Luxury Iceland Walk (Ice Caves, Waterfalls & Geothermal Pools) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 182m (600ft)
Level 2, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 275m (900ft)
Level 3, Approx. 9.6km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 304m (1000ft)

Meet your trip leaders at 9 a.m. at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre located at Smidjustigur. Arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to your first night's accommodation).

Welcome to Iceland! Today is all about the exploration of geothermal power stations. We begin our journey together in Reykjavik, Iceland's cosmopolitan capital, and then travel to the country's largest geothermal power plant to see how Iceland uses the energy buried deep inside the ground to power its metropolis. Then, we head to the ethereal Reykjadalur Valley, also known as the "Smokey Valley," so named because of its bubbling mud pots and steamy fumaroles.

You can opt to soak in the thermal hot springs as the locals do and also comfort yourself in the hot waters of the river. Our hike takes us through a rocky area near Mount Hengill. The Hellisheidi and Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Stations use this active volcano as a significant source of geothermal energy to power Reykjavk and other regions of the nation with heat, water, and electricity. Fearlessly spectate the active volcano where the eruption hasn’t occurred in the last 2,500 years and witness hot springs, lava craters, rivers, lakes, and fertile spots on your way.

Beginning with a brief ascent via a gorge, our path leads to a vantage point from where we can see Thingvallavatn, Iceland's biggest freshwater lake. Before descending down another canyon filled with waterfalls, we travel down a valley toward bubbling mud pots and smoky fumaroles. We pass the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station at the conclusion of our hike across the valley floor, which provides Reykjavk and other regions of the nation with energy, hot water, and heat.

Our journey ends at the entrance of the award-winning, environmentally aware ION Adventure Hotel, which has views of scalding rivers and Iceland's biggest lake. Unwind at the sauna, Jacuzzi or geothermal pool or simply take in the views of the isolated valley from the hotel's Northern Lights bar. This evening, gather together for a welcome celebration before delighting to a dinner affair showcasing local cuisine.

FOUR HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3.21km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 213m (700ft)
Level 2, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500ft)
Level 2, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 213m (700ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400ft)

We start the day with a shuttle to the World Heritage Site at Thingvellir National Park, which is praised as the national shrine of Iceland due to its great historical and geological significance.

At Thingvellir, geological forces in the continental rift zone have carved out the stunning scenery. Make your journey through the rift valley, which is located between two tectonic plates, by visiting various historical sites. A hiking path leads through the enormous cleft to the “law rock” and Öxará river, enveloped by stunning walls of basalt rocks. Continue walking to again experience spectacular views of Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. Thingvellir boasts a diverse bio system, including good pastureland, firewood, and water. Marvel at how 40 percent of all Icelandic flora can be found here, though nothing is taller than a dwarf birch.

Once we've arrived at Hvalfjördur, we'll begin our afternoon hike, taking us through various landscapes, including broad expanses of flat land bordered by majestic mountain ranges, lush flora, and beaches punctuated by creeks. Whale Fjord is named from the vast number of whales that used to live in the fjord, although despite its name, the area is rich in bird life and a haven for seals. Our path brings us close to the roaring Glymur Waterfall, whose waters drop 650 feet down a mossy gorge.

Hotel Hsafell, one of National Geographic's world's most unusual lodges, is our next stop. This will be home for the next two nights. With its glass walls and textured furnishings, this secluded hideaway perfectly complements the rolling hills, glacial rivers and ice-capped peaks surrounding it. Unwind at the cozy bar or make use of several public thermal pools onsite. The gold lovers, can play a round at the non-hole golf course open 24 hours!

This evening, delight your taste buds at the hotel’s elegant dining room boasting traditional Icelandic fare as you dine with chandeliers, a fireplace and 180 degree views of the picturesque landscape and glacier.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500ft)
Level 3, Approx. 9.6km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 304m (1000ft).

This morning after breakfast, we set out on a hike that shows off the stunning features of West Iceland and highlights the area's true wilderness visiting magical waterfalls, spectacular canyon baths, powerful hot springs and much more. Start off with a climb to Deildargil and Hringsgil Canyons, two of the area's relatively undiscovered secrets, before following a rugged path across the mountainside with wide vistas across Húsafell. This is a spellbinding place that has to be seen to be believed, with three geothermally-heated pools of varying temperatures (30-41°C or 86-105°F), a cold-water pot and a cooling waterfall, all designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment. The inspiration for the Husafell Canyon Baths can be found at Reykholt – one of the previous stops visited during this tour.

