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Iceland Full Circle

Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Dyrhólaey Peninsula, Vik, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland
Gullfoss Falls, Golden Circle, Iceland
Stokksnes Headland, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland
Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Iceland
Lake Mývatn, Iceland
Incl flights, accommodation & transfers
From   0
8 days

Holiday highlights

  • 8 Days in otherworldly IcelandClick here for more information about Iceland.

  • Spot whales and dolphins in Iceland’s longest fjord.

  • Explore Lake Mývatn's stunning volcanic landscapes and relax in hot springs.

  • Marvel at Iceland’s many powerful and beautiful waterfalls.

  • Wander along the black sand beaches with basalt caves of the south coast.

  • Sail among huge blue icebergs in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

  • Discover the geysers of the Golden Circle.

  • Visit Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital.

View this Itinerary in Photos

  • Fly from the UK to Reykjavík, the capital and largest city in Iceland. Upon arrival you are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in the city centre.

    Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital and serves as a gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders. Stroll through the lively city centre, where there are many museums, cosy cafés and traditional restaurants. It’s hard to miss Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland that towers over the city. The church’s design was inspired by Iceland’s incredible landscapes, notably the hexagonal basalt columns, one of Iceland’s most common geological features. The church has an observation tower where you can see panoramic views of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.

    Enjoy the comforts of a bustling city before you start your road journey around the island, passing through wilderness and natural marvels. Following Iceland’s ring road is one of the world’s great road journeys, with stunning landscapes on the 1,000 mile loop. Each section of the journey is different, with incredible waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, forests, barren deserts, mountains, geysers and fjords all visible from the vehicle. Iceland is sparsely populated, but you will pass small fishing communities and vast farms full of beautiful Icelandic horses and sheep. In this sense, the only way to get the full picture of Iceland is to do the full circle.

    The vast majority of the journey is on good paved road, but small parts are on gravel roads which can be bumpy. The journeys are long and the weather is very changeable, but this only adds to the dramatic scenery.

  • Leave Reykjavík behind as you travel towards north Iceland on a full-day journey through impressive landscapes. Drive along the coast with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other until you stop at the Grábrók volcano crater, which is about 3,400 years old. Walk to the top of the 170 metre-high crater for incredible views. Head inland with the landscape ever-changing, with small volcanoes and the mighty rivers that have carved out the landscapes wending their way across the plains. Arrive at the fjords of the north coast, where you have time for lunch (not included) in Hvammstangi, a small village on the Midfjördur fjord.

    Passing traditional farms with sheep in the fields, continue to the Glaumbaer Farm & Museum, a well-preserved area of turf houses. A farm has stood on the land since the settlement of Iceland in 900 AD and people lived in Glaumbær until 1947 until it was declared a protected site. Learn about how life in Iceland was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cross mountain passes as you travel towards Akureyri, arriving into Iceland’s second-largest city in the late afternoon.

    Spend the rest of the day at leisure or take the optional Akureyri Whale Watching excursion. On this 3-hour boat ride, try to spot the diverse range of whale species and birdlife of the Eyjafjörður coastline. Humpback, minke and bottlenose whales, harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphins are often spotted in the fjord. A specially trained whale watching guide and naturalists are experts at spotting the wildlife and explaining their behaviour.

    Journey: 240 miles (approximately 5-6 hours).

    Included Activities: Walk at Grábrók Crater, visit to Glaumbaer Farm & Museum.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • After breakfast, depart Akureyri for the drive to Lake Mývatn, with stops at several geothermal and geological formations in the surrounding area. Mývatn is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland and lies on an active volcanic belt. The scenery today is completely different as you move to a land scarred by volcanic activity, yet has some of the best bird-watching available in Iceland. Mývatn has more species of duck than anywhere else in the world, with fourteen species nesting here.

    On the way, stop at the impressive Godafoss waterfall. Nicknamed Waterfall of the Gods, in 1000 AD lawspeaker Thorgeir Ljósvetningagodi symbolised Iceland’s conversion to Christianity by throwing the statues of the Old Norse Gods into the waterfall. Continue to the Skútustadagrig pseudocraters, where you walk next to the shores of Lake Mývatn. The pseudocraters were formed about 2,300 years ago when hot lava flowed over the wetlands and boiled the water. The steam pressure caused explosions, creating clusters of craters. Stop at the impressive lava landscape of Dimmuborgir with columns, caves and arches created by the flow of a lava lake over a marshy area some 2,300 years ago. According to Icelandic folklore, this is believed to be an area connecting earth with hell and is the location where Satan landed when cast from the heavens.

    You have time for lunch (not included) at a farm restaurant, then explore the small lava cave of Grjótagjá, with a beautiful geothermal hot spring with clear blue waters. Then visit the Krafla volcanic caldera and surrounding lava fields for a 90-minute walk. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Krafla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes with 29 eruptions in recorded history. Within the caldera floats the 300-metre Viti Crater, formed in 1724 by a massive volcanic eruption in the region with emerald waters.

