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Sunday:
Welcome to Iceland!
After an early arrival in Iceland, you’ll hop on the Flybus shuttle that will take you from the airport to your guesthouse in Reykjavik. Then you’ll have the day to rest and explore Reykjavik, the worlds most northerly capital. We’ll provide lots of ideas for what to see and places to eat- meals are on your own today.
Monday
Reykjavík - Þingvellir
You'll leave the capital after breakfast, and walk in the wild Icelandic mountains, stopping first in Þingvellir National Park, the historical home of the first Icelandic Parliament (for over a thousand years) Þingvellir is also one of the few places on dry ground where you can see the edges of both the European and North American plates. Lot's of exploring is possible here. Overnight will be near Þingvellir.
Tuesday
Geysir - Gullfoss - Kjolur Highland Route - Skagafjordur
The day starts with a visit to the Queen of Iceland's waterfalls -Gullfoss and not far away is the hot springs area with Geysir and a more active geyser named Stokkur that erupts every few minutes. Then it's into the highlands along the ancient Kjölur route, travelling between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Afternoon brings you to the northern fjord of Skagafjordur, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Skagafjordur is best known for great horses. and is only 40 miles from the Arctic Circle
Wednesday
Skagafjordur - Horses - Hiking
The day begins with an introduction to the Icelandic horse and a chance to ride one a bit (for a small charge). Later in the day there's a lovely walk through Sub-Arctic heaths and rock fields to the summit to Maelifjell Mountain (1147 m) with its beautiful views of Skagafjordur and the central highlands. The evening offers an option to go rafting on the neighboring glacial river (also for an additional fee).
Thursday
Skagafjordur - Eyjafjordur
A little history this morning, with a visit to the well-preserved turf manor farm houses at the Glaumbær museum.. Then its over the dramatic pass at Oxnadalur, and a hike into one of the most beautiful valleys in Northern Iceland to Hraunsvatn (that's lava-water). Then you'll see a bit of Akureyri where you spend the night.
Friday
Eyjafjordur - Husavik - Namaskard
Start the day at the pretty fishing village of Husavik, where, whether permitting, you'll get to see some of Icelands famous sea mammals on a 3 to 4 hour whale watching cruise. In the afternoon it's on to explore signs of the recent volcanic activity at Krafla and the geothermal area of Namaskard with its steam vents and bubbling hot sulfur springs. You spend the next three nights near Myvatn.
Saturday
Hljoodaklettar - Dettifoss - Asbyrgi
Today takes you to the peculiar cliff formations at Hljóðaklettar. Nearby is the mighty Jökulsá river, and not far upstream is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls Dettifoss, You'll walk along the west bank of the river back to Hljóðaklettar before returning to Axarfjordur.
Sunday
Lake Myvatn
This unique area features unusual lava formations, pseudocraters, vast shallow attractive bays filled with thousands of birds. You will stroll through the fantastic lava areas of Dimmuborgir, with a walk up to the rim of the ash crater Hverafjall
Monday
Lake Myvatn - Highland Route; Sprengisandur - Hella
It's further south now on the isolated and rugged Sprengisandur route, through the highland's desert landscape (that's desert landscape as in no vegetation because of lava flows, not from lack of precipitation). There are views of the Vatnajokull and Hofsjokull. glaciers. You'll pass near the active volcano Helka, and go onto your lodgings for the next two nights in the southern town of Hella.
Tuesday
Landmannalaugar
All day is spent walking in the rhyolite mountains and the valleys of Landmannalaugar.A jewel of a park with cold springs and geothermal water mixing to make bathing spots in a unique landscape spotted with lava flows, grasses and flowers.
Wednesday
Þórsmörk
Today's destination is the broad valley of Þórsmörk, with its wild and romantic rolling hills, narrow canyons, wooded valleys and colorful flowers. You'll hike in between three majestic glaciers which feed the glacial torrents which wind through the moraines on the valley floor. The tour returns to Reykjavik in the afternoon and you'll have an evening, with dinner on your own to explore Iceland's capital. There's also some nice walking opportunities in the city.
Thursday
Farewell...
After breakfast you may have time to explore a bit of Reykjavik or take a dip in a warm swimming pool. The Flybus will pick up American travelers at your guesthouse in the early afternoon and get you to the International airport at Keflavik for late afternoon flights. Flights to Europe leave early in the day, so this requires an earlier transfer via the Flybus.
Prices and Dates and other useful details
In 2008 The Mountain Highlights tour starts in Iceland on Monday mornings and ends on a Thursday, 11 days later.. American travelers will have to leave the US on the Saturday or Sunday before the tour starts. It’s also easy to add a day or two before or after your tour - just ask!
The price* for this tour is $4893 per person double occupancy (pp/do).
| Mountain Highlights Tour Dates |
July 14 - July 23
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July 28 - August 6
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August 11 - August 20
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Prices
Airport departure taxes and fees ($95 Oct 07) are not included in prices as listed
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Number in party
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Price per person
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1
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Price for single travelers including single
supplement is $5554*
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2
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4893 (double occ)
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3
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4793 (triple occ)
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4
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4743 (double occ x 2)
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Price reductions
Mountain Highlights for July14
Prices
Airport departure taxes and fees ($92 as of March) are not included in prices as listed
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Number in party
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Price per person
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1
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Price for single travelers including single
supplement is $5304*
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2
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4643 (double occ)
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