Jet’s All-Inclusive Icelandic Tour

Our tour starts at 11:30 a.m. in Reykjavík at one of our favorite restaurants that features delicious lobster soup. After breakfast, your first day is all about sightseeing and the true beauty and amazing power of Icelandic nature.

We start by visiting the Golden Circle attractions including the historic Þingvellir National Park, home to one of the world’s first democratic parliaments. This place is also a geological wonder; it is here that two great tectonic plates have slowly drifted apart, creating a rift valley; this is truly a sight not to be missed where we will snorkel the famous Silfra Fissure.

You will see the sensational Gullfoss waterfall, feeling the spray in the air as the great torrent of glacial water, sourced at Langjökull glacier, powers through the falls. You will witness an erupting geyser at Geysir, you never have to wait long, Strokkur, the most active geyser, erupts every few minutes.

Next on the agenda are the two best-known waterfalls on the south coast, the extremely different but equally beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skógafoss waterfall. Seljalandsfoss is known as ‘the waterfall you can walk behind’ and Skógafoss is mysterious, vigorous and graceful, the cascade dropping into the calm river below. Mountain glaciers and famous volcanoes tower above this part of the coastline; on a clear day the views are wonderful.

The night will be spent at Seljalandsfoss waterfall hopefully seeing our first Northern Lights.

• Gljufrabui – A nearly hidden waterfall in a narrow canyon that cascades into a pool near the famous Seljalandsfoss. 2 hours

  • Park at campsite and walk over to the waterfall. Waterproof clothing is recommended.

• Seljavallalaug Thermal Pool – This open-air pool is a unique treasure. 20-minute walk down the river. 2 hours

• Skagafoss Waterfall – One of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. The waterfall is a short 5-10-minute walk.

• Dyrholaey Lighthouse – Amazing views of the black sand beaches.

• Dinner and stay in Vik

• Eldhraun – An unworldly plain that is a must-stop to see.

• Drive to Hvannadalshnukur Glacier – First view of the massive iceberg that covers Iceland – 20 minutes.

• Fjallsarlon Iceberg Shelf

• Glacier Lagoon

• Diamond Beach

• Dinner and stay near Höfn

• Thermal Spa – one of Iceland’s hidden thermal baths with incredible scenery

• Waterfall Nykurhylsfoss (Sveinsstekksfoss)

• Optional Waterfall hike – 40 minutes each way

• Enjoy the road along the Fjords

• Drive to Seyoisfjaroarkirkja

• Gas up in Fljotsdalsherao

• Dinner and drinks at Cafe Lara

• Spend night in Seyoisfjaroarkirkja

• Boat Tour of the Seydisfjordur

• Rainbow road church

• Litlanesfoss – 2 hours total

• An impressive basalt column waterfall

• Steep hike

• 1,000 ft above sea level

• Amazing views

• Sulfuric Smoker at Hverarond

• A beautiful place to see the geothermal vents produce some of the most interesting landscapes in Iceland

• Hverfjall Volcano Hike

• 30-minute hike to the top

• Myvatn Nature Bath Thermal Spa  – 3 to 4 hours enjoying the spa

• Spend the night in Akureyri

• Grabrok Volcano

• Short 10-minute hike

• Near the road

• Drive to the western Fjords –  2 hours

• Hike Kirkjufell Cone Mountain – 2 hours

• Difficult hike (well worth it!)

• Spend the night in Grundarfjorour

• Viogelmir Volcano Tour – 2 hours

• Light activity

• Thingvellir National Park to snorkel in the tectonic split – 2 hours

• Spend the day at Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa – 4 hours

• Departure dinner – to be decided

• Return of RV

Jet can pick you up at your hotel. Please make certain you have notified Jet ([email protected]) of the location you would like to be picked up from at least 48 hours prior to your departure.

Keep in mind that the driver-guide on your tour probably has to pick up at a few locations so it might take up to 30 minutes for the guide to reach your pick-up location.

On our journey around Iceland, we’ll be staying on the transport vehicle RV. It is very comfortable and has everything we need on board. You can also decide to stay in private accommodation for an additional cost that is customizable to your needs. Jet is a seasoned and expert travel planner that has hand-picked a selection of accommodation places, our main priority is booking comfortable places in locations which suit our carefully planned itinerary.