    You then transfer to your hotel or you can take the optional Mývatn Nature Baths excursion to spend a couple of hours relaxing in serene milky-blue hot spring waters overlooking the other-worldly landscape. The warm water contains a unique blend of minerals, particularly sulphur, which is said to be good for skin and respiratory problems.

    Journey: 100 miles (approximately 2.5 hours).

    Included Activities: Guided visits to Godafoss waterfall, Skútustadagrig pseudocraters, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá lava cave, Krafla lava field and Viti Crater.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Start the day with a stop at the foot of Namafjall Mountain to explore the Hverir geothermal area, boasting fumaroles, large mud pools, steam vents and a striking orange-red landscape. Continue to the most powerful waterfall in Europe: Dettifoss. It is 100 metres wide and plummets 45 metres into the deep Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The power of the falls is awe-inspiring and you can hear the falls long before they are visible. A few hundred metres downstream is Selfoss waterfall. You then move east to Iceland’s most desolate landscape. There is virtually no human habitation in this zone owing to the strikingly barren highlands, likely why the Apollo astronauts trained here for the moon landings. After lunch (not included) in Mödrudalur, a rural farm settlement on the edge of the northern highlands, continue to Studlagil, a beautiful canyon in Jökuldalur known for its striking 30-metre tall basalt rock columns and the turquoise water that runs through it.

    The landscape changes dramatically as you head east, with dramatic moorland, rivers and small waterfalls appearing by the side of the road. In the late afternoon, you arrive at your hotel in the beautiful setting of Egilsstadir, set on the lovely Lake Lagarfljót with forested shores and dramatic mountains in the background.  

    Journey: 150 miles (approximately 3.5-4 hours).

    Included Activities: Guided visits to Hverir geothermal area, Dettifoss waterfall and Studlagil canyon.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • The drive today offers some incredible scenery, with winding roads, calm fjords, spectacular waterfalls, harbour villages and striking black sand beaches. You start by crossing mountain heathland on gravel roads, with romantic mountain scenery on either side. As the road descends to the fjords below, you follow a beautiful river with incredible waterfalls every few miles. You have time for lunch (not included) in Djúpivogur, a small coastal village at the mouth of Berufjördur fjord. Continue to Stokksnes, an impressive headland of black sand dunes by the sea where seals are often spotted. Take a beach walk alongside the foot of Mount Vestrahorn to see an abandoned Viking village film set. The road follows the winding coastline, passing through small fishing communities and dramatic black volcanic sand beaches. As you emerge from one tunnel, you are confronted with the Vatnajökull ice cap in front of you, with several tongues of ice descending from Europe’s largest glacier.

    End the day’s journey at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with the impressive face of the glacier at the far end of the lagoon. The lagoon filled with icebergs that have broken free from the mighty Breidamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap Vatnajökull. Walk along Diamond Beach, a black sand beach located by the Jökulsárlón lagoon. The giant icebergs that collect in the lagoon wash up on the beach, creating the stark contrast of the jet black sand with the white ice appearing like glistening gemstones.

    For the more adventurous, you can also take the Optional Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Ride excursion. You are suited up in a weather suit before taking an exhilarating zodiac ride on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You reach speeds of up to 30mph to get close to the face of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, 4.5 miles away. It is even possible to spot seals relaxing on the icebergs or swimming in the lagoon.

    In the evening, check-in to your hotel near the Jökulsárlón lagoon.

    Journey: 170 miles (approximately 3.5-4 hours).

    Included Activities: Guided visits to Stokksnes and Diamond Beach.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Drive along the south Coast to Skaftafell National Park, the largest national park in Iceland. This drive is beautiful, with glacier-covered mountains on one side and the dramatic coastline on the other. You pass many glaciers and waterfalls snaking down towards the road. The landscapes in Skaftafell are full of contrasts with towering mountains, imposing glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, wild flowers and lush vegetation. Walk to Svartifoss waterfall, where the 20-metres tall black columnar basalt formations create a crescent-shaped cliff that beautifully frame the waterfall. It was this wonder of natural architecture that inspired the design for Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík.

    You then cross the Eldhraun lava field, with sharp black volcanic rocks covered in soft green moss and lichen. Eldhraun is the largest lava flow in the world spanning 218 square miles. After lunch (not included), you arrive at possibly the most beautiful beach in Iceland, Reynisfjara, where the long black sand beach contrasts with dramatic cliffs, caves, sea arches and geological formations. According to Icelandic folklore, the rocky sea stacks sitting off the shoreline originated when two trolls dragged a ship to shore unsuccessfully and when dawn broke, the trolls turned into solid stone. Continue to the Dyrhólaey peninsula, famous for its incredible views of Iceland’s south coast and abundance of birdlife. Instantly visible is Dyrhólaey’s massive rock arch which the peninsula is named after. From May to August, Dyrhólaey is one of the best places to see Atlantic puffins nesting on the cliff faces.

