Iceland Adventure - Reykjavík to the Highlands - Austin ...
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Iceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Trip Summary
Venture to one of today’s hottest travel destinations: Iceland! The Land of Fire and Ice is home to
some 30 active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, and gushing geysers, just to name a few of its
natural attractions. Explore the Golden Circle by foot, mountain bike to a geothermal soaking spot,
sea kayak and horseback ride along the southwest coast, trek the mountainous Highlands and
strap on your crampons for a glacier walk! Come discover the rich and vibrant culture of this
fascinating destination and find out why it’s worth it to check Iceland off of your travel bucket list!
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík Arrival
Welcome to “The Land of Fire and Ice!” • You’ll be met during your morning arrival at the Keflavík
International Airport where a guide will meet and transfer you to the nearby Viking World Museum for
breakfast • Head to the famous Blue Lagoon near the town of Grindavík for a dip in the soothing
cerulean waters • Don’t forget to give yourself a silica mud facial! • Next, we drive to the point where
the European and American plates come together ashore, a fusion where the New World meets the
Old World, geologically speaking, where many signs of environmental disturbances can be seen •
This afternoon, enjoy some time to relax on your own in Reykjavík before you meet up with your
guide for a welcome dinner • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, D)
Day 2: Golden Circle / Geysir / Gullfoss / Thingvellir National Park
Today we take it easy by starting off with a sightseeing tour of the geothermally active valley of
Haukadalur along the Golden Circle • Here we visit the famous Geysir and its neighboring geyser
Strokkur, quite the fascinating spectacle when it erupts every 4-8 minutes • Next awaits us the
magnificent Gullfoss, the queen of Iceland’s waterfalls, situated on the white colored Hvítá River •
Enjoy an outdoor lunch taking in spectacular views • Explore Thingvellir National Park, where the
oldest Parliament in the world was founded • A pleasant hike around Thingvellir will show off its
amazing landscape and the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge • Transfer back to
the Capital for a nice dinner on your own tonight • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, L)
Day 3: Hellisheidi / Reykjadalur Valley / Hveragerdi
Say goodbye to the city (for now) as we travel to the Geothermal Exhibition in the Hellisheidi area,
one of the most powerful and impressive geothermal zones in Iceland located only a stone’s throw
from Reykjavík • After learning all about how Iceland produces green, sustainable energy, it’s time to
tie our shoe laces and hike an amazing route from the Geothermal Power station in Hellisheidi down
to the Reykjadalur valley • After a nice day’s hike, kick back and relax in a geothermally-heated river
before heading down to the Hveragerdi village for check-in at Hotel Örk (Arch) • Come together for
dinner in Hveragerdi tonight • Overnight at Hótel Örk (B, L, D)
Day 4: Stokkseyri Sea Kayak & Horseback / Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar
Leave the quaint town of Hveragerdi behind as we set our sights on the coast for a sea kayaking
trip near the town of Stokkseyri • After lunch at Fjörubordid Restaurant, we saddle up for a
horseback ride on the small yet strong Icelandic horses • After our scenic ride, we drive even
further into the quiet and peaceful inlands where we happen upon our accommodation, the
Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar, the perfect base to explore the Icelandic highlands • The vastness
and lack of human impact on the surrounding area makes it truly one of the last places in Europe
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
where freedom, natural beauty and solitude are combined in a breathtakingly powerful
experience • Overnight at the Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar (B, L, D)
Day 5: Hiking Landmannalaugar / Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Today we head to the Highlands of Iceland to a place called Landmannalaugar, known for its
characteristic yellow rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity • We spend the day hiking through a
beautiful landscape that will take your breath away around every bend • Add to this scenery the
promise of a pleasant hot spring soak and you have a day fit for kings! • Transfer to your
accommodation for the night in the little town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur • Situated halfway between two
picturesque glaciers, Icelandair Hotel Klaustur offers comfortable, modern accommodations in
beautiful Southeast Iceland • Designated an Official European Beauty spot, enjoy expansive views,
outdoor activities and easy access to Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajokull glacier • Overnight at
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur (B, L, D)
Day 6: Glacier Walk in Vatnajökull National Park
Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park, is a place of great beauty nestled under the
enormous Vatnajökull glacier • Embark on a short hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, dropping
from the edge of a wide cliff of basalt columns • We’ll also get out on the ice with a glacier-walk in
Vatnajökull National Park with a pro glacier-guide • With crampons on and tips by your guide, you’ll
be able to safely walk on and learn about this fascinating “river of ice” • Transfer to the South East of
Iceland for dinner and accommodation • Overnight at Hali Country Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7: Zodiac Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón / Kirkjubæjarklaustur
