Scenes of Iceland

Explore Icelands most famous hiking locations with maximum freedom and flexibility... This adventure includes vehicle hire and a carefully planned suggestive itinerary so that you can get the most from your holiday.

Explore Icelands varied scenes from the dramatic South Coast to the alien landscapes of the North; from the stunning remote West Fjords to Icelands biggest cities and settlements. Camping accommodation can provide that extra element of adventure and even more flexibility - various accommodation options available.

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland

Collect your vehicle for the week and drive to Reykjavik where a member of our team will be waiting for you. We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with your camping equipment and offer some local advice. Free evening in Reykjavík.

Transport: 50 km
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 2 Reykjavík / The Golden Circle / Skogar

Today we recommend exploring Icelands famous Golden Circle en route to the south coast. The Circle includes the beautiful Þingvellir UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mid-Atlantic fault and meeting place of the world’s oldest Parliament. Explore Gullfoss waterfall (‘Golden Waterfall’), the gigantic two-tiered waterfall with its impressive basalt columns and of course the exciting geothermal area of Geysir and the extraordinary Strokkur Geyser.

Transport: 170 miles
Suggested activities: The Full Golden Circle
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3 Skogar / Vík / Skaftafell

Today you have a chance to explore the iconic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara - rated in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world! With dramatic North Atlantic Ocean waves, black sands, impressive basalt columns, a huge cave, interesting folklore history plus the chance of puffin sightings this is a destination not to be missed. (This area is so impressive that it has featured in many films and TV shows including Star Wars Rogue One, Star Trek Into Darkness and Game of Thrones) Arrival in Skaftafell National Park this afternoon

Transport: 85 miles
Suggested activities: Exploring black sand beaches
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4 Skaftafell / Jökulsárlón / Skaftafell

This morning you can explore Vatnajökull National Park and go hiking at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe. There are lots of stunning trails here as well as the highest peak in the country Hvannadalshnukur (2119m) a summit with breathtaking views. Today you can also visit Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, a truly magical place where floating icebergs drift from Breidarmerkurjökull glacier towards the sea. You can take a boat trip here through the ice filled waters.and if you are lucky perhaps you will spot seals playing between the lumps of floating ice.

Transport: 70 miles
Suggested activities: Hiking in Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón lagoon boat trip (please reserve with us in advance)
Accommodation: Camping
Day 5 Skaftafell / Landmannalaugar

Today you can visit the largest volcanic canyon in the world, Eldgjá. The eruption at Eldgja in ~935 AD is believed to have lasted 3-8 years and to have produced around 19.6 cubic km of lava, making it the largest basaltic flood lava eruption in historic time! Here you can find beautiful mountain trails and the Ófærufoss waterfall (‘the impassable waterfall’). This afternoon you will arrive at the iconic multi-coloured mountains of Landmannalaugar where you can enjoy more beautiful walking and bathe in the warm river and hot water springs.

Transport: 160 miles
Suggested activities: Hiking & exploring; bathing in warm rivers & hot springs
Accommodation: Camping
Day 6 Landmannalaugar

Today you can take time to explore this extraordinary area of volcanoes and rhyolite mountains. You can follow winding trails and discover the volcanic massif Torfajökull, the valley of the Storihver hot springs and Brennisteinsalda Mountain, the most colourful volcano in Iceland. Explore the vast Laugahraun lava fields and you can even climb to the top of Blahnukur for an exceptional panorama view. You can finish the day by swimming or relaxing in a warm river near to our camping spot.

Suggested activities: Hiking & exploring; bathing in warm rivers & hot springs
Accommodation: Camping
Day 7 Landmannalaugar / Sprengisandur / Mývatn

This morning you head to Mývatn via the desert of Sprengisandur. Drive along the Sprengisandur track which follows the ancient pass through the highland desert: a mythical area of grey stone and black sand as far as the eye can see. Your route passes between two enormous glaciers Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull

Transport: 160 miles
Suggested activities: Sight-seeing
Accommodation: Camping
Day 8 Mývatn

Today you can explore the active volcanic area of Lake Mývatn. Here you can find the impressive Hverfjall crater and the famous ava formations of Dimmuborgir. You can explore Storagja fault and Skutustadargigar pseudo-craters and visit Mývatn Nature Baths.