There is a limited range of hotels and guesthouses in the countryside. This means that some might be located in or close to towns and villages but others could be situated in more remote areas out in the countryside. Accommodation options are also subject to availability, so the places where we stay will vary between tour departures. Examples of the areas we stay in are Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri, and Bifröst, all of these places offer amazing views from or around the places where you will stay.

However, all of the country hotels and guesthouses for those who decide to go private have some things in common, they offer standard comfortable rooms with made-up beds and provide towels. They all have free WiFi for guests and a daily breakfast buffet. We are often asked if hairdryers are available, and they certainly are, if you cannot see a hairdryer in your room, then you just need to ask at the reception desk. Rooms are on average about 300 USD a night.

Daily breakfast is included in the tour price. These are Nordic-style breakfast buffets that generally offer bread, crisp bread, cereals, fruit juice, teas, coffee, milk, butter, jams, sliced vegetables, fruit, boiled eggs, cheese, ham and often salami. Extras often include yogurt or the famous Icelandic Skyr, we recommend that everyone visiting Iceland tries this particular delight. If we are not near a breakfast buffet we may cook on board or go for lighter breakfasts.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – Your Choices

Along the way, we will be stopping at gas stations, roadside shops/supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants where you can purchase food and meals. Guest on our Icelandic tours have 15 USD per breakfast, 20 USD per lunch and 25 USD per dinner credit that will go towards your meals. This allows you plenty of flexibility on your meal choices.

Examples of what you can find at these places are sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, hamburgers, fish, chicken, chocolate bars, snacks, drinks, etc. Normally, we eat dinner at a selected restaurant we stay near or find another restaurant in the area that you decide.

Some of the freshest fish in the world and delicious wild mountain lamb dishes feature strongly on Icelandic menus. Although towns, such as Akureyri, Höfn and Egilsstaðir, have a wider choice of restaurants it is important to realize your hotel is quite likely to be out in the countryside where the only option is to eat at the hotel. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the meals, just ask your guide on the tour, he/she will be happy to provide information about the food options for each day.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

In the booking process, you will be asked whether you have any dietary restrictions. For example, if you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, diabetic or have allergies. If you develop any restrictions after you have booked your tour please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] It is also very important to remind the guide on the tour of your dietary restrictions so that he/she can do his/her best to accommodate them.

Unless you are vegan or lactose intolerant and also need to be gluten-free, it should not be too difficult to accommodate your needs. If you require gluten-free bread or other very specific alternative items, it may be best to bring them with you, since options on the road may be limited. If you need something to eat/take with you out in the country you can always ask your guide to stop at a gas station/local supermarket before leaving Reykjavík. The range of products is often good but there are definitely fewer choices available in towns other than Reykjavík, Egilsstaðir or Akureyri.

On this tour you will experience some really wonderful activities, many of them may be new to you. We want our customers to feel confident, fully prepared and tantalized by the amazing experiences they can look forward to.

This tour has some really interesting hikes and lots of short walks to explore waterfalls and natural wonders or to look around towns, villages and historic sights. All hikes are rated as easy and are at a slow pace determined by the participants.

The longest hike is a spectacular three-hour hike in East Iceland which will take you to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall. You will also see a stunning gorge where you can clearly see the volcanic layers in the rock face, and Litlanesfoss waterfall, with a high cascade framed dramatically by enormous hexagonal basalt columns.

Anyone in reasonable condition, who is capable of hiking for three hours at a slow pace on uneven surfaces can do this. There are short breaks and pauses to admire the views and take photos, it is good to bring a drink and a snack to enjoy.

There is a hike up to the Grábrók crater, from the top you will have panoramic views over the lava field and the whole area. It will be quite rough underfoot, although this hike is short you should wear hiking shoes and outdoor clothes suitable for the weather.

Other hikes to explore natural wonders are quite short, a few will take you over rough lava. At the Námaskarð geothermal area, close to boiling mud pots and bubbling hot springs, there are picturesque areas of multi-colored mud, so in some places, you will be walking on softish mud. The sulfur scented steam makes the air a little moist, most people are not bothered by this at all, it is just part of the atmosphere in this otherworldly place.

