Iceland Winter Delights

Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

| Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Culture

Iceland Winter Delights is a visit to the land of fire and ice and so much more! We'll spend five days exploring the southern portion of this beautiful island, experiencing its spectacular sights and activities. Our days will be packed; we'll tour Reykjavik, walk on a glacier, ride an Icelandic pony, feast on Icelandic specialties, keep on the lookout for elves, and experience the evidence of Iceland's geothermal activity in all its many forms, from geysers and volcanoes to thermal baths at the Blue Lagoon. We'll definitely be watching each night for those Northern Lights and hope that happens; but even if the lights refuse to show, we'll come away with a deep appreciation of this most magical of countries.

Highlights

Exploring Iceland's stunning landscape, including seeing the scars of the 2010 volcano
Visiting bubbling mud baths and spouting geysers in one of the most geothermally active areas in the world
Riding an Icelandic horse and learning why they are so popular
Experiencing walking on a glacier as we learn how they are made
Looking at the night skies in search of Northern Lights - a possibility!

Departures and Prices

October 17 to October 21, 2021

$3250.00 - Available

Book Now

Inclusions

An English-speaking Icelandic guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide (If there are fewer than 11 on the trip, there will not be an AGC guide)
Four nights double occupancy accommodation
All meals listed on the itinerary
Private vehicle and driver for trip itinerary
One hour ride on an Icelandic pony
Glacier hike with crampons
Admission to the 'Pearl' and to the Blue Lagoon

Not included: Airfare to/from Iceland, arrival shuttle, alcoholic beverages, guide and driver gratuities

Details

These trips are suitable for women who are new to adventure travel, who do not have a regular exercise routine, who want more “down time” during a trip, and/or are coming with someone who wants a different level of activity. These trips are designed so you can opt out of some activities on the itinerary. If you choose to do everything, they would be rated 2 or 3.

Any healthy active woman. None of our activities are strenuous but our days are very full.

This trip is more accurately described as active sightseeing rather than activity-based. We will be jumping on and off the bus to walk on a glacier, through thermal areas, behind waterfalls, to black sand beaches etc. There are a couple of short hikes but Iceland in March is not really suitable for extensive hiking.

We'll spend 2 nights at the Center Hotel Plaza or similar, located near the city center and 2 nights at Hotel Fljotshlid (Smaratun), a family-run guest ranch. In each the rooms are double occupancy with ensuite bathrooms.

Generate PDF

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1

Our first meeting will be in the hotel lobby at 10 a.m. After introductions, the adventure starts with a driving tour of the city, including stops at the 'Pearl' and Hallgrimskirkja Church. Your Icelandic guide will introduce the history and the culture of this beautiful city and Iceland and answer all the questions you may already have. Lunch will be at the Pearl, giving you plenty of time to visit the exhibits, videos and planetarium before returning to the hotel for a few hours of relaxation or more touring on your own (Reykjavik is a great city for walking). Your guides will make sure you know where all the museums, interesting sites, galleries and exhibits are as well as the famous hot dog stand (maybe an afternoon snack?) For those who arrived today, you may not be able to check in until 2 p.m. or later but reception will be happy to stow luggage while you either explore or hang out in the lobby. Dinner tonight is included and we’ll meet in the lobby to walk to dinner. (L, D)

DAY 2

After enjoying an extensive buffet breakfast, we’ll head out for what promises to be the start of four very full days. Today's tour is commonly known as the Golden Circle, one of the most popular tours in Iceland. And no wonder! It showcases Iceland's dramatic scenery, human history, and geothermal activity. The tour begins with a drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of Iceland's Parliament between the years 930 and 1798. Thingvellir is also one of the few places in the world where you can see the effects of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart. We will spend about 1 to 2 hours walking and viewing in the Thingvellir area. The next stop is the Geysir hot springs, known for bubbling hot springs and spouting geysers. The highlight is undoubtedly Strokkur, the most active geyser of the area, spouting up to 75 - 100 feet. The buffet lunch offers both hot and cold Icelandic specialties. Then it's on to Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvita River plunges steeply down into a deep, meandering gorge, creating one of Iceland's most dramatic waterfalls. From Gullfoss a drive through classic Icelandic farmland brings us to Hotel Fljotshlid on the farm Smaratun where we will stay for two nights. This family-run farm and hotel Smaratun is located in the beautiful Fljotshlid area with views of Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The people who run the farm are wonderful AND they have an amazing cook. The farm, with no light pollution around, is a great location to look for those famous Northern Lights! At some point during our stay at Smaratun we will visit a neighboring farm to meet and ride the beautiful and friendly Icelandic horses. The sturdy and sure-footed Icelandic breed is the original Viking horse and is famous for its fifth gait, the smooth tolt. (B, L, D)

DAY 3

Today, we'll explore Iceland's South Shore. After a hearty breakfast with homemade bread and other wonderful selections, we start our adventure along the south coast of Iceland. First we stop at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall. Then it's on to Solheimajokull glacier, but not just to look at it. We'll strap on crampons and, equipped with other glacier gear, a professional glacier guide will demonstrate how to walk safely in the crampons before leading an exploration of the amazing world of the glacier. After refueling with a hearty lunch in the small village of Vik, there will be time for a visit a woolen goods store and the black-sanded beach. On the way back to Smaratun, we'll stop at Skogafoss waterfall and Dyrholaey promontory. Another delicious dinner, comfy bed, and - maybe - the Northern Lights, ends our day. (B, L, D)

DAY 4

Next on our agenda is exploring the magnificent nature around Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted in the spring of 2010. We will hike to waterfalls and into canyons and explore the dramatic gullies and ravines that dissect the west face of the volcano. Other areas to be explored include the historic Fljotshlid region, the site of one of Iceland's most beloved sagas, the Saga of Burned Njal. Our Icelandic guide will regale us with folktales and dramatic stories of Viking lore as we hike in this beautiful region. Before returning dinner, we’ll stop at the Lava Center where we explore the exhibits and gain a better understanding of both the ancient and recent volcanic forces that created and continue to change Iceland. Continuing to Eyrarbakki, a small fishing village we’ll have a delicious langoustine lobster dinner at the renowned Red House restaurant before returning to Reykjavik in the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 5

But wait, there's more! On our way back to the airport for an afternoon/evening flight home, we stop at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most well-known destinations. But we'll do more than look: we'll soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater. What a fitting way to end our Iceland journey! We'll return to the airport in time for our afternoon flights. And if we haven't seen the Northern Lights? We'll just have to come back for another try. (B)

Trip Summary

Packing List