After breakfast and packing your bags, spend time at the amazing Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón,
bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland • Its still, blue waters are dotted with
icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier • Zoom
around on a zodiac boat ride among the floating icebergs, keeping an eye out for seal heads
popping up out of the water • Back on land, we take a walk on the seashore and witness up close
how the Glacial Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of
ice on a black sand beach • Transfer down south back to the little town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur where
you can enjoy the evening on your own • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur (B, L)
Day 8: Hiking Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon / Reykjavík
Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon is a 9,000-year-old canyon standing over 300 feet high and more than a mile
in length • Explore the canyon’s colors and shapes by foot, being sure to get plenty of photos from
many different angles • On our way back to Reykjavík we will stop at the Lava Exhibition Centre for a
lovely dinner and to see this ambitious Exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes in the land of Fire
and Ice • After filling our stomachs and our minds, we head to the Capital for a good night rest •
Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, L, D)
Day 9: Reykjavík
On our last day together, we start by going on a cultural walk around the downtown of Reykjavík
exploring the highlights of the city • The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit • Some of our
suggestions: a whale watching rib boat tour, Segway tour in the city, Reykjavík foodie tour, or visiting
more nearby geothermally heated pools (afternoon activities not included in trip price) • In the
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
evening, we meet back up as a group for a final farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city center
• Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, D)
Day 10: Reykjavík Departure
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel • Take a group transfer to the airport in the early afternoon
for your departure out of Keflavík International Airport • No overnight (B)
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside
of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by
Austin Adventures and Icelandic Mountain Guides.
Icelandic Mountain Guides / Iceland Rovers
Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Icelandic Mountain Guides / Iceland
Rovers. In 1994, a group of Icelanders with a passion for nature, adventure and environmental
advocacy started an outdoor adventure company to take people from around the world on tours of a
lifetime. As the originators of the Glacier Walk in Iceland, they revolutionized the outdoor adventure
scene. Since the beginning, Icelandic Mountain Guides has been owned and operated by guides
and they continue to set the standard in safety, mountaineering expertise, and environmental
protection across the industry in Iceland.
IMG/ILR operates from their company headquarters in Reykjavík and their base camp in the
beautiful Skaftafell National Park year round. Whether you want to go hiking, backpacking, trekking,
ice climbing, on a glacier walk, mountain climbing, skiing, on an expedition or for a mountaineering
course in Iceland or Greenland, they’ve got you covered! IMG provides one day and multi-day tours,
for all activity levels, that highlight the rugged beauty of these countries. Join Icelandic Mountain
Guides on an unforgettable journey and see for yourself why everyone is raving about Iceland!
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Activities
Hiking: Most days include 1 to 4 mile guided hikes ranging from easy to moderate. Sometimes
more than one walk or hike will be done in a day. This adventure includes hikes in geothermal
basins, to waterfalls, in national parks, through mountainous areas, along canyons and down black
sand beaches. Day 3 features a 9.5 mile hike that will be completed over the course of an entire day
and is rated moderate.
Sea Kayaking: 2 hour paddle along the southwestern coast of Iceland on the lookout for sea life. No
experience necessary. Professional kayak guide will provide instruction.
Horseback Riding: 2 hour horseback ride on the small but strong Icelandic horse. No experience
necessary. Professional riding guides will provide instruction.
Swimming/Soaking: Swim and soak in a multitude of natural geothermal hot springs throughout the
journey.
Glacier Walking: 3 hour (1.5 hours on ice) glacier walk on a glacier. Professional glacier guide will
provide gear and instructions.
Zodiac Boating: Zodiac boat tour among floating icebergs at the Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón,
bordering Vatnajökull National Park.
Discovery: An underpopulated island marooned near the top of the globe, Iceland is, literally, a
country in the making. It's an immense volcanic laboratory where mighty forces shape the earth:
geysers spurt, mudpots bubble, ice-covered volcanoes grumble and glaciers cut great pathways
through the mountains. Its supercharged splendor seems designed to remind visitors of their utter
insignificance in the greater scheme of things. And it works a treat: some crisp clean air, an eyeful of
the cinematic landscapes, and everyone is transfixed. It's the power of Icelandic nature to turn the
plain into the extraordinary. A dip in a pool becomes a soak in a geothermal lagoon; a casual stroll
can transform into a trek across a glittering glacier; and a quiet night at your accommodation may
mean front-row seats to the aurora borealis’ curtains of fire, or the soft, pinkish hue of the midnight
sun. Come play in Iceland with the experts in adventure travel!