    Check-in to your hotel in Vík í Mýrdal, the southernmost village in Iceland.

    Journey: 150 miles (approximately 3-3.5 hours).

    Included Activities: Walk in Svaftafell National Park and visits to Reynisfjara beach and Dyrhólaey peninsula.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Start the day with two of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss has a drop of 60 metres and is 25 metres wide. Any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds, at least one rainbow is present due to the amount of spray the waterfall produces. You can view Skógafoss from an observational platform above it, or from underneath (but you might get drenched!). Nearby Seljalandsfoss cascades 60 metres and has a wide cavern with paths that mean it can be fully encircled. You can walk behind the curtain of water and marvel at the waterfall from a completely new perspective.

    You pass the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which last erupted in 2010 and caused disruption to European air traffic at the time, and start the famous Golden Circle route back to Reykjavik. Explore the Geysir Geothermal Area, a dramatic hot-spring haven in the Haukadalur Valley. Admire the many hot springs, steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. Strokkur is the most famous geyser, shooting jets of boiling water up to 40 metres high approximately every ten minutes, providing a reliable spectacle. The word ‘geyser’ comes from the Geysir jet, which is now rarely active, but previously hurled boiling water up to 70 metres in the air. Then continue to the last waterfall of the trip, and possibly the most beautiful: the powerful Gullfoss. Tumbling down two drops from a height of 32 metres into the Hvítá river canyon, in the summer it is possible to walk right up to the edge of the falls.

    You drive through Thingvellir National Park which boasts a fascinating combination of Icelandic history and natural beauty. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and as a result dramatic landscapes are created. Thingvellir means ‘assembly fields’ and in the year 930 AD, Iceland’s historic democratic parliament was founded here. Complete the loop as you return to Reykjavík in the evening for your last night in Iceland.

    Journey: 190 miles (approximately 4.5-5 hours).

    Included Activities: Guided visits of Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss ad Gullfoss waterfalls, Geysir hot springs and Thingvellir National Park.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Transfer to Keflavík airport to check in and board your return flight to the UK.

    Included Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Reykjavík

Hotel Skuggi

Included

Standard Hotel: Standing on one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets Hotel Skuggi is ideally positioned to explore the city. There is a lobby bar and altough there is no restaurant for dinner, the hotel is a short two-minute walk from the city food hall, full of excellent places to eat. Rooms are comfortable with a sophisticated minimalist style inspired by the nature of the island, designed to create a raw but cozy atmosphere.

Why stay here: Centrally located to discover downtown Reykjavik and very close to Iceland’s main shopping street, Laugavegur, which is home to a variety of cafés and restaurants, as well as the Hlemmur Mathöll food hall. The harbour area is also within walking distance.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

Standard room type.

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Accommodation in Akureyri

Hotel Kea

Included

Standard Hotel: Located in the heart of Akureyri next to the iconic Akureyri Church and with views that stretch across the Eyjafjörður fjord. The hotel is neatly decorated in a classical style which reflects the history of the establishment. Rooms are clean and comfortable and are equipped with all of the standard modern amenities. The hotel features an in-house bar and restaurant showcasing the produce of Iceland.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: Within walking distance of the shops, cafés and restaurants of the town centre. The hotel is also very close to the waterfront.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

Standard room type.

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

Included

Standard Hotel: A friendly hotel, with tastefully decorated, bright rooms. A short walk to the centre of town and located opposite the warm geothermal swimming pools. The restaurant utilizes fresh, locally grown ingredients and the inviting lounge with fireplace is a great place to warm up with a drink. There is also a small garden area.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availabiltiy for dates.

Why stay here: The hotel offers incredible views of the natural surroundings and is only a short stroll into the heart of Akureyri. 

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Saeluhús Hotel

Included

Standard Hotel: Saeluhús offers a series of spacious self-contained apartment studios. Located in a quiet and friendly environment, a 15-minute walk from the centre of town, with fabulous views of the fjord. There is no restaurant, but breakfast is taken in a nearby cafe.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The spacious studio apartments are set just outside of the town centre in a peaceful area surrounded by nature with great views from the balcony.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

About the apartment

Each apartment has free WiFi, a TV, central floor heating, a bathroom, a balcony and a kitchenette.