Wearing rainwear is certainly recommend for walking the pathway behind the cascade of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, or close to Skógafoss waterfall. Otherwise, the spray from the tumbling falls can make you fairly wet.

Strong hiking shoes are recommended for shorter walks because you will often be on rough paths. In wintry weather there can be snow or ice, ice grips or traction cleats that fit on your shoes are useful in winter.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. Here, at 65° N on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, you can see auroras almost every night (and in warmer temperatures than other viewing locations in Scandinavia).

It’s also very easy to get to a dark place in the Land of Fire and Ice, which has only 300,000 people scattered across an island that’s smaller than the state of Kentucky. Between hot spring swims and glacier hikes, your chances are high that you’ll see Northern Lights on our trip to Iceland and it will be magical.

Cameras that capture this world wonder are DSLRs with long exposure capabilities.

Set in the middle of a lava field, Mývatn Nature Baths really are the Blue Lagoon of the north. When the alkaline, mineral-rich water emerges from the earth it is 130° C, before being cooled to a comfortable 36° C to 40° C, perfect for bathing.

The composition of the water ensures that undesirable bacteria do not breed, so no chlorine or other chemicals are added. It is soothing for most skin conditions, and the sulfur-rich steamy atmosphere is often helpful to those with asthma or chest conditions. The changing rooms, public areas, licensed café/restaurant, and outdoor seating areas are all very comfortable. The scenery and the views from every window are outstanding and the atmosphere is serene and relaxed.

Sights and destinations around Iceland have been hand-picked by Jet to show you the best places and natural wonders that Iceland can offer: charming towns and fishing villages with fascinating histories, the most famous and unusual waterfalls. You will see Gullfoss, the most popular waterfall in Iceland, and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, you will hear the great Jökulsá á Fjöllum river thundering in the distance long before you see the gushing torrent!

Visits are made to incredible black beaches, Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, lava fields and the unbelievable lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the astonishing iceberg filled glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón and an erupting geyser. See the historic sites of Þingvellir National Park and Reykholt, both have played very significant roles in the development of the Icelandic nation.

At Þingvellir you will clearly see where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have moved apart. Along the journey, you will pass through extremely varied scenery with great mountains, famous volcanoes, glistening glaciers, many incredibly beautiful fjords, including Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. You stay in a different place each night, so every day you will awaken to a different vista.

A few sightseeing stops are made each day, these are interspersed with other activities, so you will never be on the minibus for too long without an interesting stop. Our vehicles are sturdy, cozy and comfortable so you can take off your extra layers and relax – we want you to feel at ease. The Icelandic weather is very unpredictable, there can be quite a few changes even on the same day, prepare for this and you will be comfortable.

The itinerary will be adapted a little around the weather, this is an exciting part of adventure travel in Iceland.

WEATHER AND DAYLIGHT IN ICELAND

Luckily for us, we will be going during Iceland’s goldilocks weather. Not too hot. Not too cold.

Iceland has a subarctic climate with relatively mild temperatures, compared to other countries of similar latitude. This is partly because of its position in the North Atlantic, lying at the top of the Gulf Stream which flows through the country moderating the climate. However, warm air mixing with the cold Arctic air coming from the north causes sudden and frequent changes in the weather. As you might know from reading about Iceland, the island is definitely very well-known for its unpredictable weather which changes frequently.

We have a saying here in Iceland: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes!” That does not necessarily mean that the weather will change for the better, though. However, we like to look at it, experiencing the weather here as an adventure in itself, an exciting and changeable one. It means you can visit the same place twice and experience it completely differently depending on whether you saw it on a sunny summer day or a snow-covered winter day. The other factors playing a part in the weather are the seasons and which part of the country you are in.

Daylight and nighttime also have a familiar balance during our travel period. We will experience 10-11 hours of daylight and 13-14 hours of nighttime.

Jet kindly asks that you show a little flexibility if circumstances make it necessary for us to alter the itinerary.

Iceland’s climate is temperate with mild, windy winters and cool summers. The seasons vary quite a lot although maybe not so much in temperature (about 10-20°C variance). Keep an eye on the local weather forecast but remember that forecasts are only guidelines, so you should never be that surprised if it turns out differently. In Iceland, the weather changes suddenly and frequently.

