ICELAND
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore the most iconic places in the famous Golden Circle.
- Boat trip to see whales.
- Private climbing on the Skaftafell glacier.
- Snorkeling in the crystal clear waters between the tectonic plates.
- Visit diamond beach.
- Bath in the turquoise waters of Myvatn.
- Take a walk on the crater of a volcano.
ICELAND
THE NORTHERN ISLAND
Visit Iceland… An island lost in the middle of the northern Atlantic Ocean, full of glaciers and active volcanoes, rivers of lava and geysers. A country that in the winter has darkness that goes for months and in the summer has infinite days. A country full of extremes, with unbelievable landscapes, thousands of waterfalls, each larger than the other. Millions of liters flow from what they say is the purest and most delicious water in the world. Iceland was a country that caught my attention by its inhospitable and silent nature. Here you can breathe tranquility and at every turn in the road there is a new surprise, a new place, a new feeling of smallness in a such a beautiful and imposing planet. In this tour we will take you to cross the country in search of adventure. To see volcanoes, to climb glaciers, to bathe in the hot springs, to see icebergs, to photograph whales, and swim in the crystalline waters that separate the tectonic plates of Europe and America … Do you want to join us exploring the magic of Iceland?
DAY 1
REYKJAVIK
Welcome to Iceland! Put on your beanie and gloves and catch our transfer to the city and capital of the country, Reykjavik. The trip takes approximately one hour. It’s time to enjoy the different and inhospitable landscape of Iceland. Check-in at the hotel and free time to visit the city.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 ***
DAY 2
REYKJAVIK- STYKKISHÓMUR
Today we start the day early and set off towards the beautiful Snæfellsnes peninsula, known for its incredible scenery and colorful birds. Hopefully we also get to see some seals that live here. We continue on to the village of Arnarstapi, where we will take a stroll along its beautiful coast. Leaving Djúpalónssandur beach, we pass through impressive landscapes on the way to the north side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The charming city of Grundarfjörður is our next stop. It’s surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, cliffs and beaches. The city is also home to the mountain of many photographers’ dreams, Kirkjufell, rising 463 meters above the sea.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 3
STYKKISHÓMUR – AKUREYRI
Today we have a long journey… After 1:50h we stop for a refreshing walk around the volcanic crater of Grábrók. This crater was formed in an eruption approximately three thousand years ago. There are two other craters formed in the same eruption. They become visible when we ascend Grábrók along with the 7km2 lava field that emerged during the same volcanic event. It’s a short and easy but incredibly scenic hike and the perfect way to start our second day of adventure. We continue on our way to Akureyri where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 ***
DAY 4
AKUREYRI – MYVATN
We start the day with a trip to the impressive and historic waterfall of Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. The water falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters creating a unique shape of a semicircle, making it absolutely picturesque.
After a short trip, we will reach the Lake Mývatn region. Covering an area of 36.5 km2, Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. Countless tiny islands punctuate its surface, surrounded by an exciting volcanic landscape. Also home to an incredibly vibrant variety of flora and fauna. This area is one of Iceland’s most valuable protected nature reserves.
We will continue to discover more about the region’s volcanic history, including Iceland’s most incredible geothermal fields, the Námaskarð. The area is part of the Krafla volcanic system and is highly active today. There is no fresh lava surface, but there are bubbling hot springs and huge fumaroles surrounded by soil with minerals that paint the place in bright colors. The air smells intensely of sulfur. This can be quite unpleasant, but the view will definitely make you forget the smell!
We end the day in the beautiful natural baths of Mývatn. Often referred to as the Blue Lagoon of the North due to the color milky blue of the water also present in the Blue Lagoon. However, here there are many fewer tourists and the view is much more incredible. After the shower we head to our hotel, free night!
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 5
MYVATN – EGILSSAOIR
We leave Mývatn and take a detour on the main road to visit the Dettifoss waterfall. Dettifoss is considered by many to be the most imposing waterfall in Europe! It is impossible to be disappointed by the thunderous sound when the water falls 44 meters.
We continue on to Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful fishing village in eastern Iceland, located about 30 minutes from Egilsstaðir. The city is widely recognized for its beautiful light blue church and the painted rainbow path that leads to it. There are definitely countless photographic opportunities in the city. We continue on to Seyðisfjörður, home to some of the best museums in eastern Iceland. Check in at the hotel and free day.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 6
EGILSSAOIR – JOKULSÁRLÓN
We begging our journey to Djúpivogur, a small traditional fishing village that also has a beautiful open-air sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík (which means The Eggs of Merry Bay).