Accommodation in Mývatn Area

Fosshotel Mývatn

Included

Standard Hotel: Fosshotel Mývatn is located next to Lake Mývatn, a short distance from the Nature Baths. The hotel is clad with larch wood and has a grass roof and has been designed to blend with the natural surroundings of the area. The hotel has a fantastic view of the landscape. The rooms continue the theme of nature with timber-clad walls and natural tones. The restaurant is stylish and contemporary with Nordic cuisine and is only enhanced by the spectacular backdrop of the lake viewed through the floor to ceiling windows.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: A stay at the Fosshotel Mývatn focuses on the natural beauty of the environment with unforgettable views.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel has a modern gym and fitness centre.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

Standard room type.

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Hotel Laxá

Included

Standard Hotel: Hotel Laxá is located in a quiet area approximately 2km from Lake Mývatn and within 20 minutes of Mývatn Nature Baths. The hotel is away from the other buildings, offering an incredible setting in the stark landscape and is built with natural materials to make little visual impact on the environment. The restaurant showcases Icelandic cuisine and promotes local ingredients through its diverse menu.  Rooms are a good size with neutral decor.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: To be immersed in the mesmerizing landscape of Mývatn.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

Standard room type.

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Hotel Raudaskrida

Included

Standard Hotel: The Hotel Raudaskirda is a family run hotel founded in 1990 and prides itself on being one of the most environmentally conscious hotels on the island. The pastoral setting of the hotel means that there are fabulous views throughout the hotel. The spacious rooms are decorated with clean, neutral colours and natural materials. There is a good restaurant that has great views of the landscape and serves dishes sourced from local produce. The hotel is about 45 minutes drive from LakeMývatn.

 *This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

 Why stay here: Staying at the Hotel Raudaskirda gives you a great sense of rural Iceland. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Sel Hótel

Included
Sel Hótel, Lake Mývatn, Iceland

Standard Hotel: A traditional family run hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms which have a varying range of views of either the lake, the craters, the mountains or farmland. There is a hot tub and sauna. The restaurant serves classic Icelandic dishes including authentic geysir bread, lamb and Skútaís ice cream directly from the nearby farm.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The Sel Hótel has attentive service and a good hearty Icelandic breakfast. The setting is incredible and is only a short walk from the lake shore.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel has a hot tub and sauna

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

Standard room type.

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Accommodation in Egilsstadir

Lake Hotel

Included
Lake Hotel Exterior, Egilsstadir, Iceland

Standard Hotel: Lake Hotel is a family-run establishment that rests on the the old foundations of Icelandic farming culture. The original buildings of the hotel date back to 1903 and offer an authentic experience in antique rooms. Additional building have been added to the site through the years which offer a more contemporary stay. The hotel has a spa complete with a hot tub, sauna, cold tub and both indoor and outdoor relaxing areas. Views of Lake Lagarfljót are beautiful from the spa. The hotel restaurant has a built a reputation for its cuisine rooted in traditions of the region with most of the produce organic and sourced from the local area.

Why stay here: Steeped in history, the Lake Hotel offers a unique experience when staying in the original buildings of the old farmhouse. The views of the lake and forest are wonderful.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel has a modern spa with hot tub, cold tub and sauna.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Accommodation in Glacier Lagoon

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Included

Standard Hotel: Located between two of Iceland’s most spectacular natural attractions, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is the perfect location for nature lovers. Rooms are sizeable and light with high-ceilings and large windows that overlook either the mountainous terrain or the ocean. The hotel restaurant has large windows, and a wide menu. Additional facilities include a sauna, hot tubs and a gym fitness centre.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The isolated location of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon allows you to enjoy the wonders of nature surrounding the property.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Hali Country Hotel

Included

Standard Hotel: Hali Country Hotel, located on an historic farm, offers comfortable and cosy accommodation. Rooms are bright with large windows offering views of either the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Great Mountains to the north or Vatnajökull Glacier to the west. The hotel restaurant serves traditional meals and specialties such as arctic trout.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The Hali Country Hotel is the close to the Glacier Lagoon and has a fabulous location close to the ocean.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • Complimentary coffee and tea is available in the lobby.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Accommodation in Vík í Mýrdal

Hotel Katla

Included

Standard Hotel: The Katla Hotel is surrounded by a breathtaking environment with mountains, glaciers and black sand bays all nearby. Styled in the traditional Icelandic fashion with low-lying buildings and red-roofs, the Katla has minimalist Scandinavian finishings. Inside, the decor is clean and modern with use of natural materials. Rooms are cosy. The restaurant offers a good buffet and has a welcoming atmosphere. Guests have access to an outdoor geothermal hot tub, sauna and a gym. 

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The outdoor geothermal pools are an enjoyable experience only enhanced by the dramatic scenery encompassing the hotel.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel has a modern gym, outdoor geothermal hot pool and sauna.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Included

Standard Hotel: On the edge of the village of Vík, with the black sand beaches only a ten minute walk away, the hotel boasts peace and tranquility in a stunning setting.  Rooms are clean and airy with large windows that show great views of either the ocean, columnar basalt sea stacks or the nearby mountains. The hotel restaurant is called Berg, meaning 'Mountain', and serves authentic Icelandic cuisine with a creative twist.

