Compare 5 Day Adventure Summer Package by Arctic Adventures vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Golden Circle and Rafting

Pick up at 8:00 from your accommodation or a nearby location in Reykjavík. Please note: the pick up process can take up to 30 minutes but you do need to be ready and waiting at 08:00.

The Reykjavík adventure package begins with the amazing Golden Circle wonders, your first day is then crowned with a really exciting river rafting trip.

Your travel through the farmlands of South Iceland to see magnificent Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), on the Hvítá (the White River) which flows all the way from Langjökull glacier. Witness the extraordinary power as the water is forced through the canyon, dropping 32 m in two stages, pivoting dramatically as it does so. You will be rafting on Hvítá later on! At Geysir, you will see Strokkur, the most active geyser nowadays, erupting huge volumes of superheated water every 8 to 10 minutes. Next is Þingvellir National Park, the amazing site of Iceland´s first parliament, Alþingi, which was founded in 930 AD. This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only the place where the Alþingi was founded, it is one of the greatest geological wonders in the world. You will see how the tectonic plates have moved apart creating this rugged rift valley.

Your tour will then take you to Drumboddstaðir, our comfortable river rafting base a little higher up the Hvítá river from Gullfoss. The river offers exhilarating adrenaline raising white water rapids and quieter more serene areas with outstanding scenery. At Brúarhlöð, a magnificent rugged canyon where the river flows more peacefully, you will have the opportunity to leap from the cliff into the river. We provide everything you need for your kayaking trip including a wetsuit, helmet, life vest and a paddle. Our safety kayakers accompany the rafts at all times. Refreshments may be purchased from the Drumbó restaurant and bar. You are welcome to relax in the sauna and/or to take a shower after your rafting trip (included).

This day tour has it all: exciting rafting, amazing Viking history, unique geological wonders and sensational scenery.

Remember to bring: Warm undergarments (fleece/wool sweater and pants), warm socks, a change of clothing. Bathing suit and a towel for river rafting. Warm layers, weatherproof top layer, gloves, headwear and hiking shoes for the Golden Circle.

Day Highlights:

• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Thingvellir National Park
• Hvítá (Hvita River)
• River Rafting

Included:

• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Minibus guided tour
• Golden Circle highlights
• Drumbó Base Camp facilities
• River rafting equipment
• Certificated rafting guides & safety kayakers

Day 2: Glacier hike and Ice Climbing

Pick up at 8:00 from your accommodation or a nearby location in Reykjavík. Please note: the pick up process can take up to 30 minutes but you do need to be ready and waiting at 08:30.

Here is your chance to hike and climb on an immeasurably majestic Glacier! This tour will take you onto the amazing frozen world of Sólheimajökull glacier, a rugged, raw and constantly changing glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. With a professional glacier guide, who will provide you with all of the necessary glacier equipment, you will explore Sólheimajökull. Your guide will explain the extraordinary ice formations of this crevasse riddled outlet glacier, you will see sink holes and jagged toothed ice ridges. Those who want to can then test our ice climbing skills on the glacier using ice axes, crampons and safety lines. This glacier experience of a lifetime will leave you with unforgettable memories.

On the way back to Reykjavík we even stop at Skógafoss, a beautiful waterfall!

Remember to bring: Warm layers (not cotton), headwear, scarf, gloves, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots are essential, it is not possible to fit ice crampons onto any other footwear.

Day Highlights:

• Solheimajokull Glacier
• Glacier Hike
• Optional Ice Climbing
• Skógafoss Waterfall

Included:

• Pick up from Reykjavík
• Guided Glacier Hike
• Opportunity to try ice climbing
• Certified Glacier Guide
• Glacier and ice climbing equipment

Day 3: Snorkeling and Caving

Pick up at 9:00 from your accommodation or a nearby location in Reykjavík. Please note: the pick up process can take up to 30 minutes but you do need to be ready and waiting at 09:00. This caving and snorkeling tour will give you some fabulous new angles on Iceland!

We head out to a lava tube cave not far from Reykjavík. We go either to Leiðarendi Cave or Gjábakkahellir, both caves are typical lava tubes, formed when streams of hot lava flowed beneath lava which was already cooling. Accompanied by a qualified and experienced caving guide, who will kit you out with a helmet and headlamp, you will learn how some incredible lava formations were created in this stunning and surprisingly colorful underground world. Sometimes the cave is amazingly spacious and high, other times you need to travel on all fours. After we surface there is time for a quick lunch before you dive into Silfra.

