Saturday:
Welcome to Iceland!
You'll arrive at Keflavik Airport early Saturday, take the "Flybus" shuttle into Reykjavik where you'll be met by your guide, who will get you to your guesthouse. You can rest or go exploring in the world's most northerly capitol. We'll give you a list of things to see in town and some restaurant suggestions for lunch and dinner on your own.
Sunday:
Rafting the White River
Ever wonder where the word geyser came from? You'll see a water spout, at the Geysir site this morning, and also see the River Hvita thundering through Gullfoss, the double Golden Falls. Then below Gullfoss, you'll get on the River Hvita, in rafts and protective gear, and spend a few hours traveling through deep gorges and exciting rapids. Then back to Stokkeseyri, for a Lobster Feast at a beach-side restaurant.
Monday:
Walking through History
After breakfast you'll head to Thingvellir National Park. Here is the North Atlantic Ridge where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America are slowly spreading apart. This is the place where Iceland's Parliament - the Althingi, considered the oldest representative government - met for hundreds of years. You'll have a walking tour through the historical and geological sites, and of the geothermal area at Nesjavellir. You’ll have a choice between snorkeling in the clear waters around Thingvellir or kayaking on them. Then you’ll check into a very comfortable hotel in Hveragerdi, where you'll spend the next three nights.
Tuesday:
Glacier Walk, Nature & Bird Life
Iceland's South Coast will be your goal, today, as you visit impressive waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches formed as lava makes its way to the sea. Then you’ll head to Solheimajokull glacier, get fitted out to spend two hours exploring its vast white expanse on foot. Pretty cool! You’ll have an Icelandic buffet at hotel tonight.
Wednesday:
Viking Horses and The Blue Lagoon
After breakfast, you’ll get to try some of the Iceleandic horses that have been in the fields everywhere! You’ll get helmet (and rain gear, if necessary) and the guides will give you a horse that’s good for your skill level- whether your a novice or experienced. You’ll enjoy an hour and a half on the soft grass and lava trails in the pretty river valley around the farm. After lunch, you’ll get to soak off the morning at the Blue Lagoon, one of Icelands most well known spots! You’ll spend the next two nights in Reykjavík. While here, only breakfast is included so as to give you the opportunity to visit some of the capital’s many interesting restaurants.
Thursday:
Whale Watching & Mountain Bikes
The day begins with a 3 hour cruise that takes you in search of the whales and dolphins and seabirds of Iceland. Following the cruise, mountain bikes are ready for a journey into Heiðmörk, a beautiful wooded area not far from the capital. Then you can choose how to spend your last night of the tour.
Friday:
Time to say good bye ...
The morning will be free to explore Reykjavik to see museums, shops and galleries. Then the Flybus shuttle will return you to Keflavik International Airport for late afternoon departure, OR, if you're very lucky, you can take on more of Iceland after meeting the Viking Challenge!
There's a PDF of the Viking Challenge to dowload and print
Accommodations
Accommodations in Hveragerdi are in double rooms in a comfortable country hotel, with private bath and TV and internet connection in the rooms. In Reykjavik you will stay at the Guesthouse Borgartun, near Reykjavik's biggest [warm-water] swimming pool. This guesthouse is modern - clean, warm and comfortable, with private baths, TVs and hairdryers, but it is not a hotel. We can upgrade you to hotels during your Reykjavik nights if you'd like. Double occupancy is standard, single occupancy can be booked in advance.
