Across the Wilderness

Combine classical routes with the desolated volcanic highlands

Travelling in a 4x4 vehicle enables us to combine classical routes with the desolated volcanic highlands. This tour takes you out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary allowing you to witness the endless contrasts in the Icelandic nature.

DAY 1
Arrival
Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
(transfer from Keflavik airport not included).

DAY 2
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Morning drive to Snaefellsnes National Park located on the south coast of the peninsula.  Stop at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi where magnificent columnar basalt rock formations can be seen.  A unique walk between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar is possible.  Continue to the beautiful rocky sea shore by Djupalonssandur.  Circle around the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier, where, according to Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the earth can be found.
Overnight in the Snæfellsnes area.

DAY 3
Skagafjordur
Travel through the small fishing villages of the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, including the charming town of Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the peninsula.  Drive further east and visit the Viking Age museum at Eiriksstadir, the farm of Eric the Red.  The journey continues across Laxardalsheidi heath to the north of Iceland, driving through rolling farmlands before making a stop at the farm and horse breeding center of Gauksmyri where you overnight.  In the evening, optional horseback riding or take a walk in the area.
Overnight in Gauksmyri.

DAY 4
Akureyri - Tjornes - Asbyrgi
Drive to the region of Skagafjordur with inspiring scenery.  This area is renowned for horse breeding as well as being the home of many important sites and events of the classic Icelandic Sagas.  Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north and the second largest urban area in Iceland.  Spend time in Akureyri that could include a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens before continuing towards the Lake Myvatn area.
Overnight in the great Lake Myvatn area.

DAY 5
Dettifoss Waterfall - Lake Myvatn
A day filled with adventure and heavenly landscape.  First stop is at Godafoss waterfall before driving to the mystical area of Lake Myvatn, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.  Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.  Continue to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jokulsargljufur canyon.  Next you discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi National Park.  According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof print of Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odnn.  The journey continues around the stunning Tjornes peninsula.
Overnight in the great Lake Mývatn area.

DAY 6
Lake Myvatn - Sprengisandur
Discover hidden parts of the Icelandic interior, exploring the desolated wilderness of Sprengisandur highland route.  Sprengisandur is the longest stretch between the South and the North and is passable for only a couple of months during the summer.  Drive the rugged track with its scenic beauty, crossing rivers where necessary and driving over the largest continuous lava field in Iceland, odadahraun.
Overnight in the Þjorsardalur area.

DAY 7
Landmannalaugar
The first stop today is Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, forming this unique colourful landscape. There are several hiking trails in the area. From Landmannalaugar, follow the Fjallabaksleid interior track to the south shore.
Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

DAY 8
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell National Park
Glacial Lagoon Start the day by visiting Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon.  It is possible to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs.  Spend the afternoon hiking in Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest ice cap.
Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

DAY 9
Vik - Dyrholaey - Hella
Across the vast Eldhraun, the largest lava field from a single eruption in Iceland, and Myrdalssandur plains.  In Reynishverfi we can go for a stroll on the black beach and enjoy the view to Reynisdrangar cliffs.  Stop to enjoy the great views from Dyrholaey* headland where thousands of puffins nest during the summer.  On the way to Hvolsvollur, admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Overnight in the Hvolsvollur area.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May til June 23rd.

DAY 10
Gullfoss Waterfall - Geysir
Drive to the well known geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs, the most active one, Strokkur, spouts high into the air every few minutes.  Onwards to the beautiful Gullfoss the „golden waterfall“considered by many to the most impressive in Iceland.  Continue to Þingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament.  On the way to Reykjavik pass Nesjavellir geothermal power plant that services Reykjavik’s hot water needs.
Overnight in Reykjavík.

DAY 11
Departure (transfer not included).

OPTIONAL (at extra cost)
    * Horse riding tour
    * Boat tour on the Glacial Lagoon
    * Glacial Walking with crampons and ice axes
    * Tour to Blue Lagoon the last evening

Prices:
June 1 - August 31
 Double    Single
1,995,-    2,485,-    EUR

Prices are per person
Children Rate
Infants 0-1 year: Free of charge.
Children 2-11 years, sharing a room and/or
travelling with a guardian: 50% discount of listed price.
Children 12 years and older: Full price.
 

Duration: 11 days/10 nights

Operation: June 28, 2011 - September 06, 2011

Departures:

Included:
9 day guided tour from/to Reykjavik
Accommodation 2 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in Reykjavik
Accommodation 6 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in countryside
Accommodation 2 nights in cottage w/breakfast in the countryside
8 dinners in the countryside
Entrance to Eric the Red museum
 

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