Suggested activities: Sight-seeing & bathing in Mývatn Nature Baths (payable locally)
Accommodation: Camping
Day 9 Mývatn / Askja / Mývatn

Askja is one of Icelands most isolated and spectacular landscapes, a truly remote destination so ‘out of this world’ that it is where the first people to walk on the moon trained. There are beautiful hiking opportunities at Askja and the Dyngjuljöll mountains. You can explore the largest caldera in Iceland, a remarkable feature which last erupted in 1961 and left behind an impressive lava field, 5 characteristic craters and a beautiful small island in the middle of the lake.

The track to get to Askja can be quite long and tiring. For a more relaxing day we suggest a hike to Krafla volcano and its impressive lava fields and formations - Krafla erupted 9 times between 1975 and 1984!

Transport: 90 miles
Suggested activities: Hiking & exploring
Accommodation: Camping
Day 10 Jökulsargljufur Park / Húsavík

Jökulsargljufur National Park is home to the famous Dettifoss falls known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Hike along the beautiful gorge here on your way to Húsavík today. This traditional fishing town is the Northernmost point of our adventure, it is the oldest settlement in Iceland and it is known as the whale watching capital of Europe! We recommend taking a boat trip to see whales +/or puffins and visiting the church and museums here. and it is known as the whale watching capital of Europe!

Transport: 90 miles
Suggested activities: Sight-seeing & whale +/or puffin watching boat trip in Húsavík
Accommodation: Camping
Day 11 Húsavík / Goðafoss / Akureyri / Varmahlíð

Visit the 'waterfall of Gods' Goðafoss, a feature which truly lives up to its name and explore Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the North. Todays journey continues to the great agricultural fjord of Skagafjördur where you can visit Glaumbær the perfectly preserved peat farm and uncover more about Icelands history and traditions.

Transport: 110 miles
Suggested activities: Godafoss, Akureyri, Skagafjördur & Glaumbær
Accommodation: Camping
Day 12 Varmahlíð / Snaefellsnes

Todays journey leads to the West Fjords where you can discover the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula. A stunning area dotted with islets where seals sleep and play.

Transport: 160 miles
Suggested activities: Sight-seeing
Accommodation: Camping
Day 13 Stykkishólmur / Arnarstapi

Discover the stunning Snaefellsnes Penninsula with its magnificent basalt organ cliffs and the characteristic volcano, Snaefellsjökull. (The volcano was famed by Jules Verne in his novel 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'!) The penninsula is home to thousands of birds, look out for Black-legged Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Northern Fulmar, and Northern Gannets.

Transport: 55 miles
Suggested activities: Sight-seeing
Accommodation: Camping
Day 14 Arnastapi / Reykjavík

The south coast of the peninsula is equally as beautiful with its white sandy beaches. There are fantastic hiking opportunities here among the basalt oragans and birds between Arnarstapi and Hellna. This afternoon it is back to Reykjavik for a free evening to explore the highlights of the capital city and to return your camping equipment. We have lots of recommendations for your final evening in Iceland.

Transport: 120 miles
Suggested activities: Sight-seeing, hiking, museums, local meal, the Blue Lagoon
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 15 Farewell Iceland

Return of vehicle and flight home

Transport: 30 miles

This itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative and fully flexible.

Other trips you may like

A radiant Icelandic puffin admiring its surroundings

Glaciers, Volcanoes & Trolls This family-friendly trip includes a camping adventure on a remote volcanic island! Let's go hiking, horse riding and glacier walking... observe puffins, seals and Icelandic sheep... swim in warm rivers, nature baths and hot springs... Discover waterfalls, volcanoes and icebergs: formations far more impressive in real life than in school textbooks we promise!

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Price

From €1590

Price based on 2 travellers and economic car hire.

