Viking Challenge

Tour #: IST 195A, 195B
Duration: 9 days – not including US departure day
Tour Dates:
IST 195A
Friday 03 June – Saturday 11 June 2005
(sold out)
IST 195B
Friday 17 June – Saturday 25 June 2005
(sold out)
Friday 01 July – Saturday 09 July 2005
(sold out)
Friday 15 July – Saturday 23 July 2005
(sold out)
Friday 29 July – Saturday 06 August 2005
(sold out)
Friday 12 August – Saturday 20 August 2005
(sold out)
Friday 26 August – Saturday 03 September 2005
(sold out)

Minimum/Maximum Tour Size: 8/22 passengers
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General Description:

Based in the southern town of Selfoss and the capital of Reykjavík, this activity-oriented tour takes you into the heart of Iceland’s natural wonders, providing exciting adventures. The tour includes river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching and hikes close to glaciers, hot springs and the beautiful areas of Þingvellir and Heiðmörk. This tour is suitable for families with children ages 12 and over.

Departure day - Friday: US
Leave on evening flight from Icelandair gateway (see below).

Day 1 - Saturday: Reykjavík
Arrive in Iceland in the morning. Take the comfortable FlyBus from Keflavík International Airport to your accommodations. Spend the day relaxing, shopping or exploring the capital city of Reykjavík. Optional tours include whale watching cruises or a visit to the nearby countryside for a horseback ride. Contact IST for your options. Overnight at your Reykjavík guesthouse.

Day 2 - Sunday: Reykjavík - Þingvellir - Nesjavellir (B, D)
After a short journey from Reykjavík we arrive at Þingvellir National Park and walk through the historical site of the Viking parliament then along the shore of Iceland's largest lake to the geothermal area at Nesjavellir. Walking time approximately 5 hours. Accommodation the next three nights will be at Selfoss. Tonight we enjoy a BBQ.

Day 3 - Monday: Geysir - Geysir - Hvítá River (B, D)
After visiting the hot springs of Geysir we get our first view of the Hvitá river as it thunders over Gullfoss waterfall. Our river rafting adventure starts below the waterfall close to the canyon of Pjaxi, which takes around 2 hours through some exciting rapids and deep gorges. Dinner at Selfoss.

Day 4 - Tuesday: South Shore - Skógar (B, D)
Traveling along the south shore visiting waterfalls, glaciers and black sandy beaches and one of Scandinavia's top folk museums at Skógar. At the seaside town of Stokkseyri we will enjoy a 1-hour kayak adventure. We end our day with a Lobster feast nearby at the famous lobster house in town.

Day 5 - Wednesday: Horse Ride - Blue Lagoon (B, L)
We start the day heading to Reykjavík where we meet our Icelandic horses for the next part of our adventure. The horses are trained both for beginners and experienced riders, and we enjoy a 1 hours riding tour through lava fields. After a light lunch we visit the Blue Lagoon, one of the world's most exciting hot springs. The next two nights are spent in Reykjavík. While here, only breakfast is included so as to give you the opportunity to visit some of the capital's many and varied restaurants.

Day 6 - Thursday: Whale Watching - Heiðmörk (B)
The day begins with a 3-hour cruise that takes you in search of the whales and dolphins of Iceland. Following the cruise, mountain bikes are provided for a journey into Heiðmörk, a beautiful wooded area not far from the capital. Evening and overnight in Reykjavík.

Day 7 - Friday: Reykjavík - Keflavík - US (B)
Enjoy a free morning in Reykjavík and then take the early afternoon FlyBus to Keflavík International airport for your return flight to the US.

Tour Information:
Rate of Difficulty: Moderate daily physical activity. All special equipment for rafting, horseback rising and biking are supplied. Bring walking shoes or hiking boots.

Included: Round trip flights on Icelandair from US to Iceland (check with IST for flight schedule from US Icelandair gateways), FlyBus ticket for transport into Reykjavík upon arrival in Iceland and back to airport on departure day, tour transport and professional guidance, accommodations with private facilities 6 nights in guesthouse and country chalets with private bathroom facilities, 6 breakfasts, 1 light lunch, 3 dinners, entrance fees to the Skógar Folk Museum and the Blue Lagoon and all activitires identified above.

Not Included: Luggage porterage usually not available at accommodations. Meals not identified by B – breakfast, L – lunch and D – dinner. Travel insurance is available upon request from IST’s insurance company – TravelGuard International.

Note: Some tour departures may feature a reverse itinerary. Some tour departures may include guidance in a second language such as French.

Prices (includes all taxes and airport fees)

IST-195A
Price: $2764.00 per person staying in a double room
Single supplement: $345.00 add-on for single room occupancy
Includes round trip US flights from East Coast Icelandair gateways. Call for pricing from non-East Coast gateways.

IST-196B
Price: $3150.00 per person staying in a double room
Single supplement: $345.00 add-on for single room occupancy
Includes round trip US flights from East Coast Icelandair gateways. Call for pricing from non-East Coast gateways.

Route Map:

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