Iceland has always been a popular destination for trekkers, wild campers, road trippers (its Ring Road is famed), and just outdoors adventurers in general — its mystical topography, glaciers, geothermal waters, coastline and mountains are all on offer, and it’s a lot warmer than you may think (it has four seasons and lies partly in the Gulf Stream).
(photo: miroslav_1/iStock)
In fact, its geography and topography are so cool that part of Game of Thrones was famously filmed here, as were (in part) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Beowulf and Grendel, Letters from Iwo Jima, Laura Croft Tomb Raider, Interstellar, Prometheus, and so many more. To understand its unique and alluring appeal, you really need to see for yourself, and this 8-day adventure by Intrepid Travel is worth considering.
8-Day Iceland Adventure | Overview
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s tiny but spectacular capital. Tour the city, then meet your tour group over a fun dinner.
Reykjavik, Golden Circle & Fludir: Head to stunning and historically important Thingvellir National Park, see Geysir and Strokkur, Gullfoss (Iceland’s famed waterfall), the Secret Lagoon (a geothermal pool), then overnight in Fludir, where you just might catch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights, depending on weather and time of year).
Skaftafell National Park & Jokulsarlon: Head to Laki Lava Fieldsore (learn how a volcanic eruption in 1783 shaped Iceland’s history), visit Skaftafell National Park (see Vatnajokull, Europe’s biggest glacier), explore Reynisdrangar, then head to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (the hotel of which will be your accommodation for the evening).
Jokulsarlon, South Coast & Reykjavik: Head by vehicle to Jokulsarlon (also known as the Glacier Lagoon), trek around the lake, explore Iceland’s South Shore (see the spectacular Skogafoss waterfall), continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall (you can even walk behind it!). Intrepid describes all this as “otherworldly topography,” and encourages you to bring your curiosity, as local tour guides are always eager to share Iceland’s story. End the day back in Reykjavik, and enjoy a free evening.
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- Hiker at the edge of the Gullfoss Waterfall, on the Olfusa River, southwest Iceland. (Credit: miroslav_1/iStock)
Borgarfjordur & Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Take a guided tour of Reykjavik (see the Old Harbour, the city centre, Hallgrimskirkja church). Then head to the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula (which will be your home base for the next two days). Highlights include the Borgarfjordur area (with Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls), a dip in the Krauma geothermal pools, Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring), Snaefellsjokull glacier, the charming fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Grundarfjordur, and a homemade dinner at the horse farm of Lysuholl — and as always, being on the lookout for the Northern Lights, if weather and time of year permit.
Return to Reykjavik, and spend the rest of your tour exploring in and around this spectacular little capital. (Horseback riding, whale watching, and checking out the local arts scene are all on offer.)
Premium Iceland in Winter | INTREPID TRAVEL
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Phone: 855.299.1211
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SM: @intrepidtravel, @intrepidtravel, YouTube
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Length/Departs: 8 days, with multi departs thru the year.
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Accommodations/transport: hotels, private minibus
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Group size: max. of 12 (+ all day on-ground support)
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Price: must ask operator for current pricing.
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Note: proof of full COVID vaccination required for this trip.
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Special Note: Intrepid Travel is a certified B Corp, and defines itself as a global company dedicated to “trips focused on ethical and responsible experiences,” with a mission that is “focused on empowering communities, protecting the planet and creating a more equitable experience for all travelers.” For more info on Intrepid Travel’s sustainability policies and practices, you can check out its Ethical Marketing Guidelines here.
Trip description/details from operator. For more info on this trip, click here.
A few guidelines on trip descriptions: All descriptions/itineraries are sourced from trip/tour operator and Outpost assumes no liability. Prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated, are often “starting from” the one listed, and don’t necessarily reflect final/total cost (that is, taxes, in-country or extra fees might be added). And, prices indicated here do NOT include airfare, unless it says so. Date changes are always possible and sometimes even inescapable. So, always get in touch with an operator directly; sometimes they’ll let you know about a sale or special so a price may actually be less than listed here.
