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Mountain Highlights
Walking, Touring & Whale Watching
10 days/9 nights
$3,280 per person, double
$740 single supplement
2008 Departure dates:
Jun 30
Jul 14, 28
Aug 11
The world at your feet, with an average of three hours walking a day in some of the most beautiful parts of Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir, a site of historical and geological interest, the wonders of Landmannalaugar, Tjörnes Peninsula, and Lake Mývatn, the most fertile area in the world for it's latitude.
There are waterfalls including the awesome Dettifoss, the most powerful in Europe. The tour includes a 3 to 4 hour whale watching cruise, from Húsavík, weather permitting.
Day 1:REYKJAVÍK – ÞINGVELLIR AREA
Shortly after leaving the capital we walk in the wild mountains overlooking the Lake Þingvallavatn. We visit the historical sights of the first Icelandic Parliament before reaching our accommodation in Þingvellir area, were we stay for one night.
Day 2: GULLFOSS - GEYSIR - SKAGAFJÖRÐUR
Into the highlands, visiting the famous Geysir and the Queen of Iceland’s waterfalls Gullfoss on the way. The route Kjölur takes us to the north, travelling between the glaciers of Langjökull and Hofsjökull. In late afternoon we arrive in Skagafjörður where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 3:WALKING IN SKAGAFJÖRÐUR VALLEY
We start the day with an introduction to the Icelandic horse. Today’s walk is to the summit of Mælifell Mountain (1147 m) overlooking the beautiful Skagafjörður countryside and the central highlands. Optional river rafting in the evening is great fun.
Day 4: SKAGAFJÖRÐUR – EYJAFJÖRÐUR
A little folk history this morning, visiting the turf farm houses preserved at Glaumbær. We drive to Öxnadalur, where you will get to know one of the most beautiful valleys of North Iceland by walking up to Hraunsvatn.
We visit Akureyri the capital of the north before going to our overnight place in Eyjafjörður area, where we stay for one night.
Day 5: EYJAFJÖRÐUR – MÝVATN AREA
We head further north to the picturesque fishing village of Húsavík, where we take a 3 to 4 hour whale watching cruise, weather permitting. In the afternoon we examine signs of recent volcanic activity at Krafla and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. We stay in Mývatn area for next three nights.
Day 6: HLJÓÐAKLETTAR - DETTIFOSS - ÁSBYRGI
We visit Hljóðaklettar with its strange formations and the magnificent and puzzling canyon Ábyrgi said to be a hoof print of the eight legged horse of the ancient God Óðinn. We walk along the west bank of the mighty Jökulsá river, and not far upstream is the waterfall Dettifoss.
Day 7: LAKE MÝVATN AREA
This unique area features strange lava formations, attractive bays, pseudo craters and thousands of birds. We will be strolling through the fantastic lava field Dimmuborgir, culminating with a walk up to the rim of the ash crater Hverfjall.
Day 8: LAKE MÝVATN AREA - HELLA
South across the highland desert of Sprengisandur, with its views of the glaciers Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull to Nýidalur. From there we continue south through Sprengisandur to our accommodation in the south where we stay for two nights.
Day 9: LANDMANNALAUGAR
The entire day is spent walking in and around spectacular Landmannalaugar.
Day 10: ÞÓRSMÖRK
The route continues to the broad valley of Þórsmörk, with its wild and romantic rolling hills, narrow canyons, wooded valleys and colourful flowers. It is surrounded by three majestic ice caps, which feed the powerful glacial rivers that wind through the moraines. We return back to Reykjavík in the afternoon.
Price includes:
- 9 nights accommodations in sleeping bag style in schools and mountain huts
- Half board, breakfast and dinner, starting with dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day. Picnic lunch on day 8.
- 3-4 hour whale watching cruise from Húsavik
- Introduction to the Icelandic horse
- A tour bus to carry all luggage
Walk an average of 3 hours daily
Note: Sleeping bags are not included.
We offer competitive airfare from most U.S. cities - ask us for prices!
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