Iceland – The Continent

7 Full Days, Round-Trip Reykjavik to Reykjavik

Iceland is one of those rare places on Earth that feels more science fiction than fact, even when you are actually there. Get as close as you can to the incredible scenery by hiking the challenging route of the Laugavegur Trail, where you will pass multi-colored slopes, ice caves, and sweeping landscapes. Prepare to be awed!  Camera ready? – OR – The otherworldly landscapes of Iceland offer perhaps the closest thing one can have to an out-of-body travel experience. Equal parts rugged and tranquil, the country’s beauty offers the perfect sanctuary from daily distractions back home. Your soothing journey across the country’s southern coast starts with a hike.  For your health and wellness adventure, come along to unwind.

Iceland – The Continent

Iceland is one of those rare places on Earth that feels more science fiction than fact, even when you are actually there. Get as close as you can to the incredible scenery by hiking the challenging route of the Laugavegur Trail, where you will pass multi-colored slopes, ice caves, and sweeping landscapes. Camp out for four nights and enjoy valley hikes in the area with your group; it will take your breath away.

Itinerary Notes:  Please note that the weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable. Occasionally a need to amend your itinerary will be necessary. We will always endeavor to deliver an itinerary as close to the described and ensure you see as much as possible.

*Accommodations – For the hotels/campsites, check your voucher.
*Transportation – Local motorcoach and your Feet!
*Meals – 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavík:  Arrive at any time. Meals are on your own.  Stay at the Hlemmur Square Hostel or a local hotel. 

Day 2 – Reykjavík/Landmannalaugar:  Drive across to Landmannalaugar. Pass by Mt. Hekla en route, an active volcano that was once considered to be the gates of Hell to many Icelanders, which erupts every few years. Upon arrival in the afternoon, warm up your legs on a light hike.  The route through the highlands gets progressively rockier as it climbs up to Landmannalaugar, the campsite for the night. At Landmannalaugar, there are hot springs and bathroom facilities to make the camping experience more comfortable. Breakfast/Dinner

Day 3 – Landmannalaugar/Álftavatn:  Follow the Laugavegur Trail, one of Iceland’s most famous hiking routes. Pass rivers and streams while hiking through the mountains to Lake Alftavatn where you will set up camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4 – Álftavatn/Emstrur:  Continue to follow the route of the Laugavegur Trail, hiking from Alftavatn to Emstrur where you will set up camp overnight.  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Day 5 – Emstrur/Þórsmörk:  Trek from Emstrur to Þórsmörk, crossing rivers and fields of flowers.  Continue to Thorsmork to set up your campsite.  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 6 – Þórsmörk/Reykjavík:  One final hike in the beautiful valley of Þórsmörk before making your way back to Reykjavik. En route, stop at a viewing point to take in the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall.  Board the local bus and enjoy the ride as you make your way back to Reykjavík.  Once there, you will stay at the Hlemmur Square Hostel or a local hotel. Breakfast/ Lunch

Day 7 – Reykjavík:  Depart at any time. Not ready to leave? We can help arrange for an extension to your adventure.  Breakfast

~~ OR ~~

Wellness Iceland – The otherworldly landscapes of Iceland offer perhaps the closest thing one can have to an out-of-body travel experience. Equal parts rugged and tranquil, the country’s beauty offers the perfect sanctuary from daily distractions back home. Your soothing journey across the country’s southern coast starts with a hike up Öskjuhlíð Hill overlooking the mosaic-like architecture of Reykjavik. Private transportation offers you the luxury of time to see the iconic sights of the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park before heading to the stunning black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara for a unique meditation session. And, of course, a visit to Iceland would not be complete without a stop at the Blue Lagoon, a naturally heated hotspot for travelers willing to go halfway around the world just to unwind.

Itinerary Notes:  Please note that the weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable. Occasionally a need to amend your itinerary will be necessary. We will always endeavor to deliver an itinerary as close to the described and ensure you see as much as possible.  When arranging your transportation, such as flights, note the time restrictions for arrival and departure. We have taken into account travel time to/from the airport, the required time for check-in or baggage collection and immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time on Day 1.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 4:30PM on Day 7
*Accommodations – The hotels we may use vary; check your voucher – the Hotel Klettur or similar hotel.
*Transportation – Shuttle, Private Vehicle, and your Feet!
*Meals – 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavík:  Arrive at any time. Stop by the Flybus booth and advise staff of your trip. They will hand you a voucher for the shuttle/bus that brings you to your hotel, leaving every 30 minutes.  Meals on your own.
Harpa Concert Hall – The Concert Hall / Conference Centre is one of Reykjavik’s most distinguished landmarks. Situated by the old harbor, the   award-winning building boasts a wide variety of hosted events.