Non-camping version of this trip available from €2215

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

Car hire, unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance (second driver option available)
First and last nights in guesthouse accommodation
A complete travel Guide with maps for all of the different regions you will visit
A tent and all technical camping equipment if camping (see equipment section for more details)

Not included

International flights
Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
Depending on your accommodation choices, meals may not be included

Additional Options

Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:

Mývatn Nature Bath: From €20
Museums in Húsavík: From €9
A one hour boat trip among glaciers in Jokulsarlön lagoon: from €70 (discounts for children)
Whale-watching and or puffin watching boat trip from Húsavík: prices vary, from €80

Museums in Reykjavik

There are lots of museums in Reykjavik, our personal favourites are:

The National Museum of Iceland: €16 (free for under 18s)
Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre: from €10
Reykjavik City Museum and Settlement Exhibition: from €15 (free for under 17s)

Please let us know if you would like to plan museum visits to these museums or any others in Reykjavik ahead of time. Reservation in advance is not necessary.

Notes

Camping: Comfort 1/5

Normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and comfort. For our basecamps we usually set up a fully equipped mess tent for meal times, including a table and stools. We are proud of our high quality camping equipment and take care to monitor and store everything correctly.

Level

This is your trip, you can choose how challenging or relaxing each day is.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altai Iceland implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, we require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.

Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.

Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Iceland in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Iceland may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

Car Hire Insurance Options

Icelandic law demands that vehicle rental is coupled with third party insurance. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is included in our prices. In the event of an accident please be aware that you are responsible for all damages. It is strongly advised to take out additional on site insurance to reduce costs in the event of an accident.

Additional Options & Accessories:

An additional driver: one-off payment, from €27
Super Collision Damage Waiver Insurance (SCDW): From €12 a day
Sand and Ash Damage Waiver Insurance (SADW): from €12 a day
Gravel Protection Insurance (GP): from €12 a day
The GP, SADW & SCDW insurance package: from €24 a day
GPS: from €11 a day
4G Wifi: from €20 a day
A child car seat, various sizes and options available: one-off payment from €30
A booster seat, compulsory and free for children up to 150cm: or from €16

It is good to know that under Icelandic law, CDW & SCDW insurance does not cover damage to tyres, windshields, headlight optics or the vehicle's underbody. Similarly, any damage, including damage to the engine, from gravel, ash or excessive speed is not covered by this insurance. Any damage caused to the vehicle from driving in places where passage is forbidden will not be covered by insurance.

Additional insurance options are payable locally by credit card and reservation in advance is not necessary. Optional accessories like car seats or 4G should be reserved in advance. Please contact us if you have any questions or require more information.

Travel Insurance: Not included

Practical info

Staff

Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge our professional Icelandic team know the country inside out. We are here to ensure you have the best possible trip so ask us anything, we love sharing our local knowledge!

Food

Breakfast is provided at the guesthouse in Reykjavik.

If you are camping we will provide you with camping equipment to cook your own meals and you will be responsible for your food. The tap water in Iceland is of very high quality and it is delicious

Alcohol is very expensive in Iceland and you can only buy beer which is stronger than 2.25% alcohol in state run liquor stores. If you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport..

We have lots of recommendations of where to eat and where to do groceries regardless of your budget. Iceland has options for everyone from traditional restaurants with adventurous local cuisine to cheap burgers and gourmet fish options.

Accommodation

Your first and last nights will be spent in a guesthouse close to Reykjavik city centre. It has shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, hot showers and heating. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Camping

Imagine unzipping your tent to views of geothermal hotspots, multi-coloured mountains and lava formations... Not only is camping an eco-friendly way to explore Icelands spectacular environment, it also means that these unspoilt remote areas literally become your home. We provide all of the technical equipment needed for your camping adventure. Generally we offer one 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and comfort, We will also provide you with modern cooking equipment, a few other essentials and some friendly advice to help you make the most of your adventure. Icelandic campsites are generally very clean with excellent facilities including eletrical outlets. Sometimes there is a hot water fee for showers (around 3-4euros).

