MOUNTAIN HIGHLIGHTS 2006

WALKING - TOURING - WHALE WATCHING

10 days / 9 nights,  Reykjavik - Gullfoss - Geysir - Skagafjörður - Maelifell - Eyjafjörður -

Husavik - Krafla - Námaskarð- Dettifoss- Asbyrgi - Lake Mývatn - Sprengisandur -

Vatnajökull Glacier - Landmannalaugar - Porsmörk - Reykjavik

Departures: Mondays, June 26 / July 10, 24, 31 / Aug 7, 14 2006

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.

Day 1 REYKJAVÍK-BLÁSKÓGABYGGÐ (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 Bláskógabyggð 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-HÚSAVÍK-NÁMASKARÐ (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.
 

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. We stay in the Mývatn area for the next two nights.

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.
 

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Departure Dates

Mondays, June 26 / July 10, 24, 31 / Aug 7, 14 

Prices in US Dollars

Mountain Highlights, 10 days