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Iceland Summer Mini Break
HIGHLIGHTS: Reykjavik and South Coast Adventure with SuperJeep 4 Wheel Drive adventures, Glacier Snowmobiling, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle; Geysers, Waterfalls, Pingvellir,
This Iceland Summer Mini Break gives you the opportunity to see some of the iconic sites in South Iceland. Explore some of the world's most dramatic volcanic landscapes and see why Iceland is simply a geological gem!
You may wish to combine with the highlights of our breaks to Husavik, Whale watching capital of Europe or to the wonderful Hotel Budir in the West
Iceland Summer Mini Break
DAY 1
Fly to Iceland. Pick up hire car & drive to Hotel Ranga
Fly to Iceland where on arrival pick up your hire car before driving to Hotel Ranga (1 1/2-2 hrs).
Hotel Ranga is ideally situated in rural south Iceland and acts as a perfect base for you to experience the raw nature in the area. Ranga is close to the stunning area of Thorsmork and the recently erupted Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. There are the Black Volcanic sand Beaches, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier with the Solheimsjökull Glacial tongue . Most of the sites that would be a day trip from Reykajvik are right on your doorstep whilst staying at Hotel Ranga.
Hotel Ranga is ideally situated in rural south Iceland and acts as a perfect base for you to experience the raw nature in the area. Ranga is close to the stunning area of Thorsmork and the recently erupted Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. There are the Black Volcanic sand Beaches, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier with the Solheimsjökull Glacial tongue . Most of the sites that would be a day trip from Reykajvik are right on your doorstep whilst staying at Hotel Ranga.
Day 2
4WD Super Jeep Tour
After breakfast your driver will take you out into the stunning landscapes of south Iceland on one of the options below - you choose!
EITHERThis tour will take you as close as possible to the crater in Eyjafjallajökull volcano and to places where no hire car can go. In your specially adapted Superjeep you will see new fissures and lava formations as well as still hot glowing Lava and feel the heat under the surface! The Super-Jeep will take you over the Glaciers on the top up a long way up and then there is about an hours walk from the end of the SuperJeep Trail to the Volcano where you can explore the volcano with its breathtaking views over the Þórsmörk valley and back across to the Atlantic Ocean.
OR
Þórsmörk is a breathtaking area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. No hire cars can access this area and you will be driven in specially adapted SuperJeeps through glacial rivers and across tracks and the flood plain. You will drive right up to the edge of the end of the Glacier as well as along the river flood plain and see the effect of the recent eruption on the landscape including the filling of a whole Glacial Lake. You will continue to drive deep into the valley surrounded by the imposing mountain ridge named after the Norse God Thor and see the spectacular landscapes. If you wanted to see the “Raw Iceland” this is hard to beat!
Afterwards you will stop at Seljalandsfoss one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. You will be mesmerised as you walk behind it and stare out through the falling water across the flat landscape towards the South Beaches. You will also visit the dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall - one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos!
Overnight at Hotel Ranga
EITHERThis tour will take you as close as possible to the crater in Eyjafjallajökull volcano and to places where no hire car can go. In your specially adapted Superjeep you will see new fissures and lava formations as well as still hot glowing Lava and feel the heat under the surface! The Super-Jeep will take you over the Glaciers on the top up a long way up and then there is about an hours walk from the end of the SuperJeep Trail to the Volcano where you can explore the volcano with its breathtaking views over the Þórsmörk valley and back across to the Atlantic Ocean.
OR
Þórsmörk is a breathtaking area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. No hire cars can access this area and you will be driven in specially adapted SuperJeeps through glacial rivers and across tracks and the flood plain. You will drive right up to the edge of the end of the Glacier as well as along the river flood plain and see the effect of the recent eruption on the landscape including the filling of a whole Glacial Lake. You will continue to drive deep into the valley surrounded by the imposing mountain ridge named after the Norse God Thor and see the spectacular landscapes. If you wanted to see the “Raw Iceland” this is hard to beat!
Afterwards you will stop at Seljalandsfoss one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. You will be mesmerised as you walk behind it and stare out through the falling water across the flat landscape towards the South Beaches. You will also visit the dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall - one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos!
