- Visit the Golden Circle of Geysir, Thingvellir and Gullfoss
- Admire the dramatic scenery of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- See the striking black-sand and iceberg-strewn Diamond Beach
- Choose between 24-hour sunlight in summer or the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in winter
Iceland Explorer
10 Days
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10 Days
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Culture
Itinerary
Reykjavik Reykjavik
Start Reykjavik
We start in Reykjavik, the most northerly city in the world and gateway to the wider wonders of Iceland. Depending on when you land, you may have time to visit the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, there’s plenty to explore in town, including the striking modern architecture of the Harpa concert hall and Hallgrímskirkja church. We gather in the evening at the hotel for a welcome briefing.
Fly to Keflavik; transfer to Reykjavik hotel
After a FlyBus transfer from the airport, the trip begins with a briefing at our start hotel in Reykjavik.
Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss
Today we drive inland to Thingvellir, where the world’s first democratic parliament took place – the area became the first Icelandic national park in 1928 and a Unesco World Heritage site in 2004. Sitting right on top of a major fault line, it is the best place in Iceland to see the continental drift – the movement of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Here they are pulling the earth apart as they inch away from each other, causing the land between to subside. Not surprisingly, the area abounds with waterfalls, immense fissures and the largest lake in the country. We then carry on to see the world-renowned geysers. The most reliable eruption comes every five to 10 minutes from the 98ft (30m) Strokkur geyser. To round off the day, we drive a short distance to Gullfoss, a huge waterfall in a 230ft (70m) deep canyon forged by the Hvita River (White River).
Head east, taking in Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and Jökulsárlón
We head east to the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Ice Cap; this area was heavily affected by ash-fall during the 2010 eruption and a great deal of ice was melted by the boiling lava. The glacier feeds many beautiful waterfalls and we visit two of them: Skógafoss and Kvernufoss. Both have rushing water dropping 197ft (60m), and in the case of Skógafoss, a wall of water rushing down in a 82ft (25m) wide sheet.
Continuing east, we cross the black flood plain of Solheimasandur before reaching the green valley of Myrdalur and continuing to Dyrhólaey. This 394ft (120m) high promontory is the southernmost point in Iceland. It is rich in bird life and a nesting site for puffins and Arctic terns in spring. If we are lucky, we might see whales and seals on calm days from the promontory. We continue further east to Vik, the southernmost town in Iceland and a great place to see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. If time and conditions allow, we will see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks at closer proximity from Reynisfjara black beach.
Then we travel further across the Mýrdalssandur and Skeiðarársandur flood plains. Both were formed by countless floods created by volcanic eruptions. We head for Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice cap in Europe (also called Vatnajökull) and then on to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where thousands of icebergs are separating from the largest glacier in the country and floating in the pale green sea-level lagoon. We take a walk beside the waters for excellent views. If conditions allow, we can head to the black-sand beach where chunks of ice are washed onto the shore by the sea, creating some wonderful shapes and formations. We then continue further east, with the steep mountains of Vatnajökull on one side and the exposed south coast on the other, to our accommodation.
The Eastern Fjords and Egilsstadir
Today is a day of scenic driving with several stops as we travel through fjord country. This stunning mountain region has been sculpted as much by glaciers as volcanic activity. The road winds from one fjord to another, passing a few farms in each fjord where there is enough flat land for hay fields. The birdlife is rich and in late summer, thousands of moulting whooper swans feed in the sheltered lagoon of Alftafjordur (Swan Fjord). We continue to the town of Egilsstadir.
Studlagil Canyon, Möðrudalur farm, Dettifoss Waterfall and Myvatn
Heading inland and west, we pass through the starkly contrasting desert scenery of the northeast highlands and follow the track that takes us to Jokuldalur valley and to Studlagil Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons of columnar basalt in Iceland. Then it’s on to Möðrudalur farmstead, the highest inhabited farm in Iceland at 469m (1,539ft) above sea level. The views from Möðrudalur are special, stretching far and wide across the rugged landscape. From Möðrudalur, we drive to the enormous Dettifoss waterfall* and walk 0.6mi (1km) to a great vantage point. This is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, bizarrely set in an arid area of sand and rock formations. After, we visit the Námafjall goethermal area before driving a short distance to Myvatn and the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir. Finally, we head to our hotel at Lake Myvatn.
