Adventure Tours   >   Europe Adventure Tours   >  Iceland: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Volcanoes & Hiking Húsafell

Iceland: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Volcanoes & Hiking Húsafell Adventure Tour

Europe

  • Iceland

Immerse yourself in Iceland's awe-inspiring and otherworldly landscapes on this 10-day adventure that combines some of the country's most iconic highlights with active experiences that'll take you further afield. Hike across lava fields, venture into ice tunnels within a glacier, and journey behind waterfalls as you let the land take your imagination to new heights. Witness the spectacular scenery of the Snafellsnes Peninsula and watch the power of the earth as water shoots high into the sky from Geysir along the Golden Circle route. From majestic waterfalls to hot springs and lava caves, Iceland will inspire and reward you in the best way possible.


What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) It should also be noted that baggage should adhere to strict airline weight limits - 15kg for checked luggage and 6kg for hand luggage.


Tipping  

On the Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the CEO or Porterage. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Europe to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.


Packing List  

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Hiking pants (Please bring long pants that are not jeans or cotton in fabric. We suggest hiking pants, windproof pants, or waterproof pants in order for you to be comfortable.)
• Locks for bags
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Winter Weather:
• Warm winter coat
• Waterproof gloves
• Waterproof pants
• Winter boots/shoes

Note: The landscape of Iceland is unique and unlike most things you've seen. So is the weather. It is unpredictable and changeable, so be prepared to experience a variety of conditions during your time in Iceland. It's not uncommon to experience rain, sun wind and snow all in the same visit, so please pack accordingly. An Icelandic summer is also not what most people consider as summer temperature and in the highlands it can get quite cold.


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.


Money Exchange  

The currency in Iceland in the Icelandic Krona (ISK).

It is recommended to bring a combination of cash, credit and debit cards.


Optional Activities  

Reykjavik
- Silfra Fissure Snorkelling in Thingvellir National Park (from Reykjavik)

Húsafell
- Húsafell Canyon Baths


Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures  

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location where this is not already included in the itinerary, your CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.


What's Included  

Your Foodie Moment: Geothermal Bakery, Laugarvatn
Your OMG Day: Choice of Hikes from Húsafell, Húsafell. Complimentary arrival transfer, Orientation drive and walk in Reykjavik. Welcome dinner. Sky Lagoon visit. Full-day excursion to the Snafellsnes Peninsula. Gjáin Valley hike. Hjálparfoss visit. Secret Lagoon Hot Spings. Skõgafoss Waterfall Hike. Visit the Lava Centre. Geothermal Bakery visit. See Gulfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir along the Golder Circle Route. Öxarárfoss Waterfall hike. Expedition into Langjokull Glacier. Excursion within Vidgelmir Lava Cave. Farewell Dinner. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Transport  

Private vehicle, walking.


About Accommodation  

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.


Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12.


Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior to your tour start date, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Once you are through to the Keflavik International Airport, a driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall. Please show your transfer voucher (either printed or on your mobile device) and identify yourself. The transfer voucher serves as your confirmation of payment for the service and can be accessed in your online account.

If you wish to reconfirm or you experience any issues, you can contact our local partner, Airport Direct, at +354 497 8000.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER
G Adventures Berlin office: +441858378000

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


Meals Included  

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.


Highlights  

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Visit Gulfoss and Geysir along the Golden Circle, Learn all about volcanoes and how Iceland was formed at the interactive exhibits of the Lava Centre, Hike along the boundary of two of earth's tectonic plates from Thingvellir to Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Venture into the ice tunnels at Langjokull Glacier


Accommodation  

Hotels (9 nts).


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Newsletter  

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation - Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Day 1 Reykjavik: The Land of Fire and Ice

Northern lights flicker across the sky as you soak in the naturally warm hot springs water. Breathe in the crisp air and scan a sea of ice standing atop a glacier. There is nowhere like the land of ice and fire. We welcome you to Reykjavik, and to Iceland, and invite you to experience duality where rugged volcanic rock shares the skyline with sparkling glaciers.

Arrive in Reykjavik at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the evening welcome meeting to gather information about your upcoming adventure. Afterwards, head out on an orientation drive and walk on the way to a welcome dinner, before a visit the Sky Lagoon for an evening soak in the hot springs.