Overnight at Hotel Ranga
DAY 3
Day to explore or relax or to do some of the Optional Extras
With your hire car venture out to explore some of the sites not seen on your 4WD day. Alternatively there are plenty of optional extras for you to experience such as Ice Climbing or Riding.
Overnight at Hotel Ranga
Overnight at Hotel Ranga
Day 4
Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik
After breakfast drive yourself to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous attraction. Enjoy bathing and relaxing in the geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. In addition to bathing there is a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a steam bath with white walls that resemble silica mud, and a cosy steam bath carved into a lava cave.
Afterwards drive into Reykjavik centre to drop your hire car.
For ideas of things to do in Reykjavik please download detailed itinerary at the bottom. Overnight in Reykjavik
Afterwards drive into Reykjavik centre to drop your hire car.
For ideas of things to do in Reykjavik please download detailed itinerary at the bottom. Overnight in Reykjavik
DAY 5
Supertruck Golden Circle Tour & Snowmobile drive on Langjokull glacier
After breakfast venture out on a full day 4WD super truck adventure to witness some of the Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, the Geyser area where every 5 minutes an eruption takes place and feel the becalming beauty of Pingvellir. Walk through the spectacular mini rift valley, home to the world’s first democratic parliament , established by the Vikings in 930.
The icing on the cake is a one hour snowmobile drive on Langjokull glacier.
Drop back at hotel early evening and the rest of the day at leisure to explore Reykjavik's wonderful restarants and active nightlife.
The icing on the cake is a one hour snowmobile drive on Langjokull glacier.
Drop back at hotel early evening and the rest of the day at leisure to explore Reykjavik's wonderful restarants and active nightlife.
DAY 6
Transfer to airport for flight home or Visit North Iceland to go Whale Watching
After Breakfast check out prior to transfer to the airport for your flight home at the end of your summer short break to Iceland. Alternatively why not extend your stay to go to Husavik, home to some of the best whale watching in the world or to Hotel Budir - a stunning retreat surrounded by Lava Fields, Sea and Volcanoes.
Make an enquiry
Call 01722 744695
Price per person: From £1,095
Includes Flights with WOW from Stansted leaving Fri or Sun, 5 nights Accommodation including breakfast at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum and Hotel Ranga, Activities, Transfers, Guides
Alternative flights from Gatwick & Heathrow on most days and Luton on a Tuesday
Alternative flights from Gatwick & Heathrow on most days and Luton on a Tuesday
A La Carte Optional Extras
Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull
Riding in Icelandic Countryside
6 course Tasting Menu at the Fjalakötturinn Restaurant
Individuals Snowmobiles on Golden Circle
Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
Private Transfer to Hotel Ranga and Back
Visit the Westman Islands to see Puffins and a new Volcanic Crater.
Find out more >>
Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull
Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges.
For those of you that wish we will also find an Ice Wall on the Glacier and you can try your hand at ice climbing.
We will provide all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £35-£45 (Depending on whether Ice Climbing or not)
For those of you that wish we will also find an Ice Wall on the Glacier and you can try your hand at ice climbing.
We will provide all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £35-£45 (Depending on whether Ice Climbing or not)
Riding in Icelandic Countryside
A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot it is much smoother- Indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspoilt beer as they ride the tolt!
You have a choice of a 3hr ride riding through a lake and then onto the black Volcanic beach beside the Atlantic ocean where there is a possibility to see some seals.
OR a 3-4 hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and infront of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £52 or £63 (Dependent on tour taken)
You have a choice of a 3hr ride riding through a lake and then onto the black Volcanic beach beside the Atlantic ocean where there is a possibility to see some seals.
OR a 3-4 hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and infront of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £52 or £63 (Dependent on tour taken)
6 course Tasting Menu at the Fjalakötturinn Restaurant
The Reykjavik Centrum Hotel offers a super 6 course Tasting Menu - Not one to be rushed! They take pride in offering a real Reykjavík atmosphere in the historic buildings tasting traditional Icelandic & Scandinavian dishes. Reykjavik is famous for its fresh fish so expect Lobster and Fresh Fish as well as delicious lamb and an indulgent chocolate pudding.
