Iceland Discovery

Trip Code: BMSI

Why we love it

There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs., Spend the evening at the quirky farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at our guesthouse at Snaefellsnes., Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall., Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert.., Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.

Is this trip right for me?

A remote location and high-performing currency are just two reasons Iceland can be an expensive destination. This affects things like museum entrance fees and outdoor activities, but is especially noticeable when eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money, but in remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant.

The extremity of the weather makes for incredible scenery, but it also means Iceland can be very cold, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. On the rare occasions your leader must alter the itinerary due to the weather which can cause roads being blocked, sites closure etc. Your leader will discuss the necessary changes and alternatives where possible.

In order to access what’s off the beaten track, a few long drives are in order. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

The facilities will be shared in some of the guest houses that you stay on this trip.

Important information

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

What to bring/pack

PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, CLIMATE
The Icelandic climate is very unpredictable the whole year round. We recommend bringing sturdy shoes with a good grip for trekking, a warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, good head wear and sunglasses.

WHITE NIGHTS
The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper.

THERMAL BATHS
Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and a spare towel if you’d like to experience Iceland's famous thermal baths., WATER BOTTLE
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Cold tap water is safe and good to drink so you can avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap.

Physical rating

 
2

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

Joining your group

Fosshotel Baron, Baronsstígur 2-4, 101 Reykjavík, Reykjavik, ICELAND, Phone: +354 5623204

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
12 Jun 2024 (BMSI240612)
17 Jun 2024 (BMSI240617)
15 Jul 2024 (BMSI240715)
19 Jul 2024 (BMSI240719)
02 Aug 2024 (BMSI240802)
09 Aug 2024 (BMSI240809)
10 Aug 2024 (BMSI240810)
21 Aug 2024 (BMSI240821)
26 Aug 2024 (BMSI240826)
Fosshotel Raudara
Rauðarárstígur 37
Reykjavik
105
ICELAND
Phone: +354 5147000
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
26 Jun 2024 (BMSI240626)
Hotel Klettur
Mjolnisholti 12-14
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Phone: +354 4401600
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
05 Jul 2024 (BMSI240705)
26 Jul 2024 (BMSI240726)
Hotel Leifur Eiríksson
Skólavördustígur 45 101
Reykjavik
ICELAND

Joining instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a private arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.

If you have a confirmed private arrival transfer, upon landing at Keflavik Airport (KEF) please make your way to the Arrivals Hall. Your transfer driver will be waiting for you on the left side when you exit the customs area, holding a board with your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, or if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on +354 7903838 or +354 7923838. You can also call our emergency line directly: +49 8024 4679 540.

Alternatively, Grayline and Flybus operate shuttles between the airport and the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. From there you can change to a hotel shuttle bus or walk to the joining point hotel. You can book these shuttles online, or upon arrival at Keflavik Airport.

You can also take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The price is approximately ISK21,000.

Finishing your trip

Fosshotel Baron, Baronsstígur 2-4, 101 Reykjavík, Reykjavik, ICELAND, Phone: +354 5623204

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
13 May 2024 (BMSI240513)
17 May 2024 (BMSI240517)
08 Jun 2024 (BMSI240608)
17 Jun 2024 (BMSI240617)
03 Jul 2024 (BMSI240703)
10 Aug 2024 (BMSI240810)
23 Aug 2024 (BMSI240823)
Fosshotel Raudara
Rauðarárstígur 37
Reykjavik
105
ICELAND
Phone: +354 5147000
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
26 Jul 2024 (BMSI240726)
Hotel Klettur
Mjolnisholti 12-14
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Phone: +354 4401600

Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 

Dinners included: 1

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in Iceland. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try in Reykjavik. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally meals aren't included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. In remote areas outside of Reykjavik the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Some guesthouses have kitchen facilities that are free to use if you wish. Stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse's restaurant. Your leader will be able to advise on the facilities available at the guesthouses used on your trip departure.

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

Climate & seasonal information

Iceland can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the summer season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid’s Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Accommodations

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Transportation

On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.