Day 2 Reykjavik: The Snafellsnes Peninsula

Made famous by Jules Verne's 'Journey to the center of the Earth', this peninsula is known for its spectacular landscapes. You'll visit small fishing towns and make various stops throughout the day. Experience some truly incredible scenery that serve as a precursor for what is to come on the rest of your adventure across Iceland.

Enjoy breakfast before heading toward the peninsula in a private vehicle. Make stops in Kirkjufell, Ölafsvik, Djúpalónssandur, Arnarstapi, and Vatnshellir before travelling back to Reykjavik for a free evening.

Day 3 Hella: Welcomed by Waterfalls

Head away from the city today as you venture into the Icelandic countryside where you'll get out for the first of many explorations on foot. You'll visit majestic waterfalls and even get the opportunity to walk behind one of them, feeling the power of the thundering water cascade from the heights.

Travel from Hella to the trailhead with a lunch stop along the way. See the beautiful Gljúfrabúi waterfall before continuing on foot to Seljalandsfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland with a small cave you can visit behind the falls. Continue on to your OMG Stay for a welcome dinner in the evening.

Day 4 Hella: Gjáin Valley Hike and the Secret Lagoon

Volcanic landscapes and waterfalls abound as you hike in the hidden gem of the Gjáin Valley. Witness the meeting of two rivers at Hjálparfoss and soak in a geothermal pool with a spouting geyser. This is Iceland in all it's glory.

Drive to the Gjáin Valley for a hike to the waterfall before continuing on to Hjálparfoss. After lunch in Flúðir, visit the Secret Lagoon geothermal hot springs for a swim before returning to the hotel for a free evening.

Day 5 Hella: Hike to Skógafoss

Discover more of Iceland's stunning natural beauty as you hike to Skõgarfoss, arguably one of the most mesmerising waterfalls in the country. Featured in films from Thor to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you may be familiar with this landmark already. Take in all of the spectacular scenery and learn about the volcanic origins of Iceland's powerful natural formation at the place where two continental plates meet.

Transfer to Fimmvorduhals Trailhead where you'll begin the hike to Skõgarfoss Waterfall. After lunch, continue to the Lava Centre before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 6 Húsafell: The Golden Circle

Keep your camera handy today as you visit the highlights along the famed Golden Circle route where you'll see majestic waterfalls and a geyser that spouts water high up into the sky. You'll also taste bread that was baked underground with Iceland's ever-present geothermal energy. Stay active by hiking to another stunning waterfall from Thingvellir National Park.

Transfer from Hella to the Golden Circle route, with stops at Gullfoss Falls, Geysir and a geothermal bakery on the way. Continue to Thingvellir where you'll begin a short hike to the Öxarárfoss Waterfall. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax.

Day 7 Húsafell: Into a Glacier

Pristine and untouched natural beauty is the theme today as you set off to explore Langjokull, the second-largest glacier in the whole of Iceland. Travel up the snowy white slopes before immersing yourself in man-made ice tunnels, surrounded by ice in the heart of the glacier.

Hop into a modified glacier vehicle built specifically to explore this unique environment, and drive up to the ice cap. Your local guide will provide information about the glacier while leading you through man-made tunnels into the core. Enjoy an included lunch before a free afternoon. Opt to take part in a local hike or relax at the hotel.

Day 8 Húsafell: Your OMG Day

Immerse yourself further into Iceland's stunning landscapes as you explore by foot, with the choice of either a more challenging or moderate hike. Traverse the canyon and view interesting rock formations and sculptures by the artist Páll Guõmundsson, a Húsafell native, or follow in the footsteps of past travellers who blazed the trail between different regions of Iceland along natural water springs.

Choose between a moderate or a more challening hike before spending the rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.

Day 9 Reykjavik: Lava Tube Cave Exploration

Leaving Húsafell behind, you'll head to Vidgelmir cave where you'll see first hand the impact of volcanic activity. Wander into the depths of this magical underworld, where the incredible colours and unique geologic formations once sealed away in darkness are now accessible for you to see and enjoy.

Take a morning drive to Vidgelmir Cave where you'll explore with a local guide. From there, return to Reykjavik for some free time before gathering together again in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 Reykjavik

Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.

Details

Prices from: €5499.00

Duration: 10 Days

Trip Type: Small Group

Merchandising: New Trips

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Service Level: Upgraded

Travel Style: The Geluxe Collection



Call Us: 01 2311889



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