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The
iceland winter
TRIP
For the love of
CHASING WATERFALLS
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NORTHERN LIGHTS
BLACK SAND BEACHES
CROSSING GLACIERS
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BRENNIVIN
REYKJAVIK COLORS
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LAGOON LOUNGIN'​
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VIKING LEGENDS​
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ICELAND
WHAT TO EXPECT
Welcome to our wildest adventure yet. There’s outdoor fun, and then there’s outdoor fun Icelandic style. If you’re up for lounging in hot springs, conquering snow-covered lava fields, and trekking along volcanic beaches, head north with us for the ultimate winter adventure.
First stop, Reykjavik—from colorful homes to street art, and oddly endearing hardcore metal shows, it’s a city full of surprises. It’s also the only place we know of with both fermented shark and world-renowned hot dogs on the menu.
After exploring the capital, we’ll head south to wander iceberg-studded, obsidian beaches ripped from the pages of fantasy novels. So come along and slug down some Brennivin beneath the northern lights, find your footing in the mist of cascading falls, and reach out to blue ceilings of frozen rolling waves in glacial ice caves.
INcluded
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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4 breakfasts at hotels
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2 lunches
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3 dinners
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Welcome drinks
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Reykjavik Foodie Tour, the capital’s top ranked culinary adventure
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Lagoon spa experience at Sky Lagoon
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Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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Jeep ride and hike to Breiðamerkurjökull and Vatnajokull ice caves
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Tour of black sand, volcanic Diamond Beach
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to and from Reykjavik
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (Budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses​
Day by day
*Itinerary is indicative and is subject to change
Day 1 – Reykjavik
EAT UP REYKJAVIK
Get into Reykjavik early and start exploring on foot before meeting up with the group. Check out the Church of Hallgrimskirkja or Laugavegur, the central shopping district, and come to terms with the fact that Duolingo didn’t adequately prepare you for Icelandic pronunciations.
After that, consider popping over to the nearby Blue Lagoon and relaxing in the steamy lap of luxury. In the afternoon, we’ll meet up for a private food tour that just so happens to be the highest-rated culinary adventure in the entire city.
Get a base layer of unique Icelandic eats in you, and then dabble in some Brennivin, the country’s iconic distilled beverage. Known lovingly as “Black Death,” it should get you going for a night on the town. Head out with new friends; the evening is yours to enjoy.
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ARRIVE
Day 2 – Reykjavik to Vik
Glacial crossing
After a bite with the team at the hotel, we’re headed south to vast, sparsely inhabited terrain. We’ll stop at Seljalandsfoss and hike into the gorge behind the 200-foot waterfall before continuing on and checking out the Dyrhólaey viewpoint. This arching rock formation juts into the sea, providing incredible views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, black volcanic beaches, and lava sea stacks off Reynisfjara.
We’ll grab lunch together, surrounded by imposing rock walls in the tiny town of Vik, and then we’re off to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon to step into soaring landscapes so surreal they’d make Tolkien jealous.
Eventually, we’ll wind our way to our hotel beneath remote looming mountains, where we'll sit down for a traditional Icelandic dinner together and kick back beneath those endless Icelandic stars.
Marvel
Day 3 – Southern Iceland
Blues & greens
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Eat up; we’ve got a big day ahead. We’re moving on east to check out the towering, jagged icebergs floating through the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and then to Diamond Beach to stroll between the mammoth, sparkling chunks of ice that sprinkle black volcanic sands.
We’ll grab some grub and refuel with the team, and then we’re off on a Jeep and walking tour of the ice caves in Breiðamerkurjökull and Vatnajokull (and no, we can’t pronounce those either).
The undulating blues and greens of these sprawling caverns may only be outdone by the northern lights, which we should get a glimpse of tonight at our secluded accommodation near Vik. Grab dinner with friends; you’ve got another free night to take it all in.
trek
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Day 4 – Reykjavik
Viking treasure
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After breakfast at the hotel, we're northbound to Reykjavik once more. Along the way, we'll stop and check out the sprawling Skogafoss Falls, where, as the legend says, Vikings hid ancient treasure before sealing it off with magic. Take a look for yourself and see if the waters sparkle with gold or diamonds.
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We’ll hit up the hot springs at Sky Lagoon for lunch and one last sizzling adventure before we arrive in Reykjavik, and then we’ll regroup in the city for a final dinner altogether.
If you’re feeling up to it, head off on a pub crawl with friends to go out in style.
unwind
Say your goodbyes over breakfast with the group before you fly. If you've got a later flight, do some more Reykjavik exploring. The city's full of fascinating architecture, arts, and culture.
Take a walk down to the waterfront to check out the Harpa, the glass building that plays host to concerts and shows throughout the year, explore the Old Harbor, or take in the views over by the Grotta Lighthouse.
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Got more vacation time to spare? Grab a rental car and keep on driving the island or even consider heading out on a whale watching tour.
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Day 5 – Reykjavik
farewell
"You cannot rob me of free nature’s grace. You cannot shut the windows of the sky through which Aurora shows her brightening face…”
- James Thomson
FAST FACTS
JUST FOR FUN
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world and home to more than one third of the Icelandic population.
Storytelling, myth, and legend are hugely important in Icelandic culture and many people still believe in trolls and elves to this day.
Brennivin is Iceland’s most famous distilled alcohol. It’s made from fermented grain mash, high-ph water, and caraway.
TRIP NOTES
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms on your Iceland vacation, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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We’ll have an excellent opportunity to see the northern lights, but they’re not always visible.
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Iceland is a small country, but the weather can change fast, so be prepared with your wardrobe.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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Due to the potential for inclement weather in the winter months, certain locations may be impassable and swapped out for different experiences.
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Travelers on the New Years Eve trip should budget an additional $300.
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The New Year’s trip includes an additional night in Reykjavik, an added group lunch, and a special New Year’s Eve dinner. Travelers on this trip will visit Sky Lagoon the day after they return to the capital instead of on the way back from southern Iceland.
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Please note the NYE trip has an extra night to celebrate New Years Eve and New Years Day. It's a 5 night / 6 day trip with a new price of $3,799.
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There are some long drives on this trip (5 hours) but filled with stunning views and broken up by interesting stops.
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Ensure your passport is valid for 3-months after your return date.
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
About iceland
Iceland was first settled by Norwegians back in the 800s. The country sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, directly above several volcanoes. This, in turn, provides numerous benefits when it comes to an energy source, as more than 25% of the country can run on geothermal power. The rest of the country runs on hydropower, meaning the nation is on 100% renewable energy.
GOOD TO KNOW
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Iceland’s official currency is the Icelandic Krona.
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The country ranks number 1 on the Global Peace Index.
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The country’s national language is Icelandic.
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In the summer, Iceland sees little to no darkness. Conversely, in the winter there are only a few hours of sunlight.
flights
Fly into Reykjavik (KEF)
You'll need to be in Reykjavik by 1pm on Day 1; however, we do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own! If you take a flight that arrives in the morning, check out the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik (reservations required).
Fly out of Reykjavik (KEF)
Fly out of Reykjavik at any time on day 5. We recommend a later flight so you can enjoy a bit more exploring before heading back home.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Iceland so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Iceland trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
learn more
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