The restaurant has also won the Wine Spectators award of excellence for the exclusive wine list and selected wines are offered with every course.
Price Per Person: From £105
The restaurant has also won the Wine Spectators award of excellence for the exclusive wine list and selected wines are offered with every course.
Price Per Person: From £105
Individuals Snowmobiles on Golden Circle
If you would rather have a snowmobile each on the Smowmobile ride on the Golden Circle Activity rather than share between 2 of you then there is an extra cost.
Price Per Person: From £25 per person
Price Per Person: From £25 per person
Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
Head up in your hire car to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a SuperJeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier to take an exhilarating hours snowmobile ride to a vantage point with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast . This Glacier is on the top of Katla Volcano with dramatic views across to Eyjafjallajokull. Whilst Katla is the next Volcano due to erupt it is extremely closely monitored and you will not be taken there at any hint of danger – but what a great story to tell when it does erupt that you actually snowmobiled on it!
Price Per Person: From £105
Price Per Person: From £105
Private Transfer to Hotel Ranga and Back
We are conscious that some people do not want to self drive. If this is the case we can organise a private transfer for you to and from Reykjavik and the Airport
Price Per Person: From £195
Price Per Person: From £195
Visit the Westman Islands to see Puffins and a new Volcanic Crater.
The youngest island is 50 years old whilst the oldest one is close to 40.000 years old. You will visit the puffins in Stórhöfði and walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only a few years ago as well as exploring the flora of the new lava field. After a lunch break you will join a boat cruise where we will see many of the wonders of the Vestmannaeyjar nature. Colorful ocean caves, millions of seabirds and occasionally during the summer, whales.
Price Per Person: From £145
Price Per Person: From £145
A La Carte Extensions
Whale Watching in Husavik
Fly to the North of Iceland to the European capital of Whale Watching - Husavik to go Whale Watching and also to see dramatic Volcanic Landscape.
You may ask why go to Husavik for Whale Watching. Three reasons!
1) With a 98% incidence of whale sightings, Husavik is not called the European Capital of Whale Watching for no reason!
2) The scenery is simply breathtaking
3) You have the opportunity to upgrade your whale watching to also be sailing on a traditional restored schooner as you whale watch!
1) With a 98% incidence of whale sightings, Husavik is not called the European Capital of Whale Watching for no reason!
2) The scenery is simply breathtaking
3) You have the opportunity to upgrade your whale watching to also be sailing on a traditional restored schooner as you whale watch!
Day 6
Fly to Akureyri, Whale Watching Trip
Transfer to the domestic airport for an early morning flight to Akureyri. Here you will pick up a car hire to drive to Husavik (@ 1hr)
This afternoon venture out in a traditional oak fishing boat on a 3 hour trip in search of Humpback, Orcas, Blue and Minke Whales. All the skippers have over 10 years of whale searching under their belts and have an incredible 98% success rate since 1995!
Overnight in Husavik
This afternoon venture out in a traditional oak fishing boat on a 3 hour trip in search of Humpback, Orcas, Blue and Minke Whales. All the skippers have over 10 years of whale searching under their belts and have an incredible 98% success rate since 1995!
Overnight in Husavik
Day 7
Visit Lake Myvatn, Godafoss and Dettifloss Waterfalls, Krafla Caldera.
Today explore, using your hire car, some of North Iceland's stunning Nature. Recommended are the majestic Godafoss waterfall - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland as well as Dettifoss Europe's most powerfull waterfall.
Also recommended is a visit to the beautiful Lake Myvatn created 2300 years ago by a basaltic lava eruption and now teeming with bird life. Geothermal activity abounds and fascinating lava shapes and lava pillars can be seen in all directions.
Krafla with its dramatic 800m high Caldera and 10km diameter should not be missed. In fact the region abounds with natural wonders!
End your day driving back to Akureyri to take the last flight back to Reykjavik. Transfer back to the hotel to overnight in Reykjavik.
