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Northern Iceland Expedition (Jun - Sep)
Embark on a spectacular adventure of Northern Iceland witnessing vast landscapes, astonishing geological wonders and adventure into Iceland's most photographic spots. This adventure thrills with endless geology, fjordside pastures, snowcapped peaks and epic waterfalls.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a less-trodden part of Iceland
Witness extraordinary landscapes and geology
Experience unique Icelandic culture and hospitality
Stay in boutique accommodations
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE REYKJAVIK / SELFOSS
Arrive into Reykjavik Keflavik Intl Airport and a short drive takes us to the town of Hafnafjordur, renowned for having one of the largest elves settlements and mystical beings known as the "hidden folk" where we stop to visit the old fishing harbour and fish market (if open). We then continue to the heart of Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik where we stop by the Perlan Building, built over water tanks that hold the city's hot water supply. We then stop at the Hallsgrimkirkja Church and a chance to ascend the bell tower for panoramic views over the red rooftops of the city and Faxafloi Bay. Thereafter, continue a short drive to the town of Selfoss where we check in into the stunning Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel.
Overnight: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Selfoss
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: SELFOSS (GOLDEN CIRCLE EXCURSION)
Today, we embark on an excursion of the famed "Golden Circle" where we visit the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Walk through the geological fault known as Almannagja to the place where Europe's oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in 930AD. We then continue to the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley to witness the spouting Geyser "Strokkur" and other bubbling pools and spattering steam vents. Finally, we head to the Gullfoss waterfall, considered by many as the most beautiful in Iceland.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AT THINGVELLIR:
The Silfra Fissure is renowned as one of the most surreal dive and snorkelling sites in the world as you have the opportunity to dive or snorkel in between 2 tectonic plates - the North American and Eurasian plates. Experience a spectacular visual treat of amazing underwater visibility due to the year-round cold temperature glacial-fed waters from the Langjokull Glacier (2-4 degrees celsius year round), filtered through porous underground lava for 30-100 years before it reaches the Thingvellir Lake, seeping from underground wells.
Overnight: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Selfoss
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: SELFOSS / REYKJAVIK / HUSAVIK
An early morning rise today followed by a short drive to Reykjavik Airport (domestic) for a short flight to Husavik in the north of Iceland. Visit the Exploration Museum, dedicated to the history of human exploration from the early explorers to the exploration of space where Apollo Astronaut trainings took place in Husavik between 1965 to 1967. Worth a visit is the Husavik Church, perhaps the most iconic landmark of the town built and designed in 1907 by state architect, Rognvaldur Olafsson. We then visit the Husavik Whale Museum, dedicated to the amazing species of whales found in this area where you will discover and learn about the whale species ranging from Sperm Whales to narwhals.
We then hop onto a whale-watching cruise safari in search of these amazing gentle giants of the sea as well as a visit to Puffin Island (during the nesting period April to August) where we will witness thousands of puffins - nicknamed "Clowns of the Ocean".
Overnight: Fosshotel Husavik, Husavik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: HUSAVIK / (DIAMOND CIRCLE) / LAKE MYVATN
Today, we start our journey of the lesser-known "Diamond Circle", beginning our drive along the beautiful coast to the Tjornes Peninsula surrounded by stunning high cliffs, green hills and lava. Have the opportunity to witness layers and layers of exposed ancient fossilized seashells that dates back to more than 2 million years.
Next, we continue to the impressive Asbyrgi Canyon, one of Iceland's most beloved natural attraction. Shaped like a horseshoe and surrounded by cliffs reaching as high as 100m, the canyon was formed by glacial flooding after the last Ice Age.
Next, we make a stop at Hljodaklettar "Echo Rocks", a cluster of basalt columnar rock formations twisted and angled in every conceivable direction creating a bizarre world of wonder.
