Premium Iceland
from $8491
Duration: 9 Days
Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with soaring coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and idyllic waterfalls on a nine-day Premium adventure. Enjoy a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon, trek around vast waterside craters, visit local artisans in Grundarfjordur and charming fishing villages, and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean. See the highlights of Iceland with expert local knowledge and time to explore – you’ll get a true taste of this Northern European outpost.
  • Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss, Iceland's largest waterfall, the famous Blue Lagoon, and drive through fields of lava.
  • Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board an eco-friendly carbon neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide.
  • Step into Iceland’s history during your Feature Stay at the country’s oldest hotel. Enjoy personal and friendly service and old-fashioned touches, from antique furniture to original architecture.
  • Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during this Exclusive Experience.
  • From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture.
  • Reykjavik - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Borgarfjordur - Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
  • Borgarfjordur - Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Snaefellsjokull, Arnarstapi & Stykkisholmur
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Liston's Stone Carving Workshop
  • Trollaskagi Peninsula - Siglufjordur
  • Trollaskagi Peninsula - Icelandic Specialties Tasting
  • Myvatn - Godafoss Waterfall
  • Hauganes Whale Watching Excursion
  • Myvatn - Lake Myvatn
  • Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride
  • East Fjords - Scenic Drive
  • South Coast - Laki Lava Fields
  • South Coast - Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls
  • Hvolsvollur Valley - Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
  • Reykjavik - Walking Tour
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll
  • Day 1 Location: Reykjavik
    Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, Iceland's quirky capital. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, where you will meet your group and tour leader for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, take a stroll and acquaint yourself with the world's northernmost capital. Perhaps visit the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition on the history of Iceland. After your welcome meeting, head out with your leader and small group to get to know Reykjavik’s flourishing food scene. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants and learn about Icelandic produce and cuisine.
    Day 2 Location: Thingvellir National Park / Borgarfjordur / Snaefellsnes Peninsula
    Today you’ll board a private vehicle and drive to Thingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains) – your leader will explain how this stunning spot is both the original location of Iceland’s first parliament from AD930 and a geological phenomenon. From here enter the Borgarfjordur area and visit the spectacular waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava waterfalls) and Barnafossar (Children’s waterfalls). Continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s hottest water spring. In the afternoon head to your overnight stay in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Once settled in, meet up with your group for an included dinner.
    Day 3 Location: Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Skagafjordur
    Today you will continue around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its magnificent glacier Snaefellsjokull, an icecap covering a dormant volcano underneath. Places you’ll visit today include the small town of Budir, basaltic pebble beaches framed by strange lava formations, and Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs gives you access to the rich birdlife and other wonders of nature. Continue to the pretty town of Grundarfjordur, where you’ll stop and meet a local artist by the name of Liston, who will show you his workshop. This is a great opportunity to admire his stone carving pieces and to find out about the life of a local artisan. Afterwards, drive to Saudarkrokur in Iceland's north, located on beautiful Skagafjordur Fjord. Here you will find the family-run Hotel Tindastoll, Iceland’s oldest hotel and your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. You’ll experience a part of Iceland’s history as soon as you step through the door, and nods to the hotel’s past are everywhere; from antique furniture to original architecture. Enjoy personal and friendly service, a delightful courtyard with a thermal hot tub and absolutely incredible surroundings.
    Day 4 Location: Trollaskagi Peninsula / Akureyri / Husavik