Transportation

Care Hire

Iceland has a fabulous network of scenic roads which connect its most popular destinations, most capes and the inhabited countryside across the island. Some of the 'roads' are however more like 'tracks' and fjord crossings are not uncommon - depending on your chosen route it may be advisable to reserve a 4x4 vehicle. From November to March we recommend that you hire a 4x4 vehicle regardless of your chosen route.

In general you can expect to find petrol stations, shops and accommodation options around every 70miles. Fuel is not included in the car rental rates but prices in Iceland are fair.

You will need a valid driver's license, issued for at least 12 months before the rental date.

Minimum age: 20 or 23 for a 4x4 vehicle.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance: Icelandic law demands that veicle rental is coupled with third party insurance. In the event of an accident you are responsible for all the damage. It is strongly advised to take out additional on site insurance to reduce costs in the event of an accident. CDW insurance is included in our prices. For more information and options please see the terms & conditions page for this trip and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Iceland is Icelandic Krona (ISK). Please budget for:

Evening meals in Reykjavik (2500-5600ISK)
Drinks & personal expenses
Fuel & additional insurance options/car accessories

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your local team, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Supplied equipment

All technical camping gear will be provided including a 3 man dome tent per 2 people and cooking equipment

Vital equipment

Please bring a sleeping bag

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Our advice for keeping warm:

Winter in Iceland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference.

We recommend: No cottonBring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves

Wear multiple layers including:

warm breathable base layer
second thermal layer
Wind and waterproof protective out layer

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing

Your camera
Binoculars
A notepad and pencil
A thermos flask
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
A comfortable evening outfit
Walking poles
Inflatable pillow
Insect repellant

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your companion has a first-aid kit during the tour. However, we recommend that you bring your medications:

Personal medication
Anti pain medication Paracetamol
Diarrhoea drugs
Intestinal dressing
Sun screen with strong protection for the lips and the skin
Eye drops for the eyes
Moisturizing cream for the treatment of superficial burns (blisters and sunburns)
An adhesive elastic band
a box of adhesive plasters and disinfectant compresses
Double skin for blisters

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required. You can check your requierements by clicking the following link provided by the Icelandic government: www.utl.is/index.php/en/

Visa

EU citizen do not need a visa as Iceland is part of the Schengen cooperation.

Travellers of other nationalities please check the following link of the Icleandic government to check: www.utl.is/index.php/en/visas

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks

Weather

Contrary to the name 'Ice-land' the weather in Iceland is relatively mild considering its location. In summer the average temperature is 10-13°C (50-55 °F) but warm summer days can reach 20-25°C

From June to September it is nearly always light with the return of night and the first Northern Lights appearances towards the end of August.

Electricity

Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts) and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.

Please be aware that some of our more remote campsites and refuges charge for electricity use.

Local time

Iceland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) like the United Kingdom but does not observe daylight-saving time in the summer

Topography

Area: 39,768.5 m²

Population: 334,252 inhabitants (2016)

Capital: Reykjavik

Languages: Icelandic

Regime: Parliamentary Republic

Iceland is 20 million years old and is a volcanic island with around one eruption every 5 years. 11% of the island is covered with ice, 1% of the land is cultivated, 20% is grassland, 2% is lake, 40% is sand and the rest is desert.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously. We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

1. Be prepared

2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right

3. Stash your trash and pick up waste

4. Leave it as you find it

5. Be careful with fire

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

If you have any questions regarding how to be a responsible traveller or concerning any other subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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My local agent
Vidian

Iceland Base Camp Manager

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Region: Northern Iceland Reykjavík & Reykjanes South Iceland The Highlands The West Fjords
Activity: Hiking Puffins Self-Drive Summer Whale Watching
Duration: 15 days
Code: EISLL4VA
Price: From €1,590

Strengths

Whale-watching, bird spotting and bathing in hot springs; glaciers, volcanos and icebergs
Hiking in Icelands most famous destinations including Landmannalaugar, Mývatn and Snæfellsnes peninsula
Our smooth logistics, carefully designed flexible itinerary and state of the art camping equipment

Required level

This is your adventure, you can choose how strenuous or how relaxing each day is

Download trip details

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Scenes of Iceland