Iceland Family – Reykjavík to Hekla Volcano Trip Summary Venture to a land where myth and legend roam around every corner. Begin your day walking through a glacier or set your sights on an active volcano as you experience the extremes of this diverse landscape. Hike to majestic waterfalls, soak in an ancient hot spring, or sail with whales and dolphins along the pristine coast. Adventure awaits you in the breath taking landscapes of Iceland. Itinerary Day 1: Reykjavík Meet your guide at the Keflavík International Airport and hop into your private coach to begin your tour of the northernmost capital of the world, Reykjavík • Journey through the home of over one-third of Iceland's population • See key locations such as Parliament, the Cathedral, the Pearl, and the National Museum • Journey past the city’s salmon river, an indication of the city’s low pollution levels, and the Árbæjarsafn outdoor folk museum, which offers an interesting contrast to the modern buildings of the most recent part of Reykjavík • Your scenic drive continues past Laugardalur, Reykjavik's largest outdoor swimming pool heated by natural hot springs, and the landmark Hallgrímskirkja Church • After your tour, settle in to the hotel and prepare for tomorrow's activities • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Marina or similar (No meals) Day 2: Reykjavík / Hvalfjörður / Borgarfjörður This morning we start with a scenic drive along the coastline of Hvalfjörður Fjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland • Hike up to Glymur, Iceland's highest waterfall which descends gracefully in streaming ribbons down a 200 meter (658 ft) drop into a massive canyon adorned in lush green moss • Hear the local folk tale of the mythic whale that swam up Glymur to swim in the serene lake at the top, where whale bones were discovered • Later we'll travel through Borgarfjörður Valley and admire the Hraunfossar waterfalls before returning to our lodgings • Overnight at Hotel Húsafell or similar (B, D) Day 3: Borgarfjörður / Hvammstangi / Hofsós / Siglufjörður Spend your day taking in colorful Viking folklore • Our first stop is at Grábrók Crater where we can have a nice view over Borgarfjörður valley • We'll continue our journey as we cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau, the gateway between North and South • Find informative exhibitions on seals and their habits at the Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi • Learn about Grettir the Strong, one of Iceland's most beloved Vikings at Grettislaug • Take a short stroll down to Staarbjargarv-k inlet to admire the group of basalt columns located right at sea level in Hofss • Experience the illusion of swimming in a geothermal pool along the seashore and take in the view of Drangey Island before heading towards the night's accommodations • Overnight at Hotel Siglufjörður (B, D) Day 4: Siglufjörður Sail the Arctic Ocean aboard a whale watching vessel as you start your day in Siglufjörður • Keep your eyes on the pristine, icy waters for humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, small harbor porpoises and if you're lucky, the majestic blue whale • Return to the picturesque Siglufjörður and visit the award winning Herring Era Museum, where a 1950s harbor atmosphere is brought to life • Enjoy a secluded hike over Siglufjarðarskarð mountain pass, accompanied by a local mountain guide • Travel back to Siglufjörður for a hearty traditional meal of Icelandic Meat Soup made from local ingredients • Overnight at Hotel Siglufjörður (B, D) 1 SM The toughest part is going home. Iceland Family – Reykjavík to Hekla Volcano Day 5: Goðafoss / Hverfjall / Lake Mývatn The day begins with epic views of picturesque Goðafoss,"Waterfall of the Gods" • Our journey continues with an exploration of Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, a geological wonderland of wildly contrasting nature • Keep your binoculars handy for the chance to view diverse and rare species of birds such as the Barrow's Goldeneye flying around the rugged formations of towering rocks • Next we hike up to Mt. Leirhnjúkur hot spring area which is part of the Krafla volcanic area teeming with lava fields and fissures • Visit the Námafjall geothermal field and encounter boiling fumaroles and violently bubbling pools of mud • End your day by taking in the benefits of this highly active geothermal area by relaxing your muscles in the soothing waters of Mývatn Nature Spa • Overnight at Kea Hotel or similar (B, D) Day 6: Kjölur / Hveravellir / Gullfoss / Geysir Now it's time to discover the undiscovered! • The Kjölur mountain track traverses straight through Iceland’s uninhabited highlands • This unique trail through vibrant thermal areas between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers reveals Iceland's true remoteness and nature at its rawest • Follow numerous walking paths dotted with