*The road to Detifoss may not be passable on some winter departures. Your tour leader will assess the local conditions and adapt the itinerary if required.
Lake Myvatn, Hverfjell, Godafoss, Akureyri
We spend the morning around Lake Myvatn and go for a short walk in Dimmuborgir, a vast area of lava towers and natural arches. Only a short distance from Dimmuborgir is Mount Hverfjall, a huge circular crater that’s 460ft (140m) deep and 3,280ft (1,000m) wide. It is one of the most beautiful craters in Iceland, one which erupted some 2,500 years ago and covered the Myvatn area in tephra (fragments of volcanic rock). It is also thought to be one of the largest on the planet. A little further north is the hot-spring cave known as Grjótagjá, made famous by Game of Thrones. After Myvatn, we head to the Godafoss waterfall en route to Akureyri, where the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.
Akureyri is a town of 17,000 inhabitants and is the biggest town outside the capital. It is the cultural, commercial and educational centre for northern Iceland and 37mi (60km) south of the Arctic Circle. Akureyri is remarkably green and has the northernmost botanical garden in the world. The Lutheran church in Akureyri is an interesting visit, featuring a stained-glass window thought to have come from a church in London, UK.
As with most towns in Iceland there are also thermal baths, enjoyed as much by the locals as by visitors. And if you just fancy a wander, there are plenty of interesting shops, coffee shops and even ice cream parlours. If you would like to book a whale watching tour for this afternoon (March-October only), please speak to your tour leader at the welcome briefing.
Siglufjordur, Hofsos, Kolufljufur Canyon
We leave Akureyri and drive around the Troll Peninsula via traditional fishing villages. We stop at the magnificent outdoor swimming pool at the village of Hofsos, with time for an optional quick dip (not included). This remote geothermal swimming pool has some of the best views over Skagafjördur bay. A little further south, we arrive in the Víðidalur valley and make a short stop at beautiful waterfalls in Kolugljúfur canyon, named after a giantess said to have once lived in the area. From Kolugljúfur, we head to our nearby hotel.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Vikings and Stykkisholmur
Today we drive west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, we visit a reconstructed Viking house once home to Erik the Red and his son Leif Erikson – the two most famous travelling Vikings. The Eiríksstaðir gives an interesting insight into the life of early settlers and an introduction to the historic tradition of the Icelandic Sagas. From Eiríksstaðir, we head to the village of Stykkishólmur.
Snæfellsnes is best known for the stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull. Jules Verne, in his classic Journey to the Centre of the Earth, describes this as the start point for the characters’ descent. New Age followers consider this area to be one of the Earth’s seven major energy centres.
We pass through fishing villages on the peninsula and head to one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Kirkjufell. We then head to the southern side of the peninsula to our accommodation on the beach with great views over Snæfellsjökull.
Coastal drive to Reykjavik
The exposed coast of the of Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the goal for today, and this area has recently been designated a national park. We visit the old church at Budir, one of the most picturesque in the country; the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi, swarming with birds; the rocks of Djúpalónssandur; and old shipwrecks in black basaltic sand. Our guide will tell us about the old cod-fishing methods, while towering above us is the Snæfellsjökull volcano. Some of the best fisheries are on the peninsula and whales can often be seen from shore on calm days. Finally, we return to our hotel in Reykjavik.
Our trip ends in Reykjavik after breakfast
Our trip ends in Reykjavik after breakfast. You can catch a Flybus transfer to the airport to catch your return flight. Alternatively, if you’d like a bit longer to explore this invigorating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
End Keflavik Airport
Our trip ends with a Flybus transfer to Keflavik airport.
Hotels & Guesthouses
This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and simple guesthouses. Hotels are generally of a three-star standard and selected for their location and good levels of service. Guesthouses are often family-run, offering a warm welcome and traditional Icelandic hospitality. All properties offer en suite rooms and a buffet breakfast.
