GLACIERS, GEYSERS AND WATERFALLS

8 days at GBP1,195 including flights

Tripcode: CZS

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Heathrow to Reykjavik (13.00 - 16.00), transfer (3 hours) along south coast to the remote Drangshlid Guesthouse.
Day 2: We take a full day snowshoe walk in the hills behind spectacular Skogafoss waterfall. While there may be a little climbing, we will take the day slowly, giving plenty of time for rest stops and to enjoy the spectacular views of ocean and Ice-cap. Drangshlid Rural Guesthouse
Day 3: Leaving the snowshoes behind, we take an exciting day of glacier exploration, this time with rigid mountaineering boots, crampons and ice-axe. The glacial tongue we explore is just a few miles from our guesthouse, giving plenty of time to take in the magical landscape of snow and ice. If the conditions are right we can also try ice-climbing, setting up a 'top-rope' on a steep section or crevasse, taking it in turns to climb and belay. Drangshlid Rural Guesthouse
Day 4: Today we travel back towards Reykjavik. There is plenty of interest on the way, and we will enjoy Iceland's most famous geological sites. There is the tall thin Seljelandsfoss waterfall, the massive and powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal waterspouts at Geyser and historic Thingvellir with its lake and volcanic rift scenery. Finally it's back to Reykjavik where we check in to the Sunna Guesthouse for 4 nights.
Day 5: Less than an hour's drive from the capital takes us to Mount Hengill, a highly geothermal area with steam-vents and hot springs amid the snow. Here we will take a snowshoe walk enjoying the ethereal mix of snow and steam. Sunna Guesthouse
Day 6: A second excursion from Reykjavik to find deep virgin snow. Choices include Glymur waterfall (highest in Iceland) or Mt. Skardsheidi, both excellent areas for varied snowshoe walks. Sunna Guesthouse
Day 7: Our final day is free day in Reykjavik for optional excursions. We recommend snowmobile driving, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, or relaxing in the city's public baths - an amazing complex of geothermally heated pools. Sunna Guesthouse
Day 8: Free morning in Reykjavik; fly from Reykjavik to Heathrow (08.30 - 11.30). Flight times subject to confirmation