WINTER VIKING CHALLENGE

5 days / 4 nights

Are you ready for unique multi-activity getaway in Iceland and to experience a diverse and ever-changing range of fun and challenging outdoor activities in the land of the Vikings? Here are just a few hints like walking on a glacier, ice climbing, lava caving, bathing in the Blue Lagoon and snorkeling in crystal clear ice cold water? What – snorkeling in Iceland? Do we really mean snorkeling and bathing in Iceland in the winter? It can’t be true!
Oh yes, we forgot to tell you that Iceland is open and good for you all year. Challenging the Vikings is always fun, no matter when. Come to Iceland and challenge yourself and be a Viking for some days of the year.

THURSDAY: ARRIVAL TRANSFER KEFLAVIK AIRPORT TO REYKJAVIK

FRIDAY: WALK ON ICE NEAR EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANO

Here is your chance to visit a glacier and not just any glacier. This trip will take you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull with views to the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. We will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. Along the way we will find an ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. We will provide you with all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines. A packed lunch will be served on the glacier. On our return journey to Reykjavik, we will stop at the beautiful waterfall Skógafoss. On this trip you get to see and do what most of the population will only dream about and very few ever try. Why not be adventurous and explore the amazing crawling glacier?
Duration of trip: 9 hours with pick-up / Departure: 09:00, pick up starts 08:30 / Included: Pick-up from Reykjavík, glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, an introduction to ice climbing, glacier gear and packed lunch. / Bring with you: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended (note: hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants can be rented if you let us know in advance). / Age limit: 14 years or shoe size 35 European (for crampons). / Difficulty: No knowledge of the sport is required!

SATURDAY: GOLDEN CIRCLE SIGHTSEEING WITH LAVA CAVING

This combo trip includes a visit to Geysir, the world famous hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall, lava caving in the Blue Mountains and visit to Þingvellir National Park. We leave Reykjavik at 09:30 and start with an underground visit to the world under the great lava field in the Blue Mountains where you witness how Iceland was created. This is an amazing hike through an ancient underground lava tube. Following this remarkable experience we drive onwards to Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls. Gullfoss is an amazing sight with water rushing down three steps of lava layers with breathtaking power and grandeur. Afterwards we feast on a traditional Icelandic meat soup at the Gullfoss Café before driving on to the geothermal area of Geysir, the home of the one and only Geysir. There the earth gurgles and bubbles when super heated water escapes from the ground with enormous force, a sight not soon forgotten. Our last stop will be the famous Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Fields). Þingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. In addition it is the place where the tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and the rift valley is clearly visible. From the national park we have a short drive back to Reykjavík. This trip has it all; stunning natural beauty, interesting history, amazing geological wonders and a great caving adventure!
Duration of trip: 10 hours / Departure: 09:30, pick up starts at 09:00 / Included: Pick-up from Reykjavík, a visit to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss, lunch, caving and caving gear. / Bring with you: Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended (note: hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants can be rented if you let us know in advance). Age limit: 10 years. / Difficulty: No knowledge of the sport is required

SUNDAY: SNORKELING IN THE NATIONAL PARK & BLUE LAGOON

The Silfra lava fissure is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Silfra, which is situated in the heart of Þingvellir, the site of the world’s oldest parliament, is an otherworldly scene. The crystal clear water in the deep fissure gives you a feeling of being weightless as you float along with the lazy current. Frequently rated as one of the world’s top ten dive sites, Silfra offers up to 100 meters of underwater visibility and is located on top of the separation between Europe and America! After an hour of snorkeling we climb out and head back to the van. Into the Blue is a relaxing but exotic trip in an environment most will only encounter in their dreams.
Duration of trip: 4 hours with pick-up / Departure: 09:00 but 10:00 from 15.11.-15.02. / Included: Pick-up from Reykjavík, snorkeling and snorkeling gear and packed lunch / Bring with you: Warm undergarment clothing (fleece/wool sweater and pants), towel, warm socks and a change of clothing. Age limit: 14 years or 150 cm height. / Difficulty: No knowledge of the sport is required

Bad eyesight? Since you are wearing snorkeling / dive goggles to see underwater there can be nothing in the way of the seal to keep them from filling up with water. That is, you can not wear glasses underneath the goggles. You will have to go without them, wear eye lenses or bring your own goggles with prescription.

BLUE LAGOON
Depart at 16:00 for a bus tour to the Blue Lagoon. We drive through rough lava fields to visit the Blue Lagoon where you can relax in its rejuvenating geothermal water. The water is very natural and rich in minerals believed to have healing powers. You can stay as long as you please. The last bus back to Reykjavik leaves the Blue Lagoon at 21:00.

MONDAY: DEPARTURE TRANSFER REYKJAVIK TO KEFLAVIK AIRPORT

 
See rates and further information here
and for bookings contact gjtravel@gjtravel.is