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Premium Iceland in Winter

8 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Search the sky for dancing lights by night and discover natural wonders by day on this eight-day Premium adventure. Travel with a local leader who brings the landscape to life as you view the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, drive through hardened lava fields in Vatnajokull National Park, see the eerily calm waters of the Glacier Lagoon and wander among Reynisdrangar’s imposing basalt sea stacks. Take in dramatic views from your Feature Stay hotel, enjoy included dinners of fresh produce, take part in amazing Exclusve Experiences and journey from Hvolsvollur to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in pursuit of mother nature’s most spectacular show.

Priced From:

$ 5680.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Reykjavik

End Location: Reykjavik

Countries: Iceland,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Experience the breadth of Iceland's incredible natural phenomena, including ancient volcanic rock formations, black pebble beaches, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons.
  • Take part in two incredible Exclusive Experiences – a home cooked dinner on a local farm and a relaxing dip in the wonderfully scenic Krauma thermal pools.
  • Stay in the stylish Fosshotel for your Feature Stay, offering up priceless views of the surrounding landscape, modern comforts and an excellent restaurant that uses the freshest Icelandic produce.
  • Travel with an experienced local leader who will explain geographic features, share stories of Iceland’s history and folklore and narrate your nightly sky watching with the science behind aurora borealis.
  • Get the best chance at seeing the spectacular dancing lights of the aurora borealis in the northern sky.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

    • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Reykjavik
    Velkommin! Welcome to Reykjavik – the world’s most northerly capital and the starting point of your adventure. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe take a trip to the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition of Iceland’s history. After the welcome meeting, celebrate the start of a new adventure at dinner with your group, where your leader will introduce you to Icelandic cuisine.
    Day 2 Location: Reykjavik / Golden Circle / Fludir
    This morning, head to the geologically and historically important Thingvellir National Park. The national park may seem to be just a natural wonder, but your leader will be on hand to provide historical context and explain that this was the original site of Iceland’s old parliament from AD 930. Visit the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur before driving to the spectacular Gullfoss – Iceland’s largest waterfall. After your visit, head to your base for the evening in Fludir. This afternoon, maybe visit the Secret Lagoon – a natural geothermal pool warmed by the nearby hot springs. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
    Day 3 Location: Vatnajokul National Park / Jokulsarlon
    Start the day by travelling through the lava fields of the Laki volcanic eruption in 1783, as your leader explains how this devasting event shaped not only Iceland’s landscape, but also its culture. Next is Vatnajokull National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with Vatnajokull – Europe's biggest glacier. Carry on to some of the country’s most impressive, uninterrupted scenery and wander past the enormous basalt sea stacks at Reynisdrangar. Later, head to the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your Feature Stay for the night. This modern and contemporary hotel carefully considers its surroundings as spacious rooms with huge windows show off views of the mountains and sea, while the interiors reflect the colours of the world outside. This evening, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant that serves up a creative list of dishes made with local Icelandic produce.
    Day 4 Location: Jokulsarlon / South Coast / Reykjavik
    Start the day with a short drive on to Jokulsarlon, also known as the Glacier Lagoon. Take a walk around the glacial lake and learn a little more about its history. Continue through the beautiful scenery of Iceland’s South Shore and admire the spectacular Skogafoss – a waterfall on the Skoga River. At 60 m high and 25 m wide, it's one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Your leader will be on hand to explain how these geographical wonders came to be. Continue to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the stream of rushing water to see it from another angle. Next, return to Reykjavik for a free evening. Perhaps head to the Old Harbour to try the famous lobster soup, or if you’re feeling brave, the infamous fermented shark washed down with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic Schnapps).
    Day 5 Location: Borgarfjordur / Snaefellnes Peninsula
    After breakfast, see Reykjavik’s through the eyes of a local on a tour of the city with your leader. Learn the history of the Old Harbour and pass through the city centre. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and the dome-shaped Pearl, then head to the remote and geographically fascinating Snaefellsnes Peninsula – your home for the next two nights. On your way visit the Borgarfjordur area, you’ll pass waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, then continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Take a relaxing dip in the Krauma thermal pools, where waters from the hot spring mix with glacial waters to create the perfect temperature. Tonight, have dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
    Day 6 Location: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
    Today, you’ll explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the Snaefellsjokull glacier – an icecap that covers a dormant volcano. Travel to the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs will reveal rich birdlife. Stop by Djupalonssandur – a basaltic pebble beach framed by strange lava formations – then visit the village of Grundarfjordur, famous for its views of Mt Kirkjufell. Travel to the horse farm of Lysuholl, where a local will welcome you for a home-made dinner. Head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
    Day 7 Location: Reykjavik
    Today, you’ll return to Reykjavik. On the drive, your leader may share some stories of Norse mythology, so keep an eye out for elves and fairies along the way! Iceland's capital has an eclectic art and music scene, and this afternoon you may like to browse some of the city's excellent galleries and museums. If you feel like something more active, you can take a ride on an Icelandic horse, or see killer whales just offshore on a whale watching expedition. If you are after another look at the Northern Lights, you can head out of town to chase them again this evening. Ask your leader for more information on these activities.
    Day 8 Location: Reykjavik
    Your Icelandic journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    02JAN2025
    Return Date :
    09JAN2025
    8215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    12JAN2025
    Return Date :
    19JAN2025
    7100NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    16JAN2025
    Return Date :
    23JAN2025
    7140NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    06FEB2025
    Return Date :
    13FEB2025
    6840NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    20FEB2025
    Return Date :
    27FEB2025
    6575NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27FEB2025
    Return Date :
    06MAR2025
    7115NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    06MAR2025
    Return Date :
    13MAR2025
    7100NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    16MAR2025
    Return Date :
    23MAR2025
    7595NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    20MAR2025
    Return Date :
    27MAR2025
    7045NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    05OCT2025
    Return Date :
    12OCT2025
    7755NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Trip title

