Drive through the Icelandic highlands in a brawny Super Jeep designed to traverse the most challenging terrain. Travel caravan-style through the geological wonders of Pingvillir National Park, behold Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur geyser,and drive across lava fields and through the Valley of The Thousand Waters. And what could be more exhilarating than exploring across a volcanically formed landscape to Langjökull Glacier, onboard the Monster Truck Safari. Relaxing Icelandic-style in the geothermally heated Secret Lagoon also distinguishes this adventure.
NOTE: This program involves three days of being driven in 4x4 off-road vehicles called “Super Jeeps”, as well as a glacial monster truck tour. Guests with back injuries should not participate as the roads and trails may be quite bumpy.
DAY 1
After disembarking the ship in Reykjavik, your group will drive off in 4x4 vehicles. Crafted for uniquely tough conditions, these vehicles are custom-built with up to three transmissions, two steering systems, turbocharged engines, an array of radio equipment, marine-type satellite navigation and the world’s biggest road-legal tires. Only professional drivers, who are often the owners, are allowed to pilot them. Super Jeeps have been used off road to cross Antarctica and traverse the wild Icelandic highlands. They are just as suitable for highway driving.
Your caravan of Super 4x4 vehicles will head towards Þingvellir National Park, a remarkable geological phenomenon and important historical site. Located by Þingvallavatn, the biggest lake in Iceland, Þingvellir is where the world’s oldest democratic parliament was founded in 930 AD.
The beautiful canyon running through the park is the meeting point of two tectonic plates. UNESCO deemed the area a World Heritage site because of its combination of natural phenomena and historical significance.
Back in your vehicle, you will next drive to Gullfoss waterfall, which roars through a rugged canyon before plummeting more than 100 feet. The water from the White River falls in two stages, which adds even more drama to its descent. Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall in Icelandic because of the color of the water, which originates from a sediment-rich glacier.
After lunch at Gullfoss Café, another extraordinary adventure awaits you at Langjökull glacier, where you will go on a monster truck safari on Iceland’s second-biggest glacier. Langjökull is an endless source of adventure with plenty of off-road opportunities.
Local guides will lead you through this stunning natural wonder. Listen to interesting facts about glaciers, hear authentic stories of the Icelandic Highlands, and dive into the fascinating world of Nordic Mythology.
We stop at a scenic spot on the glacier with stunning views. Here you can enjoy at our Glacier pop-up Cafe - hot cocoa, coffee or tea, and Kleinur (an Icelandic pastry), and taste the purest water straight from the glacier.
For thrill-seekers, don't miss the chance to sled down the slopes or play golf atop the glacier (subject to weather and glacier conditions).
After the monster truck safari, you will drive to the Geysir geothermal area, where you will see abundant hot springs, as well as the famous geyser Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting a column of hot water high into the air.
After this day of rugged adventure, your accommodation for the night will be the Land Hotel or similar in the south of Iceland.
DAY 2
Following breakfast, depart for the Secret Lagoon where you will learn how Icelanders use geothermal hot water to nourish both their body and soul.
Your first stop is for an optional dip in The Secret Lagoon which is located in the geothermal area near the village of Flúðir. The Secret Lagoon was made in 1891 and is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. The pools natural surroundings and steam rising into the air give the place a magical feeling. Around the lagoon you will find several hot spots and a walking path built so you can have a closer look at the boiling hot springs.
After a relaxing dip in the Secret Lagoon, you will head to the Greenhouse Friðheimar for a unique lunch experience in Friðheimar Winebar & Bistro and enjoy the famous tomato soup and bread combination with basil and basil-olive oil plus the Winebar salad, which consists of Piccolo-tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, mozzarella pearls, basil and all kinds of nuts and seeds with hot-smoked salmon and horseradish cream. Also offered is a cheeseplatter with Icelandic cheeses and snacks for sharing. Quite the culinary delight.
You will also gain an insight into the history of this remarkable greenhouse and its horticulture where tomatoes are grown all year round despite Iceland’s long, dark winters with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable, biological methods and enjoy a taste of the crop.
When you arrive back to Reykjavík, check into the Reykjavik Marina Hotel or similar and spend the reminder of the day as you please. Dinner is on your own.
NOTE: there are change facilities at the Secret Lagoon and towels will be provided.
DAY 3
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will meet your Super Jeep driver for another adventure in the volcanic countryside. It will start with a pleasant drive through Hafnarfjörður town, situated on an ancient lava flow. Driving towards Kleifarvatn Lake, you will take an interesting off-road shortcut that will show off the capabilities of your 4x4 vehicle. The tuff stone mountains, reflected in the waters of the lake, lend an eerie stillness to the surroundings that make the folk tales of serpent-like lake monsters sound almost believable.