*This hotel is used for certain departure dates. Ask us or Check Availability for dates.

Why stay here: The Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is ideally located to explore the iconic black sand beaches of the area, but is still close enough to vist the local town.

Hotel Facilities

  • WiFi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge.

  • The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a wake-up call service.

About the room

The superior rooms are bright and comfortable, located in the modern new building. All rooms have free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe.

Excursions

Whale Watching

£95

In north-Icelandic waters, there is a volcanic fissure in the ocean ground that allows heat to rise. Zooplankton and the krill flourish in this mixing of warm and cold currents in the Eyjafjördur bay, creating rich feeding grounds that attract all kinds of the whales. Thanks to these favourable conditions, the Eyjafjörður bay is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching.

It is possible to spot whales in their natural habitat on a three hour boat ride departing from Akureyri harbour. As you leave the harbour behind, the boat’s viewing platform offers great views of the calm and picturesque fjord, with a beautiful backdrop of towering mountains, fishing villages and lush countryside. Pass peacefully through the calm waters of Iceland’s longest fjord with the chance to see humpback, minke and bottlenose whales, harbour porpoise and white beaked dolphins. On board is a specially trained whale watching guide who is an expert at spotting the whales and explaining their behaviours.

Mývatn Nature Baths

£55

The Mývatn Nature Baths are a set of geothermally heated pools and steam baths located in the Lake Mývatn area. After a day of walking in lava fields and on volcanic cones around Mývatn, soak weary muscles in soothing geothermal waters. The milky blue colour of the water resembles the famous Blue Lagoon in the south-west, but the Mývatn Nature Baths are quieter, and in a more impressive natural landscape.

While the baths themselves are man-made, the geothermic activity that heats them is natural. The 5,000m2 baths are centred on a large lagoon of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres. The water is maintained at temperatures of 36-40°C and is packed with a unique blend of minerals, particularly sulphur, which is said to be good for skin and respiratory problems. There are also two steam baths sat directly on top of a geothermal stream, forming a natural sauna. The steam is sulphur-free and rises through the floor at about 50°C resulting in a humidity of 100%. There are windows in the steam baths with incredible views out to the idyllic panorama.

Facilities include toilets, changing rooms with showers and a restaurant. You will need to take a shower before entering the lagoon. Towels are available for rent, or you can bring your own.

Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Ride

£90

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is filled with huge icebergs that have broken free from the mighty Breidamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. Although it is visible from the lake shore, an adventurous Zodiac boat ride enables you to come up close and personal with the glacier.

You are suited up in a weather suit and board the zodiac for an exhilarating ride between the massive icebergs as your guide carves a route towards the glacier. The zodiac reaches speeds of up to 30mph on the 4.5 mile journey, so hold on tight!

Weaving through the icebergs, the guide will explain the geography of the glacier, icebergs and the surrounding area. It is sometimes possible to spot seals relaxing on the smaller icebergs or swimming in the lagoon. The tour in the lagoon takes around one hour.

Prices include

Return flights from the UK; any internal flights; accommodation (bed and breakfast except where indicated); transfers; service of guides and local reps, UK airport taxes.

Prices do not include

Any optional excursions, travel insurance, tips.

Holidays without international flights

The above prices include return international flights from the UK. If you wish to arrange your own flights, we will reduce our prices accordingly. The reduction depends on when you travel, please call us for details.

Departure Airport

Flights are scheduled to be from London. Other airports may be possible, although a supplement sometimes applies.

Holiday Information

All the practical information you need regarding your trip is found here. From how to prepare before you leave and travelling to your destination, to advice on travelling within your country of choice.

About Your Holiday

  • Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

  • All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

    For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through IPP: https://www.llamatravel.com/ipp-protection

  • In many cases, the best way to describe our holidays is flexible tours, so you can choose where to visit by combining different extensions and excursions, and which hotels to stay in. In most cases, you will be with other Llama Travellers, but not necessarily the same people throughout. This allows you to get to know like-minded people, but not have to spend all your time with the same group. If we don't have anyone else taking a particular part of a holiday, we will normally operate this just for you.

    In some cases, we operate more traditional tours, with the same Llama Travel group travelling together for the majority of the holiday, which allows land travel from one location to another, and in this case we may have a minimum number of travellers required to operate the group.

    Excursions are usually taken together with other Llama Travel customers in groups of no more than 18 people. If we have more than 18 booked, we operate two groups. These will usually be in English, although in some places, especially on wildlife excursions, the excursions may be operated by one of our local partners, so you may be with people other than Llama Travel customers and the group may be a mix of English and other languages. In these cases, group sizes can sometimes be larger. If you would like to know the likely situation for your holiday, please ask us and we will be able to check. Transfers may be with more than 18 people.

