Iceland | Journey Through the Icelandic Countryside

with Linda Egeler
Date:
Jul 5 - Jul 14, 2022
Duration:
10 Days
Price:
From $3,565
Interests:
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary

About this trip

Shaped over millions of years by powerful geological forces, the Icelandic countryside is marked by waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, craters, fjords, and hot springs. Experience the full breadth of Iceland's beauty on this 10-day, comprehensive circuit around the island. You'll see many of the classic natural landmarks, including the sights of the Golden Circle, as well as more off-the-beaten-path gems. Along the way, learn about Iceland's history and folklore, tour the modern capital of Reykjavík, and spend time in picturesque villages and uninhabited highlands.

Highlights

  • Take a rejuvenating soak in the alkaline, mineral-rich, geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths.
  • Look for humpback and minke whales, harbor porpoises, and dolphins during a whale-watching and sea-angling excursion in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord.
  • Stroll through the mysterious, labyrinthine lava fields of Dimmuborgir, whose name translates to "Dark Castles."
  • Marvel at Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.
Land Cost

$3,565

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $845

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Cultural Discovery

Put culture in context as you discover the history and traditions of your destination

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart today from your home city for your overnight flight(s) to Reykjavík.
Reykjavík
This morning, upon arrival at the Keflavík International Airport outside of Reykjavík, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Please inquire should you wish to pre-book the night before so you have immediate access to your room.) It will be too early for check-in (check in time is 3pm), but you can leave your luggage with the concierge as you explore Reykjavík on your own. Your guide will provide ideas of where to go and what to see based on your interests.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Centrum Hotel
Reykholt
After a Reykjavík city tour, head north from Iceland's capital to West Iceland, where you'll be introduced to the Icelandic Sagas in the settlement center in Borgarnes. The afternoon is filled with impressive natural spots: Deildartunguhver, one of the most voluminous hot springs in Europe, and Hraunfossar, the unique waterfall that drains from under vast lava fields into the river Hvítá. End the day learning about Icelandic history at the cultural site at Reykholt.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Fosshotel Reykholt
Akureyri
Today, drive over mountain passes, lava fields, green pastures, fertile farmlands, and along fjord landscape to North Iceland. This afternoon, you'll go whale watching and sea angling for 2-3 hours in Eyjafjörður - Iceland's longest fjord, right below the Arctic Circle. Look for humpback and minke whales, harbor porpoises, and dolphins. Finish the afternoon at Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Hotel Akureyri
Lake Myvatn
Start the day with a stop at Goðafoss, a beautiful waterfall but also a prominent spot in Iceland's history. Tour the Lake Mývatn area with its abundant bird life and amazing volcanic landscapes. The lake's unique features are shaped by nature, including strange lava formations, volcanic craters, and attractive bays filled with thousands of ducks and other birds. Stroll through the mysterious lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, look at pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, and see the tephra cone of Hverfjall. Your last stop is the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths. The alkaline, mineral-rich waters are well-suited for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Sel Hotel Mývatn
Fljótsdalshérað
In the morning, explore more volcanic and geothermal landscapes. Visit the hot springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. At Krafla, see the impacts of volcanic activity and smell the sulfur. Víti is a circular explosion crater filled with blue water, surrounded by colorful mountains and hissing steam vents. Continue the journey to the 144-foot-high Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, then on through the uninhabited highlands, stopping at Möðrudalur to visit the church on the farm. Enjoy the view of the mountain Herðubreið. In the afternoon, arrive in the fertile region of Fljótsdalshérað in East Iceland.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Vatnajökull National Park
It's a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. Vatnajökull, Europe's biggest glacier, is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Past the town of Höfn, stop for a boat ride among the floating icebergs on the glacial lagoon at Jökulsárlón. Walk along the black sands of the so-called Diamond Beach. The night is spent near Skaftafell on the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hveragerði
In the morning, continue exploring Vatnajökull National Park. See the stratovolcano and highest peak in Iceland: Hvannadalshnjúkur. Walk close to a glacial tongue, cross a sandy desert, and embrace the beautiful lava field of Eldhraun covered with blue-green moss. Stop at the black lava beach of Reynisfjara. In the little village of Skógar, learn about Iceland's history at the open-air Skógar folk museum with its turf houses. Admire the waterfall Skógafoss. Travel along the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano and stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Hotel Ork
Reykjavik
Today you'll see the classics. Start with a horse show that introduces the unique qualities of Iceland's special breed at Fridheimar Farm. Golden Circle sights include Gullfoss, the beautiful double "Golden Falls," and the active geothermal area of Geysir, where you can see Strokkur "the churn" spout up to 70 feet every five to seven minutes. A visit to the ancient Viking Parliament area of Þingvellir National Park tops it off before your return to Reykjavík. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Centrum Hotel Reykjavik
Departure
After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to Keflavik airport.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$3,565

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $845

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Full time driver/guide for the duration of your program
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • Carbon Offset
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants in double occupancy.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. The deposit is refundable less $100 cancellation fee until 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $845


Final payment due date: April 01, 2022

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a passport valid at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from Iceland. As this requirement is subject to change without notice, we recommend at least six months' validity.

A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Icelandic Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Iceland.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get a hepatitis A vaccine before visiting Iceland.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include patches of reddened skin that become white, hard, and swollen; or skin that burns, tingles, or is numb or painful. Severe cases can result in blisters or ulcers forming and may involve deeper tissues. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.

To avoid frostbite, dress warmly and in layers but avoid tight clothing as it may reduce circulation. Keep the face and extremities covered. Avoid overheating and excessive perspiration. Change wet clothing, especially socks and gloves.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is life threatening. It is caused by cold, wet, or windy weather that causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. Hypothermia can occur in rugged mountain terrain where the weather can change extremely fast, or after being soaked in cold rivers or lakes.

Symptoms include feeling cold, uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness due to loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, inability to think clearly, and eventual unconsciousness and cessation of reflexes including heart and lung functions. Many victims in the later stages of hypothermia feel warm and try to shed clothing.

To treat hypothermia, first warm the core of the body before the extremities. Remove any wet clothing. Re-warm the victim slowly; do not warm fast by immersing in warm/hot water. Provide shelter out of the weather. Warm drinks are not necessary, but may help in the psychological recovery. Do NOT give alcohol. Try to keep victim awake as this helps keep the body temperature up.

SUN EXPOSURE

Despite cold temperatures, the effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. During summer, the weather in Iceland will feel more like early spring or late fall. There may be warm days, but also expect cold, rain, mist, and fog. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants, jeans, or trousers
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Jacket or sweaters/sweatshirts
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for swimming in hot springs
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with good ankle protection. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals (for around the hot springs or your accommodations).
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Wool hat or beanie
  • Gloves
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, a travel pack of tissues, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics)
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Plug converter and voltage adapter
I wanted to see the natural wonders of Iceland and I certainly enjoyed the experience.
- Kathy Jacquez
Iceland , 2019
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