After pausing for photos, you will continue to the multicolored deposits from the hot springs of Seltún, where you can walk among the boiling mud pools and hissing steam vents. It looks like an otherworldly landscape with bright yellow, red and green steamy soil.
Another stop will be made at photogenic Grænavatn or “green lake,” a crater from a volcanic eruption that filled with bright green water. Grænavatn is one of the most noteworthy phenomena of its kind in Iceland.
You will then continue across breathtaking lava fields with a stop at Strandarkirkja Church prior to lunch of Icelandic lobster at a restaurant by the ocean. Afterwards, you will head off the beaten track by following a trail known as The Thousand Waters, where the road winds through numerous rivers, mud banks and streams.
Return to Reykjavik where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
Following breakfast and check-out, you will transfer to the Keflavik Airport based on your flight departure time. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
• Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
• Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
• The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
• A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
7:45am Disembark the ship
8:00am Depart from Reykjavik
8:45am Arrive at Þingvellir National Park
9:15am Drive to the Gullfoss area
10:00am Explore Gullfoss waterfall
10:50am Lunch at Gullfoss Café
11:50am Prepare for the Glacier Monster Truck tour
12:00pm Ride the Glacier Monster Truck
3:00pm Drive to Geysir hot spring area
3:15pm Explore the Geysir area
4:00pm Begin driving to the Land Hotel
5:15pm Arrive at the Land Hotel, check in, dinner on your own.
Overnight at the Land Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Departure for Secret Lagoon
10:00am Arrival at Secret Lagoon
11:30am Departure to Friðheimar
11:45am Lunch at Friðheimar Winebar & Bistro and Greenhouse visit
1:15pm Return to Reykjavík
2:45pm Arrival at your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Reykjavik Marina Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast
9:00am Departure from Hotel and drive through the city of Hafnarfjörður
Rough road on the way to Krýsuvík
9:45am Short stop at Kleifarvatn lake
10:00am Drive to Krýsuvík
10:15am Stop and Krýsuvík hot springs and Solfataras
10:45am Drive to Strandakirkja Church
11:00am Short stop at Strandakirkja Church
11:15am Drive to Fjöruborðið restaurant
12:00pm Arrival at lobster/langoustine restaurant for lunch
1:15pm Drive back to Reykjavík through “The Thousand waters trail”
2:30pm Arrival at your hotel
Remainder of the day at your leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Reykjavik Marina Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7:00am Breakfast
12:00pm Hotel check out
TBA Departure transfer to Keflavik airport based on your flight details
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
The weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable; however, June, July and August are the official summer months, when it’s bright all day and night. June features the longest days of the year, and the sun doesn't set for weeks.
The average temperature in June is 48°F / 9°C
The average temperature in July is 51°F / 10.7°C
The average temperature in August is 56°F / 13°C
What to Bring
Warm layered clothing such as thermals, fleece and a good jacket, good sturdy shoes and a camera.
For the monster truck tour: you will need wind and waterproof outdoor clothing, fleece jacket and warm trousers (jeans not recommended), thermal or fleece underwear (good to have), good sturdy waterproof shoes, i.e. hiking boots, gloves and hat
Local Currency
The local currency is the Icelandic Krona. However, many companies accept EUR, GBP and USD bills only. No coins or change is given back in ISK.
Electricity
European standard 220 volts. Bring your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage:
Although staying in the best hotels in the area, porterage service is not a standard service in Icelandic hotels. Very few hotels in Iceland have porterage staff full time and if they do it is normally 1 porter. As a result, you could experience a delay in receiving your luggage to your room depending on the size of the group. Since the hotels used are small, you may prefer to take your suitcase with you to your rooms.
Guests will be permitted to bring 1 suitcase and any carry on’s with them throughout the journey. Excess large pieces will be stored in Reykjavik during the program.
Please make sure to pack accordingly before disembarking the ship as excess luggage will be collected on the pier before you depart in the Super Jeeps.
Any luggage that will be stored will be taken to your hotel in Reykjavik where you will receive it back on Day 2 upon your return to the hotel. Note that the cruise line, the hotel, nor our local ground operator are liable for any lost or missing items. We do not recommend leaving valuables behind. You should keep any valuables with you in your handbag or luggage that will accompany you on the journey. Please make sure that all luggage is properly tagged with full names and cabin number on the ship.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required. Check with your local embassy for any entry requirements for your nationality.
Hotel addresses
Reykjavik Marina by Berjaya, 101 Reykjavik
Landhotel, Landborgir, Selfoss, Iceland
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests
•2 nights at the Reykjavik Marina Hotel or similar: Guestrooms Plus including breakfast
•1 night at the Land Hotel or similar: Standard room including breakfast
•Lunches (1 drink included)
•Day tours and admission fees per the itinerary
•Excess luggage storage in Reykjavik
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests
•Meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel, and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.