Reykjavik: Hótel Klettur
Hvolsvöllur: Hótel Fljótshlið or Hótel Drangshlíð
Höfn: Guesthouse Gerði
Egilsstaðir: Hótel Valaskjálf or Hótel Hallormsstaður
Myvatn: Sel Hótel or Hótel Laxá
Akureyri: Hótel Norðurland or Hótel KEA Akureyri
Laugarbakki: Hótel Laugarbakki
Snæfellsbær: Langaholt Guesthouse or Kast Guesthouse
The accommodation on this trip consists of twin rooms, although single rooms are also available. While we prebook all accommodation according to the itinerary, as space is limited, we may move to alternative accommodation according to availability. A limited number of single rooms are available, at a supplement on a first come, first served basis. Please contact your sales representative for details.
Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing landscapes, relaxed culture, lots of horses!
A great experience and quite different to our previous trips with Exodus. A good itinerary which allowed us to see amazing diverse landscapes from spectacular waterfalls to glaciers, icebergs and rugged coastlines. We also really enjoyed hearing about Icelandic culture, both new and old, with stories of trolls and Vikings.
Most Inspirational Moment
The fact that Icelanders were very resilient and have caring, close communities with a relaxed way of life. This is very refreshing, coming from a pressured western lifestyle. A small example is that cars are very likely to stop if they see you looking to cross the road.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was well-organised and very caring, looking to the needs of each individual. He had a great sense of humour and relaxed delivery. He was very enthusiastic, obviously enjoys guiding and shared a wealth of knowledge about Iceland, the country and its people. It was lovely how he shared snippets of his own family life to illustrate how life is like for people living in Iceland. He told endless entertaining stories relevant to where we were travelling at the time. He saved me from eating fermented shark from a buffet and shattering my taste buds at the start of the meal! We really enjoyed his company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking shoes/boots as the terrain is quite rough in places and don't be afraid to use walking poles. We did use waterproof trousers, especially near waterfalls. As you move on every day, clothes that easily dry out are handy and also small laundry bags to group stuff in your suitcase. A waterproof cover for the back pack would have been handy and plastic or waterproof carrier bags. A large refillable water bottle is essential for the journeys. Keep your window shut at the Hotel near Lake Myvatn to keep out gnats.
Suggestions
If you want to see Reykjavik book an extra day there.
Iceland Explorer
Iceland is a fascinating country with a wealth of scenic attractions and this tour seemed to include all of them. It was busy every day, sometimes with long drives between the sights, but the landscape during these travels was always interesting and I was never bored. Weather was sadly unkind – but that is Iceland – with often rain and low cloud obscuring the mountainous views. On one day the wind was so fierce that the main circular road (Route1) was closed for 8 hours which disrupted plans for the day but Jon the guide created alternative sights for us to visit. Choice of hotels was generally good, with the guest houses occasionally a bit spartan (if you like tea in the mornings, pack a travel kettle). Food was good also, at twice the price of English restaurants
Most Inspirational Moment
Jokulsarlon lagoon with its icebergs and the associated Diamond Beach is unique whatever the weather. The many huge waterfalls never failed to impress, while a long soak one afternoon in a 30c-40c geothermal pool was delightful. Walking the basalt column cliffs on the Snaefellsnes Peninsular was particularly enjoyable as there was at last warm sunshine and plenty of unusual birds for the bird watchers in the group to appreciate. The whale watching trip from Akureyi was successful as we saw several humpbacks, probably the same whale repeatedly diving but still exciting to see their blows and flukes
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was an excellent leader, always attentive to our needs, ensuring that there were plenty of toilet and photo opportunity breaks during our travels. He educated us with many stories of folklore and life in Iceland, with his constant chatter and humour during the day always welcome. The few changes of itinerary due to the weather were made without drama, and we were always kept informed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for rain and wind and pack accordingly. Overtrousers are advisable (probably essential) with a rainproof coat, plus layers for clothing to easily remove if/when warm or put on on colder, windier days. Cash is not necessary, everything was paid for by credit card
Suggestions
Iceland is a fascinating country with a unique landscape and attractions, and is highly recommended to visit. This tour covers a lot of ground and is an excellent introduction. It was sufficiently inspiring that several of the group were planning to revisit in Winter on a shorter, more selective, trip
Iceland Adventure
I had researched about Iceland and the places to be visited but had not anticipated the scale of the island and the grandeur of the scenery. The weather was not as rainy as was forecast but it was windier than I expected, the weather suited the landscape and the experiences on the trip. Our guide was excellent – full of information and stories – never a dull moment.