    Drive around the picturesque Trollaskagi Peninsula and visit the small fishing town of Siglufjordur. Explore the compact town centre, dwarfed by towering mountains on three sides, and opening up to the fjord on its northern side. Further along the stunning coast you’ll have the special opportunity to dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean and enjoy an Icelandic schnapps tasting, accompanied with some local delicacies. You group leader will offer you some specialties of the region – think shark, lamb’s head, liver sausage and dried fish. They’re not called delicacies for nothing! Continue to Hauganes, where you will getting to know the gentle giants of Iceland’s waters on board a carbon neutral whale watching tour. Minke and humpback whales are commonly spotted in these parts, and the boat keeps a respectful distance from the whales, allowing you to observe them in their natural environment without disturbing or distressing them. You’ll be joined on board by an expert whale watching guide who will help to spot these beautiful creatures while providing insight on their lives and habitats in Arctic waters. Continue to the town of Akureyri, Iceland's second town, where you will have an oriention walk. Perhaps visit the church – the unique building is an iconic symbol of the town. Next, drive to the mighty waterfall of Godafoss, also known as The Waterfall of the Gods, before continuing to your hotel in Husavik.
    Day 5 Location: Husavik / Lake Myvatn / Egilsstadir
    Start the day with a journey to Lake Myvatn, one of the most interesting geological areas of the northern hemisphere. Visit a number of geological anomalies lining the lake’s shoreline, including the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir and the pseudo-crater group at Skutustadir, and the boiling mud pots and sulphuric vents of Namaskard. Your leader will be on hand to explain how these natural wonders came to be. Drive via the highlands to your overnight stop at Egilsstadir.
    Day 6 Location: East Fjords / Jokulsarlon
    This morning after breakfast, continue along the beautiful coastal region of Iceland's East Fjords, taking in spectacular views of the varied landscape as soaring mountains give way to deep fjords. If you are lucky you may even spot a seal or two. Drive to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for an unforgettable boat tour on the milky blue waters. Get up close and personal with huge floating icebergs, originating from Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Carry on to some of the country’s most impressive, uninterrupted scenery to your hotel for this evening. This rustic farm hotel carefully considers its surroundings as its windows show off views of the mountains and sea. Enjoy the onsite cultural center and museum before enjoying a traditional dinner made with local ingredients.
    Day 7 Location: Skaftafell National Park / South Coast / Hella
    Visit Skaftafell National Park and walk to the tongue of the glacier of the same name. Drive over the black sands and lava formations caused by the Laki eruption of 1782-1783, an event that has shaped Iceland's history and culture. Visit the waterfalls of Seljarlandsfoss and Skogafoss, then stop off at an eco-farm in the Hvolsvollur Valley – the leader in responsible tourism and sustainability in Iceland. Since the arrival of the first settlers to Iceland, deforestation has taken place in order to make space for pastures. The owners implemented a planting project on their land to contribute to lowering CO2 and counteract soil erosion. Join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself. Later in the day, continue to your base for the evening near Hella.
    Day 8 Location: Golden Circle / Reykjavik
    From Hella, drive to the geyser geothermal area for the spouting hot springs of Geysir (after which all other geysers were named) and Strokkur, the most reliable of the geysers, erupting every ten minutes, on average. Don’t stand downwind if you don’t want a hot shower! Then it’s on to Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) where, on a sunny day, you can see rainbows shimmer in the spray above the waterfall. Next up take part in one of Iceland’s most celebrated activities during a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by a black lava field. Its warm waters are rich in minerals and silica mud, said to cleanse and soften the skin. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing soak against a remarkable mountain backdrop. Drive back to Reykjavik for a short tour with your leader to get to know the main sights of this eclectic city. The evening is free for you to explore the streets of Iceland’s capital – you may like to join your group for a final dinner together to round off your adventure.
    Day 9 Location: Reykjavik
    Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. As there is not much time spent in Reykjavik on this trip, you may want to consider booking some additional days in the capital. If you wish to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    06JUL2023
    Return Date:
    14JUL2023
    11620NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    15JUL2023
    Return Date:
    23JUL2023
    11620NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20JUL2023
    Return Date:
    28JUL2023
    11620NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29JUL2023
    Return Date:
    06AUG2023
    10755NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03AUG2023
    Return Date:
    11AUG2023
    9990NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05AUG2023
    Return Date:
    13AUG2023
    10175NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17AUG2023
    Return Date:
    25AUG2023
    11190NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19AUG2023
    Return Date:
    27AUG2023
    11190NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    26AUG2023
    Return Date:
    03SEP2023
    11190NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02SEP2023
    Return Date:
    10SEP2023
    10760NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Premium Iceland

