6 days from / to Reykjavik - 8 days with the Westmann Islands extension - Hotels and B&B accommodation - Difficulty Level: easy to moderate - 2 to 4 hours daily hiking - multi-national group - English speaking guide - 6 to 12 participants

By far the most packed and varied overland journey that one can undertake in one week in Iceland, with with beautiful hikes and explorations!

Along the southern part of Iceland Highway Number One is truly among the world's most spectacular drives - a narrow black ribbon of tarmac running through ever changing, dramatic scenery. To the south the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, with more than 10000 miles of open water between Iceland's shores and the coast of Antarctica. To the North, a mysterious chaos of mountains, volcanoes and glaciers and the spirit of the highlands that is always calling you. But how to answer such calls? Well, we know some secret trails...

This trip is an exploration of the active volcanic belt, that traverses some of Iceland's most dramatic scenery. It is specially designed for nature lovers who are not deterred by some exertion. It is ideal for those who want to experience Iceland's stunning, unspoiled scenery at first hand, but at an easier pace than on a more demanding trek.

Using specially modified 4x4 vehicles, we will discover the most secret part of the Southern Highlands and the strange but magnificent South Coast that hosts the huge Vatnajökull glacier. Hiking frequently, we will experience the amazing diversity of this 'huge small land'. Stopping by small settlements such as Vik or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we will also have a chance to meet the original Icelandic culture, the result of a long fight between this courageous people and nature's harsh forces.

The general rhythm of this journey, the small size of the group, and the never-ending days, will give you a special feeling and allow each person to relax and enjoy this unique experience.

(B: breakfast - L: lunch - D: dinner)

Day 1: Dyrhólaey - Eyjafjöll - Vík í Mýrdal

Rendezvous with your guide at your accommodation entre 07:30 and 08:30 AM. Welcome on board! Drive East along the seashore, through vast meadows and moors, where innumerable horses and sheep graze. We pass under the sheer faces of the Eyjafjöll Mountains, topped by the glacier on Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in April 2010. We stop at the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandfoss and Skógafoss (optional visit to the Skógar folk museum). Visit of Dyrhólaey promontory (not in June because birds are nesting) and the wonderful black sand beach of Reynisfjara considered as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world.
Driving Distance: 200km / 4 hours
Walking: 2-3 hours walking
Ascent/Descent:200m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals:B, L, D

Day 2: Vík í Mýrdal

Under the shadow of the impressive bulk of the Mýdalsjökull glacier, we discover Vík and take a beautiful walk along the black sand beaches and over the huge basaltic cliffs where thousands of puffins are breading in their terriers among exuberant angelicas. An important colony of Arctic Terns is breading between warehouses and Petrol station and myriads of other seabirds can be admired (puffins until mid-August).
Driving Distance: 50km/40min
Walking: 4-5 hours
Ascent/Descent: 200m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Vatnajökull - Jökulsárlón

We then pass before the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest icecap, site of enormous sub-glacial eruptions and cataclysmic floods (the most recent being 2004). We then reach the awesome splendour of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where thousands of blue and black icebergs remain prisoners. Here we can admire surfing harbour seals in the strong current of the estuary and the ballet of fishing Arctic terns attacked by skuas trying to rob from them little silver fishes. You can also take an optional (€25) boat tour through the lagoon. This is the easternmost point of our journey.
Driving Distance: 190km/ 4hours
Walking: 2 hours
Ascent/Descent:50m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Vatnajökull - Eldhraun

If weather permits, optional visit (25€) of the Ingólfshöfði promontory in the middle of nowhere, a natural birds reserve and settlement of Viking Ingólfur Árnarsson, officially the first settler of Iceland. We return west and cross 'another planet', through the endless moss-covered lava fields of Eldhraun, vomited by the hundred craters of the Laki eruption of 1783 (the world's biggest, continuous eruption of historical times) situated in the backcountry at the south-eastern fringe of Vatnajökull
Driving Distance: 190km/ 4 hours
Walking: 2 hours
Ascent/Descent:
Accommodation:B&B superior
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Fault of Eldgjá 'the fire canyon'

Eldgjá and the nearby Laki craters are part of the same volcanic system as Katla. The canyon is at its greatest 270 m deep and 600m wide. The first documented eruption in 934 was the largest flood basalt in historical time. An estimated 18 km3 of lava poured out of the earth. We walk on the ridge of the fissure and down in it to admire the beautiful waterfall of Öfærufoss within the canyon. Drive through the amazing landscape of the North Fjallabak trail.
Driving Distance: 40km/ 1 hour
Walking: 4-5 hours
Ascent/Descent:300m
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Landmannalaugar - Mount Hekla - Reykjavik

To the colourful, rhyolite mountains of the Hrafntinnusker volcanic plateau and Torfajökull (best known as the Landmannalaugar mountains). Experience a vast array of fumaroles, hot springs, waterfalls, ice features and all colours of rock from white pumice to jet-black obsidian. Continuing on the trail of Fjallabakleið ("the trail behind the mountains"), through incredible, ever-changing landscapes, we reach the dramatic scoria fields south of Mount Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, then the "pampa" of Rangárvallasýsla through vast meadows and moors, where innumerable horses and sheep graze. (On the way we drop out our companions continuing on a trek). Arrival at your accommodation in Reykjavik in late afternoon. Driving Distance: 250km/ 5 hours
Walking: 4-5 hours
Ascent/Descent:300m
Meals: B, L, Dinner on your own

Itinerary may be slightly modified depending on weather conditions, especially prior to mid-July or after end of August. The duration of the daily hikes are only suggestions and can be shorter or longer depending on terrain and on the physical fitness level of the group.

Departures in 2012

Departure every Sunday from June 3 - September 23

Rates upon request

Included:

• 4 nights in Hotels and B&B with private facilities
• 1 night in B&B in a farm with shared facilities
• All meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 6
• Jeep or bus transportation from Day 1 to Day 6
• English speaking Icelandic guide

Not included:

• Flights to/from Iceland
• Transfers from/to airport
• Accommodation and meals in Reykjavik
• Entrance fees for museums, swimming pools and optional excursions
• Drinks, wine and beer at the accommodations and other personal expenses
• Entrance fee for museums, swimming pools and optional excursions
• Personal travel insurance

Itinerary may be slightly modified depending on the weather, especially prior to mid-July or after end of August. The duration of the daily hikes are only estimates and can be shorter or longer depending on weather, terrain and the physical fitness level of the group.

Prices do not include airport transfers and accommodation in Reykjavik

Keflavik International Airport is 50 km from Reykjavik City center. Check info about transfer info and rate

There are hotels of every budget and comfort level available in Reykjavik. You can book your own or we can make arrangements for you.

Predeparture Notes and Kit List

Important: Iceland is an extremely geoactive island. Earthquakes and volcanic activity can occur at any time, which may impact your travel plans. We can not take responsibility for the way in which the forces of nature interfere with travel plans. It is therefore of utmost importance that you purchase adequate travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance. It is important to make sure your travel insurance covers 'adventurous activities'.

Trip preparation and notes: Walking level Easy to Moderate. 5 day-trek carrying a light daypack. This should present no serious difficulty for persons with some mountain hiking experience, plus a reasonable level of personal fitness. Experienced guides lead all our trips. Once in the backcountry mountains, each group becomes an independent entity. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships forged add much to the richness of each person's experience. The itinerary passes through some remote areas. Some of the walking is off-track, with terrain conditions constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots in addition to clothing that will keep you warm and dry. See our kit list below for more details. Maximum altitude is no more than 1200 meters. Elevation change for most days is no more than 400 meters.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.