As you drive around the country, you will find that the weather in the southern part of the country is probably very different from the weather in the eastern part. In comparison to Reykjavík, you will experience greater seasonal differences the further north you go. For example, Akureyri, the second largest town in Iceland located in the north, generally has warmer days during the summer but also colder days in winter with heavier snowfalls.

Autumn – our travel time

The autumn months, September until late October/early November, have an average temperature of 0-10°C, which is similar to the spring months. It is still relatively warm but starting to get colder with each day. Gray, windy and wet are words often used to describe these months, although we like to associate them with glowing autumn colors which make the landscapes amazing and mesmerizing. You can often see the autumn colors showing through snow-covered landscapes creating an incredible color combination.

In late August until September, before the first night-frost comes, we like to pick wild berries including blueberries, crowberries and strawberries. We bid farewell to our seasonal birds and round-up our sheep after they have run wild throughout the summer. This is when one of our favorite seasons begins – the Northern Lights season!

Icelandic people like to say that “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Being prepared for Iceland’s changing weather conditions is strongly recommended so that you can fully enjoy your stay here. In our experience, we have learned that the three-layer structure is the best way to go, it works well all year round.

1. First a base layer, the one that’s closest to your skin. The best is thermals or any type of insulating layer.

2. Next up we have the sweater (fleece or wool recommended) or PrimaLoft layer. This is the one that keeps the warmth of the base layer in.

3. The third one is the wind and water protection. An outer shell or a parka comes in handy here depending on the season.

4. Swimsuit! Yes, you’ll need a swimsuit for the amazing baths we will be visiting.

You’ll find yourself switching from these three layers often as the temperatures change drastically.

Rather than a few warm and bulky garments, we recommend a selection of lighter and more versatile pieces that can be worn in various combinations to better manage the wide range of conditions that you will encounter in Iceland.

Be aware that you must adjust these instructions according to the part of Iceland we will be in when you are visiting Iceland. Some areas will need the kind of hiking pants which zip off to become hiking shorts. It can, on occasion, be warm enough to wear shorts and T-shirts but every day when you are out of the city you need to be prepared for every other kind of weather. Some moments will be like winter and you will need a warm jacket, like a thick down jacket. If you don‘t have one, then make sure you pack plenty of thermals, prima loft and warm sweaters to layer. I recommend fleece, wool or even better, the Icelandic lopapeysa.

Your feet need particularly careful consideration, so make sure that you bring comfortable and worn-in hiking shoes. We recommend waterproof hiking boots with ankle support or similar. It is recommended that you wear thick socks designed to be worn with hiking boots. For the glacier hiking, you need to use crampons and these can only be fitted to hiking boots, if you do not own a pair you can rent good boots at the hiking locations we visit.

Medical conditions and medications

Please let us know when you book your tour about any medical condition your guide should be aware of, it is imperative that the guide is aware of this information so that he/she can keep everyone safe and happy. Again, if something develops after you have booked, let us know by contacting us. You should also make certain you have sufficient supplies of any medication you take or are likely to need. For example, asthma inhalers or painkillers, even if you seldom require them.

Mobile phone & internet connection

The mobile phone connection in Iceland is strong in most places. Some overseas mobile services do not work here and their fees vary. An Icelandic SIM card will overcome these issues. We recommend getting an Icelandic SIM card if you wish to have signal throughout your trip. Iceland has the highest percentage of internet users in the world and the 4G connection is mostly excellent, although, there are a few places along the road where the connection is spotty.

The Icelandic króna or ISK is the currency of Iceland. It is quite important that you have enough ISK coins with you because in some places you have to pay 100/200 ISK to use the bathroom. For almost everything else credit, debit and Caxton type cards are accepted, even for small purchases such as a coffee. Other currencies are very rarely accepted.​

ATMs can be found in Reykjavík and in the small towns you will visit. Outside of the towns, there are very few ATMs.

Luggage information

On this tour, you are permitted to take your day backpack and one piece of luggage weighing 20 kg. If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility.

Extras and Upgrades

Entrance to 3 nature baths. Volcano tour & boat tour.

Further Questions

You should now be prepared for your upcoming adventure. If you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] We look forward to meeting you and enjoying 6 days of traveling around Iceland together!