Day 2 Reykjavík:  Enjoy a morning hike to Öskjuhlíð Hill.   Reward yourself with panoramic views of Reykjavik and the tranquility of the surrounding trees and nature.  The rest of the day is yours to explore Reykjavik. Or visit the Nautholskvik Geothermal beach or Vesturbaejarlaug pools. Bike around the city or go whale watching.
Free Time in Reykjavík – There is plenty to see and do in Reykjavík. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking over glaciers, whale-watching off the coast, and snorkeling between two continents.   Breakfast

Day 3 Reykjavík/Hveragerði:  Leave the city behind and explore the famous Golden Circle. Explore and practice yoga in Þingvellir National Park.  Take time to relax and soak in natural pools and hot springs, then visit a local bakery. Later in the afternoon, visit the Geyser Hot Springs and the Gullfoss waterfall.  Breakfast/Lunch
Thingvellir National Park Visit – A UNESCO world heritage site, this national park is one to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The river cuts through the largest rift in the valley and leads to the waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in this area in 930AD.
Your Wellness Moment: Yoga Practice in Thingvellir National Park – Enjoy a session of yoga in one of the most extraordinary geological sites in Iceland. Achieve peace of mind and body in this energy filled site.
Your Foodie Moment: Rye Bread Cooking Class – Learn to make rye bread in a geothermal bakery. Taste the bread, served hot from the ground with butter and take home the recipe.
Your Wellness Moment: Geothermal Baths – Experience the healing powers of geothermal springs. Soak in natural pools and allow your body and mind to relax and unwind. Listen to bubbling hot springs or take an arctic dip in a nearby refreshing lake.
Gullfoss Waterfall Visit – Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland and complete the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” spilling into a large crevice.
Geyser Visit – See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring. One of the oldest geysers recorded in the world; erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.

Day 4 Hveragerði:  Enjoy a morning hike around the area. Take in the stunning landscapes and explore natural hot springs. In the evening, visit a nearby horse farm and enjoy a dinner of locally sourced produce.  Breakfast/Dinner
Your Wellness Moment: Reykjadalur Hike & Meditation – Hike along the scenic trail, the rolling hills, and pools of bright blue water. Come to the hot springs – natural pools heated by geothermal activity.
Horse Farm Visit – The Icelandic horse is an incredibly unique breed. Although small and at times pony-sized, Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. Tour this working farm.
Your Foodie Moment: Locally Sourced Farm Dinner – Enjoy a meal at the farm.

Day 5 Hveragerði:  Start the day with a Solheimajokul glacier hike. Later, enjoy the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Explore some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and take time for inner reflection.  Breakfast
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Equipped with crampons and ice axe, hike through the dramatic glacier valley and along the black sand flood plains to the edge of the ice. The guide will explain the area’s volcanic history.
Your Wellness Moment: Black Sand Beach Mantra Meditation – The black sand and ominous rock formations offshore provide an intriguing backdrop for peacefulness.
Reynisfjara Beach – Its black sand and ominous rock formations offshore make for stunning photos.
Dyrhólaey Cape Visit – Explore the Cape, a peninsula formed as a volcanic island. Keep an eye out for puffins.
Skógafoss Waterfall Visit – One of the most recognizable waterfalls, it forms a constant mist creating a sunlit rainbow. The sound of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make this a must-see on any trip to Iceland. Behind the flow of water is a path, peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks.
Your Wellness Moment: Waterfall Guided Meditation – Calm the mind at this waterfall backdrop.

Day 6 Hveragerði:  Begin with a yoga practice at the largest lake on the peninsula, renowned for its depth. Explore the colorful geothermal areas, dramatic coastal cliffs, and a footbridge. Breakfast/Dinner
Your Wellness Moment: Geothermal Rift Lake Yoga – The incredible depth of Kleifarvatn lake, which has no visible outlets, makes the perfect backdrop for a peaceful Vinyasa yoga practice.

Day 7 Hveragerði/Reykjavík:  Following a morning restorative yoga practice, head to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy one last soak before heading to the airport from the Lagoon at 2PM. Breakfast
Your Wellness Moment: Restorative Yoga – Slow down and open your body through a series of passive stretches allowing complete relaxation and rest.
Blue Lagoon Transfer and Entrance – A trip to Iceland is not complete without a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. Spoil yourself by taking advantage of the lagoon’s geothermal seawater known for it is positive effects.  Bathe in the mineral-rich hot water of this famous outdoor spa. Included is the entrance and return transfer back to Reykjavik or to Keflavik.

Travel Insurance:  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of the trips to Iceland and proof is required; your policy will be reviewed by the Tour Director.  When selecting travel insurance, we require a minimum coverage of USD$200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage; please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. TravelKatz can provide you with the appropriate coverage.