Most Inspirational Moment
The volcanic geology and associated landscape and the glaciers. These showed the power of nature and that people settling and living in Iceland have had to adapt to the environment and make use of it where possible, but not conquer it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was excellent. He was full of information about Iceland and its people, I learnt as much about modern day Iceland as I did about the the attractions summarised in the Trip Notes. He was resourceful, adaptable, humorous and looked after the group and individuals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for any weather, the group motto was have layers of good clothing, some days were warm, most days were cloudy, it was windy most days. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, walks were usually short but often on uneven ground and there were some steep steps. The food was very good and catered well for vegetarians, restaurants were also very accommodating for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Iceland is bigger than I expected so be prepared for long journeys in the bus. Accommodation was different each night on this trip but the standard of food, customer service and was good throughout.
Suggestions
I was not able to see the sights in Reykjavik because of my flight times to and from the UK, so check this before you finalise your booking in case you need to add some time before or after the set dates for the trip.
It’s great - when the sun shine
Iceland is a clean, safe, ( subject to volcanic action), and beautiful place to visit, but in between the places of interest there is a lot of lava. Green, black or white, it becomes tedious, and particularly when visibility is limited. The journeys between the sites can be rather dull, long and boring. If and when the sunshines, everything looks brighter including the numerous waterfalls and beautiful beaches, but Iceland this May was fairly wet and cloudy. The accommodation we experienced was absolutely fine. Food is expensive but by the end of the tour we got used to the cost and even splashed out on a beer each. Prior to that, we shared a glass! The fish at The Grillhuise in Reykjavik was excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
The glacier lagoon and diamond beach. Seeing icebergs and hearing them crack was a first for me. The sun was shining on this occasion, so added to the beautiful spectacle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sadly, our group leader was not as good as others we’ve experienced. He was rather repetitive, especially about being a vegan, and spoke too much. Moments without his voice were rather nice. He was inclined to “bloody » too much and by the end of the tour, the group all expressed the same sentiments. He was, though, very helpful and quite informative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
ICELAND - the clue is in the name. It’s cold …. and windy, so windchill makes it colder still. Do take your thermals, even in May. It’s a big island so if you circumnavigate, like us, be prepared for some long, tedious journeys. Having said that, Icelandic roads are very good. If you use Flybus for airport transfer, you must wait OUTSIDE your hotel ( no matter how cold it is) or the bus won’t stop - as happened to us. The taxi fare to airport was 20,000 Kr ( £115).
Suggestions
We’re very pleased we visited this beautiful country. Exodus has it pretty well organised. Probably wouldn’t go again though.
Spectacular scenery, Bitingly cold, Eye-watering prices
First holiday in three years for us and a different style too – we usually go on trekking/activity type holidays so a ‘tour’ was all a bit different. Had a great time, Iceland in March is impressive and the tour covers the whole island and visits all the ‘classic’ sites.
Most Inspirational Moment
Just the scenery, different all around the island.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was hugely knowledgeable about every corner of Iceland and went out of his way to make everyone happy. Even awkward sods like us who wanted to disappear off and look for plastic tubs under rocks (If you know, you know!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're going in March, dress warm. Really warm. Really really warm. I've never been so cold in my life, and I've done a weeks dogsledding in Sweden which included camping when it was -45C. Don't know what other seasons are like but the clue's in the name - Iceland. Be prepared to spend lots of dosh on lunch, dinner and beer. For two of us, food + drink was another £750 on the price of the holiday, Take cards, no one uses cash. WiFi is good at all hotels and mobile reception was consistently better then we've got in Surrey.
