Like nowhere else on Earth, Iceland offers wide open landscapes and great walking through ever-changing scenery: huge glaciers, waterfalls, fast-running rivers and spectacular geysers. Encounter tales of Viking exploration and mysterious sagas and legends, splendid arctic wildlife and long summer days.

• Spectacular natural features, waterfalls, glaciers and geysers
• Varied walks through constantly changing scenery
• Relax in natural hot springs

Detailed information

	Tour itinerary
	About the walks
	Dates and prices
	Temperatures
	Accommodation
	Flight Information
	What the holiday includes

2009 Tour Itinerary

Download full 2009 itinerary here. If you require Adobe Acrobat Reader download here.

Days 1-3: Arrive at Keflavik airport and drive directly to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Budir (3 nights). Our days in this starkly beautiful national park include coastal and clifftop walks past fishing villages and empty beaches with opportunities to see interesting birdlife including arctic tern and seals. We can take a boat trip to mysterious Flatey Island and climb Helgafell, the small ‘holy mountain’.

Day 4: Today we have a variety of options including a challenging walk on the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or a coastal walk with an optional whale watching boat trip (payable locally). We then continue to the historic village of Reykholt (1 night) with a chance to relax in the hotel’s hot spring baths.

Day 5: Morning visit to one of the world’s most powerful hot springs at Deildatunguhver. We then
continue to Pingvellir, the beautiful setting of the world’s first democratic parliament, established
by the Vikings in 930 AD, and Geysir, where the tall plume of the Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 7 minutes. A highlight is the majestic double cascade of Gullfoss, know as the‘Golden Waterfall’. Continue to the village of Hella (3 nights).

Days 6-7: Explore Porsmork, including walks up to glaciers at Stakkholtsgja Gorge, and Landmannalaugar, an active volcanic zone with an amazing array of colourful rock formations and crater
lakes, with the chance to relax in a natural hot spring.

Day 8: Travel across the south of the island, past the spectacular Skogarfoss waterfall, to Vik and the lava fields of Eldrhraun. We walk through the wide and rugged Fjardrargljufur Gorge before continuing over the Skeiõarársandur sands to Skaftafell National Park (2 nights).

Day 9: Spend a full day walking amidst the dramatic peaks, glaciers and sandy plains of Europe’s largest national park. Our choice of walks includes the basalt columns of the ‘black waterfall’ or crossing Skatafell moor for views of the huge Vatnajokull ice field - the world’s largest icecap outside the poles, and Kverkfjoll, Iceland’s highest peak.

Day 10: A lovely day’s journey stopping off for walks at the coast, where puffins and seals may be seen. We’ll see the peculiar basalt formations at ‘Dwarf Cliffs’ and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where it is
possible to walk behind the cascade. Continue to the capital, Reykjavik (2 nights).

Day 11: Today is spent at leisure in Reykjavik, with its excellent museums, harbour, cafes and geothermal spas.

Day 12: Bathe in the milky blue geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, with its remarkable health properties, for an extremely relaxing end to the holiday. Continue to the airport for the flight home.

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About the walks

An exciting holiday walking over an astonishing variety of terrains, visiting a host of natural wonders
with sightseeing and boat excursions. Walks are a mixture of part-day and full-day, often with a number
of options.

Guided Walks: Distances are between 1 to 10 miles, usually on well-marked paths. There are some sections that can be over rocky and very varying terrain, particularly on the harder options.

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Dates and prices

Single room supplement: £425.

Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

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Temperatures

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Accommodation

Modern, comfortable three-star hotels with a good range of facilities chosen for their location, views, and accessibility to the national parks and landscapes.

Where you'll stay

Snæfellsnes Peninsula -3 nights

Reykholt - 1 night

Hella - 3 nights

Skaftafell - 2 nights

Reykjavik - 2 nights

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Flight information

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 22.09.2008 (provisional)

Iceland Air
Heathrow - Reykjavik
Out 13:00 (Tues) - 15:00 (Tues)
Return 16:10 (Sat) - 20:10 (Sat)

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What the holiday includes

• Return economy class air travel UK / Iceland on scheduled airlines, with appropriate in-flight meals.
• 11 nights' accommodation in twin en-suite rooms.
• Full Board from dinner on arrival, except one lunch and one dinner.
• Services of an HF Holidays' leader and local tour guides.
• Walks, sightseeing, entrance fees and travel by minibus or coach.

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