WALKING ICELAND – ISLAND OF FIRE & ICE

Day 1

ARRIVE REYKJAVÍK (BD)
Reykjavík Nordic Capital Walk – 10 km, rated 2

After an early arrival at Keflavík Airport, we’ll have breakfast and deposit luggage at our hotel in Reykjavík, then enjoy a rural walk along a salmon stream on the outskirts of the planet’s northernmost capital. After checking into the hotel this afternoon, join us for a walking tour through old Reykjavík – a thought-provoking look at a culture that has endured a multitude of challenges in its 1200-year history.

Day 2

ACTIVITIES FROM REYKJAVÍK (BD)
Þingvellir Parliaments and Plates Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3

The renowned Golden Circle Tour brings us to our walk of the day at Þingvellir, Iceland’s oldest national park. We’ll start at the Lögberg, traditional meeting point of the AlÞing, the Icelandic Viking parliament established in A.D. 930. We then continue from North America to Europe as we cross the easily identifiable rift zone marking the meeting of these two tectonic plates. Next on our route are stops at Geysir, the cluster of geysers that gave their name to this geological phenomenon, and Gullfoss, arguably the most spectacular waterfall in the country.

Day 3

REYKJAVÍK–LAKE MÝVATN (BD)

After breakfast in Reykjavík, we’ll depart by plane for the northern reaches of Iceland and the surprisingly modern little town of Akureyri on the shores of the Eyja Fjord. From Akureyri, we continue north in search of whales. Though whale activity can never be predicted, odds are good that we’ll encounter humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins on our cruise from the port of Husavik. En route to Lake Mývatn, we stop to admire pounding Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), one of many impressive falls that contribute to the wonderland mosaic of beautiful Iceland.

Day 4

LAKE MÝVATN (BD)
Dimmuborgir Black Lava Castles Walk – 10 km, rated 3+

Lake Mývatn is a geological wonderland brimming with geothermal and volcanic delights. From our hotel amongst a forest of pseudo-craters, we’ll depart by bus for our walk at nearby Dimmuborgir, a convoluted labyrinth of “black castles” – oddly shaped pillars and crags created 2000 years ago by trapped lava flows. After stopping at the hot mud pots of Námafjall, we’ll return to the hotel to enjoy its unique setting in this otherworldly landscape.

Day 5

LAKE MÝVATN–BREIÐDALSVÍK (BD)

This morning we depart for Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and Dettifoss, a waterfall extravaganza created by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, the second longest river in Iceland. One of only four national parks in the country, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is distinguished by its chaotic, disjointed landscape, a result of powerful volcanic eruptions under the river that were magnified by the combination of fire, gas, and water. The afternoon drive takes us across the island’s interior, a mesmerizing volcanic wasteland, and on to the rugged fjord country and dramatically isolated farmland of east Iceland.

Day 6

BREIÐDALSVÍK–SMYRLABJÖRG (BD)
Djúpivogur Seascapes and Seabirds Walk – 10 km, rated 3+

An hour south along the coast lies the quiet fishing village of Djúpivogur, unlikely venue for one of the most intriguing experiences of our Adventure, a 45-minute cruise offshore to the now deserted island of Papey, once farmed by several generations of Norwegian Vikings and Icelanders. Today it is home to a lighthouse, the oldest and smallest wooden church in Iceland, and a thriving population of seabirds, including the comical little puffin. The walk of the day is a stimulating hike along the rocky headlands and coves near Djúpivogur, with outstanding opportunities to enjoy dramatic seascapes and a diverse population of sea birds.

NOTE: Availability of the boat to Papey Island is weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed until shortly before our departure.

OPTIONAL VATNAJÖKUL GLACIER EXPEDITION
The Vatnajökul icecap is the largest in Europe (3rd largest on the planet), covers 8% of Iceland, and is over 1300 feet thick on average. Our evening excursion onto this massive mountain of ice starts from our hotel in Smyrlabjörg. We ascend the path up to the glacier in four-wheel-drive jeeps, and you’ll soon see why four-wheel-drive is necessary! Our experienced guides will drive right onto the glacier, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of deep ice-sculpted valleys, the barren peaks of east Iceland’s mountains and, of course, the enormous sheet of ice that is Vatnajökul itself.

Day 7

SMYRLABJÖRG–HÖFÐABREKKA (BD)
Skaftafell Svartifoss Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3

First stop today is at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, a 600-foot-deep river lagoon cluttered with icebergs calved from the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. A short cruise will take us even closer to these floating crystal pyramids. Our walk venue for today is a forested hillside resisting the force of two flanking gargantuan glaciers flowing down from the massive Vatnajökul ice field. The route passes lovely Svartifoss (black waterfall) and visits a lonely group of deserted 19th century farm buildings. Following a short coach ride, part two of the walk explores an Icelandic mosaic as we hike above a beautiful gorge and into a remote lagoon fed by a glacial waterfall.

Day 8

ACTIVITIES FROM HÖFÐABREKKA (BD)
Höfðabrekka Moonscapes and Meadows Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3

This morning’s walk starts on a hillside overlooking an extinct volcano, with a picturesque braided river extending over the plain far below. The trail takes us through a fascinating landscape of soft green hills, bizarre lava and sandstone shapes, and panoramic vistas out over the Atlantic. After a break for lunch in the tiny community of Vík, the afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, take a dip in the geothermal hot tub, or perhaps take a stroll in this beautiful corner of Iceland's southeast coast.

Day 9

HÖFÐABREKKA–HEKLA AREA (BD)

The Icelandic coast near Vík offers stunning views of rock formations and a bevy of coastal bird life that beckon us to explore with a morning stroll. From Vík, we continue to the homey Skógar Folk Museum for a memorable review of a wide collection of rural Icelandic memorabilia. Two more spectacular waterfall visits to Skogarfoss and Seljalandfoss will conclude another day exploring the delightful coast of southeast Iceland. Later tonight, we’ll enjoy a special Farewell Dinner as we reminisce about our adventures together.

Day 10

RETURN HOME FROM REYKJAVÍK

You’re invited to join us on an excursion to the Blue Lagoon this morning (admission not included). This turquoise-tinted thermal pool, set amongst the contrasting grays of the Reykjanes lava flows, is the perfect place to relax in preparation for a trans-Atlantic flight. Early this afternoon, we’ll depart for the Keflavík Airport and our return to the USA, reluctant to leave, but enriched by the history, culture, and scenery of unforgettable Iceland!