Across the Wilderness

Across the Wilderness – Iceland –11 days / 10 nights, Reykjavik - Thingvellir - Gullfoss - South Shore - Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell - Lake Myvatn - Dettifoss - Akureyri - SnæfellsnesThis escorted tour across Iceland's pure wilderness witnesses the endless contrasts in the Icelandic nature. Experience natural treasures, such as the Thingvellir National Park and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, to powerful waterfalls of Dettifoss and Godafoss, and lava formations and pseudo crates at Lake Myvatn. Traveling along a mountain track in a mountain truck allows us to combine classic routes with the uninhabited and volcanic highlands.


Operation	June 28 - September 6, 2012
Departure	Scandinavian & English departures: June 28 sold out July 12 sold out July 26 only two seats available August 9 * August 23 * September 6 * *guaranteed departures
Price	June - September $3,275 per person in double room $4,095 single room
Included	9 day tour with driver/guide in mountain truck from/to Reykjavik 2 nights accommodation w/breakfast and facilities in Reykjavik 6 nights accommodation w/breakfast and shared facilities in the countryside 2 nights in cottage in the countryside Scandinavian breakfast daily 8 x dinners in the countryside Entrance to Eric the Red Museum Hotel taxes and service fees
Not Included	International airfare & airport taxes Airport transfers Optional tours Meals other than those listed in itinerary Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee
Please Note	Maximum number of passengers: 19 Minimum number of passengers: 8 We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice should the necessity arise due to road conditions.
Tour Options	Add-ons: Tour Options (not included): Additional nights in Reykjavik Glacial walking with crampons and ice axes Horse riding tour Boat tour on the Glacial Lagoon Tour to the Blue Lagoon
More Information	Across the Wilderness route map

Day 1 ARRIVAL ICELAND Individual arrival at the Keflavik Airport. Transfer on your own by Flybus to the hotel. Overnight stay in Reykjavik (transfers not included).

Day 2 THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK - GULLFOSS - GEYSIR (B, D) We begin with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world's first parliament and a jewel of nature. Next we travel to the nearby geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Onwards to the beautiful Gullfoss of "Golden" falls considered by many to be the most impressive in Iceland. Overnight in Hvolsvöllur area.

Day 3 SOUTH SHORE - DYRHOLAEY - KIRKJUBÆRKLAUSTUR (B, D) Admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss before crossing Myrdalssandur plains. Stop to enjoy the great views from Dyrholaey* headland where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. In Reynishverfi we can go for a stroll on the black sand beach and enjoy a view to the Reynisdrangar cliffs. Drive through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the largest of its kind caused from a single eruption in Iceland. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May until June 23.

Day 4 JÖKULSARLON GLACIAL LAGOON - SKAFTAFELL (B, D) Start the day by visiting the mystical Jökulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. It is possible to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs. Spend the afternoon hiking in Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 5 LANDMANNALAUGAR (B, D) Follow the Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, molding this uniquely colorful landscape. There are several hiking trails in the area. Overnight in the Thjorsardalur area.

Day 6 LAKE MYVATN - SPRENGISANDUR (B, D) Discover hidden parts of the Icelandic interior, exploring the desolated wilderness of Sprengisandur highland route. Sprengisandur is the longest stretch between the South and North and is passable during the summer months. Traverse the rugged track with its scenic beauty, crossing rivers where necessary and driving over the largest continuous lava field in Iceland, Odadahraun. Overnight in the great Lake Myvatn area.

Day 7 TJÖRNES - ASBYRGI - DETTIFOSS - LAKE MYVATN (B, D) An adventure filled day with a backdrop of heavenly landscapes. This journey travels around the stunning Tjörnes peninsula. Discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi National Park that according to Norse mythology, is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Continue to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jökulsargljufur canyon. Drive to the stunningly beautiful area of Lake Myvatn, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Explore the solfataras at Hverarönd geothermal region, peculiar lava formations and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. Overnight in the great Lake Myvatn area.

Day 8 AKUREYRI - SKAGAFJÖRDUR (B, D) Drive towards Godafoss waterfall before continuing to Akureyri, the vibrant "Capital of the North" and the second largest urban area in Iceland. Spend time in Akureyri, which can include a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens. Continue to Skagafjördur with inspiring scenery. This area is renowned for horse breeding as well as being home to many important sites relating to the classic Icelandic Sagas. In the evening, optional horseback riding tour on purebred Viking horses or take a refreshing walk in the picturesque surroundings. Overnight in the Hvammstangi area.

Day 9 EIRIKSSTADIR - SNÆFELLSNESS PENINSULA (B, D) The journey continues through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age living museum at Eiriksstadir, the original home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world. Travel through the small fishing villages of the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Overnight in the Snæfellsnes area.

Day 10 SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK (B) Morning drive to Snæfellsnes National Park. Circle around the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, where, according to Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the Earth can be found. Continue to the beautiful rocky sea shore by Djupalonssandur. Stop at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi with its magnificent columnar basalt rock formations. Take a unique walk between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar before driving to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 11 DEPARTURE (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and end of tour (transfer not included).