Iceland

You are greeted at Reykjavik airport "capital" by our friendly staff and the 4x4 SUV's. We warm up the tour with a short drive to our comfortable hotel and check in. Dependant on the time of flight we will introduce the group with the city tour and have chance to explore and get our bearings followed by a great meal to get to know the guides and relax before the adventure begins.

After breakfast, start driving east on Highway 1 to Thorsmork Valley.  We do a quick stop and enjoy a magnificent small hike overlooking the glacier's edge next to a beautiful river. Some great off road discovery follows as we head down a muddy dirt route encircling the northern edge of the Myrdalsjokull glacier "which is the 4th largest in the area spanning 590km squared and towering 1480m above sea level. Back to the coastal highway we test the SUV's from there to Vik I' Myrdal which is home to huge cliff sides with migrating birds aplenty and the black basalt beaches which have been voted one of the most beautiful in the world. We head over to our hotel, check in and go to a local restaurant for a large heart meal.

Our morning begins with a tour of the towering nearby cliffs and black beaches Dyrhólaey - this place is renowned for its large black lava arch standing in the sea "the island with the hill door".  After our visit we will go to one of the most impressive and hugely preserved reserves in Iceland and its here that we are struck with amazing sights of unusual geological phenomenon. We off road and cross a number of dirt channels till we reach one of the most violent volcanic activities known within Iceland.  We stop briefly at places of interest and observation points to take in the essence of its natural wonderment with the addition of a few hiking trails to get closer to the overpowering columns of lava. On our way back to our hotel "Circe Kirka" we stop at the a set of waterfalls before a eating at a local traditional restaurant then a relaxing night in the comfort of our hotel.

Heading east takes us south of the Island where we are treated to viewing the largest glacier range in Europe "Glacier Vatnajokull". This awe inspiring place covers nearly 3,100 km³. On arrival here we use a picturesque walking track at the black waterfall - a spectacular waterfall surrounded by black basalt rocks and strange fauna. We venture back down to the lake Jökulsárlón "glacier lagoon" which is the largest lake in Iceland and is considered one of the most natural wonders of this awesome country as its filled with huge glaciers floating aloft the waters. If time permits will be given (additional charge in place) the opportunity to go riding on amphibious vehicles and cruise the vast blocks of ice. Later in the day we off-road to numerous places and stop at extensions of the iceberg to view its beauty from different angles, later an overnight stay in Kirk.

Today we head deep into the territory to one of the most beautiful backcountry areas in Iceland - an area of black volcanic tuff twisted and remains of volcanic scenery encompass us in the Landmannalaugar Reserve even though this is one of the most known areas for tourists it is home to multicolored Rhyolite Mountains and numerous natural hot springs. Our next route will circle the volcano relief (HEKLA) which is an active volcano and last erupted violently in 1991.  The surroundings are flush in fresh volcanic landscapes and lava sculptures. Later we embark on a small tour of the northern relief of this reserve then drive onto our accommodation for the evening.

Across off road we head to Iceland's eerie remote plains and cross the island to the north along the main route of the underground fault line ridge "Oceania". We explore the surrounding giant icebergs plus discovering some of the most remote hidden waterfalls of Iceland at feet of this monster iceberg range. Later in descend from the plateau to the lake Lake Myvatn which was created 2300 years ago after a lava eruption created the eutropic-lake. Accommodation for the evening will be situated near Lake Myvatn.

This day will be devoted entirely to one of the most fascinating sites and geological wonders of Iceland - Lake Myvatn. Today we explore all of this fascinating lake and its surrounding wetlands. We start with a walk on foot to the amazing maze of craters and naturally built formations.  The Lake itself is rich and nutrient filled thus being home to lots of water birds and extremely rare fauna like the Marimo "lake balls" that only grows in certain areas across the globe.  We visit the boiling mud, water pools and more volcanoes that are situated bubbling under the earth's crust. Towards late afternoon we conduct a walking tour of a geothermal power plant in the North of the lake and learn how the natural surroundings generate most of the countries power. Accommodation this evening will be spent next to Lake Myvatn.

We convoy out very early this day on our way to the east towards the volcano ranges.As we enter into the center of the island we are awe-stricken by the scenic hills of volcanic mass in different shades, colors and sizes. This volcanic range is known as one of the most unique places in Iceland "and you will see first hand why". We pass raging river channels as we approach the top. Upon our arrival we embark on a ramble route into the mountain's caldera "cauldron like crater lake". Once there we can bath in the natural hot Spa Lake and relax by its waters. On our way back we can observe what the locals call "Queen of Iceland" and cross difficult transition regions in our 4x4's.  We will picnic at the foot of the mountain climber's lodge and then a stroll into the Black Canyon to view its impressive waterfall. Stay overnight at Lake Miovat. Today is a very long day but worth every minute.

The day starts with the viewing of the immense power of the many waterfalls within the Gullfoss area.  Visiting all the viewing focal points around by foot on walking routes. If conditions allow we will also go down to the basalt canyon tour in the impressive plateaus below via a challenging hiking trails which also leads us to hidden springs and captivating waterfalls. During the day we stop to visit the hexagonal rocks and an abandoned waterfall site. Towards the end of the day well visit a town once famous for hunting whales but today make a living from tourism around the lives of whales showing tourist the great habitat they live in and of course seeing first hand the whales. Accommodation overnight in Akureyri.