    We get a wide range of people taking our holidays, with probably the largest group being couples aged in their forties to sixties, or even older. However, we also have a large number of customers in their twenties and thirties, especially for some of the more active holidays. What unites everyone is a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover new cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Although most of our customers travel with friends or family, we also have quite a few single travellers who are happy to mix and match as described above.

    Group Size
    Most holidays can operate with a minimum of 2 passengers, but some holidays have a higher minimum group size. If we have fewer than the minimum number of passengers, we will let you know two months before departure. In this case, we will refund you any monies paid or offer you an alternative option. It may be possible to operate the trip for fewer than 4 passengers for an additional cost.

    All holidays in Europe have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    All holidays in Namibia or South Africa have a minimum group size of 6 passengers.
    All holidays in Kenya have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    All holidays in Asia have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    All holidays in Costa Rica and Mexico have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.

Booking Conditions

How To Book

  • To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

  • You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque. We do not accept cards for balance payments. We are unable to accept cash.

Before You Go

  • To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Latin America

    Visas are not required in advance for British citizens for any Llama Travel Latin American destination. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

    If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    There is an entry fee to enter Chile for citizens of Australia, the US, Canada and some other countries which must be paid upon arrival. There is also an entry fee for US and Canadian citizens visiting Argentina, which must be paid in advance online.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate.

    Africa

    British nationals can enter Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana for a visit of up to 90 days without a visa. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For South Africa, you need a passport with two blank pages.

    For Zimbabwe, British nationals will be granted a KAZA Univisa (valid for travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and day trips into Botswana) visa, for a fee, paid in cash. This is easiest to obtain upon arrival at the airport or border post, rather than via an agency in the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Zimbabwe consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK.

    For Kenya, British nationals require a visa, which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website. For more information, see the website of the Kenya High Commission. Children aged 16 and below do not require a visa to enter Kenya. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Kenya consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate. In South Africa and Namibia, children under 18 must also carry an unabridged birth certificate.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Asia & the Middle East

    To visit Jordan, you need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. You will need a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan visa is included in the price of your holiday. On arrival in Amman our representatives will meet you prior to immigration and this will be provided to you free of charge. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Jordanian consulate.

    All visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lanka consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    All visitors to India, including British nationals, require a visa, which can be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For more information, see the website of the India High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Indian consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    Visitors from 13 countries, including the UK, can travel to Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days. For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. Stays longer than 90 days are not permitted. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Vietnamese consulate.

    To visit Cambodia, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Cambodian consulate.

    If you are arranging a stopover in Singapore, you must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card up to three days before entry into Singapore.

    Europe

    You need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

     

  • In many destinations, you can arrange adventure activities, either through Llama Travel or through Llama Travel. If you are interested in taking any of these, please make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.

  • Some countries have strict regulations regarding the entry and exit of children under 18 when not travelling with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting. If you are travelling with children who are not entering or leaving the country with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting, please contact the consulate of the country you are visiting to check requirements.

    Countries in Africa have particularly strict requirements regarding children travelling, and in both South Africa and Namibia, children need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, in Namibia, adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel.

    Such requirements do change from time to time, and although we try to keep abreast of such changes and update this information, if you are travelling with children, we suggest you check current requirements carefully.

  • You will receive tickets approximately 10 days before departure, along with information on accommodation, transfers and excursions. Our agents in destination will give you final details for hotel and excursions when you arrive. Please check airline tickets carefully in case timings have changed after we issued your confirmation.

  • Cards are widely accepted in most hotel and restaurants, and cash machines are common in most destinations. However, when travelling to remote areas, it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. Travellers cheques are no longer widely used, so it may be inconvenient to take these.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

    More information on the situation regarding money, budgeting and tipping in specific countries is in the country information below.

  • Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you are going to be taking part in any activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this, especially if this involves high-altitude trekking, such as the Inca Trail.

When Your Are Travelling

  • Most people who travel to the countries where Llama Travel operates experience no problems on holiday. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem, especially in large cities. Tourists can appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk, use common sense. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive looking jewellery or cameras. Avoid empty streets, especially on your own. Take a taxi after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a trouble-free holiday.

    Each country has its own standards for health and safety, but these are often not as good as in the UK. We take this into account when selecting hotels and request that they comply with all local regulations, but cannot guarantee that these are equivalent to British standards. Please take reasonable precautions to protect yourselves whilst on holiday, e.g. by locating fire exit routes.

    Please also check the Foreign Office travel advice for the countries you are visiting at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK.

    In Latin America and Europe, attitudes can sometimes be more conservative than in the UK, but there are not usually problems.

