Unknown Iceland
Seek out the Northern Lights, bathe in geothermal pools and traverse the Valley of Thor by super Jeep
What's Included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
Iceland: it’s been traveled by many, but not like this.
Private super Jeep expeditions across the dramatic Valley of Thor – no other vehicles in sight. A remote hike and exclusive Icelandic lunch on a vast, shimmering glacier. Silica mud masks and geothermal spa healing at the iconic Blue Lagoon and, of course, Northern Lights spotting every single night, often from the warmth of a hot tub beneath the stars.
From your expert local guide who happens to be an expert at seeking the Northern Lights to some of the best, most unique meals that the country has to offer; nothing on this five-day adventure is off-the-shelf.
Yes, it’s definitely still Iceland, but this is Iceland done differently.
Welcome to Reykjavík, Iceland’s coastal capital and your gateway to Arctic adventure. Arriving into the city in the early evening, you’ll check in to your boutique abode in the central 101 district. Settled and ready to get to know your fellow adventurers over some food, you’ll be taken for four courses of delicious Icelandic seafood at one of the city’s most revered spots (there will be incredible veggie options too). Sated, take a wander down to the waterfront for a quick peek at the skies – the Northern Lights have been known to appear over the city, even if the light pollution makes them a little harder to spot (something you won’t have to worry about soon enough).
This morning it’s into the wilderness for your half-day hike across the vast, blue hued Sólheimajökull Glacier. Your experienced guide will lead you through a series of ice caves and intriguing formations, and you’ll stumble across a labyrinth of crevasses and ridges (with a few Flash Pack surprises along the way…). Eventually you’ll stop for an al fresco picnic right there on the ice, feeling as though these landscapes are yours alone. From one exclusive delight to another – after lunch, you’ll move to your remote wilderness lodgings surrounded by Icelandic countryside.
Today will be truly thrilling as you embark on an off-road, Super Jeep adventure across the wild Valley of Thor (named after the Viking god of Thunder). You’ll be in a vehicle that can handle any terrain, and so have the ability to take you far, far from the crowds. We’re talking flying across unbridged rivers, through crevice passes and over mountainous areas that would be unreachable if it wasn’t for the huge wheels and sheer power of a Jeep. Along the way, you’ll stop to walk behind a roaring waterfall (waterproofs highly recommended), to touch the icefall at a glacier edge and explore a breathaking canyon that featured in Game of Thrones. Back at your hotel, rest up before another delicious meal and some more Northern Lights hunting.
Today you’ll get a chance to tick off some of Iceland’s iconic sights – think bursting geysers and raging icy waterfalls. Then, it’ll be back to the unique as you enjoy an unusual treat, a tomato lunch at Fridheimar tomato farm. You’ll be delighted at the unique ways in which the Fridheimar owners use their fruit to craft delicious soup, bread, and dessert. The best part (aside from the flavors)? You’ll be dining in a greenhouse, sure to make for a totally unique experience. Now for the climax to your Icelandic adventure: you’re off to the Blue Lagoon for a spa journey like no other. Covering yourself in healing silica mud, you’ll relax here with your group as you raise a glass to toast your new friendships and let the powers of the geothermal seawater do their thing. Later, you’ll enjoy a farewell three-course dinner at the spectacular Lava Restaurant.
Spend a lazy morning at your hotel, enjoying a slow breakfast. You’ll have time this morning to explore the city or go for lunch with your group as you reminisce on the beauty of the adventure you’ve enjoyed together.
As captured on Instagram
The latest from Flashpackers in Iceland on #picsworthsharing
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Our Favorite Hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Hotel Vos
Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a former horse farm in Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from your steaming outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).
Hotel Exeter, REYKJAVIK
With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.
Hotel Vos
Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a former horse farm in Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from your steaming outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).
Hotel Exeter, REYKJAVIK
With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.
Important Notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Reykjavik-Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please arrive in Reykjavik before 4 pm on Day 1. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 45 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the final day?
On your final day, we recommend booking flights in the afternoon as you might want to relax in the morning. You are required to arrive in airport two to three hours before your flight.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Airport transfers from Keflavik Airport (KEF) are by coach. You’ll be provided with a pre-paid ticket for the ‘Flybus’ before travelling.
Once you have collected your baggage and have passed through immigration, please follow the clear signs for the Flybus.
Flybus will take you into the centre of Reykjavik and within walking distance of your hotel. In most cases you will need to change to a smaller coach at Reykjavík bus station which is the first stop on the way from the airport. You will be advised by the Flybus staff every step of your journey.
The departure transfer is not included, but your Pack Leader can help you arrange this.
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Will I see the Northern Lights?
You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it’s best to visit between October and April.
The night skies will be much darker, improving your chances but please note that sightings are never guaranteed.
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Do I need a visa?
You do not normally need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit this website: https://island.is/s/utlendingastofnun.
From 2024, ETIAS travel authorization will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en.
We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
This trip is nearly fully inclusive and Pack Leader and driver tips are included in the cost.
We recommend budgeting 7,000 ISK, the equivalent of 55 USD per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
This adventure is fast-paced and the glacier hike will challenge you. However, no specific level of fitness is required. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above to make sure you are happy partaking in the activities mentioned. Please get in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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What should I pack?
There’s a lot to think about when packing for your Icelandic adventure. You’ll need a range of clothes for the wide variety of activities and the cold weather conditions. The key is to bring plenty of layers to stay warm.
What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Iceland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.
Baggage
- Large backpack or suitcase –It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
- Day bag – This needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.
Clothing
- Layers – Breathable thermal materials are best as a base layer for activities. You will need additional warm layers because the weather can drop very quickly.
- Warm winter coat – Having a warm coat is essential as the temperatures in Iceland can be freezing.
- Waterproof jacket – It could rain at any time of the year, so you’ll need to bring a waterproof jacket.
- Fleeces/sweaters – You’ll need to bring lots of warm sweaters/fleeces with you.
- Windproof clothing – This is essential as wind chill can make the temperature feel a lot lower than it is.
- Outdoor trousers – Outdoor trousers that you don’t mind getting dirty will be perfect for hiking.
- Evening clothes – What you wear in the evening is up to you, but you might want some nicer clothes for going to bars and restaurants.
- Sunglasses – The sun can reflect brightly off the glacier, so we recommend protecting yourself with sunglasses.
- Warm scarf/hat/gloves – It can get very cold in Iceland, especially at night, so we suggest bringing a warm scarf and a hat, along with some gloves.
- Swimwear – For the hotels’ sauna and hot tub as well as your cold water therapy experience.
Shoes
- Waterproof hiking shoes and warm socks – You’ll need a comfortable pair of waterproof hiking boots for glacier hiking. Thick socks are also essential.
- Comfortable, breathable shoes (trainers/sneakers) – A pair of trainers/sneakers are perfect for general wear.
- Evening shoes – Some people might want to bring a pair of shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars.
Accessories
- Your phone, camera, chargers, etc
- Plug socket adapters – The standard plug socket in Iceland is type C, which is the standard European plug and has two round prongs.
- Refillable water bottle – Refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint.
- Eye mask and earplugs – If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
- Pocket warmer – If you feel the cold, a pocket warmer may be useful.
- Driving licence – If you would like to drive a snowmobile, you will need to bring your driving licence. If you do not have a driving licence, you’ll be able to ride as a passenger.
Toiletries/medical
- Any personal medication you require
- Personal toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner – Most hotels will provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to reduce plastic usage.
- Painkillers
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser
- High-factor SPF suncream
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What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Iceland?
Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.
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