Between Fire and Ice:

Tours 2009 11 July,6 August; Price GBP 2.360

An informative, educational round trip of Iceland. Price includes transport, guiding, and half board accommodation. Flights,transport from Keflavík Airport and two nights in Reykjavik are not included.
This is a small-group tour (8-12 passengers) designed by one of Iceland’s top guides. You will enjoy a 9-day sightseeing journey with educational touches, taking you through the land of fire and ice...in a nice and comfortable way.

Day 2 – 11.7. or 6.8
We depart from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, and drive towards the historic setting of Thingvellir, which is not only the venue of the oldest Parliament in the world but is also interesting from a geological point of view. The Parliament was founded here in the year 930 AD. This place is not only the heart of Iceland but has its place in every Icelander’s heart. We then pass on to the well-know Geyser hot spring, in Haukadalur, and the magnificent waterfall of Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, where the river Hvítá falls into a narrow canyon. On a sunny day a wonderful rainbow appears in the spray of the pounding waters. In the afternoon you will have the chance (optional) to try horse-riding on the Icelandic horse in the attractive landscape near our guesthouse.
Overnight in a country guesthouse, private facilities.

Day 3 – 12.7. or 7.8.
Living in the vicinity of the 1491 metre-high Hekla through the centuries has not always been easy. Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano is a constant threat; as recently as 1947 many farmers had to abandon their land. The remains of their fight against the drift sand and ashes still exist in the form of stone fences, which we shall take a closer look at. Hekla´s most recent eruption occurred in January 2000.
We then travel on the track Nyrðri Fjallabakur, crossing numerous rivers and the lavafields. It was in this barren land that the American astronauts trained for their first visit to the moon. We pass on through the highlands to the hot springs of Landmannalaugar. The mountains and hills are now yellowish and golden as they are,rhyolite. We can enjoy a nice soak in the springs or a walk in the surrounding hills. On our way back to our hotel we take a look at the Maar of Ljótipollur.
Overnight in a guesthouse by the track of Sprengisandur.

Day 4 – 13.7. or 9.8.
Today we drive on the most remote mountain track of Iceland Sprengisandur. On both sides we can see glaciers; in the west Hofsjökull glacier and in the east the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. We drive through the desert, where, as far as your eye can see, there is only barren land. During the day we shall visit the mountain hut at Nýidalur, and the Aldeyjarfoss and Godafoss waterfalls. We will stop for some short hikes and visits to view points on the way.
Our accommodation for the next three nights is in Husavík.

Day 5 – 14.7. or 10.8.
The itineray during our stay here can be varied according to weather and interests. From the harbour town of Húsavík we can sail (optional) out on the ocean for whale watching. The chance of seeing a whale in its natural surroundings is over 90% here…an unforgettable trip.
The sea cliffs of Tjörnes are famous for their bird life. We will look out for the puffins, as this is their home territory, and seals along the coastline. One of the highlights of today is the phenomenon of Ásbyrgi where Sleipnir, the horse of the heathen God Odin’s, stepped down with one foot creating a horse shoe formation in the lava. Our next stop will then be at the sight of Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss and his little brother Selfoss.

Night 2 in Husavik.
Day 6 – 15.7. or 11.8.Lake Mývatn is surely the Pearl of Nature in North Iceland. The birdlife, the form of lava fields, the hot springs and the false craters will catch your eyes. We can easily spend a day in this area, taking short hikes and enjoying some relaxation in hot springs very like the Blue Lagoon.
Night 3 in Husavik.

Day 7 – 16.7. or 12.8.
The day starts with a visit to the unbelievable lava formations of Dimmuborgir. After seeing Námaskarð with its various hot springs,we drive on to take a closer look at the volcano Krafla and its most recent lava fields. We then drive east towards Jökulsá á Fjöllum, through the desert, passing the farm Möðrudalur and on to the ancient farmhouse of Sænautasel.

We finish the day by driving to Svartiskógur, for our overnight stay.

Day 8 – 17.8. or 13.8.
We shall spend today travelling along the coastline, visiting little fishing villages, watching out for birds and seals and taking a close look at life at the seaside.
The big glacier Vatnajökull will become more and more visible. On our way we may pay a visit to the stone collector Perla, who has filled her home with thousands of beautiful samples, some of which you can even buy to take back home with you. Or we may visit the bird collection and a sculpture museum at Djúpivogur.
The Glacier Exhibition at Hofn is also tempting and if we have time, we will visit it.
Overnight at Hotel Smyrlabjorg, which awaits us with its remarkable buffet dinner!!!

Day 9 – 18.7. or 14.8.
On our way along the coastline we shall witness the constant battle between the major forces of sea and land. At Jökulsárlón, where the icebergs are floating in the lagoon, you will have the opportunity to cruise (optional) on an amphibious boat for a closer look at this almost fairytale world.
If weather permits we shall take a fun tractor ride to Ingólfshöfði, the bird cliff island were the first settler in Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson, had his first winter quarters. We will also visit the SkaftafellNational Parkbefore we head to our accommodation at Hotel Laki, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 10 – 19.7. or 15.8.
In the morning we travel across Mýrdalssandur and to Reynisfjara where we can view the Reynisdrangar columns in the ocean. We shall observe the bird life on the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and then drive on to Skógar for a visit to Skógar Folk Museum. The collection of Mr.Thordur Tomasson, the curator of the museum, will take us back in time to the former life of the Icelander. The massive waterfall of Skógafoss is close by. On our way back to Reykjavík we will also stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the water, and then cross the plain of Hellisheidi, arriving back in the capital again in the early afternoon, where you are free to go shopping or visit museums then have a good night’s rest before your departure day.

Day 11 – 20.7. or 16.8.
Today you can wrap up your Icelandic adventure with shopping, a visit to the Blue Lagoon or take theFly Bus directly to Keflavík Airport well in time for your flight back home.

Included:
2 nights in Reykjavik
8 nights in a hotel/guesthouse with shower and WC
10 breakfasts, and 8 dinners (excluding dinners on days 1 and 10)
Museums at Husavik, Seanautasel, Glacier Museum at Hofn, Museum in Skogar.
Tractors ride to Ingolfshofdi.

Departure dates from Reykajvik: Tours 2009 11 July, 6 August
English speaking guide.
Minimum 6 pax.
Price: Pounds Sterling 2.360.- per person in a double room.