Fire, Ice and Northern Lights

Degree of difficulty

• Suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Expect to hike on well-trodden trails for up to a maximum of six hours per day. 
• Weather can be unpredictable, making hiking feel more difficult at times. 

Eating and drinking

• A hearty breakfast is provided each day, with a good variety of items along with tea and coffee. 
• A buffet-style lunch is laid out in the mornings from which packed lunches are to be prepared by the participant.
• Evening meals will make use of local produce where possible, including plenty of fresh vegetables, along with delicacies such as smoked salmon, seafood, skyr and lamb.
• Evening meals are a communal affair and participants help in the kitchen is appreciated and expected. not only does it add to the authenticity of the trip, but it helps to build a strong group bond and atmosphere. 

ICELANDIC ACCOMMODATION

• Accommodation during the trip is provided using a combination of Guest houses and Farmhouse Inns.
• Guest house: This is friendly accommodation in large, typical Icelandic houses, located in towns or along the main road no.1. The guesthouses will normally have 5 to 10 dormitory style rooms accommodating 4 to 6 people in each. Single or double rooms can be booked on request and subject to availability.  The guesthouses will have shared bathroom facilities, and a kitchen is regularly available. Wifi is available and breakfast is provided.
• Farmhouse inn: In the heart of the Icelandic countryside, inns are often located on farms. These are generally small structures with 10 to 20 dormitory rooms. This simple and welcoming type of accommodation is the best way to get to know the locals and their culture. There are shared bathroom facilities but private en-suite rooms can be provided on request and subject to availability.  There will be electricity for charging, hot running water and WiFi is available at most locations.

CLOTHING TO BRING

• Hard shell outer jacket and trousers - waterproof and windproof
• Insulated jacket (optional)
• Walking boots - waterproof with rigid soles and good ankle support
• Trainers - or any more comfortable shoes for shorter walks and evenings
• Warm beanie-style hat and gloves or mittens
• Scarf or snood to protect your neck from cold wind
• Fleece or soft shell jacket and a warm jumper
• T-shirts (mix of long and short sleeves)
• Trekking trousers and comfy trousers for evenings
• Swimming costume
• 3-4 pairs of thick hiking socks
• Thermal base layers (top and leggings)

Equipment to bring

• Sleeping bag (comfort rating 0 ° C)
• Sunglasses - with good UV protection (essential for glacier walking)
• 2 x 1 litre water bottles or hydration pack 
• Head torch with spare batteries and bulb
• Toiletries (including biodegradeable wet wipes)
• Dry bags to keep clothes dry in your luggage
• Container for any toxic rubbish (batteries, sanitary items etc)
• Duffel bag (80 to 90 litres), flexible and water resistant
• Daypack (30 to 40 litres) to carry with you each day

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Keflavík Airport
Keflavík
235
Iceland

Travel to iceland

• Keflavik Airport is well connected to a range of airports in the UK and various international locations.
• Guides will meet travellers at the airport upon arrival before taking a transfer. Keflavik is a short drive away from the capital Reykjavik.

Fire and Ice Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Iceland

  Arrive in Iceland. Take a transfer to Reykjavik and the accommodation.

• Day 2 | The Golden Circle

  A tour of the sights of southern Iceland, two to three hours hiking whilst exploring the region. Evening visit to the Secret Lagoon to swim in geothermal pools.

• Day 3 | Lava tunnels, waterfalls and Vik

  Hike through the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel to arrive at the Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, en route to the black sand beach and dramatic rock formations at Vik. Evening swim in Iceland's oldest natural water pool if the weather permits.

• Day 4 | Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Lagoon

  Hike to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Some snowshoeing will be required to navigate the terrain at times, equipment for this is provided. Visit Jokulsarlon in the afternoon, one of the most impressive landscapes in Iceland, where the lagoon fills with icebergs from the nearby glacier. 

• Day 5 | Glacier Walking and ice caves

  Attach a pair of crampons to walk on the Vatnajökull glacier itself. A sublime opportunity, accentuated by the experience of exploring an ice cave that lies within.

• Day 6 | Lava, snowshoeing and swimming

  Visit the Lava Museum at Hvolsvollur before arriving at the Hveragerdi geothermal area, home to fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Hike and snowshoe through this region before relaxing in a river of hot water, heated by the Hengill volcano.

• Day 7 | Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

  The morning is free to take any additional trips, or just to relax and explore Reykjavik. Meeting with the group at lunch, before taking a trip to the Blue Lagoon, the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland.

• Day 8 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to take the flight home. 

Included

• Return airport transfers
• All accommodation
• All transportation
• Full board (except in Reykjavik)
• Services of an expert guide
• Lava tunnel visit
• Glacier walking and ice cave visit
• Blue Lagoon entry fees
• Secret Lagoon entry fees
• Lava Centre entry fees
• Winter equipment (snow shoes, crampons, trekking poles)

Not Included

• Flights
• Visa (if required)
• Travel insurance
• Meals in Reykjavik
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs