15-day adventure
Ultimate Iceland
Iceland
- Kandoo Trekking
- Kandoo Ultimate
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£6,699
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our UK team
Our local team
Our Altai guides in Iceland are not only experts in leading groups in the outdoors, but also passionate about this remarkable country. It is not just the surreal landscapes and geothermal activity that make Iceland so fascinating, a rich history and culture is waiting to be discovered. We provide Icelandic adventures for all levels of ability. If you are looking for something challenging, check out the iconic Laugavegur trek or for a slower...
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Kandoo's view
Our Ultimate Iceland trip uses the famous Route No1 to circle the entire island over 15 days. Every day of this remarkable adventure yields new discoveries as we head out on hiking excursions in all the most remote and untouched corners of Iceland and find hidden gems far from the beaten tracks. We will visit the little know Vestmann Islands, travel to the remote sea cliffs of Latrabjarg over 1600ft high and watch icebergs breaking off the Vatnajokull glacier at Jokulsarlon. We visit Iceland's second largest city, Akureyri and pass through the beautiful Eastern Fjords. If you want to make the most of your time in Iceland and set foot in every corner, this adventure is just what you are looking for.
Trip highlights
- Travel the famous Route No1
- Gaze up at the astonishing falls of Goðafoss
- Visit the remote Vestmann Islands and Westfjords
- Hike to the foot of Europe's largest glacier
Experiences
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Kandoo Trekking
Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes -
Kandoo Ultimate
The ultimate way to experience your chosen destination. Adventure, culture and discovery in one epic trip.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city. Free time in the afternoon to explore Reykjavik.
- Accomodation: Hotel
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Day 2
The Golden Circle
We depart for Thingvellir, the valley of the parliament, a high place of Icelandic history. This is where the summer sessions of the ancient Parliament of Iceland (established in 930) were held. We continue with the discovery of Gullfoss, a gigantic two-level waterfall surging into a basalt ravine. Next stop, the Strokkur geyser which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes in a dramatic display of natural power. In the afternoon we drive to the south coast and the small port of Landeyjarhöfn where we board a boat to Heimaey Island, the only inhabited island of the Vestmann archipelago.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
Vestmann Islands
Today we explore the steep and rugged coastline of this tiny island which is home to Europe's largest puffin colony. We climb to the volcanic cone of Eldfell, a feature of the island created during the last eruption here in 1973. The flow of lava from this volcano destroyed over 400 homes and when it hit the ocean and began cooling, it increased the area of the island by more than two square kilometers. After a full day of hiking and exploring we return to our guesthouse to relax for the evening.
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 4
Skogafoss and Vik
Returning by boat to the mainland, we take the road east pausing at the waterfalls of Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss. We then reach Vik, famous for its ink black beaches, tall cliffs, puffins and penguins. In the mists, often present on the south coast, the rocky pillars of Reynisdrangar rise from the frozen waters. Legend tells that these monoliths were once trolls that were caught out in the morning sun and turned to stone. In the afternoon we reach Skaftafell and settle in at our accommodation.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 5
Skaftafell Natural Park
A full day of hiking in the Skaftafell Natural Park. We wake up this morning directly below the phenomenal Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, roughly the size of Cyprus. We wander along narrow pathways in forests of dwarf birch trees before gaining height and following balcony trails that look down on glacial tongues descending towards the sea. We pass by the waterfall Svartifoss and enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers tumbling down from Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, 2119m.
We finish our day with a short drive takes us to Jökulsárlón, where icebergs are born and the seals come on the high tide to hunt in the lagoon.- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 6
Jökulsárlón to Egilsstadir
This morning, we leave the south coast behind us and journey northward to reach the unknown fjords of the East. The road winds along the coast and the scenery is simply superb. Depending on the conditions we continue to Fàskrùðsfjörður, a village sitting alongside a fjord of the same name which was once the base for French fishermen in the early 20th century. Our road then leaves the coast and strikes north towards Seydisfjördur where we find our accommodation for the night.
- Hiking time: 1 - 2 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 7
Dettifoss and Husavik
Our journey continues through the Icelandic wilderness, skirting the lava fields of the Ódáðahraun desert before reaching one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, Dettifoss. After pausing for a while to admire this unbelievable force of nature, we continue to the town of Husavik. In the afternoon we have free time to explore the town or observe whales and other marine mammals in Skálfandi Bay (optional sea trip). We settle in at our accommodation in Husavik where we will stay for two nights.
- Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 8
Myvatn
Today we have a full day of hiking and exploration around Lake Myvatn, an area of fascinating volcanic activity. We visit the site of Namafjäll- Hverir with its noisy fumaroles and its bubbling solfataras (pools of boiling mud) and continue to the explosion crater of Hverfjall and the Krafla lava fields. In the afternoon we have the option of relaxing at the blue lagoon of Myvatn before returning to our accommodation in Husavik.
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 9
Goðafoss and Hvitserkur
We say farewell to Husavik this morning and take the road toward Akureyri, pausing at Goðafoss, the dramatic "fall of the gods". Akureyri, the capital of the north, is a pretty Icelandic town and we will take some time to explore and walk around the port. We then continue our journey by road to the Vatnsnes Peninsula, famous for its seal population and interesting coastal rock formations, including Hvitserkur, a double natural arch emerging from the water. We then spend the night in Hrutafjordur.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 10
Hrutafjordur to the western fjords
Our journey continues westward today as the road carves its way above the north shore of Iceland. Today is a longer drive than previous days as we push to reach Europe's most western point, the sea cliffs of Latrabjarg. We break our journey with a short hike along the dramatic coastline and keep our eyes open for Arctic Fox, common in this area.
- Hiking time: 1 - 2 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 11
West fjords
Today begins with a drive up to the cliffs of Latrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe. Latrabjarg is the largest cliff in Iceland, 12 km long and in places more than 1600ft high. This is great place to observe puffins (before mid August), Common and Thick-billed murres, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills as well as little penguins (on average 33cm high). In good weather, the road along the southern coast of the peninsula offers stunning views of sandy beaches and the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula with it's prominent volcano.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 12
Westfjords to Snaefellsness
We take to the water again today with a ferry crossing over the fjord of Breidafjordur via the small island of Flatey. We spend the day discovering the Snaefellsness peninsula, where the Snaefellsjökull stratovolcano sits, so characteristic with its cone shape, and immortalized by Jules Verne in his novel 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'. We may also have the opportunity to visit the iconic peak of Kirkjufell, a photogenic shark fin shaped mountain looming over a waterfall of the same name. In the afternoon we settle in at our accommodation.
- Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
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Day 13
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
We hike today from the village of Hellnar to Arnarstapi, our path winds alomng the basalt sea cliffs which are home to hundereds of nesting kittiwakes. We pass the remarkable Gatklettur lava arch and discover the black church of the old fishing village of Bùðir, standing in the middle of a lava field. At the end of the day we return to Reykjavik and complete our circuit of Iceland's amazing route No1.
- Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
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Day 14
Reykjavik and volcano visits
There is lots of possibilities today as we have free time to explore Reykjavik and relax a little after our adventure. You may like to go whale watching, visit the blue lagoon or tour the museums. In the afternoon we visit the Reykjanes peninsula and one of Iceland's many volcanoes.This evening we enjoy a final meal together to celebrate the end of our adventure, depending on the weather it may be possible to eat on the peninsula or we may return to Reykjavik.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Day 15
Departure
Morning transfer to Keflavik International Airport and return flight.
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Details
Trip information
Difficulty
This Icelandic adventure is rated as easy. There will be hiking excursions everyday but the distances covered are relatively short and not very demanding. To get the most from the trip you should be in good health with a reasonable level of fitness. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, you should be prepared for strong winds and cold temperatures which may make the trip feel much more challenging. To discuss your suitability for this adventure, please feel free to contact us.
Food & drink
Each day will start with a breakfast of cereals, bread, jam and honey, fresh fruit and plenty of tea and coffee. After breakfast we prepare our own picnic lunches to throw in our daypacks. There will be bread to make sandwiches and a range of fillings to choose from (cheese, cold meats, vegetables) as well as salads, dried fruits and cakes.
Your
help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in
the evenings with food prep and washing up. We like the whole group to work as a team to cook dinner, it
creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures
together. We are proud of the healthy a delicious meals we provide even out in the Icelandic wilderness! There will always be plenty of fresh vegetables and you will have the opportunity to taste skyr, smoked salmon, leg of lamb and other tasty Icelandic delicacies. Every meal will include some kind of local meat or fish.
If you have special dietary requirements please inform us of this when completing your participant forms and include as much detail as possible. For example, if you are vegetarian, please inform us if you eat fish or not. Our guides will do their best to meet your requirements but you may like to bring one or two products with you. For example, gluten free products are not readily available in Iceland so you could bring a small bag of GF pasta and maybe a pack of your favourite GF biscuits. Please feel free to contact us and discuss this if you would like more information.
In Iceland, alcoholic drinks are sold only in state stores and alcohol is very expensive due to high levels of taxation. If you would like a drink in the evenings, it is a good idea to purchase something at duty free as you exit the airport.
Accommodation
Hotel: In Reykjavik we stay in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities.
On Days 2 to 12 we will either stay in Guesthouses or Farm Inns depending on availability.
Guest house: This is friendly accommodation in large, typical Icelandic houses, located in towns or along the main road no.1. The guesthouses will normally have 5 to 10 dormitory style rooms accommodating 4 to 6 people in each. Single or double rooms can be booked on request and subject to availability. The guesthouses will have shared bathroom facilities, and a kitchen is regularly available. Wifi is available and breakfast is provided.
Farmhouse inn: In the heart of the Icelandic countryside, inns are often located on farms. These are generally small structures with 10 to 20 dormitory rooms. This simple and welcoming type of accommodation is the best way to get to know the locals and their culture. There are shared bathroom facilities but private en-suite rooms can be provided on request and subject to availability. There will be electricity for charging, hot running water and WiFi is available at most locations.
At every location on our Iceland trips there will be access to flushing, western style toilets.
Luggage
You will need to bring a 70-80 litre duffel bag or backpack for the bulk of your luggage and a smaller 30-40 litre daypack to carry with you each day. Please do not bring a rigid suitcase as this is not as practical to transport during your trip. Your luggage will travel with you in our vehicle and it is a good idea to pack anything you do not want to get wet into dry bags.
How do I get there?
You will need to arrive in Reykjavik on day 1 of your itinerary. Reykjavik's international airport is called Keflavic (KEF) and is located 48km outside the city. The journey from the airport into the city will take around 45mins. Reykjavik's city airport is used for domestic flights only.
From the UK, there are direct flights to Keflavic from London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Icelandair. Easy Jet also offer direct flights from London Luton (LTN), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh (EDI). The flight time is roughly 3 hours depending on which airport you depart from.
For those traveling from the USA, Icelandair have direct flights from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington (IAD) and Seattle (SEA). Delta offer convenient flights via New York from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Atlanta (ATL).
On arrival in Iceland, after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.
Budget & change
The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). For the most up to date exchange rate please visit www.xe.com.
Iceland isn't a cheap place to visit. Restaurants often have lunchtime special menus which are great value (around £20-30pp for a soup and fish of the day). A meal out for 2 will cost around £60-100 (fish) or £80-120 (meat). When getting around in Reykjavik an exciting and cheap option is to use the electric scooters parked up around town. Simply download the app and scoot away. If this feels too techy, a taxi starting price will cost roughly £4.30 or going on foot is more than appropriate as Reykjavik has a small city centre. Souvenirs can cost anything from ~£5 to £500. It is also worth knowing that as a tourist, you can claim back the value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods over the value of ISK 6,000 (£36) at Keflavik airport before your flight home. As long as this is all on one tax receipt, you can claim back the tax.
Tips
Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when travelling to a new country. Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual in Iceland. Tips are not a substitute for good wages: our guides are all well paid and well looked after. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services, we recommend a tip between £30-40 per person (equivalent to 5000-6600 ISK) for the entire trip. On the other hand, if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be expected to tip at all.
Formalities & health
Passport
Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.
Visa
Travelling to the Iceland is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.
Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Medication
Your
guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the
following items:
- Painkillers
- Anti-diarrhoea
tablets
- Sunscreen (high factor) for lips and
skin
- Moisturising
cream
- Elastic bandage and regular bandages
- Sanitary products
- Mosquito spray
- Blister bandage
Equipment & clothing
Clothing to bring
- Hat for sun protection
- Hat for warmth
- Scarf or snood
- Sunglasses
- Long sleeve shirts or cotton t-shirts
- Jumpers, 1 light weight and 1 warm
- Windproof and waterproof jacket with
hood
- Breathable fast drying underwear
- Warm gloves
- Comfortable long trousers (fast drying)
- Waterproof trousers
- Thermal long sleeved vest and leggings
- Trainers or sandals for evenings
- Walking socks
- Hiking boots (high rise, sturdy soles)
- Swimming costume may be useful
Equipment to bring
- 2 x 1 litre water bottles or hydration pack
- Walking poles (optional)
- Head torch with spare batteries and
bulb
- Toiletries (including wet wipes)
- Dry bags for keep clothes dry in your
luggage
- Container for any toxic rubbish
(batteries, sanitary items etc)
- Duffel bag (80 to 90 litres),
flexible and water resistant
- Daypack (30 to 40 litres)
to carry with you each day
OTHER USEFUL KIT
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Insect
repellant
- Thermos flask
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/06/2024 | 06/07/2024 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 13/07/2024 | 27/07/2024 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 17/08/2024 | 31/08/2024 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 21/06/2025 | 05/07/2025 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 12/07/2025 | 26/07/2025 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 02/08/2025 | 16/08/2025 | £6,699 $8,705 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Return airport transfers
- All accommodation as outlined in your itinerary
- All transportation during the trip including ferry crossings
- Full board (except for nights spent in Reykjavik)
- Services of an expert Kandoo Adventures guide
Price does not include
- International flights
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Meals in Reykjavik
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Entry fees for sites / museums
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