Easter in Iceland 13-22 April 2025

Easter in Iceland 13-22 April 2025

Road Trip around the Ring Road

ACTIVE PERIOD
13-22 April 2025
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
2
DURATION
10 days
Easter in Iceland 13-22 April 2025
Price from €3420
PRICE FROM € 3420 - DECLARE INTEREST

Overview

Iceland is an otherworldly island, situated at the edge of the Arctic Circle and a dream for any restless traveler.

Ranked first in the Global Peace Index, Iceland does not even have an army. All its electricity comes from renewable sources, and in 2016, it was ranked as the ninth most developed country in the world based on the United Nations Human Development Index.

The island is identified with Thule, discovered by Pytheas in the 4th century BC, and its inhabitants are descendants of the Vikings, with a culture shaped by the Scandinavian heritage they brought with them.

It’s an island rich in stunning natural attractions, from volcanic fields filled with lava flows, craters, fumaroles, geysers, bubbling pools, mud lakes, and basaltic rocks, to waterfalls (around 10.000), rugged coasts, glaciers, ice caves, national and geoparks, charming fishing villages, canyons, iceberg-filled lakes, hot springs, beaches, rocky shores, and much more.

We have crafted a series of programs, each with its unique character and seasonal focus. In one season, we’ll go to see whales or puffins, in another we'll go hiking in the highlands, watch for the northern lights, or to explore an ice cave. Each program varies in length to suit everyone's available time, difficulty levels, and activities, from very mild to quite challenging, catering to families, mountaineers, adventure enthusiasts, and more.

This program combines visits to some of Iceland's most iconic landscapes and attractions, including wildlife watching for seals, whales, and puffins, as well as hot springs, craters, and the chase for the Northern Lights. All of this is paired with shorter or longer hikes that bring us to the hidden corners of each location, away from the crowds of classic routes.

This program is for people who love companionship, nature, action, and exploration, and who wish to form a well-rounded impression of Iceland within the trip’s duration.

Day 1
Flight from Athens to Iceland, Golden Circle
Day 2
South Iceland Waterfalls - Black Sand Beach - Fjaðrárgljúfur
Day 3
Skaftafell - Fjallsárlón - Jökulsárlón - Diamond Beach
Day 4
Vestrahorn Mountain - Litlanesfoss - Hengifoss
Day 5
Stuðlagil - Dettifoss - Hverir - Viti Crater - Myvatn Lake
Day 6
Whale Watching - Borgarnes
Day 7
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 8
Reykjavik
Day 9
Free Day in Reykjavik
Day 10
Flight from Iceland to Athens

Activities / Schedule

Flight from Athens to Iceland - Golden Circle

Direct flight from Athens to Iceland with PLAY, departing at 10:00 and arriving at 13:20. After picking up our vehicle, we will visit the sights of the renowned Golden Circle, beginning with Thingvellir National Park, where we will walk along a visible section of the Great Mid-Atlantic Rift, formed by the separation of two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian. We will also explore the site where Iceland’s first parliament was established (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Next, we’ll visit Strokkur Geyser, where we’ll observe the eruptions of the hot spring and walk around the surrounding area. Following this, we’ll stop at the impressive Gullfoss waterfall.

Finally, we head to Hella. Accommodation at the 4-star Stracta Hotel, in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast.

Daily distance: 243 km, 3.5 hours.

South Iceland Waterfalls - Black Sand Beach - Fjaðrárgljúfur

We start the day driving east to visit a series of impressive waterfalls, such as Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and others, some of which can be viewed from behind.

Next, we head to the rocky cliffs of Dyrhólaey, where we will take a short, easy path, and if we're lucky, we may observe puffins nesting and breeding here. We’ll then visit the famous Black Sand Beach with its basalt cave Halsanefshellir and proceed to Katla Geopark, where we will walk along the edge of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and the lava fields of the park.

We then head to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for accommodation at the 3-star Hotel Laki, in twin rooms with a bathroom and breakfast.

Daily distance: 205 km, 3 hours.

Skaftafell - Fjallsárlón - Jökulsárlón - Diamond Beach

Continuing east, we will visit Skaftafell National Park, where we’ll hike to Svartifoss waterfall, then follow a two-hour circular trail to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking an outlet of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Next, we’ll explore the glacial lake Fjallsárlón, with its floating icebergs, by Zodiac boat, allowing us to get close to both the icebergs and the glacier.

We then visit another glacial lake, Jökulsárlón, created around 1935. Until then, Vatnajökull glacier reached the sea, but today, due to climate change, it has receded, leaving behind an impressive lake filled with icebergs and seals. We’ll walk along the lake and end up at Diamond Beach, where clear ice pieces washed up from Jokulsarlon glisten like diamonds.