Suggestions
I was surprised at how crowded the sites were - especially in the 'Golden circle' area. Some places were just teeming with people. I would guess that in 'high season' it would be really uncomfortable. Getting a coffee or visiting the toilet meant getting on the end of a long queue. Food was always good - no problems there. Group members with special requirements (e.g. Gluten-free meals) were easily coped with. Hotels varied from 'basic' to 'excellent'. You only stayed one night in each so it didn't really matter. There were no real problems anywhere. The 'flybus' service to/from the airport works very well.
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Tour Of This Majestic Island
A thoroughly enjoyable tour of this majestic island. Our first day out took us to some of the tourist hotspots – the huge Gullfoss waterfall, geysers, the growing fault line between the North American and Eurasian continental plates and the site of their 1100-year-old parliament. Thereafter our 1000-mile journey around the island was largely free of other tourists (it was February). The snow conditions were good (it covered the island, but wasn’t too deep for walking), with little rain (probably lucky for the time of year). Our only challenge was the wind, which did curtail our itinerary when we got to the west of the island.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many. The views as we travelled around this snow-covered isle were magnificent. As the road wound its way along the south coast, mountains were on one side and the sea with its black sand beaches on the other. The lightening at the Valley of Thor was just on-cue. Next the road wound round the eastern fjords, with the sun-lit sky gleaming off the snow-white mountains and deep blue water. Then it was through our first tunnel to Egilsstadir and, that night, our first and best view of the Northern Lights. The next day we journeyed across the plateau to Lake Myvatn, with its complete range of geological wonders – mudpots, steaming vents, lava towers, volcanic craters, psedo-craters and a thermal swimming pool.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon was an excellent group leader, as well as being the driver of our minibus. He always had a story to tell and alternative sites to visit when necessary. His restaurant recommendations were always excellent (I was very impressed by the quality of food at all our stops). Jon regularly monitored the weather and Northern Lights conditions, so that we missed the worst weather and got to see the Lights. He kept us safe when we ventured out, ensuring we wore the chains provided on our boots. And being February, all vehicles had studded tyres, making driving safe on snow covered roads
Advice for Potential Travellers
Dress for the weather you may incur, with lots of layers in winter. Waterproof over trousers and jacket are essential in February, as are a sturdy pair of walking boots. The chains provided are excellent, they have a rubber surround that fits them to your boots. A couple of the people brough anti-slip grips which proved to be inadequate. The day length obviously varies depending on when you go. Sunrise was nearly 10am in early February. The weather and temperature is also very variable. Check these out before deciding when to go. You might also want to check out the midge situation, if you don’t want to be bitten. Going in February did provide the possibility to see the Northern Lights and we were lucky. The Northern Lights are dependent on the solar activity, a cloudless sky and little light pollution from local lighting or the moon. For photographs, you need long exposure (15 seconds on my camera), which needs a tripod or something similar. Check your requirements before you go. The best photos on our trip were taken by someone with an iPhone. Also get a water cover for your camera, others have reported their cameras being damaged by the rain or spray from the waterfalls. A Pro camera, as used by cyclist or cars, may be an alternative if fitted with a waterproof container.
Suggestions
None of the days was too onerous, so recent changes to the itinerary must have solved a criticism made by a previous traveller. Iceland is on UK time, although geographically it is one and a half hours west of London. However, as it is very much a European community, they are discussing moving Iceland onto the same time as much of the EU, adding a further hour to the difference.
Safety issues
Overall, this was a very disappointing trip. Some things were not controllable eg the weather, but others were not good including some serious safety issues. 1 There were things in the itinerary which did not happen, and indeed the guide said they would be taken out of the itinerary shortly! 2 Driving for 4-6 hours each day when there was only 5 hours of daylight meant that we visited many sites in near or complete darkness. 3 Snow grips were supposed to be provided, but they had not been put on the van. I slipped and twisted my knee and a number of people fell over. Thus, several of us did not make it to the waterfall. Much more serious injuries could have easily occurred. 4 The guide had to drive for long periods on dark, icy roads. When he was driving he was sometimes giving commentary to us – not ideal. More critically, he was having to phone ahead to organise logistics of food and optional trips whilst driving. This would be illegal in the UK! 5 Several accommodations were pretty low standard, but I recognise that the logistical issues are great in such isolated communities.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was a good guy, but he was working alone - doing logistics, driving and guiding - and was clearly very tired by the end of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check on safety issues and the time of year - some things don't happen in November despite what it says in the itinerary.
