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MOUNTAIN HIGHLIGHTS 2008
WALKING - HIKING - WHALE WATCHING - HORSE SHOW
10 days / 9 nights, Reykjavik - Gullfoss - Geysir -
Skagafjörður - Maelifell - Eyjafjörður -
Husavik - Dettifoss -
Lake Mývatn - Sprengisandur -
Vatnajökull Glacier - Landmannalaugar - Porsmörk - Reykjavik
Departures: Mondays, June 30 / July 14, 28 /
Aug 11 |
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Our
Mountain Highlights is an escorted tour, prefect for
hikers / walkers. Featuring the
highlights of Iceland while enjoying nature walks in
the beautiful countryside. The world
at your feet, with an average of three hours walking
a day in some of the most beautiful parts of
Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir, a site of
historical and geological interest, the wonders of
Landmannalaugar, Tjörnes Peninsula, and Lake Mývatn,
the most fertile area in the world for it's
latitude. There are waterfalls including the awesome
Dettifoss, the most powerful in Europe. The tour
includes a 3 to 4-hour whale watching cruise, from
Húsavík, weather permitting. Lots to see but little
to carry, as the tour bus will convey your luggage.
Accommodation is provided in hotels with private
facilities.
We have
only had great comments on this tour and it's
excellent guide! |
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Day 1
REYKJAVÍK - ÞINGVELLIR AREA (D)
Shortly after leaving the capital we walk in the
wild Icelandic mountains overlooking the Þingvellir
National Park. We visit the historical sights of the
first Icelandic Parliament before reaching our
accommodation in the Þingvellir area, were we
stay for one night.
Day 2 GULLFOSS-GEYSIR - SKAGAFJÖRÐUR (B, D)
Into the highlands, visiting the famous Geysir and
the Queen of Iceland’s waterfalls Gullfoss on the
way. The route Kjölur takes us to the north,
traveling between the glaciers of Langjökull and
Hofsjökull. In late afternoon we arrive in
Skagafjörður where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 3 WALKING IN SKAGAFJÖRÐUR VALLEY (B, D)
We start the day with an introduction to the
Icelandic horse. Today’s walk is to the summit of
Mælifell Mountain (1147 m) overlooking the beautiful
Skagafjörður countryside and the central highlands.
Optional river rafting in the evening is great fun.
Day 4 SKAGAFJÖRÐUR - EYJAFJÖRÐUR (B, D)
A little folk history this morning, visiting the
turf farm houses preserved at Glaumbær. We drive to
Öxnadalur, where you will get to know one of the
most beautiful valleys of North Iceland by walking
up to Hraunsvatn. We visit Akureyri the capital of
the north before going to our overnight place in
Eyjafjörður area, where we stay for the next two
nights.
Day 5 EYJAFJÖRÐUR - LAKE MÝVATN AREA (B, D)
We head further north to the picturesque fishing
village of Húsavík, where we take a 3 to 4-hour
whale watching cruise, weather permitting. In the
afternoon we examine signs of recent volcanic
activity at Krafla and the geothermal area of
Námaskarð. We stay in the Lake Myvatn area for the
next three nights.
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Day 6 HLJÓÐAKLETTAR-DETTIFOSS-ÁSBYRGI (B, D)
We visit Hljóðaklettar with its strange formations
and the magnificent and puzzling canyon Ábyrgi said
to be a hoof print of the eight legged horse of the
ancient God Óðinn. Nearby is the mighty Jökulsá
river, and not far upstream is the waterfall
Dettifoss.
Day 7 LAKE MÝVATN AREA (B, D)
This unique area features strange lava formations,
attractive bays, pseudo craters and thousands of
birds. We will be strolling through the fantastic
lava field Dimmuborgir, culminating with a walk up
to the rim of the ash crater Hverfjall.
Day 8 LAKE MÝVATN AREA-HELLA (B, D)
South across the highland desert of Sprengisandur,
with its views of the glaciers Vatnajökull and
Hofsjökull to Nýidalur. From there we continue south
through Sprengisandur to our accommodation in the
south where we stay for two nights.
Day 9 LANDMANNALAUGAR (B, D)
The entire day is spent walking in and around
spectacular Landmannalaugar, a highland area said to
be of the most beautiful of Iceland because of its
various volcanoes and the ensuing special coloring
of the landscape. The picturesque valley lies
between colorful mountains at the dark edge of the
rhyolite lava field Laugahraun. Many hot and cold
springs create a bathing warm brook, inviting you
for a relaxing swim.
Day 10 ÞÓRSMÖRK (B)
The route continues to the broad valley of Þórsmörk,
named after the Germanic god Thor. Its wild and
romantic rolling hills, narrow canyons, wooded
valleys and colorful flowers, vegetation of moss,
fern and birches are a popular region for hikers.
The valley is surrounded by three majestic ice caps,
which feed the powerful glacial rivers, winding
through the moraines. We return back to Reykjavík in
the afternoon.
GJ
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Departure
Dates 2008 |
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Mondays, June 30 / July 14, 28 / Aug 11
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Prices
in US Dollar |
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Mountain Highlights, 10 days |
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Per person in double room |
3,525 |
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Single Supplement |
725 |
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Included |
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9 nights hotels* with private
facilities, based on double
room -
Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily -
1 x Picnic lunch on day 8 -
3-course dinners daily, from day 1
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Walking tours, 3-hours daily -
Horse show in Skagafjördur
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Glaumbaer Folk Museum -
Whale watching tour (weather
permitting) -
Hotel taxes and service fees
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Not Included |
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Please note: |
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* Accommodation is provided in
hotels with private facilities.
The hotels used on tours are often
“summer hotels”, used
most of the year as boarding
schools or country hotels which
are simple and clean.
Easy to moderate- average 3 hours of
walking per day,
except on days 3, 9 and 10
where most of the day will be
spent walking. The tour
is not difficult, but you can always
return earlier back to the
base if you do not want to walk
the whole day. Good walking
boots are needed on all
activity tours, as well as
waterproof clothing.
Lunch stops will be made at
restaurants of coffee-shops en route
Group size: from 8 - 30 passengers
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Add-ons: Tour Options |
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Additional nights in Reykjavik -
Optional horse riding -
Optional river rafting on
Jökulsá, day 3 -
Blue Lagoon excursion
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Blue Lagoon with transfer
to Keflavik Airport
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Greenland Excursion
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List of Hotels |
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Night 1
Cottages in the Þingvellir area |
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Night 2 & 3
Varmahlid |
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Night 4
Guesthouse Ongulsstadir
Eyjafjörður |
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Night 5, 6 & 7
Lake Mývatn area |
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Night 8 & 9
Sprengisandur area |
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The list of
hotels is for information only and may
change
without notice.
Final official
list will be included with your documents.
Hotels are selected at the discretion of
the tour operator. |
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Click
here for map of Iceland
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