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to
explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment.
Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your
guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts,
lunches, and dinners are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Distinctive Accommodation
Nights 1, 2, 8 & 9: Hlemmur Square
Hlemmur Square is a new and innovative concept of accommodating international travelers in both a
luxury hotel and hostel all in one building. It was to create an environment where all walks of life
come together and enjoy their new “home away from home” in Reykjavik where all age groups meet
and mingle, enjoying each company together at the well-known bar and the restaurant. Located
conveniently on Laugavegur, the main and famous street in Reykjavik where most of the shopping,
nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, swimming pools and spas are located, the harbor and Parliament
Square and all museums are literally a 15 – 20 minute walk away from Hlemmur Square.
Night 3: Hótel Örk
Hotel Örk is a first class hotel in the town of Hveragerdi, Iceland’s “hottest town”, only 44 km form
Reykjavík. The hotel offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful
surroundings. Be sure to try out the outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, hot tubs and geothermal
sauna!
Night 4: Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar
At The Highland Center you will discover accommodation designed with comfort in mind. The
modern ensuite rooms feature spacious bathrooms, quality linens and beautiful views across the
volcanic landscape. The Highland Center’s restaurant offers excellent home-cooked cuisine in a
comfortable and relaxed environment.
Nights 5 & 7: Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur is a comfortable country hotel in spectacular surroundings. Klaustur is
renowned for its mild and good weather and there is a magnificent view from the hotel of
Vatnajökull glacier, the largest one in Europe, and Sidufjoll mountains. It is a short distance from
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur to many beautiful natural wonders of Iceland, like Jökulsarlon glacial
lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.
Night 6: Hali Country Hotel
Hali Country Hotel is located on the farm Hali in the South East of Iceland Hali offers comfortable
and cozy accommodation, a historical museum and a fully licensed restaurant serving primarily local
food. Currently there are 35 cows and 120 sheep on the farm. There can also be found an extensive
aquaculture, foremost with the farming of arctic char. The museum, Þórbergssetur, bears witness of
how people lived through the centuries in the countryside of Suðursveit and on the farm Hali.
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Arrival & Departures
Day one of your trip begins with a morning pick-up by your guide at the Keflavík International Airport.
Your trip ends with an afternoon drop-off on Day 10 at Keflavík International Airport. We recommend
drop-off approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure time.
Trip Price
From $8,698
Trip Length
10 days/9 nights
2019 Dates
June 14 – 23
July 5 – 14
August 9 – 18
Host City
Reykjavík Iceland
Airport Code: KEF
Reservations & Availability
1-800-575-1540
A vast volcanic laboratory where
mighty forces shape the earth
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Trip Reservations
Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due
To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A 15%
nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom and International
programs may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your
trip departs within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods:
Toll free: 800-575-1540
Phone: 406-655-4591
Online: austinadventures.com
Email: reservations@austinadventures.com
Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT 59108
* You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional.
** We accept most major credit cards and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin
Adventures). Please do not send cash.
Included in the Trip Price
• Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
• Meals as listed in itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
• Water and snacks on the bus from Days 2 – 9.
• Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
• Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
• Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
• Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
• Pre-departure and packing information.
• Entrance fees into national parks.
Not Included in the Trip Price
• Gratuities.
• Alcoholic beverages and other beverages like soda and water.
• Meals listed as not included in itinerary.
• Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
• Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
• All types of personal insurance.
• Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about
the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability
release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
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The toughest part is going home.SMIceland Adventure –
Reykjavík to the Highlands
Private Custom Trips
Maybe your vacation schedule doesn’t fit our list of trips and dates. Or perhaps you’d prefer a slightly
different itinerary or level of luxury and activity. A Custom Adventure is the perfect answer. You pick
the date and destination and brief us on the size of your group, what activities you want, your “must
haves” and just how you like to relax and unwind. No detail is too small, no idea too outrageous. Our
staff of experts will help create a tailor-made vacation that’s just right for you and your group. In
short, if you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge,
referred to as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the
request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you.
Minimum Age
The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old.
Cancellations and Refunds
The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect:
***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak
with your Adventure Consultant for details.
Cancellation 91 days or more before trip departure – Full trip payment refunded less 15%
nonrefundable deposit
Cancellation 61-90 days before trip departure – Full trip payment less 25% per person is
refunded
Cancellation 31-60 days before trip departure – 50% of the trip payment is refunded
Cancellation 0-30 days before trip departure – No refund is given
Our Guarantee
Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are
dissatisfied with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to
resolve the issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct
it. We will do our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with
you upon your return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund.
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