Thereafter, we make our way south to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe where 500 cubic metres of water per second plunges over the edge at 45m high and 100m wide. From here, we finally arrive at the beautiful Lake Myvatn, Iceland's 4th-largest lake created in a basaltic lava eruption more than 2300 years ago where we will spend the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Hotel Laxa, Lake Myvatn
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: LAKE MYVATN (IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ASTRONAUTS)
Hop onto your private Super Jeep today as we begin our drive to the Icelandic highlands adorned with pristine wilderness, exciting geology and natural freshwater springs reminiscent of an alien planet. We begin our hike in the Askja Caldera to the Viti explosion crater (45mins hike each way) where we take our time to take in the spectacular views of the caldera and surroundings.
The Holuhraun lava field sits on the floodplains between Vatnajokull Glacier and the Askja caldera mountain range. The rough, untouched and still cooling lava field is Iceland's youngest lava field and we will have the opportunity to soak in this amazing and surreal work of Mother Nature.
Overnight: Hotel Laxa, Lake Myvatn
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: LAKE MYVATN
We will spend the day exploring Lake Myvatn and surrounds today beginning with a drive to the stunning Hofdi Peninsula, surrounded by amazing lava pillars dotted around the lake. We will also witness the Skutustadir pseudo craters, formed when lava flows over wet ground and pushes the ground down. This causes steam to be trapped under the weight of lava which then causes a lot of pressure, eventually creating steam explosions and the formation of the pseudo craters.
Thereafter, continue to Dimmuborgir volcanic field, covered in jagged black lava stacks and caves formed in a massive eruption more than 2300 years ago. At the time of eruption, Dimmuborgir was filled with water and lava, creating unique features once the excess magma flowed away, leaving the bleak geology behind. One of the most impressive features is a naturally-formed rock arch known as "The Church". A short drive away takes us to the Lofthellir Lava Cave where we enter into a world of dazzling ice amid lava coloured by mineral deposits, boasting some of the greatest natural ice sculptures in Iceland, if not the world.
Next, we head to the Hverir Geothermal area where we witness boiling fumeroles, mud pools surrounded by sulfur crystals of many different colours which defies all comparisons. A short drive away then takes us to Krafla, where tectonic plates meet and a hotbed of seismic activity. Witness amazing multi-coloured lava and be wow by Mother Nature's creations.
Overnight: Hotel Laxa, Lake Myvatn
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: LAKE MYVATN / AKUREYRI / REYKJAVIK / BLUE LAGOON
Say farewell to beautiful Lake Myvatn as we make a short drive and stop to admire the Godafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular falls in Iceland with a height of 12m and 30m wide. We then arrive at Akureyri Airport for a short domestic flight to Reykjavik. On arrival, be met and transferred to the unmistakable Blue Lagoon, surrounded by moss-covered lava fields to relax and rejuvenate. Check into the Silica Hotel, situated next to the main Blue Lagoon and where you can enjoy a piece of the Blue Lagoon for your private enjoyment (for Silica Hotel guests only)
Overnight: Silica Hotel, Blue Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: DEPART BLUE LAGOON / KEFLAVIK
Early this morning, a short drive (15mins) to Keflavik Intl Airport and farewell to a wonderful sojourn!
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel is where modern design meets Iceland's incomparable natural landscape. Situated in the south-western town of Selfoss, Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel is the perfect base and retreat to explore the famed Golden Circle. All 45 rooms are designed impeccably with a mellow mix of concrete chic and earthy ambience.
A well-equipped 70 room hotel in the heart of Husavik, within walking distance from the harbour. The design of the hotel is reflected by the attraction of Husavik's whale watching tours with nautical details and a bar called Moby Dick. Husavik is often called the "Whale Capital of the World" and the Fosshotel Husavik is probably the world's only whale-themed hotel, with unique features and exhibitions featuring these amazing mammals in pictures, paintings, sculptures and a large whale stamp collection.
Hotel Laxa is a new luxurious hotel opened in the summer of 2014 featuring beautifully-decorated rooms and excellent facilities in a prime location by the stunning Lake Myvatn. From the hotel, you can enjoy unique views of the lake and the river Laxa.
Set in the heart of a stunning lava landscape, the Silica Hotel is just 10mins walk from the Blue Lagoon. The hotel offers its own private bathing lagoon, available for hotel guests only. Built in harmony with the surrounding landscape, it offers an oasis of calm, relaxation and healing with 35 bright and spacious rooms offering a veranda with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields.