Also recommended is a visit to the beautiful Lake Myvatn created 2300 years ago by a basaltic lava eruption and now teeming with bird life. Geothermal activity abounds and fascinating lava shapes and lava pillars can be seen in all directions.
Krafla with its dramatic 800m high Caldera and 10km diameter should not be missed. In fact the region abounds with natural wonders!
End your day driving back to Akureyri to take the last flight back to Reykjavik. Transfer back to the hotel to overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 8
Transfer to airport for flight home
Transfer back to the airport for your flight home back to the UK
From: £585
Internal Flights, airport transfers, Car Hire, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, 1 Whale Watching trip on traditional fishing boat
Hotel Budir Extension
Extension to the West coast to stay at the rural retreat Hotel Budir, stunningly situated on the Snaefellsnes peninsula surrounded by the sea, lava fields and volcanoes
Occasionally we find a little treasure which exceeds every expectation. Hotel Budir is one such gem. Situated in the most breathtaking setting imaginable, depending on which window you look out of you can view mountains, glaciers, lava fields, volcanoes and the sea.
With no other building (besides a wonderful 19th century church - perfect for away from it all weddings!) this is the perfect place to relax and recharge surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscape you will have the privilege of ' owning' for your stay. The hotel has one of the best restaurants in Iceland and this combined with a good wine list keeps the Gourmand satisfied too.
With no other building (besides a wonderful 19th century church - perfect for away from it all weddings!) this is the perfect place to relax and recharge surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscape you will have the privilege of ' owning' for your stay. The hotel has one of the best restaurants in Iceland and this combined with a good wine list keeps the Gourmand satisfied too.
Day 6
Self drive to Hotel Budir on the West Coast
Self drive to Hotel Budir on the West Coast. This is @ 3 hr very pleasant drive with much of the drive along the coast.
Day 7
Day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings of Budir or to take extra activities.
There is plenty to do in the area whether it is just relaxing or walking out of the Hotel into the Lava fields that surround it.
There are many other activities you can do in the area.
This includes boat trips to see a charming island where time has stood still since the 19th Century; a boat trip where you will see countless birds such as puffins,shags and even maybe a white tailed eagle, and you will stop to throw a fishing net over the side for shellfish delicacies such as sea urchins and scallops for you to taste immediately.
You can go hiking on the Snaefellsjokull glacier, one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland. Many have written about its grandeur including Jules Verne novel "Journey to the centre of the Earth".
Alternatively go riding on the beach, or through the Lava Fields surrounding Hotel Budir. You really are spoilt for choice!
There are many other activities you can do in the area.
This includes boat trips to see a charming island where time has stood still since the 19th Century; a boat trip where you will see countless birds such as puffins,shags and even maybe a white tailed eagle, and you will stop to throw a fishing net over the side for shellfish delicacies such as sea urchins and scallops for you to taste immediately.
You can go hiking on the Snaefellsjokull glacier, one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland. Many have written about its grandeur including Jules Verne novel "Journey to the centre of the Earth".
Alternatively go riding on the beach, or through the Lava Fields surrounding Hotel Budir. You really are spoilt for choice!
Day 8
Self drive back to Reykjavik
Enjoy the day in the surrounds of Budir relaxing or taking more activities before your self drive back to Reykjavik to overnight.
Day 9
Fly back to the UK
Transfer back to the aiport for your flight home
Price Per Person: From £475
Car Hire and 3 nights (Hotel Budir, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum),
West Greenland Tours
Midnight Cruise to see Icebergs, Greenland home Visit, Hunters Settlement Visit, Cruise to see calving glacier, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
West Greenland is the land of the big glaciers and huge icebergs but has a very narrow season (July to end of August)- however for pure 'awesome appeal' glacier calving is hard to beat. A land of unforgettable beauty filled with mountains, icebergs, mystery and adventure. If you are looking for an adventure in a more unusual short break it doesn’t get better than this!
Day 6
Fly to Greenland to start your West Greenland Tour by visiting Ilulissat & a Night Iceberg cruise
Transfer from hotel to airport for flight to Greenland, where a guide will pick you up at airport and transfer you to the Arctic hotel to start your West Greenland Tour.