Reply from Exodus
Dear Graham,
Thank you for your review, although we are very sorry to read that you were disappointed with certain aspects of the trip, particularly that you felt your safety was compromised at the Dettifoss Waterfall. We recognise that the terrain surrounding this natural wonder can often be slippery, so to enable our groups to reach the best vantagepoint, our tour leaders carry ice grips in the vehicle. Unfortunately, in a case of human error, on this occasion the tour leader forgot to pack this equipment and we understand that this caused some members of the group to slip on the icy surface, which is a matter of genuine regret. We have since reminded our leaders of the importance of double-checking packing lists before setting off, which we hope will prevent a similarly worrying experience for future groups. We are further sorry that changes had to be made to your itinerary due to road closures caused by inclement weather. The philosophy of adventure travel is one that allows alternatives and a substantial degree of on-trip flexibility; changes in itinerary may be caused by severe weather events and, whilst we would normally endeavour to warn groups of any significant amendments ahead of a trip, the conditions that affected this itinerary were more extreme that could be predicted. After a thorough analysis of client feedback, including yours, and consultation with our local operator, we have now made permanent changes to the tour that mean it is more likely that all activities on the itinerary can be completed at any time of year, and trust that this will provide a smoother experience for future groups. However, we remain apologetic that your experience fell short of your expectations for the trip. In terms of safety while driving, we have spoken to our tour leader on this trip and he has assured us that any phone usage while driving was made using a hands-free Bluetooth system. Furthermore, commentary is only provided when the leader is completely confident that safety will not be compromised. Finally, whilst long drives and limited daylight hours are features of this tour that cannot be controlled, we are sorry to learn that your group arrived at some sites in the dark. We have received comments from other members of the group who indicated their satisfaction that the leader adapted the itinerary to allow for sites to be seen in daylight, although acknowledge that this does not align with your recollection of the trip. We hope you feel that we have taken your concerns seriously and will consider Exodus for a future adventure, on which we would affirm our steadfast commitment to client safety.
Emma Cambers – Product Manager
Magical Iceland
Iceland in March is a challenge…..ice and snow underfoot (boot chains provided!) high winds, intermittent torrential rain, bad road conditions. But the beauty of the country more than makes up for any discomfort. Travelling around the whole island, the scenery is constantly changing….wild coasts, snowy mountains, sparkling fjords, black lava flows and of course, wonderful waterfalls. For any lover of the great outdoors, this trip is a must
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking among the icebergs on the black beach. Entering Hallgrimskirkja and being blown away by its beauty.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jon is amazing, singlehandedly driving, portering, organizing, commentating......always full of energy and enthusiasm. I loved that, as well as information about Iceland, he also treated us to tales from the sagas, norse mythology and folklore.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring lots of clothes and be prepared for all weather types in one day.
Suggestions
Maybe the itinerary needs reviewing. We struggled to fulfill the schedule on some days because of road/weather conditions, resulting in very long days and late hotel arrivals. That's why I gave this tour 4 stars, not 5.
The light
What a fantastic place , so beautiful especially all dressed in white with snow and ice. The scenery is truly stunning. Waterfalls like you’ve never seen them before, fantastic coastline with the iconic black sand.
Food … best fish we have ever tasted.
Acc’n .. excellent.. a couple of the hotels were very modern and quite luxurious.
Most Inspirational Moment
not easy to pick one ... the ice from the glacial lagoon on the black beach was pretty amazing... so was Dettifoss with ice clinging to it.. The mountains / volcanoes covered in snow and blushing with the alpine glow
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oskar - fantastic bloke .. unparalleled driving skills.... the roads are ice this time of year.. the snow is bonus. Great local knowledge. Friendly and considerate. Would go on a trip with him again no hesitation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The kit list is pretty good dont ignore it. If you are a large person I would take a good pair of boot spikes - ones that are metal underneath and up the sides and have actual spikes. They're not expensive and you can use them ad infinitum. The yaktrac ones aren't tough enough.. Some people broke theirs. As usual exodus had thought of this and had a some spares, thanks Exodus.