    Premium Iceland in Winter

    Trip code

    BIPI

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

    Introduction

    Search the sky for dancing lights by night and discover natural wonders by day on this eight-day Premium adventure. Travel with a local leader who brings the landscape to life as you view the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, drive through hardened lava fields in Vatnajokull National Park, see the eerily calm waters of the Glacier Lagoon and wander among Reynisdrangar’s imposing basalt sea stacks. Take in dramatic views from your Feature Stay hotel, enjoy included dinners of fresh produce, take part in amazing Exclusve Experiences and journey from Hvolsvollur to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in pursuit of mother nature’s most spectacular show.

    Style

    Premium

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle (Ford Transit van or similar)

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

    Joining point

    Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

    Adalstræti 16, Reykjavík, Iceland

    Reykjavik

    101

    ICELAND

    Phone: +385 5146000

    Joining point description

    Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is set on one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets, Adalstraeti, 200 metres from Reykjavik Art Museum. All rooms feature modern décor, fresh bathrooms and wooden floors.Traditional Icelandic dishes and an extensive wine list are offered at Fjalaköttur, Reykjavik Centrum’s award-winning restaurant. The hotel was built above the ruins of a Viking-era longhouse.

    Joining point instructions

    An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. If you have advised your flight arrival details, upon landing at Keflavik Airport please make your way to the Arrivals hall. Your transfer driver will be waiting for you on the left side when you exit the customs area, holding a board with your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, or if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on +354 7903838 or +354 7923838. You can also call our emergency line directly: +49 8024 4679 540. If you are making your own way to the starting point hotel, Gray Line and Flybus services are available to take you to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. From there you can change to a hotel shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes to the starting point hotel. Taxis are available and the fare is approximately ISK21,000.

    Finish point

    Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

    Adalstræti 16, Reykjavík, Iceland

    Reykjavik

    101

    ICELAND

    Phone: +385 5146000

    Important information

    1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper. All Intrepid group trips in Iceland are accompanied by one of our group leaders, who will also be the driver.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    VOLCANOES Volcanoes in Iceland have been showing growing activity in recent years. An eruption of the volcano is often accompanied by flash floods. Authorities warn that travellers could have as little as 15 minutes to get to safety (higher ground) in the case of an eruption. Text messages will be sent to all mobile devices in the affected areas, advising residents and travellers to evacuate or move to safety. Therefore, please make sure that your mobile phone is turned on and international roaming is enabled while in the area.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Experience the breadth of Iceland's incredible natural phenomena, including ancient volcanic rock formations, black pebble beaches, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons.

    Take part in two incredible Exclusive Experiences – a home cooked dinner on a local farm and a relaxing dip in the wonderfully scenic Krauma thermal pools.

    Stay in the stylish Fosshotel for your Feature Stay, offering up priceless views of the surrounding landscape, modern comforts and an excellent restaurant that uses the freshest Icelandic produce.

    Travel with an experienced local leader who will explain geographic features, share stories of Iceland’s history and folklore and narrate your nightly sky watching with the science behind aurora borealis.

    Get the best chance at seeing the spectacular dancing lights of the aurora borealis in the northern sky.

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

    Is this trip right for you

    The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -15C or below and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear. Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. While there is a strong chance of seeing the northern lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees. On the rare occasion that your leader must alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. VEGETARIANS Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. CURRENCY The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). CASH Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Iceland and you can get by without withdrawing any cash. If you do need an ATM, they are available in most towns. Currency exchange is available at major banks and some hotels, with EUR and USD the easiest to exchange. TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, USD 8 - 10 per person per day (in a currency relevant for your destination), can be used.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    WINTER During the winter months in Iceland, temperatures can drop to well below zero (Celsius). We recommend you bring shoes for walking across snow or ice (good waterproof walking boots with a good grip), a warm wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, thermals and base layers, fleece, good head wear and sunglasses. You may also want to consider renting gear upon arrival in Reykjavik. If the streets are iced over we recommend you purchase ice crampons, available in supermarkets in the centre of Reykjavik.

    Climate and seasonal

    Iceland winters are relatively mild due to the influence of the gulf stream. The coastal lowlands have an average January temperature of about 0 °C, while the temperatures in the highlands of central and northern Iceland generally fall well below −10 °C. Please keep in mind that the lowest winter temperatures in Iceland can be as low as −25 °C and −30 °C, so it is advised to dress accordingly.

    A couple of rules

    Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. Intrepid’s Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel WHALING We are big supporters of the protection of endangered species around the world. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Feature stay (1 night)

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    World Travellers Riccarton is 100% owned and operated by Kiwis who belong to the fastest growing travel cooperative in New Zealand. We’re more than just a travel agency, we are well established travel professionals, dedicated to providing outstanding service to world travellers just like you. Think of us as your personal travel concierge – at no extra cost!

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