Slightly out of the way, Vestrahorn is less “touristic” than many other Icelandic mountains, but it’s my favorite. The Stokksnes peninsula also has an interesting history that dates back to the 9th century, with Horn being one of the country’s first inhabited places; it was also a vital location for the British army during World War II. We continue on to the Jökulsárlón ice lagoon that has become famous in several successful films, such as “Batman Begins” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. Here we will see icebergs with surprising shapes, some incredibly large. They float in the huge lagoon before their journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Many of these natural ice sculptures strand on the nearby Diamond Beach. They shine like diamonds, while resting in the dramatic coal blackness of the beach. We continue to the hotel, check-in and free night.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 7
JOKULSÁRLÓN – SKÓGAR
We start the day with a climb to the magnificent Falljökull glacier, a part of the powerfull Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Our certified guide will show us amazing cracks through the ice and incredible sparkling ice formations. We will learn how a glacier is born and moves. This hike is classified as easy. As we continue, we arrive at Reynisfjara, a black beach with some fantastic sights, such as the picturesque basalt column formations and the famous Reynisdrangar peaks. We continue on our way to the incredible waterfall of Skógafoss, located at the bottom of a very famous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull. On a clear day, we can have an excellent view of another volcano glacier, Mýrdalsjokull.
The Skógafoss waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful in Iceland, it is 25 meters wide and the water falls abruptly 60 meters. It is often possible to see the single or double rainbow on sunny days.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 8
SKÓGAR – GULFOSS
We start the day stoping at one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, the Seljalandsfoss. You can hike behind its huge 60 meters high waterfall, but for that it is better to take the raincoat.
We continue to the Lava Center in Hvollsvollur. Lava Center is an interactive and educational center, a hight-tech exhibition that explains the history of earthquakes and volcanoes that originate Iceland. Then we continue to the farm Friðheimar, which uses geothermal energy to grow tasty tomatoes. Ready to eat a nice tomato soup? We will also visit a farm to meet the beautiful horses of the country. The last stop of the day is at the Gulfoss waterfall, one of the largest in the world. Where 140 cubic meters of water run per second, with a record of 2000 cubic meters per second. Check-in at the hotel and free night.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
DAY 9
GULFOSS – REYKJAVIK
The day starts with a visit to the famous Geysir. Did you know that this is where the name came from? Strokkur Geyseir sends its water up to 30 meters in height every 5 minutes. It is a stunning and wet show! We then proceed to the Thingvellir national park, one of the most geologically important areas on the island. The area is considered a UNESCO heritage site. At this moment, those who choose to do the extra activity go snorkeling in the crystalline waters of the Silfra fissure, which divides America’s tectonic plates with Europe. The rest of the group go on to Reykjavik, check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day free to visit the small and beautiful city of Reykjavik.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 ***
EXTRA ACTIVITY
Snorkeling in Silfra
National Geographic has classified this as one of the 20 unmissable adventures. Swim in the crystalline and icy waters (yes we are going to wear special suites!!) in the fissure that divides the tectonic plates of Europe and America. It takes about 30 minutes the snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see up to 100 meters. An incredible experience that you can see in this video.
Price: 85 € per person
DAY 10
REYKJAVIK – AIRPORT TO FINAL DESTINATION
It’s time to pack up and take the transfer to the airport to go home. Was it unforgettable or not?
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- The company of LEVA-ME tour leader.
- Transfer to and from the airport (within the tour dates and the scheduled time – only one for the whole group).
- Accommodation in 3 * / 4 * hotels (9 nights).
- Transportation and fuel through Golden Circle (the entire tour).
- Driver / Local Guide throughout the tour.
- Meals (9 breakfasts / 1 lunch – Tomato Soup at Friðheimar Geothermal Greenhouse and Horse Farm).
- Entrance to the Lava Center.
- Entrance to Myvatn baths.
- Skaftafell Glacier Private hike.
- Entrance ticket to Stokksnes beach
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- International flight (+/- 350 €).
- Drinks.
- Travel insurance (Mandatory)
- Extra activities – Only those who want to do it.
- Everything not mentioned in the previous section.
