Iceland: Fire and Ice Activity Holidays
Explore a country full of wonder and intrigue
Embark on a two-week adventure around one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating countries. Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. On Fire and Ice Activity Holidays you can explore the dramatic landscapes that are the product of Iceland’s volcanic activity. Also, due to the island’s northerly location, glacial action has shaped and sculpted the mountains and valleys, creating a truly unique environment. As you go hiking across the exceptional terrain, you will experience the pure spirit of Iceland.
Some of the highlights of the tour include the famous Blue Lagoon, a whale watching trip at Húsavík, the mighty Hekla Volcano, the sensational landscapes of Skaftafell and the unmissable Golden Circle tour, which incorporates Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs and Gullfoss Waterfall. So that we can take you around all these incredible places on Fire and Ice Activity Holidays, we move accommodation several times, allowing you to see much more of the country. Spend a few nights in North Iceland, a few more on the south coast and two nights in dazzling Reykjavík. There is even time for a sightseeing tour of the capital before you depart.
Day 1 -
Fly to Reykjavík
Fly into Iceland’s contemporary capital and get your holiday off to a relaxing start. Check into your hotel and explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2 -
Journey North
Our Fire and Ice Activity Holidays begin with a scenic drive northwards to Akureyri, stopping at various places of interest along the way. Break in your walking boots as we climb Grábrók Volcano, marvel at the most powerful hot springs in Europe and feel the mist of the thundering Hraunfossar Waterfall.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 3 -
Akureyri and Optional Trip to Hrísey Island
Explore the town with the help of a local guide this morning and see some of the sights, including the pretty Botanical Gardens. Spend more time in Akureyri in the afternoon or take an optional boat trip to Hrísey Island, which is a real hotspot for bird watching.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 4 -
Lake Mývatn
Fire and Ice Activity Holidays take you to the fascinating Lake Mývatn today but not before we have witnessed Goðafoss Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. At Lake Mývatn we will explore the remarkable volcanic features in the area and hopefully spot some of the many species of birds that frequent the area.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 5 -
At Leisure
Enjoy a day of rest in Akureyri today on Fire and Ice Activity Holidays. If you wish to travel further afield, there is an optional excursion to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town, where you can go hiking and explore the dramatic fjords and coastal landscapes.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 6 -
Húsavík
There is the option to join a whale watching boat trip this morning, during which you might be lucky enough to see different species of whale, including humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales and orcas. Alternatively, visit some of the town’s museums before we continue to Dettifoss Waterfall and the impressive Ásbyrgi Canyon.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 7 -
Highland Road
Our Fire and Ice Activity Holidays move southwards this morning along the picturesque Kjölur Highland Road. Witness vast expanses of desert, travel between two enormous glaciers and break up the journey with a relaxing dip in the Hveravellir Hot Springs.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 8 -
South Coast
Glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls and beaches – we see it all today on Fire and Ice Activity Holidays. Have a go at glacier walking, take a bracing stroll along the Atlantic coastline and witness spectacular bird cliffs as we explore this exceptional part of the country.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 9 -
Þjórsárdalur
Today we take a journey into the past and learn about the Vikings when we visit preserved ruins of their farms at Stöng. We also travel to Hekla Volcano and see how the landscape has changed dramatically since the last eruption back in the year 2000. Hjálparfoss Waterfall and the scenic Gjáin Valley are also highlights of the day.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 10 -
At Leisure Park
Spend another day exploring South Iceland at your own pace. You may wish to take the optional tour to Skaftafell National Park and go hiking in the lush mountains, admiring the exceptional vistas that unfold before you.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 11 -
The Westman Islands
We take a boat ride across to Heimaey this morning on Fire and Ice Activity Holidays. Heimaey is the only one of the Westman Islands that is populated. There you can discover more about the fateful eruption of Eldfell Volcano in 1973, which forced the entire island’s population to flee to the mainland for a month. Wander around the picturesque fishing town and explore the coastal scenery.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 12 -
Golden Circle Tour
Comprising three of Iceland’s must-see sights, the Golden Circle tour is an eye-opening experience. First we visit the famous Geysir Hot Springs, followed by a tour of the magnificent tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Afterwards, continue to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits in the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 13 -
Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon
On the final full day of Fire and Ice Activity Holidays we explore the scenic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula on foot. Afterwards, enjoy some rest and relaxation as you sink into the milky warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. In the afternoon we return to Reykjavík for a guided tour of the city’s sights and landmarks.
Day 14 -
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.