hidden geothermal treasures and strange oases of vegetation • Stop at Hveravellir, one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world with a natural pool under open sky perfect for a relaxing break • Arrive at the Gullfoss and Geysir area where we are introduced to the Queen of Icelandic waterfalls herself, Gullfoss, fed by Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull • King of all geysers, the great Geysir resides nearby in a steamy geothermal field of bubbling mud and hot springs • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Flúðir or similar (B, L, D) Day 7: Landmannalaugar / Reykjavík Iceland's uninhabited interior sets a surreal stage for today's adventures • See the untouched nature areas of Landmannalaugar and Fjallabak Nature Reserves, geological wonders of volcanic craters, multicolored rhyolite mountains, steaming lava fields, and the ominous Hekla volcano • Traverse scenic walking trails in the area and a crater filled with a lake, lush with brown trout • Enjoy the benefits of this geothermal area with a refreshing dip in the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring, one of the less-frequented but most scenic springs in Iceland, before returning to Reykjavik for your last night • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Marina or similar (B, L) Day 8: Reykjavík On your final day, transfer to Keflavik Airport for the return flight • No Overnight (B) * This trip is run in partnership with Iceland Travel. *Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Iceland Travel. 2 SM The toughest part is going home. Iceland Family – Reykjavík to Hekla Volcano Activities Walking/hiking: 1 to 5 miles, easy to moderate terrain, up to 4 hours of hiking at a time. Other activities: Swimming, soaking, whale watching, city tours Discovery: Experience the heat of active volcanoes and the chill of ancient glaciers on a mythical journey through Iceland. Discovered by Viking settlers in late 9th century AD, the culture and heritage is overflowing in this land of fire and ice. Immerse yourself in the folklore of Vikings, giants, and elves as you explore the land that houses more authors per capita than anywhere else in the world, and it's easy to see why! The sights will be sure to inspire you as you hike Hvalfjörður Fjord and discover why its name means 'Whale Fjord', swim the pool of beloved Viking Grettir the Strong, and sail alongside majestic humpback whales, playful dolphins, and the elusive blue whale. Complete your voyage to the 'Waterfall of the Gods' after which you can reward yourself with a dip in the soothing waters of the Mývatn Nature Spa. Prove your culinary fortitude by feasting on fermented shark, or simply enjoy the hearty tradition of local meat soup. With this blend of myth and adventure, picture yourself reveling in the country's unique beauty as Austin's signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service invites you to unwind and soak in the wonder of a fabled Iceland. Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Our Partner – Iceland Travel Since 1937 Iceland Travel has been the leading travel company, tour operator and destination management company (DMC) in Iceland, offering top-quality services. They take great pride in their diverse product categories that suit world-wide agents, such as escorted tours, day tours and self- drive tours. Their active product development is built on cooperation with their licensed suppliers, on feedback from guests and on ever-changing new trends. Iceland Travel’s dedicated, hand- picked team is passionate about what they do and is constantly coming up with innovative ideas to tackle small and large scale projects. They have the expertise and flexibility to service high-volume guests. In addition, they appreciate that the success of their long running existence is based on their respect for the delicate and unique Icelandic nature. 3 SM The toughest part is going home. Iceland Family – Reykjavík to Hekla Volcano Distinctive Accommodations Nights 1 & 7: Icelandair Hotel Marina or similar Located in the Old Harbor area of Reykjavik, Icelandair Hotel Marina holds on to the historical charm of the area and sits within walking distance of an active shipyard. It offers a café, bar, restaurant, cinema, library, and modern hotel rooms all accentuated by Icelandic art and crafts with a nautical theme. Night 2: Hotel Húsafell or similar Sitting 4 miles from Hraunfossar, Hotel Husafell is a beautiful and serene location minutes from waterfalls and volcanic craters. This secluded location offers luxurious rooms and dining with very attentive staff, all encompassed by breathtaking views of the Icelandic countryside. Nights 3 & 4: Hotel Siglufjörður or similar Built into the fisherman's marina, all rooms at Sigló Hotel have wonderful views of the beautiful surrounding mountains and peaceful environment of Siglufjörður.