We conclude our day at Höfn, with accommodation at the 3-star Arnanes Country Hotel, in twin rooms with a bathroom and breakfast.

Daily distance: 230 km, 3 hours 15 minutes.

Vestrahorn Mountain - Litlanesfoss - Hengifoss

We begin the morning with a visit to the impressive Vestrahorn Mountain, where we’ll hike along the broad, shallow beach in front of the mountain, taking in views of both sea and peaks.

Then, we travel to the Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss waterfalls, surrounded by striking basaltic walls. Here, we’ll take a two-hour hike to reach the tallest waterfall, enjoying stunning views over the waterfall and the valley with its lake below.

We end the day at Egilsstaðir, with accommodation at the 3-star Herad – Berjaya Iceland Hotels, in twin rooms with a bathroom and breakfast.

Daily distance: 233 km, 3 hours 20 minutes.

Stuðlagil - Dettifoss - Hverir - Viti Crater - Myvatn Lake

Today, we explore Stuðlagil Canyon, a remarkable gorge with basalt walls, where we’ll embark on a two-hour hike to the base of the canyon, getting up close to the basalt formations.

We then travel northwest, crossing volcanic desert fields to reach Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Next, we visit the geothermal fields of Hverir and Krafla, where we’ll see fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and craters.

Our destination is Lake Myvatn, a eutrophic shallow lake in the Krafla volcanic area, formed from an eruption over 2300 years ago. We’ll explore it through stops and hikes, discovering pseudo-craters, rocky formations, lava fissures, and hot pools.

Accommodation is at the 3-star Laxá Hotel, in twin rooms with a bathroom and breakfast.

Daily distance: 285 km, 4.5 hours.

Whale Watching - Borgarnes

We depart in the morning for Árskógssandur for a three-hour whale-watching tour in an area known for Europe’s highest whale population density, where sighting chances approach 100%.

We then visit Akureyri, known as the "capital of the north," for a leisurely walk through one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns.

In the afternoon, we travel to Borgarnes, staying at the 4-star Hotel Snaefellsnes, in twin rooms with a bathroom and breakfast.

Daily distance: 500 km, 6 hours.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

After breakfast, we set out to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Our first stop will be a coast filled with rocks where seals rest, offering us a close encounter with these marine mammals.

Next, we’ll walk along the rocky cliffs of Arnarstapi, following a trail along the basalt-columned shore. We’ll then stop at the Londarangar cliffs, hiking over volcanic rocks to Malarrif lighthouse.

Our final visit of the day is the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, with the iconic Kirkjufell mountain behind it, a location made famous by the series Game of Thrones.

Return to Borgarnes for an overnight stay at the same hotel.

Reykjavik

We return to Reykjavik, where we’ll stay at the 4-star Grandi by Center Hotels, in twin rooms with a bathroom, breakfast, and access to the hotel’s spa facilities—a perfect way to relax, reflect, and recharge.

Free Day in Reykjavik

Having recharged, we’ll spend the day exploring Reykjavik at our own pace. It’s a free day to wander the city, visit museums and key landmarks, or shop in the local market.

We stay overnight at the same hotel.

Flight from Iceland to Athens

Very early in the morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Greece, with a departure time of 07:00 and arrival in Athens at 15:50.

Important Info

In a glance

SURFACE AREA
103.000 sq.km
POPULATION
360.000
CURRENCY
Icelandic Króna (ISK) (exchange rate 1€ = ~ 147 ISK)
AVERAGE AGE
35.6 years
TIMEZONE
Same as Greenwich Mean Time (-2 hours from Greece in winter, - 3 hours in summer)

Highlights

  • Tour of Iceland for a complete view of the country and its attractions.
  • Impressive volcanic landscapes of lava flows, caves, volcano craters, fumaroles, etc
  • Unique gorges with polyhedral basaltic walls and black volcanic rocks
  • Many waterfalls, some of which leave a gap to walk behind
  • Tasting with local dishes of wild salmon, free-range lamb, crayfish soups and other seafood
  • Wildlife observation in its natural environment, such as seals, whales, dolphins, puffins, etc
  • Daily walks, small or large, that lead us to impressive hidden corners, rocky shores, etc.
  • Whale watching boat excursion in an area with Europe's largest concentration of whales
  • Explore glacial lake Fjallsárlón, with its floating icebergs, by Zodiac boat
  • Sightseeing routes in Skaftafell National Park and Katla Geopark
  • Possibility of seeing the Northern Lights

Fixed Departures

13-22 April 2025

Price

  • €3.420/person

 €950 single supplement

Offer: 10% discount for bookings with full payment by December 31, 2024.