Your certified snorkeling guide will equip you with everything you need and you are ready to go. You will be stunned by supernaturally brilliant shades of blue, as the exceptional visibility reveals incredible rock formations within this amazing sub-aquatic chasm. Silfra offers up to 100 meters of underwater visibility, which is simply unrivaled. Comfortably warm in an insulated drysuit you will be free to enjoy feelings of weightlessness and supreme serenity as you drift along with the lazy current, simply awe-stricken at the spectacular sights in the depths beneath you! There are four sections, each with a different character: the deep Silfra Crack, the majestic Silfra Hall, the expansive and rich blue world of Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon which has the most incredible visibility. Silfra has frequently been rated as one of the world’s top ten dives. There is nowhere else in the world where you can dive in a fissure between two tectonic plates! Are you up for a really special and totally unique experience?

Please note: You will not be able to wear glasses whilst snorkeling, so unless you bring prescription goggles you will need to wear contact lenses. It is also important that you are able to clearly understand instructions given in English. There are some health and fitness requirements for snorkeling, together with size restrictions (drysuit sizes available), please ask about these when you book your tour.

Remember to bring: Warm long underwear, preferably fleece/wool (no cotton!), warm wool socks and a change of clothes (just in case) for snorkeling. Warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, headwear, scarf and good hiking shoes for caving.

Day Highlights:

• Lava Field
• Lava Tube Caving
• Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
• Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Included:

• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Guided Caving tour
• Certified and experienced caving guide
• All caving equipment
• Snorkeling tour with certified guide
• All snorkeling equipment

Day 4: Hot springs and Horses

Pick up at 8:00 from your accommodation or a nearby location in Reykjavík. Please note: the pick up process can take up to 30 minutes but you do need to be ready and waiting at 08:00.

This classic hike starts from the outskirts of Hveragerði, the town of hot springs and flowers. With a professional hiking guide you will explore the magnificent hot spring valley of Reykjadalur, following a trail through magical mountain scenery. You are heading for the hot spring river, often called ‘Steam Valley’, hot water flows down and blends with a cool water source in the river, giving a perfect temperature for bathing. As you hike through the valley you will see every kind of hot spring which can be discovered in Iceland, your guide will share some fascinating hot spring and local information with you. A 7 km hike and hot spring bathing! Do remember to bring your bathing suit and towel. You get the chance to grab a quick lunch before you mount an Icelandic horse!

Your horse riding guide will equip you with everything you need and provide some horse riding instructions. Try out the unique fifth gait of the Icelandic horse, tölt, as you ride through stunning scenery. You will see some farms and get an idea of how farming and horse breeding have developed over the last few decades. After your horse riding adventure you are invited into the farmhouse for coffee and some authentic Icelandic home baked goods!

Remember to bring: Good hiking shoes, warm layers, headwear, gloves, scarves, waterproof jacket and pants.

Day Highlights:

• Reykjadalur Valley
• Hiking
• Hot spring river bathing
• Icelandic horse riding

Included:

• Pick up in Reykjavik
• Guided hike to the hot spring river
• Guided horseback riding tour
• Horse riding equipment

Day 5: ATV and Blue Lagoon

On your last day you actually get to do two tours, an adrenaline raising ATV tour and a relaxing and serene trip to the Blue Lagoon! There is some flexibility with the timings so pick up and return times will be confirmed when you book your tours.

You are picked up in Reykjavík for your ATV Quad Bike tour. ATV driving will be sure to to get your adrenaline really flowing as you roar off to the top of Mount Hafrafell! On a clear day, the views are mind-blowing, Mount Úlfarsfell, Hafravatn, a picturesque lake in the valley behind Mosfellsbær, Mount Esja, the whole of Reykjavík and the Reykjanes peninsula will stretch out before you. This really is the most exciting and speediest way to explore the wondrous landscapes ‘hiding’ behind the mountains!

After that adrenaline rush you will be ready for some relaxation! Your final tour will take you to the perfect location to capture some chilled Icelandic bliss. We pick you up from Reykjavík and drive you across Reykjanes to the Blue Lagoon,  a world famous spa. Make the most of the opportunity to bathe in the milky, silky smooth and skin soothing waters and to totally relax in the lunar landscape. Facilities include a shop, cafeteria, the Lava Restaurant and a bar offering an impressive cocktail menu.

Remember to bring: Bathing suit and towel (these may be hired from the Blue Lagoon).

Day Highlights

• ATV ride
• Mount Úlfarsfell
• Blue Lagoon

Included

• Pick up in Reykjavík (both tours)
• Guided ATV tour with experienced guide
• All ATV equipment
• Entrance to Blue Lagoon

Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.

Hótel Kría, Vik.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn

Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.

Hótel Höfn.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start

Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.

Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri

Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.

Breakfast

Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start

Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park

Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík

Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.

Breakfast