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Ice Cave and Highlights of the South Shore

6 Days / 6 locations in Iceland

The rare and ever-changing glacier ice caves are a spectacular phenomenon and during our Ice Cave Tour to Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe, you will experience an adventure of a lifetime. Encounter other natural highlights of Iceland's south coast, including views of the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon, boiling hot springs, and cascading waterfalls.

Come and explore the geological features dominating Iceland's rugged landscape!

You will stay in quality accommodation both in the bustling city of Reykjavik and in a rural location perfectly based for exploring the wonders of the region.

All departures are guaranteed with minimum of 2 participants.

Maximum group size: 16 participants.

Minimum age: 13 yrs

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland

Upon arrival, head through passport control, collect your bags and go through customs to the Arrival Hall. The FlyBus airport buses wait for passengers outside the Arrival Hall. Show your FlyBus Plus transfer information to the attendant on the bus and let him or her know your hotel in Reykjavik. Please note this is not a guided transfer and you will not be met at the airport.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

 
Day 2     Eyjafallajokull - Vik
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Reykjavik - South Shore Waterfalls- Eyjafjallajokull Volcano – Black Sand Beaches

Breakfast at your hotel. Start today by day exploring the region close to the towering, strato-volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which is probably the most famous volcano in the world today. Located at the very edge of the volcano, visit the Thorvaldseyri Volcano Centre. Here you can see both in pictures and film, the 2010 volcanic eruption and its impact on the countryside, Iceland and the whole world.

Journey along the south shore, an area that is especially beautiful in the winter, when you can see mystical shapes in the lava and mountains. Stop at ribbon-like Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can sometimes walk behind. Nearby is another beautiful waterfall, Skogafoss. Local folklore has it that Medieval treasure is hidden here. Pass by volcanic landscapes and pretty Icelandic farms on your way to Reynisfjara beach. It is truly an experience to stand on this black sand beach and view the extraordinary rock formations while North Atlantic waves thunder against the shore.

Overnight stay in the Vik area.

 
Day 3     Vatnajokull Glacier - Skaftafell National Park
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Europe’s Largest Glacier – Ice Cave Exploration

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you enter the region of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe´s largest glacier. The park covers about 14% of Iceland, making it one of the largest national parks in Europe. Your group will visit one of its areas, Skaftafell, a breathtakingly beautiful region of volcanic landscape ringed by glaciers, most of them connected to Vatnajokull itself. After an exciting day, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Ice caves, like the one you will explore today, can be found in several different locations on the south side of Vatnajokull. Some ice caves are very special, while others might not seem as special but become extraordinary in the right light and conditions.

Your glacier guide is a highly- qualified mountain- and ice cave specialist who will decide which cave is best to visit.

The ice caves that are chosen depend on the time of winter, time of day, weather and other conditions. Some ice caves are very stable to visit. Others are less safe and you might not be able to reach them, even if they are very beautiful. Some caves are only accessible in subfreezing conditions.

Normally one cave per trip is explored, always the most interesting and safest cave available at the time.

You will be in the ice cave for at least 45 minutes, in very cold temperatures.

Preparation for today's trip:

Shoes: It‘s extremely important to wear good, waterproof hiking boots that cover your ankle. Trainers or sneakers are not appropriate footwear. (hiking boots can be rented during tour).

Clothing: Dressing for Icelandic winter weather is crucial to enjoy this trip. Start with a thin layer, like thermal long underwear and a T-shirt (not cotton). Followed by fleece, wool or polyester sweater and pants. Finish with water- and windresistant coat and snow pants for outerwear. Never wear jeans-- they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when wet. Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are best.

Backpack: For any personal items that you might bring along (extra clothes, snacks and bottled water). One backpack for two people should be sufficient.

Warm hat and gloves: Your hat should be able to fit comfortably under a helmet.

Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential as the sun reflects off glaciers and snow.

Glacier hiking equipment: You will be provided with all necessary glacier hiking equipment, including crampons, helmet and harness. Your guide will assess the conditions and hand out the equipment necessary for each tour. Crampons available for shoe sizes starting from European number 35 or US number 4.

 
Day 4     Thingvellir
Meals: Breakfast

Exploding Geysers - The Famous Golden Falls - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

Breakfast at your hotel. After experiencing glaciers, it is time to see a warmer side of Iceland. Start the day with a visit to the geothermal fields of Geysir. Here you´ll see steam and boiling water in the bubbling mud pools and spouting hot springs, including the high-shooting Strokkur geyser. A short drive away is the dramatic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Then it´s onwards to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO) where the world's oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland's largest lake.

Tour ends in Reykjavik. Tonight is open for your own activities.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

 
Day 5     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Reykjavik City Sightseeing & Blue Lagoon

Breakfast at hotel. Today you´ll discover more about the world‘s northernmost capital city. Enjoy spectacular city and mountain views from the platforms at Perlan, a landmark building constructed on the city's hot water tanks. You will Reykjavik coast and the old Hofdi House where the 1986 summit between former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and former U.S.S.R. Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place. Visit Hallgrimskirkja church, whose design was inspired by basalt lava, columns, a common volcanic rock formation in Icelandic nature. Last but not least, explore the charming old town centre with the Icelandic parliament Althingi and the town hall.

In the afternoon, travel to Reykjanes Peninsula for a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon bathing fee and rental towel are included), a unique wonder of nature with mineral-rich geothermal water in a middle of a black lava field.

Return to Reykjavik where the evening is at your own leisure. You should check with your hotel today to arrange a FlyBus transfer pick up from your hotel tomorrow.

 
Day 6     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. FlyBus Transfer to Keflavik International Airport. You should arrange to depart your hotel approximately 3 hours before departure time of the flight from Keflavik.

 

Notes

Gear For Ice Cave Tour

During the ice cave tour, you will be provided with all necessary glacier hiking equipment, including crampons, helmet and harness. Your guide will assess the conditions and hand out the equipment necessary for each tour. Crampons available for shoe sizes starting from European- 35 or US-4.

Backpack- We recommend you bring a backpack on the Ice Cave excursion. This is for personal items that you might take on the day tour (extra clothes, snacks and bottled water). One backpack for two people should be sufficient.

Clothing- Dressing for Icelandic winter weather is crucial to enjoy this trip. Start with: a) a thin layer, like thermal long underwear and a T-shirt, b) followed by fleece, wool or polyester jumper (sweater) and pants, and c) finish with waterproof, wind resistant coat/snow pants for outerwear. Do not wear blue jeans.

Shoes: It‘s extremely important to wear good, waterproof hiking boots that cover your ankle. Trainers or sneakers are not appropriate footwear. (Hiking boots can be rented during tour.)

Bring: Please bring a warm hat and gloves. Your hat should be able to fit comfortably under a helmet. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential, as the sun reflects off glaciers and snow.

Important: Ice caves are a rare natural phenomenon, and the weather and conditions around the glaciers are constantly changing. There is a possibility the ice caving tour may need to be cancelled for weather or safety reasons. In this case, alternative activities will be offered or the cost of the ice cave portion of the tour will be refunded.

Price Includes
2 Nights at a Hotel in Reykjavik, Including Breakfast (except Arrival Day)
2 Nights at Countryside Icelandair Hotel Vik or Similar, Including Breakfas
Guided Coach Tour from Day 2 to Day 5
Ice Cave Tour With Necessary Gear on Day 3
3-Course Dinner With Coffee/Tea on Day 2 & Day 3
Bathing Fee & Rental Towel at Blue Lagoon on Day 5
Flybus Plus (Round Airport Transfer)
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Excursions
 Air
IT$-1269
1.28.15.WP26