Ilulissat City Walk to visit the old part of town and learn its history. You will see the original Danish trading station, the busy fishing harbour, the old church and the museum prior to a lunch at a local restaurant.
During the Night Iceberg Cruise the sunset warm red colours and the gigantic icebergs reflecting in the icy waters is an unforgettable sight. Cruise between the icebergs and enjoy a late Martini on "the real rocks"! Until about the 24th July this cruise will run as a midnight sun cruise with all the beauty and eeriness of the Polar Sun. Overnight in Ilulissat.
Ilulissat City Walk to visit the old part of town and learn its history. You will see the original Danish trading station, the busy fishing harbour, the old church and the museum prior to a lunch at a local restaurant.
During the Night Iceberg Cruise the sunset warm red colours and the gigantic icebergs reflecting in the icy waters is an unforgettable sight. Cruise between the icebergs and enjoy a late Martini on "the real rocks"! Until about the 24th July this cruise will run as a midnight sun cruise with all the beauty and eeriness of the Polar Sun. Overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 7
Boat Cruise to the Carving Glacier
The Eqip glacier is the only glacier in the area where you often experience a glacier calving. You will cruise in front of the 5 km wide glacier, enjoying lunch, and hopefully see this unique calving sight creating new icebergs. In our opinion this is the highlight of your West Greenland holiday. Overnight in Ilulissat
Day 8
Option 1: Sermermiut Icebergs, Visit Greenland Home, Feed Huskies
Option 2: Hunting and Fishing settlement visit
Option 3: Whale Safari
Option 1
You will go as far as the road goes, and then take a beautiful walk along to the UNESCO designated Ilulissat Ice Fiord to Sermermiut where traces from the 3 old Eskimo cultures still can be seen, as well of course as the fantastic icebergs.
Meet people in their home, and whilst enjoying a "Coffee-Mik“, learn about Greenland and its people and their way of life.
The 3,500 husky dogs in town are still used for both work and fun every winter. We invite you to join the feeding of a dog team, where you can see, feel, touch and hear the howling of 20 hungry dogs. The owner will demonstrate the sledge and the harness and tell you about life as a sled dog.
Option 2
By boat you will visit the small fishing and hunting settlement of Rodebay with a local population of approx 40 persons - a quite different world compared to Ilulissat.
There will be a guided walk through the village before enjoying lunch at the old trading. Overnight in Ilulissat.
Option 3
By boat you will go to Disko Bay to spot Whales. In the summer humpback whales come here to feed on the capelin, a small herring like fish. As the humpback whales are protected they are very trusting and can often be enjoyed at close range, though this cannot be guaranteed! Overnight in Ilulissat.
You will go as far as the road goes, and then take a beautiful walk along to the UNESCO designated Ilulissat Ice Fiord to Sermermiut where traces from the 3 old Eskimo cultures still can be seen, as well of course as the fantastic icebergs.
Meet people in their home, and whilst enjoying a "Coffee-Mik“, learn about Greenland and its people and their way of life.
The 3,500 husky dogs in town are still used for both work and fun every winter. We invite you to join the feeding of a dog team, where you can see, feel, touch and hear the howling of 20 hungry dogs. The owner will demonstrate the sledge and the harness and tell you about life as a sled dog.
Option 2
By boat you will visit the small fishing and hunting settlement of Rodebay with a local population of approx 40 persons - a quite different world compared to Ilulissat.
There will be a guided walk through the village before enjoying lunch at the old trading. Overnight in Ilulissat.
Option 3
By boat you will go to Disko Bay to spot Whales. In the summer humpback whales come here to feed on the capelin, a small herring like fish. As the humpback whales are protected they are very trusting and can often be enjoyed at close range, though this cannot be guaranteed! Overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 9
Fly to Iceland and Flybus transfer to hotel in Reykjavik after your West Greenland Tour.
Transfer to airport for midday flight to Iceland. Flybus transfer from Keflavik airport to hotel for night at leisure in Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Price Per Person From: £1,785
Flight Greenland, 4 nights Accommodation (Arctic Hotel, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum), Activities, Transfers, Guides
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