we know....
With a total landmass of only 40,000 square miles this country has a tremendously diverse geological landscape
and is famous for its natural hot springs, dramatic geysers, active volcanoes and lava fields. It is also home to Europe’s largest national park. This week is designed to show you the highlights of Iceland and your journey begins in the vibrant city of Reykjavik. You have plenty of opportunity to explore the city’s unique culture and great food - we strongly recommend the Sea Baron for rustic lobster soup down at the harbour or ‘Icelandic fish and chips’.
From Reykjavik you will move to the south of the island to explore the wild landscapes of the volcanic coast including Thingvellir national park. The final jeep safari is a very unique experience and allows you to discover the remotest parts of this wonderful island.
you know....
“We had a lovely group of people. The adults and teenagers all got on very well and I hardly saw my daughter all week as she was with the other kids all the time. Great for a single parent & single child.”
Helen Patterson - July 2010
Suitable for
Families with children aged 10 years and older (this does not preclude families with children younger than 10 but they may not be able to take part in all activities).
Minimum Age*: Children under 12 years will only be allowed to partake in the Glacial Hike at the discretion of our guides. The same discretion will be applied to children under 14 years on the Ice Climbing activity which forms part of the hike.
saturday - flights, arrivals and welcome
You will be met at the airport by a guide before being transferred to your hotel in central Reykjavik. This evening a welcome meal will be served.
sunday - lava caving trip and whale watching
This morning you will explore the hidden underground world of the Lava Caves in the Blue Mountains near Reykjavik. You will walk and at times crawl through these caves, a fascinating and really unique experience.
After lunch you will transfer to Reykjavik harbour to head out on the boat in search of the whales and dolphins that frequent the waters here.
monday - horse riding
This morning you will transfer to the countryside outside Reykjavik to explore the local trails on horseback.
tuesday - hot spring hunt
After breakfast you will hike up into the stunning valley of Reykjadalur where naturally hot water rushes down the slopes of the mountain range. This valley possesses an amazing abundance of geothermal springs.
wednesday - glacier hiking and ice climbing
Today you will be driven to the south of Iceland and on arrival at the glacier you will learn how to use an ice axe and crampons. You will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sink holes and ridges. There will also be the chance to try out some wonderful ice climbing - a fantastic experience.
thursday - super jeep safari
This tour will take you right up into the remote highlands in super jeeps. You will revisit the active volcano of Hekla from which steam can regularly be seen at the top. Your journey will continue on to Landmannalaugar, a fascinating area with multicoloured rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. Perfect for a dip!
friday - white water rafting
This morning you will head out on a fantastic white water rafting trip down the glacial valley of Hvítá. This is an ideal area for rafting and as you paddle down river you will see the landscape from a fascinating new perspective. From here you will transfer to base camp to enjoy a sauna and hot tub before a delicious local lunch.
This afternoon the tour will continue to the beautiful geothermal area called Haukadalur, home of the Great Geyser. After a stop here you will continue on to the queen of the Icelandic waterfalls, Gullfoss Waterfall before heading on to the UNESCO world heritage site of Thingvellir National Park .This evening a delicious farewell meal is included in the hotel restaurant before your last night in Iceland.
saturday - blue lagoon, transfers and flights
On this last day you will stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport. Enjoy bathing in the natural hot springs of this world famous attraction. The dramatic lava formations can be seen from the lagoon. You will then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family? If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
Available
Limited places
On request
Price per person based on 1 adult sharing with 1 child
|
Depart |
Adult |
Child (10 - 15) |
Availability |
|
21/07/2012 |
£1945 |
£1945 |
|
|
04/08/2012 |
£1945 |
£1945 |
|
|
18/08/2012 |
£1945 |
£1945 |
|
Supplements :
| Name |
Adult |
Child (10 - 15) |
|
Third or fourth person sharing |
£50 |
- |
|
Single supplement |
£320 |
- |
N.B. Prices in brackets denote a price deduction.
Pricing Notes
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
NB: These prices do not include flights. Traditionally, tour operators have received preferential fares from airlines. However, given the availability of flights on the internet, we believe it is now cheaper to source medium and long haul flights when you book your holiday. Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the cheaper the flights. We will still book these flights on your behalf ensuring that you are fully protected financially under our ATOL (No.6865).
All of the pricing detailed on this web page is the latest pricing and the most up to date information and supersedes any pricing published in brochures, leaflets and any other advertised price.
Iceland is renowned for its incredible geology and landscapes and along with our suppliers we are working to ensure that this is preserved.
Iceland has an incredible resource in the form geothermal power. Both the hotels that we feature during this split centre holiday have water supplies heated by geothermal energy. They are well insulated against the harsh winters and have strict recycling policies.
The hotel featured in Reykjavik has been built within one of the diminishing number of traditional style Icelandic buildings remaining in Reykjavik. It was built in sympathy with its surroundings at considerably higher cost than the modern structures that many other hotels favour. The hotel is also built next to a Viking archeological site which has now been exposed and preserved beneath the hotel and provides a truly historical insight into the lifestyle of Reykjavik's ancestral inhabitants. The hotel is proud of the local culture and reflects this within the décor of the hotel.
This holiday is split centered and provides an economic benefit to a wide area. The second base is within a predominantly rural area and the hotel provides vital employment and income in the region which is away from the main tourist hubs and is usually only visited on day trips. The hotel takes pride in offering locally produced menus and employs predominantly local people whenever possible. The hotel pool is heated geothermally.
We are working in partnership with one of Iceland's most responsible suppliers who appreciate the natural resources that they have been given.
They have a very strict environmental policy stating that "Nature is the adventure" and their itineraries are tailored in such a way that they do not harm or effect nature.
Their four guidelines are:
Take nothing but pictures.
Kill nothing but time.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Make nothing but memories.
Environmental Responsibility:
They offset their carbon from any activity transfers through the Icelandic Carbon fund (www.kolvidur.is).
They also take part in the Icelandic Nature Conservation organization (www.natturuverndarsamtok.is) and through them take an active part in supervision over constructions in the highlands of Iceland. The organization is a public forum that issues statements and gives their opinion on all matters concerning construction in Icelandic nature.
As much waste as possible is recycled and religiously removed from the activity sites.
At the start of every trip participants are provided with information on how best to pass through the environment without leaving their mark, so future generations can visit these special places in their natural state.
Our suppliers run a guide school and train their own guides in Iceland thus stemming the flow of young people to mainland Europe.
Social Responsibility:
All the lost and found items are donated to the Red Cross and they also ensure that they sponsor a child each year. Hot drinks and internet access are given to clients in exchange for small donations to the Red Cross and other good causes.
Economic Responsibility:
Our suppliers only use Icelandic meats and ingredients in their packed lunches and local guides who are passionate about the environment and the conservation of Iceland.