2020 GeoEx Catalog

Iceland  LAND OF AWE DAY HIKING | 7 DAYS · CUSTOM N orse mythology and Viking folklore are still very much alive in Iceland, a magical place where elves are respected, and volcanic and verdant land- scapes vie for attention. Its name is also the stuff of leg- end, originating, some say, with a swashbuckler intent on keeping the island’s wonders a secret. For the love of storytelling, wild nature, and uninhabited expanses, we venture into the land of fire and ice. Our adventure focuses on the southwestern part of this living, breathing island. Traveling by souped-up four- by-four, we comfortably traverse a realm that constantly changes shape—pulsing magma moves beneath active volcanoes, which are topped by tumbling glaciers, and geothermal waters steam and stream through mossy green

to learn about birdlife and egg-collecting traditions. We may also bike and raft along the black-sand coast, boat through sea caves, and enjoy heritage discussions with proud Icelanders. As foreboding as its name may sound, Iceland has been drawing increasing numbers of travelers lately. And so we focus on arranging off-the-beaten-path experiences and smartly timed visits, stays at private villas, and meals by dedicated chefs, who may even provide a picnic spread as outstanding as the setting.

valleys. We hug eye-caressing coastline and enjoy the warmer weather and long sunlight hours of late spring and summer. Beginning in and around Reykjavik, we sample a Nordic lifestyle that’s rich in design culture and fashion. A short drive outside the city takes us to UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, which lies in the

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rift valley at the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, strad- dling two continents. Then it’s onward for languid hikes that carry us across grassy hills and into craggy vales, reveal magnificent waterfalls plunging into deep river canyons, and dunk us in birch forests where mushroom and berry hunting are pastimes. We meander past lava fields and relax in hot springs frequented by locals (dipping in these pools is part of everyday life), then watch sensational geyser explosions. We’ll head to the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago

offered may–sept. from $11,900

Day 1  arrive in Reykjavik ✦  2  Thingvellir National Park, Botnsdalur Valley hiking ✦  3  Reykjadalur “steam valley” rambles, Gullfoss waterfall, meet farmers ✦  4  explore Vestmannaeyjar ✦  5  hike in Thórsmörk Valley among glaciers and volcanoes ✦  6  Sólheimajökull Glacier walk, return to Reykjavik ✦  7  explore Reykjanes Peninsula, depart.

BELOW  The Emstrua River tumbles through Thórsmörk, a rugged valley closed in by glaciers, whose warmer climate supports the growth of moss, ferns, and birch trees.

ARCTIC IMAGES / ALAMY