fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Cycle Iceland

Cycle Iceland

From $ 5,950 AUD

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, , ,

Description

Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes on this 9-day Icelandic cycling adventure. Marvel at geothermal hot springs, witness the steamy eruptions of a giant geyser, touch the tongue of Europe’s biggest glacier and scale giant waterfalls. Travel through Iceland’s desolate lands, so mysterious and ethereal that they have inspired artists, poets and musicians for centuries. The ancient, untamed beauty of Iceland will stay with you forever.

Trip Name
Cycle Iceland
Last Updated
2019-03-29
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Cycle the famous Golden Circle, where the scenery is just as likely to get your blood pumping as the ride
  • There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, black sands and thermal springs of this magical land in the world's far north
  • The Eurasian and American tectonic plates may now be pulling apart in Thingvellir National Park, but over a thousand years ago this was the site where Iceland's first parliament came together
  • Southern Iceland is a world of striking contrasts. Walk past blue-white icebergs at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert

Itinerary

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 is important that you print and review a final copy prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any changes once on tour. 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 only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability. 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 leader know you are interested 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 leaders 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.

Day 1 - Reykjavik
Welcome to Reykjavik, where colourful houses and striking expressionist buildings are set against a backdrop of blue-grey mountains. Your tour begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting at your hotel. It’s important you attend this meeting, as we’ll be collecting your next of kin and insurance information. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's meeting you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. With that out of the way, you’re free to spend your evening how you like. Reykjavik has a lively food scene, so perhaps ask your leader for recommendations on where to grab a bite. Modern Icelandic food is hearty and steeped in Viking tradition, meaning it’s designed to sustain and keep you warm during periods of physical activity – perfect considering the first leg of your cycling tour starts tomorrow.
Day 2 - Golden Circle
Today you begin your cycle around the Golden Circle, and the scenery is just as likely to get your blood pumping as the ride. Head out of Reykjavik through valleys of green and gold shrubbery. Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, the historic spot of Iceland’s first parliament and the location of the Silfra Fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You can see the water pooled in the gap between the plates and cycle between craggy cliffs that sprung from the earth because of the grand geological shift. Then, peddle to Laugarvatn, a shallow lake kept warm year-round by hot springs. This is the last stop on today’s 90 km journey, so you might want to soak your muscles in the natural pools or spa. Spend the evening at Efstidalur II, a comfortable farm hotel.
Day 3 - Gullfoss & Geysir
Today you continue riding along the famous Golden Circle. There’s no better way to appreciate the immensity of this ancient environment than from your bike, close enough to see the often black volcanic ground around you and guided by giant mountains. Pull up at Geysir, where the ground is alive and geysers spurt water high into the air. Bike between the various bubbling mud pools and spitting earth in this geothermal hotpot. Then, ride about ten kilometres to nearby Gulfoss, a mighty waterfall that spills down two tiers into a 70-metre-deep canyon. Breathe the crisp Icelandic air on the tail end of your 76 km ride, hunkering down for the evening in a campsite in the tiny town of Brautarholt. Tonight is camping.
Day 4 - Waterfalls of the South
Today you’ll be biking 104 kilometres, so ease into it with a ride in the support vehicle, alighting to peddle along the side of vast (and partially active) Eyjafjallajokull. You might remember it as the source of much panic and grounded flights after it erupted in 2010, spewing ash far and wide. This towering, glacier-capped strata volcano will be your silent guide as you ride past some of the spectacular waterfalls that dot the south of the country. As you’ll remain close to the coast today, there might be an opportunity to park your bike and hike to the wreck of a US Navy plane that lies on the black sands of Solheimasandur Beach. Even if weather or time doesn’t permit that little venture, the views along the South Coast are stunning, and you’ll spend the evening in at a guesthouse in Solheimahjaleiga – close to the black shore that the country is famous for.
Day 5 - Reynisfjara / Kirkjubaejarklaustur
The columns of basalt rise like small skyscrapers from the ashen sands of Reynisfjara, your first stop today on a 92 km journey. From the shore, you can see staggering rock pillars that jut from the ocean. Next, you’ll hop on your bike and cycle near the fire-lava field of Eldhraun, weaving between bizarre lumps and bumps created by an eruption hundreds of years ago. At 565 square kilometers, this vast, moss-covered terrain is an endless source of wonder. Later, get some well-deserved rest at the Klausturhof Guesthouse, nestled in the hamlet of Kirkjubaejarklaustur beneath picturesque mountains.
Day 6 - Skaftafell National Park
Hit the road again and cross the vast, arid sand plain of Skeidararsandur. The most extensive of its kind in the world, this desolated plain was formed by glacier meltwater post-eruption. Skeidararsandur announces the proximity of Vatnajokull – the largest ice cap in Iceland. The runoff from this epic glacier has created a river that splits the giant sand plain in two. Ride further into the wilderness of Vatnajokull National Park, taking in the brown and white peaks and perhaps stopping at Svartifoss Waterfall, where black basalt columns frame a narrow cascade. Setup camp in Skaftafell, completing today's 71 kilometre ride. Tonight is camping.
Day 7 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The icy crown jewel of Iceland, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon awaits after a morning of cycling along rocky coast. This glacial lake has only existed for less than 100 years, and continues to swell as temperatures rise. If you’d like, you have the option to explore the lagoon via the water. Board an amphibious vehicle (half car, half boat) to get the most awe-inspiring views of the jagged icebergs floating in this natural lagoon. If you’re lucky, you might even see sea seals swimming gliding through the water or resting on icebergs. Otherwise, you are free to bike or walk along the shore, taking in the majestic views of blue and white waters. Today you’ll travel just 67 kilometres, and your guesthouse for the evening – Reynivellir – is close to the lagoon, meaning you can get the most of this feat of nature.
Day 8 - Reykjavik
It’s time to sit back and relax on the long return drive to Reykjavik. The 400 km drive will take about six hours, so you might want to have a book or podcast ready to pass the time. It’s also a good opportunity to soak up the scenery you’ve come to know and love over the past week. Upon arrival in the capital, you can choose to attend an optional group dinner to bid farewell to your leader and cycling pals.
Day 9 - Reykjavik
Your journey comes to an end today.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-08-201925-08-2019AUD $ 5,950-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (6 nights),Camping (2 nights)

Transport

Bicycle,Support vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Iceland Intrepid Trips
More of activity:
Active Adventures Cycling