We helped shape and initiate this tour years ago, and we always get a lot of good feedback from people we send on it. Now you can take it on in the winter!
The Viking Challenge in Winter 2011-2012

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Are you ready for unique multi-activity getaway in Iceland and to experience a diverse and ever-changing range of fun and challenging outdoor activities in the land of the Vikings? Here are just a few hints like walking on a glacier, ice climbing, lava caving, bathing in the Blue Lagoon and snorkeling in crystal clear ice cold water? What – snorkeling in Iceland? Do we really mean snorkeling and bathing in Iceland in the winter? It can’t be true!
Oh yes, we forgot to tell you that Iceland is open and good for you all year. Challenging the Vikings is always fun, no matter when. Come to Iceland and challenge yourself and be a Viking for some days of the year.

What’s so special about the Winter Viking Challenge?
** All 4 nights at a choice of accommodation from guesthouse to four star hotel in Reykjavik
** Walk on ice, sightseeing, Golden Circle ,snorkeling, and the Blue Lagoon
** Weekly departures October to April

The Itinerary:

Wednesday:
Leave North America for short overnight flight on Icelandair.
Thursday:
Welcome to Iceland!
Early arrival at Keflavik Airport and you’ll be met and taken into Reykjavik and dropped at your guesthouse or hotel, where you can drop your stuff and go exploring in the world's most northerly capital. We'll suggest lots of things to see in town and some restaurant ideas for lunch and dinner on your own.

Thursday:
Welcome to Icelandme to Iceland!
Early arrival at Keflavik Airport and you’ll be met and taken into Reykjavik and dropped at your guesthouse or hotel, where you can drop your stuff and go exploring in the world's most northerly capital. We'll suggest lots of things to see in town and some restaurant ideas for lunch and dinner on your own.

Friday:
Walk On Glacial Ice Near Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
Here is your chance to visit a glacier and not just any glacier. This trip will take you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull with views of the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. You will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. Along the way you’ll find an ice wall on the glacier and try your hand at ice climbing. You’ll be provided with all the tools you’ll need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines. A packed lunch will be served on the glacier. On the return journey to Reykjavik, there will be a stop at the beautiful waterfall Skógafoss. On this trip you get to see and do what most of the population will only dream about and very few ever try. Why not be adventurous and explore the amazing crawling glacier? . After lunch you’ll experience one of Iceland’s glacial rivers as you raft down the Hvita (White) river - there are rapids and gorges, and also lots of fun! Lunch included. 9 hours.

Saturday:
Golden Circle Sightseeing with Lava Caving
This combo trip includes a visit to Geysir, the world famous hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall, lava caving in the Blue Mountains and a visit to Þingvellir National Park. Depart Reykjavik at 09:00 and start with an underground visit to the world under the great lava field in the Blue Mountains where you witness how Iceland was created. This is an amazing hike through an ancient underground lava tube. Following this remarkable experience you’ll drive on towards Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls. Gullfoss is an amazing sight with water rushing down three steps of lava layers with breathtaking power and grandeur. Afterwards, feast on a traditional Icelandic meat soup at the Gullfoss Café before driving on to the geothermal area of Geysir, the home of the one and only Geysir. There the earth gurgles and bubbles when super heated water escapes from the ground with enormous force, a sight not soon forgotten. The last stop will be the famous Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Fields). Þingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. In addition it is the place where the tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and the rift valley is clearly visible. From the national park it’s a short drive back to Reykjavík. This trip has it all; stunning natural beauty, interesting history, amazing geological wonders and a great caving adventure! Lunch included. 10 hours.

Sunday:
Snorkeling in the National Park & Blue Lagoon
The Silfra lava fissure is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Silfra, which is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest parliament, is an otherworldly scene. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you float along with the lazy current. Frequently rated as one of the world’s top ten dive sites, Silfra offers up to 100 meters of underwater visibility and is located on top of the separation between Europe and America! After an hour of snorkeling, head back to the van. . Lunch included. 4 hours.
Blue Lagoon
Depart at 16:00 for a bus tour to the Blue Lagoon. Drive through rough lava fields to visit the Blue Lagoon where you can relax in its rejuvenating geothermal water. The water is very natural and rich in minerals believed to have healing powers. You can stay as long as you please. The last bus back to Reykjavik leaves the Blue Lagoon at 21:00.

Monday:
Time to say good bye ...
When it’s time to leave your shuttle van will return you to Keflavik International Airport for your return flight. OR, if you're very lucky, you can take on more of Iceland after meeting the Viking Challenge!

Here's a PDF of the Winter Viking Challenge to download and print

October 2011 - April 2012
Wednesday, through Monday
Other departure dates possible - may require a surcharge and the tour sequence may change .

Prices are based on the choice of three hotels and include all airfare charges

Guesthouse Borgatun: Comfortable, bright, warm, basic, private bath, computer in lounge, near Laugardalur swimming pool. Good budget choice!
Number in Party Price per person

1 $1854 (single occupancy)
2 $1783 (per person/ double occupancy) pp/do
The Guesthouse is least expensive. It is easy going and comfortable, with a nice breakfast room, computer available for guest use and a 5 minute walk to the biggest outdoor swimming pool in Reykjavik, or about 25 minute walk to the city center, easy access to a walk along the waterfront. 

Hotel Baron or Lind 3 star city center
hotel near harbor, shopping, and Kjarvalsstadir museum. Quiet but convenient
This three star hotel is just below the main shopping street, close to the city center, with computer access, breakfast room, bar in the evenings and easy access to all of the downtown restaurants, clubs, museums, galleries, and night life.
Number in Party Price per person

1 $1984 (single)
2 $1874 (pp/do)

Hotel Centrum The Centrum four star option is right in the city center, and newly renovated. It’s atop a very impressive museum built when Iceland’s oldest settlement was found during the building’s renovations. It’s a great spot, with a wonderful restaurant and excellent service.
Number in Party Price per person

1 $2380 (single)
2 $2114 (pp/do)

below is from action wk

The Finer Print:
Price includes round trip airfare, including fuel surcharge and taxes from Boston, New York, Orlando, Washongton Dulles. Ask about prices from Seattle,Toronto, and Europe. Packages include flights from North America on Icelandair, airport transfers, 6 nights in double rooms with breakfast, 7 activities, 3 lunches, and all transfers to and from the fun stuff.  All special gear for activities is supplied and all entry fees are included in the price.  

Not included are travel insurance,  dinner, lunches other than those listed above, other tours or activities.
This is a WINTER tour You’ll need to leave North America on a Monday, and you’ll have Tuesday - your first day, in Iceland to relax and recharge. Day tours run from Wednesday to Sunday.  This tour runs most weeks from October, 2011 through April, 2012.

This tour is also available in a summer version. It's on our Summer web pages, or call or email and ask about prices.

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