'Round Iceland

Arrival airport transfer on or no more than two days before Day 1 (provided only if you are staying at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina), final day departure airport transfer, accommodations, land transportation, internal flights, meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, drinking water throughout the trip and soft drinks at meals, services of an NHA Expedition Leader and local guides, most gratuities, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.

Round-trip transportation to and from the start and end points of the trip (Keflavik, Iceland), early arrival airport transfers (if you are arriving more than 2 days early or are arriving early and staying at a hotel other than the Icelandair Marina), late departure airport transfers, passport fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, Internet, etc.), alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, airline baggage fees and optional travel insurance.

Moderate
In order to participate in this trip, you must be able to walk unassisted for a minimum of two miles over uneven terrain. Our itinerary involves daily walks or hikes of varied lengths over pavement, boardwalks, rough lava, glacial ice and earthen trails that can be muddy, slippery and uneven with roots and rocks (note that all walks can be more difficult to navigate during inclement weather). Some hikes involve walking up and down hills. Those who would like to see the Askja Caldera will be required to walk approximately four miles round-trip, traversing up and down an incline. The highest elevation reached during the trip will be at the top Askja Volcano, situated nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Several boat trips are also included, and while we generally spend time in more sheltered waters, travelers prone to seasickness should take this into consideration and may wish to take precautions. Optional activities include a moderately easy glacier hike that requires the use of crampons (all specialized equipment is provided for both excursions). The trip involves many very early morning starts and long, full days of activities with little down time. Some drives between locations are long (5-6 hours or longer, depending on local conditions).

Our grand Iceland adventure is different from those typically offered by most tour companies. Though we do include some major highlights, we deliberately take you away from more highly popular tourist spots and into traditional, more remote locales that unveil Iceland’s rich natural history in further detail. Accordingly, we often stay in smaller, authentic accommodations in less-traveled locations. While certainly comfortable, rooms are often a bit less spacious than those typically found in North America. However, the slight inconveniences are well worth it, as whatever we may forsake in space and luxury, we more than make up for in setting, surrounded by nature amid Iceland’s most awe-inspiring sights. Please be prepared to spend time outdoors in unpredictable weather, which may include heavy rain and wind—or perfect sunshine.

Also note that due to the nature of Iceland's often delayed hotel reservation system, the hotels listed on our website are only samples of the accommodations that will be used during the trip. Final hotel details will be confirmed approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure and will offer the same or similar properties.

Please arrive at the Keflavik International Airport no later than 8:30 am on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in our tour of Reykjavik and the surrounding area beginning at 11 am. The transfer to our hotel in Reykjavik city center takes approximately one hour. You are free to depart Keflavik at any time on the final day of the trip. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of our program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.