    Trip code

    BIPK

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with soaring coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and idyllic waterfalls on a nine-day Premium adventure. Enjoy a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon, trek around vast waterside craters, visit local artisans in Grundarfjordur and charming fishing villages, and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean. See the highlights of Iceland with expert local knowledge and time to explore – you’ll get a true taste of this Northern European outpost.

    Style

    Premium

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle (Ford Transit van or similar)

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

    Joining point

    Hotel Reykjavik Saga

    Lækjargata 12, 101

    Reykjavik

    ICELAND

    Phone: +35 4 514 5000

    Joining point instructions

    A shared airport shuttle bus arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. If you have advised your flight arrival details, upon landing at Keflavik Airport please make your way to the orange Airport Direct Information Desk at the end of the terminal, and advise them of your name. Shuttle departures coincide with flight arrivals. As this is a shared transfer you will stop at different hotels en route, dropping off other passengers. If you have booked with a group of 4 or more people, your transfer will be private your your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. If you have any issues, call Airport Direct at +(354) 497-8000, or visit the Airport Direct Information Desk which will call our local operator. You can also call our emergency line directly at: +49 8677 9186 657. If you are making your own way to the starting point hotel, Gray Line and Flybus services are available to take you to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. From there you can change to a hotel shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes to the starting point hotel. Taxis are available and the fare is approximately ISK21,000.

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    16 Sep 2023 (BIPK230916)

    Hotel Skuggi

    Hverfisgata 103

    Reykjavik

    ICELAND

    Phone: +354 5907000

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    A shared airport shuttle bus arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. If you have advised your flight arrival details, upon landing at Keflavik Airport please make your way to the Airport Direct information desk and advise them of your name. Shuttle departures coincide with flight arrivals. As this is a shared transfer you will stop at different hotels en route, dropping off other passengers. If you have any issues, please call the transfer provider at: +(354) 497-8000. If you are making your own way to the starting point hotel, Gray Line and Flybus services are available to take you to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. From there you can change to a hotel shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes to the starting point hotel. Taxis are available and the fare is approximately ISK 21,000.

    Finish point

    Hotel Reykjavik Saga

    Lækjargata 12, 101

    Reykjavik

    ICELAND

    Phone: +35 4 514 5000

    Finish point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a shared airport shuttle bus departure transfer - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip. As this is a shared transfer you will stop at different hotels en route, picking up other passengers. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. If you are making your own way to the airport, please speak to your leader about the best option via bus or taxi. A taxi will cost approximately ISK21,000.

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    16 Sep 2023 (BIPK230916)

    Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

    Adalstræti 16

    Reykjavik

    101

    ICELAND

    Phone: +385 5146000

    Important information

    1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper. All Intrepid group trips in Iceland are accompanied by one of our group leaders, who will also be the driver.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements

    Why we love it

    Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss, Iceland's largest waterfall, the famous Blue Lagoon, and drive through fields of lava.

    Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board an eco-friendly carbon neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide.

    Step into Iceland’s history during your Feature Stay at the country’s oldest hotel. Enjoy personal and friendly service and old-fashioned touches, from antique furniture to original architecture.

    Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during this Exclusive Experience.

    From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture.

    Is this trip right for you

    Iceland can be very cold at any time of year, so it's important to bring appropriate clothing. On the rare occasion that your leader has to alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered. Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives of around 6 hours. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. Of course, you will stop frequently for photo opportunities.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. VEGETARIANS Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. CURRENCY The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). CASH Please note that credit cards are virtually accepted everywhere throughout Iceland, and you can get by without withdrawing any cash. However if you do need an ATM, they are available in most towns. Please check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you depart. Some banks will allow a cash advance against a major credit card which will incur a service charge of 5% or more. Currency exchange is available at major banks and some hotels. The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR, however please be aware of the security risk of carrying large amounts of cash. TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$8-10 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used.

    What to take

    PACKING On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    CLIMATE The Icelandic climate is very unpredictable the whole year round thus we recommend to all our guests to bring good sturdy shoes with a good grip for trekking, a warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, good head wear and sunglasses. WHITE NIGHTS The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper. THERMAL BATHS In order for you to be able to experience Iceland's famous thermal baths please don't forget to bring your swimsuit and a spare towel.

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    Climate and seasonal

    Iceland can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the summer season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel WHALING We are big supporters of the protection of endangered species around the world. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand. TREE PLANTING Smaratun Hotel Fljotshlid, a beautiful family run operation connected to a farm, are the leaders in responsible tourism and sustainability in Iceland. They produce almost all food locally, practice recycling, and hold seminars to teach other farmers and guesthouses on how to be more environmentally friendly. Since the arrival of the first settlers to Iceland, deforestation has taken place in order to make space for pastures. Overgrazing over the centuries has then led to soil erosion. With this in mind, the owners of Smaratun Hotel Fljotshlid had the idea to start a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering their carbon footprint and counteract soil erosion. Our groups have the opportunity to join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees themselves.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

    Transport notes

    On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable hotel (7 nights),Feature stay (1 night)

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