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"We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and want to thank you for your very capable guidance throughout. It was indeed a 'bucket list' trip and one which will remain memorable in our retirement years of ongoing adventure travelling."
Joan & David C. (Iceland 2016)

Iceland

Welcome to the land of the midnight sun! Iceland is a remarkable mix of snow-capped mountains, volcanic terrain, massive canyons and unique geo-thermal activity. On this trip, we shall encounter them all! You will "enjoy" the wonderful aroma during our trek by the sulphur springs, experience the moon-like surface of the volcanic landscape, be awed by the countless waterfalls (big and small) and marvel at the view from atop Iceland's own "Grand Canyon". Of course, we will never have to worry about running out of daylight as the sun never sets during this time of the year.

 

We have special excursions planned to the world renowned Blue Lagoon for some well-deserved R&R, and we will go whale watching in the fishing village of Husavik situated just below the Arctic Circle.

 

The first half of our holiday will be based in the capital city of Reykjavik, with its lively restaurants, shops and youthful spirit. The centrally located FOSSHOTEL LIND will be our home and we shall travel to and from our hikes in chartered buses. During the second half, we'll be at the FOSSHOTEL HUSAVIK in the northern part of the country. From there we will experience a variety of different hikes, from the trek to the top of Mt. Sulur to the breathtaking scenery of the Lake Myvatn region.

 

On our non-hiking days, you can visit the famed Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall near Reykjavik and the Husavik Whale Centre when in the north. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience, then Iceland is definitely the trip for you!

Dates

August 19 to 29, 2017

Grade

Moderate

What's Included

- 10 nights' hotel accommodations
- 11 breakfasts & 9 dinners
- 7 guided hikes
- Return flight between Reykjavik & Akureyri
- Whale-watching excursion
- Blue Lagoon experience
- Ground transportation and transfers

Cost

$5685 CAD land

Send $300 deposit to reserve - balance is payable June 19, 2017

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $1325 CAD.

Meeting Times/Places

$715 CAD + air taxes* of $268

Direct overnight flight departing August 18 from Toronto (Canada) and returning August 29. Departures from other cities are possible; please call to enquire.

* air taxes subject to change by the airlines

Status

This trip is full but we would be pleased to add your name to the wait list.

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Waitlist

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

REYKJAVIK
After checking into the hotel and treating ourselves to a little breakfast, we shall kick off the holiday with a walking tour of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. (Light, sight-seeing)

Day 2

PINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
Pingvellir is the site of exceptional geological interest and is at the junction of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Additionally, Pingvellir is of great historical significance as it is the home of the Althingi, the site of Iceland's first national assembly in 930 AD. (Moderate, 14 km + 11 cm)

Day 3

NESJAVELLIR
Hike around the geothermal field near the foot of the Hengill volcano. The ground seems almost alive with its sulphur pools, bubbling mud and sulphur encrusted earth. At the end of our hike, we'll visit the Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant. (Moderate, 10 km)

Day 4

DAY OF LEISURE
There is much to see and do around Reykjavik, but we also recommend a tour of Geyser and Gullfoss.

Day 5

MOUNT ESJA
Mt. Esja looms over Reykjavik like a guardian angel. From a distance, Esja seems to change colour constantly - some say to match her mood (in reality, the colours are the reflection of light on the basalt rock and minerals). (Moderate-challenging, 8 km)

Day 6

TRAVEL FROM REYKJAVIK TO HUSAVIK & MOUNT SULUR HIKE
This morning, take a short domestic flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri in the north.
This afternoon, hike to the top of Mount Sulur at 3280 ft and be surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Northern Iceland. (Challenging, 11 km)
Mount Sulur overlooks the city of Akureyri, Iceland's second largest. For those who prefer a more leisurely day, explore the town of Akureyri.

Day 7

JOKULSARGLJUFUR NATIONAL PARK
Hike past echo rocks, the remains of ancient volcanoes that have been eroded by the Jokulsa River. Then detour to the top of Rautholar for magnificent views of the Asbyrgi Canyon (Iceland's Grand Canyon). Continue along to the Klappir look-out, and the grand finale is Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. (Moderate, 13 km)

Day 8

HUSAVIK HIKE + WHALE-WATCHING EXCURSION
Local area hike around Lake Botsvatn (Moderate, 10 km)
Late afternoon whale-watching excursion.

Day 9

MYVATN AREA
Hike through the Krafla volcanic region including the Leirhnjukur crater, described as a "stench-laden sulphur-encrusted mud hole"! (Moderate, 17 km)

Day 10

RETURN TO REYKJAVIK + BLUE LAGOON EXPERIENCE
Noon flight from Husavik to Reykjavik. Afternoon at the Blue Lagoon - relax in warm geothermal seawater and let the mineral salts, algae and silica mud perform their magic on your muscles and your skin.

Day 11

FLIGHT HOME

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

polaroids

What an experience!

 

"We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and want to thank you for your very capable guidance throughout. It was indeed a 'bucket list' trip and one which will remain memorable in our retirement years of ongoing adventure travelling."
Joan & David C. (Iceland 2016)

 

"Great hiking holidays to Iceland...land of waterfalls, lava fields and interesting geology. Thanks for the wonderful leadership, Sheila. Lovely meeting you all and hiking together in Iceland."
Jill D. (Iceland 2016)

 

"I wanted to let you know that I was absolutely thrilled with the trip to Iceland. One of the best parts of the trip was having Sheila as our leader. She's organized, friendly and has a delightful sense of humor. This was my sixth Comfortable Hiking trip and I would say that the group of fellow hikers was one of the best. As usual, the food was amazing- the dinners were well organized and of course I ate way too much but I enjoyed every mouthful."
Jan C. (Iceland 2014)

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Note that this trip is currently full but you can complete the registration form to get your name on the waitlist.

Destination

Iceland

Dates

August 19 to 29, 2017

Number of spots to reserve

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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No space will be held until deposit is paid.

Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.