    In some African countries, including Morocco, Zimbabwe and Kenya, same sex relationships are illegal and conservative attitudes prevail. However, hotels and lodges do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms. In much of Africa and the Middle East, public displays of affection may attract negative attention, especially with LGBT couples, although the majority of people are friendly to visitors, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. In South Africa, the authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

    In most of Asia, attitudes to same sex relationships can be conservative, but there are not usually any problems. In Sri Lanka, same sex relationships are illegal, but hotels do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms.

    The UK Foreign Office has information LGBT travel on their travel advice for individual countries, found at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • For all wildlife excursions, please always follow the instructions of your guide, both for the animals’ welfare and for your safety. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, excursions involving exposure to wild animals will always carry some risk.

    If you take a safari in Africa, you will be with an experienced guide at all times, who is usually unarmed. All of the game drives run according to schedule, although unexpected delays can occur, which the guide will deal with as quickly and safely as possible. Being in the wilderness means that the environment is unpredictable, so the unexpected can happen. For any excursions taken on foot, there will be a safety briefing to inform you of the possible dangers.

Health & Fitness

  • Please consult your GP or a travel clinic about health and vaccination requirements. Advice for travellers is available at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

    When travelling, stomach illnesses are not uncommon due to changes in diet. We suggest you only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you are unsure if salads and fruit have been washed in purified water, it is best to avoid them.

    If you suffer from a disability or condition and are worried whether this will affect the enjoyment of a holiday, please call us. We will do our best to help. We recommend that you bring any medicines you require from the UK.

    If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

    Outside of major cities, medical facilities can be basic, meaning a lengthy transfer if hospital attention is required.

    Latin America

    Yellow fever and / or malaria precautions are recommended for visiting the jungle, Iguazu Falls and some parts of Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Yellow Fever certificates are sometimes required if you have recently visited a country with an infected area. Children under 6 require proof of vaccination against polio to enter Brazil. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, please speak to your GP about zika. Please seek medical advice before you travel.

    Parts of South America are at high altitude. Most visitors do not suffer major problems. However, shortness of breath is common and we advise you to take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart or lung condition, or think that you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

    Africa

    Malaria precautions are highly recommended when visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the north of Namibia, including Etosha, Botswana and Kenya. Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for Kenya. Travellers entering many African countries, including South Africa and Kenya Africa, coming from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old.

    Asia

    Malaria precautions are not usually advised when visiting the areas that Llama Travel offers in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam or Cambodia, although malaria is present in some other parts of these countries. If you have visited a country with yellow fever recently, you will usually require a valid yellow fever certificate to enter. Please be aware that Shimla in the Himalayas in India is at a moderately high altitude, so we recommend you take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart of lung condition, or think you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

  • For most of our holidays, age is not a concern. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required, as most holidays require some walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Even relatively mild activities can be strenuous at altitude. High altitude trekking is more strenuous than an equivalent length walk at low altitude.

Getting There

  • Depending on the route and the airline, if you would like to break your journey to or from your final destination, and add a stopover to your holiday, this may be possible. Please ask us for information.

  • If you are interested in arranging your own international flights, this is sometimes possible. Please ask us for details of this and any discount we can arrange for removing international flights. Please do not book your flights until we have reconfirmed all services with our suppliers and you have checked the confirmation invoice.

  • All people transiting in a third country need to make sure they comply with any immigration requirements for that country.

    This is especially the case when in transit in the US when flying to Latin America. In this case, you must comply with US immigration requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these requirements before you travel. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding on your flight to the US and, at best, a last-minute and probably expensive re-routing avoiding the US. It is important, therefore, that you follow these procedures carefully.

    If your flight to Latin America involves a stop in the US, you will be subject to US immigration control upon entry to the US. If you qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you are able to avoid the need to apply for a visa, but still need to enter your details online on the US State Department website. If you do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must apply in person at a US embassy for a US visa. Please make sure that you do this in good time.

    If you are a UK citizen and have a UK passport, you may qualify for visa-free travel. You will require a machine readable passport to qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (so you do not require a visa to enter the US). A machine readable passport has the holder's personal details (name, date of birth, nationality and passport number) contained in two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page. This appears as two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (">>>>>") printed across the long edge of the photo page. It must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information.

    Please note, holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen or British Protected Person do not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states that the holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not quality for visa-free travel.

    If you have visited certain restricted countries, including Cuba, you may not qualify for visa-free travel.

    If you have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or if you have a criminal record, you will need a visa.

    If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, please check with the US embassy. Full details can be found on the US embassy’s UK website at: http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html

    Many European, Australian and New Zealand passport holders also qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as long as the passport is machine readable and complies with the relevant criteria. Please see the US embassy website for a list of countries which qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. It is important that you check the website of the US Embassy in the country of passport nationality for any further changes before you travel.