Iceland is an island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, more than 64° North, Grímsey, an island off the coast, actually touches the Arctic Circle! This extraordinary land was formed by subaquatic volcanic activity around 18 million years ago, so Iceland is very young with many powerful volcanoes and great glaciers. The twin forces of fire and ice have created some rare geology and sensational mountains and Fjords. Some Icelanders say more than the scenery is otherworldly, there are well-known Elf Rocks and Elf Castles, homes to the hidden people. ​

Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe with, at the last count, 343,960 people in an area of 103,000 km2. The capital, Reykjavík, situated in South Iceland, is the largest city. 219,900 live in the capital region, 124,800 of them in Reykjavík. Akureyri in the north is the next largest settlement with 18,620 people. There are quite a few little towns and villages, some are extremely remote.​

So, Iceland is a land of extremes: Fire and ice; settled by the Vikings in 870 CE; the oldest continuous parliament in the world, established in 930 AD/CE; the closest language, still in use, to Old Norse; and the great Icelandic Sagas. Icelanders greatly value their culture, history, and language. The adventurous spirit which brought their ancestors to this land has given them a great openness to new ideas, new people and all that life brings. The Icelandic people want to welcome you!

A word about the Icelandic language

Icelandic is the closest language to Old Norse. This is largely due to the relative isolation of the island and also, in modern times, to the efforts of the Icelandic people. When something new arrives on the scene, new Icelandic words are often carefully formed. For example, tölva, meaning computer, was developed from two words meaning to predict and to count. Icelandic people are very talented with languages, most have a very high standard of English and they are usually proficient at a couple of other languages too. It is nice to know a few Icelandic words though:

Já/yes, the ‘j’ is pronounced ‘y’ and the ‘á ́ as ‘ow’, so this kind of becomes ‘yauw’
Nei/no is pronounced, ‘nay ́.
Góðan daginn/Good day which is pronounced ‘go-than daginn’ with a softened ‘g’
Gott kvöld/good evening, the ‘ö’ is pronounced ‘ur’ is little like in urgent but soft and shorter. Góða nótt/Goodnight. ‘Gothah note’, with the ‘ó’ pronounced as in ‘gold’.

Takk, takk takk or takk fyrir/Thank you, the ‘y’ is pronounced ‘i’ as in ‘link’. Bless/bye, bless, bless is also often said.

A few good things to know about Iceland!

Electrical devices: F-Type two-prong plugs are used in Iceland, the power supply is 230V and 50Hz. You need to use an adapter if you are from the UK, USA or another country using different plugs, voltage or hertz.

Money/credit cards: For showers in the highlands and some toilets you need cash in Icelandic krónur (ISK), ATMs are to be found in Reykjavík and large towns. For everything else plastic is great.

Bathing suits: Just bring one! With great swimming pools and hot tubs you will regret it if you don’t. Drinking Water: Icelandic water is among the purest and best in the world, just use the cold tap.

Hot Water: Icelanders make good use of their geothermal hot water to heat their homes and shower. Sometimes there is a sulfur smell, run the cold tap a little before you take a drink and all will be fine!

Swimming pools: Icelanders love their many outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs. Just remember to shower using soap/shampoo without your bathing suit before you swim!

Emergency numbers: You just dial 112 and explain the service you need, everyone speaks English.

Drinking laws: The legal drinking age is 20 years. You can ONLY buy alcohol from state liquor stores called Vínbúðin, opening hours are quite limited and vary between stores. If you see beer or wine in grocery shops, do not be fooled, the alcohol content of these drinks will be virtually zero!

Smoking: You are not permitted to smoke in hotels, bars, restaurants or other public buildings, some have smoking areas. It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18, proof of age is required.

Manners: Take off your shoes if you visit someone, many hotels and guest houses also ask their guests to do so. Blowing your nose in company, particularly at the table, is bad manners in Iceland.

Prices: A swim will cost you around 900 ISK, a hot dog is even cheaper, a pot of yogurt or Icelandic Skyr is around 350 ISK, after that, it gets a little more expensive! You should expect to pay 2000/3000 ISK per day for lunch, and your evening meals will cost 2500/6500 ISK each. So on average, you need to budget around 7000 ISK per person per day. A beer is about 1000/1400 ISK, and wine is about 1000/1500 ISK per glass.