Suggestions
The Light is crazy... we were the last group of the season.. the sun never really got up. Sun rise was about 11 - 11:30 depending on terrain and crept low across the ski to disappear about 15 -15:30. There was some twilight at each end of this but not much. The itinerary needs some careful tinkering to take this into account (a long chat with Oskar).. In the western world retail is the same wherever you go.. they're shops - get over it... Iceland is about the beauty not about bargains. To see Iceland you really need the light so to squander it on a morning walking round a small town (Akureyri) is a waste and should be taken off the itinerary. Travelling can be done in the dark seeing vistas you cant find anywhere else needs the light. Add the price of the hot pools near Myvatn into the trip. Maybe here rather than Hofsos.
Great Overview of Iceland
As with all Exodus holidays – read the detailed itinerary carefully and you should not be disappointed if you choose to go. We had yet another superb Exodus guide in Kristian (I have probably mis-spelled that!) who was also the bus driver for the 16 in the group which I think is the maximum. Inevitably you spend a good deal of time on the bus but no surprises there, that’s why I stress to read the itinerary. The views are constantly excellent and Kristian would stop regular to stretch legs and admire the view. This holiday gives a good overview of the entire island. Although a good deal of the driving is on gravel roads do not expect to be taken deep into the interior where the really rough roads are that need specialised transport. Just one night in each place but all the hotels were fine with the possible exception of the one in Akureyri. Our room was adequate but some had tiny rooms with poor showers. Some of the more remote places offer very limited menus, if you like lamb and fish you’ll be okay! We had a vegan in the group who had very limited options at one place. Highlight was undoubtedly the last day when Kristian rejigged the itinerary (with our permission) so that we could trek to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which Kristian had heard was ramping up activity. Wow! We were treated to specular displays of erupting lava and Kristian told us that in 25 years of guiding we were the first group of his to witness such a thing. Weather was mixed as you would expect in early September. Two very wet days – one with a gale – and 4 days of blue skies and flat calm, the other days being between those extremes.
Most Inspirational Moment
Witnessing the volcanic eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kristian was excellent. Kept us informed and amused!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Clothing wise, you need layers and waterproof over trousers are useful. Currency: I took no Icelandic money and never needed any. Everywhere accepts a card - even the pay toilets. On the first meeting I said to Kristian "I have no local currency, do I need to get some?". His reply was "Most Icelanders have no local currency either!"
Suggestions
As with all Scandinavian countries food and especially drink is expensive.
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Optional Single Supplement +£ 425
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
03 Mar 2024 03 Mar 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
12 Mar 2024 12 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,099 £ 3,399 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 425
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
14 Apr 2024 14 Apr 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
23 Apr 2024 23 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,299 £ 3,599 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 530
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
05 May 2024 05 May 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
14 May 2024 14 May 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,699 £ 3,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 650
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
19 May 2024 19 May 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
28 May 2024 28 May 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,349 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 850
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
02 Jun 2024 02 Jun 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
11 Jun 2024 11 Jun 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,349 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 850
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
23 Jun 2024 23 Jun 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
02 Jul 2024 02 Jul 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,299 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 850
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
14 Jul 2024 14 Jul 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
23 Jul 2024 23 Jul 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,299 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 850
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
04 Aug 2024 04 Aug 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
13 Aug 2024 13 Aug 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,299 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 850
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
01 Sep 2024 01 Sep 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
10 Sep 2024 10 Sep 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,999 £ 4,349 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 850
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
29 Sep 2024 29 Sep 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
08 Oct 2024 08 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 3,699 £ 3,999 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 690
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
03 Nov 2024 03 Nov 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
12 Nov 2024 12 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 3,399 £ 3,699 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
01 Dec 2024 01 Dec 2024
Tuesday Tuesday
10 Dec 2024 10 Dec 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 3,399 £ 3,699 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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