Note 1: The availability is not guaranteed for bookings after December 31st due to the excursion is likely to be sold out

Note 2: Payment or full settlement can also be made via credit card installments

Note 3: In addition to the specified dates, this trip can also be organized for private groups of up to 8 people on any date between mid-April and the end of October.

Difficulty Level

  • 2/5

Notes

This journey is not a typical tourist trip but a unique exploration that unveils the uncharted side of Iceland and includes outdoor recreational activities and hiking.

Iceland is known for sudden weather changes, requiring not only the appropriate gear but also the knowledge of how to use it effectively.

Participants will be responsible for their own luggage, both at airports and hotels, as well as for carrying their equipment during activities. Bulky and heavy luggage is not recommended.

Please review the itinerary carefully and seek clarification on any details before confirming your participation.

Our promise is to deliver a rich, life-enhancing experience that will leave you feeling proud to have been part of such a unique adventure!

Book your seat

In order to book your seat, you must first read the Terms of participation mentioned on our website and if you accept them, then fill in the Participation Form.

After completing the form and within 3 days you will have to send a deposit of 500 €. Another amount of 1000 € should be sent until the 31st of January and the payment of the trip must be completed until the 1st of March. Any cancellation of airline tickets is subject to the conditions and restrictions of each airline and is not covered by the cancellation terms of the rest of the package.

The deposit and the payment should be sent to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, under the name OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.

During the money transfer or deposit process, write down your name and the name of the trip in the REASON field.

A special offer of a 10% discount applies for bookings fully paid by December 31, 2024.

Cancellations

In the event of cancellation, the following fees apply:

  • From the booking date until January 31: €150 per person will be charged as administrative fees.
  • Cancellations between February 1 and February 28: €1,000 per person will be charged.
  • Cancellations between March 1 and March 31: 75% of the total trip cost will be charged.
  • Cancellations from April 1 onwards: 100% of the total trip cost will be charged.

General Information

Accommodation

The accommodation is provided in 3* or 4* hotels, or other lodgings, in double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast as specified in the detailed itinerary. Some accommodations are in remote areas with minimal light pollution to increase the chances of observing the Northern Lights.

Transportation

Local transfers are carried out using 8+1-seat minibuses. Airfare for direct flights with PLAY Airlines is included in the price.

Meals

Meals, except for breakfast, are not included in the package. Dining options are available at local restaurants or hotel restaurants, with prices ranging from €20 to €60 per dish, depending on the selection.

Program Modifications

The tour leader reserves the right to adjust the itinerary based on weather or other local conditions (e.g., strikes, political unrest) to ensure the smooth execution of the program and the participants' safety. Any additional costs arising from such changes are borne by the participants.

Currency and Payments

Iceland's currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Payments can also be made in euros, although change may sometimes be given in krona. Card payments are widely accepted in all establishments, regardless of the amount.

Climate in Iceland

Iceland's weather is unique and highly unpredictable, with all four seasons potentially experienced in a single day.

Spring (March-May): Cool temperatures (0°C to 10°C) with snow gradually melting. Daylight hours increase significantly.

Summer (June-August): Mild temperatures (10°C to 15°C), with nearly 24-hour daylight during the Midnight Sun.

Autumn (September-November): Cooling temperatures (0°C to 10°C), with shorter days and the first snowfall typically occurring by late November.

Winter (December-February): Cold weather (-5°C to 5°C), snowy landscapes, and very short daylight hours.

Tipping

Tipping is optional and not commonly practiced. However, offering a gratuity to an exceptional tour leader who goes above and beyond can be a meaningful gesture of appreciation.

Hygiene, Safety, and Insurance

Iceland is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a friendly population. While visitors can feel secure in cities and rural areas, Iceland’s natural environment can be unpredictable, with rapid weather changes, strong winds, steep terrains, and geothermal features requiring caution. Travelers should prepare for varied weather, follow marked paths, and heed their guides’ instructions.

The package includes BASIC travel insurance covering unexpected situations like health incidents (e.g., injury requiring transport and hospitalization), missed flights, and even full trip cancellation (up to €5,000, including cancellations due to COVID-19). Coverage applies to travelers up to 70 years of age; for those aged 70-80, an additional fee applies—please contact us for details.

For more information on the policy and specific coverage details, you can review the benefits of the program and contact our insurance consultant through the following link: Travel Insurance by Trekking Hellas.

Equipment

  • Hiking shoes waterproof
  • Sports shoes
  • Isothermal T-shirts (thin, medium)
  • Fleece blouses in various thicknesses
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Swimwear & towel for hot springs
  • 30 litre daily backpack that will be the hand luggage on flights
  • Soft carrying bag (supplied)

Easter in Iceland 13-22 April 2025

Road Trip around the Ring Road

Price from €3420

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