In order to make the trip more accessible to everyone, certain activities are optional and not included in the tour price. These activities are pre-arranged and those who want to join any of them can book them from the moment they join the tour. On the free days, each person is free to do what they want: Staying on the beach or in the hotel pool, exploring the city’s markets, visiting temples or joining these Extra Activities. You can also book these activities in the moment, but you are subject to the availability and prices at the time. (All extra activity prices are subject to change without notice).
- National Geographic has classified this as one of the 20 unmissable adventures. Swim in the crystalline and icy waters (yes we are going to wear special suites!!) in the fissure that divides the tectonic plates of Europe and America. It takes about 30 minutes the snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see up to 100 meters. An incredible experience that you can see in this video. Price: 85 € per person
PAYMENT
30% upfront to guarantee your place (non-refundable in case of cancellation). Final payment of the remaining 70% up to 60 days before the tour. Please check our CANCELLATION POLICY.
F.A.Q.
Is this trip for me?
This trip is for people who like to have fun and make friends, regardless of their age. We are sure that if you come with a relaxed mindset, you’ll have an unforgettable couple of weeks. It is important to understand that this is an adventure trip, and as such, there is always an element of the unexpected. Traveling in Indonesia is not like staying at the Four Seasons in Paris… a lot can happen, from coming across different animals to getting a weak or no internet connection, the air conditioning breaking, the shower having lower water pressure and temperature than the one in your house, the food not being as good as your mother’s, etc… But it’s good that things are different, otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth it to leave home. Also, good weather is unfortunately not a guarantee, as sometimes it can rain, the sea can get rough, and it is important that you know that there may be changes in the itinerary. What kind of a trip would it be without some adventure?!
If you invite a friend to come on the tour, it is essential that you pass them this information. We just don’t want a cranky traveler who has been “dragged” by friends, whose mood can affect the group’s fun and relaxed atmosphere.
What kind of rooms are we staying in?
We will be staying in double rooms. If you are traveling alone, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender. In some rare cases, you may need to share a triple room. If you are traveling as a couple, you’ll get your own private room. The 3 nights on the boat will also be in a double (or triple) room.
What if I want a single room?
If you want a single room, it may be possible, but you will have to pay an extra fee. Contact us for more information.
When should I book my flight?
You should book your flight only after making the payment of the tour and receiving the confirmation that your reservation with LEVA-ME is completed. Once we send you a confirmation email, you can book your flight. (This will only happen after a minimum number of participants has signed up, when we contact the travelers signed up to tell them that they can buy the international flight from that moment on).
Can I go alone?
Of course, most of our travelers sign up individually. It is a trip in which you will meet new people and make friends.
Who will I share my journey with?
You’ll spend the trip with one of the LEVA-ME tour leader. You’ll also spend the trip with other travelers who have many things in common with you, like the passion for traveling, for adventure, for discovery … and who are looking for new emotions and unforgettable moments on this trip. We normally have travelers from anywhere between 20 to 70 years old and we can assure you that the atmosphere is very fun and that you’ll end the trip with a new group of friends.
Is the group of travelers flying together?
No, there are travelers coming from different parts of the world, so the group meeting point will be at the airport or hotel in Reykjavik.
How do we meet in Bali?
LEVA-ME will gather the data and flight schedules of all the travelers. There is only one transfer from the airport in Reykjavik to the hotel. If you arrive at the same time or before the majority of the people in the group, you can wait at the airport and we will all take the airport transfer together. If you arrive later in Reykjavik, you’ll have to go on your own to the hotel. All the information will be given when we contact you to let you know that you can book your international flight.
I do not have a flight for the day when the tour starts. Can I go earlier?
Of course, but you will be on your own until we meet in the hotel.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years old or older. If you are 16 or 17, you can come but must be accompanied by a parent. The price is the same as an adult.
Do I need to take any specific equipment?
No, no special equipment is necessary, just bring comfortable and warm clothes and shoes.
Will I have any time for myself?
Of course! We hate tours that book every minute of your day. Our tour will be busy, but there will also be plenty of time to go exploring on your own!
What about visas?
Portuguese people don’t need a Visa, please contact us if you have questions.
Health and Vaccines?
We recommend travelers to consult with a clinic of Travel Medicine or talk to your doctor 4-8 weeks before departure.
Dangers?
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The only danger is the weather, it can changes rapidly.
How many spots can I book at once for the tour?
As many as you want. The maximum number of travelers is 24.
Can I save spots?
No, spots are only effectively reserved after payment.
Any doubts?
If you still have doubts, please visit our Frequent Asked Questions page or send us an e-mail: info@leva-me.com
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