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Our hiking journey brings you into the surreal landscapes of a country unlike any other on earth. PHOTO: ROBERT LEON
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT 76
Nature has outdone herself in Iceland, a
world of spouting geysers, blue lagoons,
moss-covered lava fields, and multicolored
valleys stretching to the sea—the geographic
diversity and fantasy landscapes must be
seen to be believed. On our journey of coastal,
mountain, and glacier
adventures, we explore
UNESCO-listed Thingvellir
National Park and the
brooding heaths of ancient
“saga” country, where Viking
clans created the world’s first
parliament. We’ll hike onto
the Svinafellsjökull Glacier
(crampons provided!), high above breathtaking
Skógarfoss waterfall, across the spectacular
Dyrholaey headland, and to the otherworldly
black-sand beach at Reynisfjara. We’ll also
experience the welcoming Icelandic culture,
sampling local delights from arctic char to
fresh-caught salmon, and enjoying soaks in
geothermally heated mineral waters—join us!
Days 1-2 Reykjavík / Höfn / Vatnajökull
Glacier Flowing to the sea through a narrow
fjord, Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and
our dramatic backdrop as we hike to the coast
among fascinating geologic formations.
Days 3-6 Jökulsárlón / Skaftafell National
Park / Skógar / Reynisfjara Waterside trails
bring us along stunning Jökulsárlón Lagoon,
with its powder-blue icebergs calved from
the Breidamerkurjökull Glacier, and we boat
between the bergs as we cross the lagoon
for our picnic lunch. We also hike across
Skaftafellsheidi Heath, past the tumbling
Svartifoss waterfall, and across the ice of the
Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. In tiny Skógar, we
sample beer from a microbrewery, hike up above
the breathtaking Skógarfoss cascade, with
its legends of buried treasure, and visit the
black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, considered one
of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Days 7-8 Thingvellir National Park / Blue
Lagoon We follow trails through the Reykjadalur
Valley, with its steaming hot springs, and marvel
at the spectacular terrain of Thingvellir National
Park, a World Heritage Site, where we can walk
right between tectonic plates. After a soak in the
famed thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, depart
on Day 8.
HIKING ADVENTURES IN A SURREAL LAND
“Loved the trip, loved
the challenge of the
hikes, the scenery,
and getting to know
Iceland and its
culture. I’d go back!”
Margie C., Lake Forest IL
HIGHLIGHTS
• Unique hikes in an unearthly landscape
of fjords, iceberg-filled lagoons, geysers,
and lava fields
• Explore Skaftafell and Thingvellir, with their
glaciers, waterfalls, and Viking history
• Take a fascinating glacier walk (no
experience necessary!) on Iceland’s most
impressive glacier
• Soak in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon,
marvel at the long twilight of the
midnight sun
• Taste savory Icelandic cuisine, from local
fish to fresh lamb and crisp Icelandic beer
• Enjoy our intimate lodges in beautifully
remote settings
DETAILS
• 8-day trip begins and ends in Reykjavík
• 7 nights hotels
• All meals included
DATES
Jun 22-29, 2018 Aug 10-17
Jul 13-20 Aug 17-24
Aug 3-10
TRIP COST
$7495 (13-15 members)
$7795 (10-12 members)
$8095 (8-9 members)
Single supplement: $845
Internal airfare: $300 (subject to change)
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3+ 4 5 6 7
8 hiking days on moderate to strenuous
trails, some steep sections, 3-8 hours a
day, optional glacier walking, van support
ON OUR WEBSIT
Hike a volcano, see bubbling mudpots, explore
the Snaefellsnes and Tröllaskagi Peninsulas.
Jul 2-9, Jul 23-30, 2018. From $7495.