    Details of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US State Department website at

    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

    In addition to the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Transportation Security Authority requires anybody flying through the United Sates to supply specific passenger information prior to their international flight.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Many airlines offer the option of flying from regional airports in the UK, avoiding the need to make your own way to London. Due to the timing of flights, in some cases this may involve an overnight stop in London or another intermediate airport. There is usually a supplement for regional departures. Please note that most of our flights depart from London.

  • You can upgrade to business class or premium economy on most airlines. Call us for prices for the route and airline you are interested in.

    Premium Economy

    Some airlines offer Premium Economy cabins, which provide more comfortable seats which recline further and have more legroom. There are better meals and a bar service.

    Other airlines offer standard economy class seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.

    Business Class

    Many airlines have long-haul business class cabins with seats that convert into full flat beds and often have a privacy screen.

    Business Class within Europe is often similar to economy class seating, but with better meals, and middle seats are often left empty.

  • Most scheduled airlines have a baggage allowance of 23kg per passenger for international flights, but internal flight allowances can be less. Exact limits can be found on airline webpages. Please bear this in mind when packing, as carrying excess baggage will normally incur an expensive additional cost payable at check in. Additionally, certain excursions have a limited baggage allowance. Where this is the case, we will advise you in advance. Llama Travel accepts no responsibility for the delay, loss or damage of luggage.

    There may be additional luggage restrictions for specific countries. In this case, details of this will be in the country information below.

  • Many airlines now charge a fee to select your seat prior to checking in for your flight, even when travelling in premium economy or business class. Alternatively, you may choose your preferred seat free of charge when online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure or at the airport. Please ask us about the options available at time of booking.

    We all want a comfortable journey, particularly on long haul flights. If you would like a seat with some extra leg room or a larger recline please let us know. Airlines have introduced a range of “economy comfort” seats that may be purchased in advance. In some cases, these seats may only be purchased online directly with the airline once Llama Travel has issued your ticket approximately 30 days prior to departure.

    For internal flights, and for connecting flights in Europe, it is usually only possible to select seats when you check-in online or at the airport.

                        

    It may not be possible to always use online check-in systems, especially when using a codeshare flight. On occasion, your preferred seat may be changed by the airline for operational reasons such as a change of aircraft or to facilitate a disabled passenger on the day you fly and as such, Llama Travel cannot guarantee specific seats.

Travelling in Iceland

  • Despite its name, and the fact that it is geographically located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a relatively moderate climate. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate with refreshing summers and mild winters.

    Reykjavik lies in the southwest of the island and has an average temperature during winter of around 1-2°C, however, lows can reach -10°C and  highs can raech 10°C. During the summer the average temperature is 12°C with lows of 7°C and highs of 25°C.      

    The weather in Akureryri, the largest town in the north of Iceland, has average summer temperatures reaching 11°C and average winter temperatures of 0°C.

    The weather in Iceland is notoriously variable and it is not uncommon to experiences several weather spells in one day. We, therefore, recommend taking a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cold weather conditions. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is advisable as some locations will involve walking across uneven ground, often with loose and wet terrain.

    Electricity in Iceland is 230V, and plugs are of the round two-pin type.

    We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

    Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

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  • The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (approximate exchange rate £1 = 175 Króna). Credit and debit cards can be used in hotels, shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines.

    All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately £20-30 for a meal and £8-10 for a beer per person.

    If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. It is standard to tip 5-10% for table service in Icelandic restaurants. A daily tip of £2-4 per person for your guide is suggested.

  • Owing to the remoteness of Iceland, the cuisine is inspired by the ingredients found on the island. Icelandic food is fresh, uncomplicated, elegant and natural with a focus on local, organic produce.

    Skyr, the Icelandic yoghurt, has been part of Icelandic fare of thousands of years. A thick, creamy delicacy made from pasteurised skimmed-milk, it is more a type of soft cheese and tastes like Greek yoghurt. Lamb is a quintessential ingredient of Icelandic cuisine and the country is viewed as having some of the best in the world. The sheep are free to roam and their free-range diet produces tender, flavourful meat. Typical dishes that include lamb are Kjötsúpa, a soup consisting of lamb, turnips, carrots and onions. A more adventurous option is svið, or sheep’s head, originating from ancient times when all parts of the animal were utilized. Rúgbrauð, is a traditional rye bread that has been baked using the geothermal heat of the abundant hot springs of the island. The bread is dense, dark-brown, spongy and has a somewhat sweet taste. With fishing being Iceland’s largest export, it is unsurprising that seafood plays a key role the country’s cuisine. The most common types of fish found on restaurant menus are trout, char, haddock, cod and salmon. Shellfish is also common with mussels and langoustines prevalent.