Explore Baejargil Canyon to get to Husafell farm, where you can visit the old church, admire Páll Gudmundsson's artwork, and try lifting the fabled Hsafell stone. Indulge yourself in the healing powers of nature while admiring the surrounding canyon, majestic mountains, and shimmering glaciers while you soak in the healing waters of these natural hot springs! These are true and traditional Icelandic swimming pools, modeled after the centuries-old customs of the people who have lived in this region for thousands of years. Off the grid in a remote location, it's a unique combination of sustainable construction with traditional stone baths.

Next, delve deep into Langjökull Glacier's base camp. In Iceland's Midwestern highlands, Langjökull (Long Glacier) is the country's second-largest glacier, spanning almost 600 square miles. We board specially modified glacier-travel vehicles that enable us to get up close and personal with the surface of the ice cap. Then we explore man-made ice tunnels and caves by foot—an extraordinary experience and perspective unique to Iceland! This evening, luxuriate another fine dinner in the hotel's dining room.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61m (200ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500ft)

After fueling up with breakfast, start your hike after shuttling to Grábrók, a crater produced by a fissure eruption around 3,000 years ago. Blessed with nature’s treasures, Grábrók is a bonhomie of beauty where explorers worldwide come to devour this extraordinary display of floral wealth. Atop Grábrók, we can see its two smaller sibling craters, which are now all part of a nature preserve. We can also get a bird's eye view of the surrounding farms and Baula Mountain. Pass across lava fields and past lakes and old-growth Icelandic forests before descending into the valley below.

Later, luxuriate at a family-owned restaurant nestled in a beautiful bay for a hearty lunch. After a delicious meal, head to Hótel Búdir, home for the next two nights. Relax at the bar or whisk away in the cozy lounge complete with a telescope for birdwatching. This evening, indulge in a dinner affair at the hotel’s sophisticated dining room giving sweeping views of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 31m (100ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 152m (122ft)

Today, delve deep into the magnificent Snæfellsjökull National Park, named after the beautifully shaped and infamous stratovolcano and glacier Snæfellsjökull, the crown of the national park! It is home to native Icelandic fauna, prime hiking, and coastal bird- and whale-watching spots. The Park is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, significant historical artifacts, and landmarks.

Admire the only national park in the world to stretch from the ocean to the highest peaks of a volcano and a glacier. Several strange powers have been linked to the Snfellsjökull glacier, which is supposed to be one of the seven main energy centers of the Earth. From this location, a breathtaking view of the Reykjanes Peninsula and Westfjords can be seen from the top and the Snfellsnes mountains to the east. We have the opportunity to watch kittiwakes, gulls, and arctic terns as we walk between coastal fishing settlements. From the historic shipwreck and black sand beach at Dritvik, enjoy breathtaking views of the jagged rock formations along the coast and the Snaefellsnes Glacier inland while passing the Malariff lighthouse. Following lunch in the quaint fishing community of Arnarstapi, our trek continues to the nearby community of Hellnar, where rainbows are said to dance on the walls of caverns and archways along the shore.

After a quick shuttle rides back to Hótel Budir in the afternoon, we settle in for one more evening of celebrations, which includes dinner and a visit from a resident from the peninsula who tells us about growing up in Iceland. Refresh yourself with a drink from the lounge's bar and take in the views of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean after a long day of exploration.

Level 1, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 92m (300ft)

Our final hike in Iceland journeys through the lava fields to Búdir Crater, nestled on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, also called Iceland in miniature. Be sure to look down into the Búdahraun lava field to uncover an abundance of native Icelandic plants, many of which have been designated as endangered or extinct. Snaefellsnes peninsula boasts a black church that has been the subject of many beautiful photographs over the years. On the peninsula's south coast, a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búdakirkja sits alone among a field of lava rocks. According to local legend, a lava tube beneath Búdahraun is paved with gold and precious stones and leads all the way to Surtshellir cave in upper Borgarfjördur.

You might also choose to ride one of Iceland's world-renowned horses instead of going on a hike. Guides will lead you to a farm owned by a family all the way out to the seashore after passing through some breathtaking meadows. (Horseback riding at own expense). Afterward, enjoy a light farewell lunch at Hótel Búdir before returning to Reykjavík or on to Keflavík International Airport, where your inspiring journey ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.