation for the next three nights is in a hotel near Hveragerði.
Day 2: (Monday) Walking Through History
After a short journey from Hveragerði we arrive at Þingvellir National Park. We walk through the historical sites of the Viking parliament, before exploring the shore of Iceland's largest lake and then on to the geo-thermal area at Nesjavellir. In the afternoon you have a choice of a kayaking or snorkeling adventure. Our dinner this evening is a lobster dinner, by the ocean shore.
Day 3: (Tuesday) Glacier Walk- Nature and Bird Walk
Traveling along the south shore we visit waterfalls, glaciers, the black sandy beach and then on to Sólheimajökull for a 2 hour walk on the glacier. Tonight we enjoy an Icelandic buffet at our hotel.
Day 4: (Wednesday) Horses and the Blue Lagoon
We start the day by meeting our Icelandic horses for the next part of our adventure. The horses are trained both for beginners and experienced riders, and we enjoy a 1½-hour riding. In the afternoon we visit the Blue Lagoon, one of the worlds most exciting hot springs. The next two nights are spent in Reykjavik. While here, only breakfast is included so as to give you the opportunity to visit some of the capital’s many and varied restaurants.
Day 5: (Thursday) Whale Watching and Mountain Biking
The day begins with a 3-hour cruise that takes you in search of the whales and dolphins of Iceland. Following the cruise, mountain bikes are provided for a tour of Reykjavik’s surrounding areas. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 6: (Friday) Departure
Make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Departure Dates
2010 Departures:
July 4 to July 9
July 18 to 23
August 1 to 6
August 15-20
Prices
2010 Prices:
$2,170 per person, double occupancy.
$275 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 October, 2009. 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: 5 nights
Departure: From GJ Travel office at: Borgartun 34 on Sundays at 9:00am and returning on Thursdays between 4:00 and 6:00pm. Accommodations in Reykjavik from Thursday to Friday are included in the tour price. Or, pick-up from any accommodation in Reykjavik between 8:15 and 8:45am.
Language: All tours are guided in English.
Group Size: From 8 to 22 passengers.
Accommodations: Hotel Eldhestar or similar in Hveragerdi, all rooms with shower, for 3 nights and Guesthouse Borgartun in Reykjavik, all rooms with shower, for 2 nights.
Meals: 5 buffet breakfasts, 2 dinners and 1 lobster feast.
Included on tour: River rafting (day 1) kayak adventure or snorkeling (day 2), ice walking on Solheimajokull Glacier (day 3), horseback riding and entrance to Blue Lagoon (day 4), whale watching cruise from Reykjavik and mountain biking (day 5) and several hikes during the program. All specialist equipment for rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and biking is supplied.
On Tour: Good walking boots are needed as well as waterproof clothing.
Attention: We sometimes have two groups departing on the same date. In this case, small changes to the itinerary might be expected, like alternate accommodations.
Other Highlights: This is for sure one of the best multi-activity tours in Iceland- a lot to do and see in just 5 days. For the outdoor active person- the Viking Challenge is THE TOUR. Little driving- lots of action, sport and activities.
Extra: Enjoy a guaranteed window seat which includes the next seat remaining empty (so you’ll actually get two seats!) as well as a pillow and blanket for added comfort. Seats will be reserved in the front of the bus.
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 & Upgrades
Greenland Extension
KALLAALLIT NUNAAT – THE LAND OF THE PEOPLE
Greenland is the largest island on Earth, with only about 56,000 inhabitants scattered along the coast living in small settlements. The interior is covered by a huge ice cap extending in glacial tongues to the sea.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of this beautiful country, so rich in contrasts and so full of wonderful opportunities for all visitors, regardless of age. We offer a variety of tours to this magnificent land of adventure, both to its isolated east coast settlement and to the contrasting nature of the south coast.
Join one of our exciting tours to the kingdom of the polar bear.
This program operates daily except Sunday from the end of May to mid-September.
This tour gives you a unique chance to experience the magnificent scenery of East Greenland. Our flight from Reykjavik Airport takes us to the island of Kulusuk.
A short helicopter flight takes us over stunning ice filled seas to the settlement of Ammassalik, where we stay in a hotel for the next 2 nights.
We have plenty of time to explore Ammassalik with its brightly colored houses and a back drop of high mountains and large icebergs. We can then venture out into the surrounding areas where we can enjoy
the superb scenery. Excursions can be booked on arrival in Greenland.
2010 Prices:
$2,010 per person, double occupancy.
$275 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 October, 2009. 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.
Inclusions:
· Return flight from Reykjavik to Kulusuk
· Airport Taxes
· Return helicopter transfer to Ammassalik
· 2 nights hotel accommodations on a full board basis
· In-flight refreshments.
Trip Information
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 travelling. 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.
What are the accommodations on tour like?
On hotel tours we offer rooms with private facilities.
In the countryside we sometimes stay at summer hotels (boarding schools in winter). Meals are provided by the hotel or nearby restaurants.
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. Travelling 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.
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