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Iceland's Fire & Ice Multi-Adventure Tour

Waterfalls, Geothermal Wonders & the Golden Circle

Trek through lunar landscapes and lava fields in Iceland’s Highlands. Find steaming vents, verdant canyons and colorful rhyolite. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

6 days, 5 nights

Luxury Hotels

Activity Levels 1-3

Couples, Friends & Solos

From $8,599 - $9,049/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Witness Iceland’s geothermal wonders—boiling and bubbling hot springs and mud pots, spouting geysers and steaming pools and lagoons
Hike through the breathtaking scenery of Seltún on the Reykjanes Peninsula, also home to the recently erupted Fagradalsfjall volcano
Walk through the aptly named “waterfall way” and visit the mighty tiered Gullfoss (Golden Falls) in its dramatic canyon
Embark on a private Super Jeep expedition to explore the remote, stunning wilderness and hidden valleys of Iceland’s colorful Highlands
Taste fresh seafood and relax in remote and stunning hotels where Icelandic horses roam the grounds

Hike/Walk

Horseback Ride

Raft

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Reykjavík Airport & Travel Details

Hike to Fagradalsfjall Volcano and wonder at the black lava and the scars from the recent eruption
Behold the south coast and walk behind the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Soak in the hotel’s hot tub and sauna
Explore beautiful canyons around our hotel with ocean views.

Black Sand Hotel

(Luxury Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

The neutral-toned modern exterior of the Black Sand Hotel located on the Ölfus peninsula along Iceland’s south coast.

Two mid-century modern leather and canvas lounge chairs overlooking a scenic view of the water at the Black Sand Hotel in Ölfus, Iceland.

Mid-century style lounge seating featuring upholstered neutral fabric armchairs, leather chairs and organic shaped wood coffee tables at the Black Sand Hotel in Ölfus, Iceland.

An elegant fine-dining dish featuring a vibrant arrangement of red endive leaves, fresh basil, and seasonal produce served in a white, circular ceramic bowl at the Black Sand Hotel in Ölfus, Iceland.

Night 1

Black Sand Hotel

Ölfus

Luxury Hotel

A newly built retreat on Iceland's wild South Coast, Black Sand Hotel pairs Scandinavian design with dramatic views of volcanic beaches, mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Ride an all-terrain Super Jeep to the hard-to-reach Skógar plateau
Hike a section of the famous Fimmvörðuháls, passing 25 cascades as you descend the stunning “waterfall way”
Drink in spectacular views of the south coast and the wide-open Atlantic Ocean
Explore lush, green canyons and take in views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps
Learn about farming in Iceland and eat mushrooms from the country’s only mushroom farm
Ride an Icelandic horse in the heart of the Golden Circle, where the Geysir geothermal field awaits
Raft the glacial Hvítá River
Savor farm-fresh “Viking-style” cuisine
At day’s end, slip into a basalt stone hot pool before resting your head in your turf house at our resort.

Torfhús Retreat

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

fur covered chairs around a table with a map on the wall

Nights 2-3

Torfhús Retreat

Selfoss

Luxury Hotel

This remote retreat isn’t your average hotel—its traditional residences blend into the beautiful landscape with their living turf roofs and stone and reclaimed wooden walls.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Strokkur hurls steaming water 100 feet into the air and massive Gullfoss waterfall flows and sprays along its wide staircases
Travel over a rocky desert to the heart of the remote Highlands in a Super Jeep
Explore an awe-inspiring and untouched wilderness that’s home to some of the most surreal landscapes on earth
Colorful jagged peaks, ice caps, hidden verdant canyons and ancient calderas await
Journey through the moon-like Hveradalir, the “valley of hot springs” filled with volcanic rhyolite, fumaroles and rising steam
Continue to Ásgard and be amazed at the rainbow-colored mountain slopes with the Hofsjökull glacier and the Highlands in the distance.

Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Hotel building made of wooden panels, with large open windows

Large windows on the third story of a hotel building

Indoor lounge with tan cushioned chairs and a furnace in the back

Hotel property in the middle of an empty valley of dirt and grass

Nights 4-5

Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll

Luxury Hotel

Experience the Highlands at this remote and newly renovated lodge, a historic oasis with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Reykjavík Airport & Travel Details

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This trip has an activity level range of 1-3

Route & Terrain Notes

The hiking routes on this trip explore rugged paths and trails through Northern mountain landscapes. The terrain is rolling, with some moderate and occasionally steep ascents and descents and can occasionally be wet and muddy. Iceland’s unpredictable weather, which can include fog, rain, wind and snow any time of year, can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

700 ft. gain

Level 2

5 miles

1100 ft. gain

Day 2

Other

Super Jeep Expedition

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

5 miles

minimal ft. gain; 2,000 ft. loss

Day 3

Other

Horseback Riding (1 hour)

Other

Arctic Rafting on Hvitá River (3 hours)

Day 4

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

5 miles

1000 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

1600 ft. gain

Other

Super Jeep Expedition

Day 5

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles

500 ft. gain

Level 2

6 miles

700 ft. gain

Day 6

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

300 ft. gain

View Dates & Prices From $8,599/person

What to Know

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Climate & Itinerary Changes

The combination of Iceland’s prolific waterfalls, vast ice fields, vibrant green landscape and warm ocean currents makes this island like no other place in the world. The island’s climate can be as surprising as its terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet, rain and snow all in the same day (or hour!). Please be sure to bring warm layers, sturdy hiking boots and waterproof gear for every day of the trip. In addition, the fluctuating weather might result in mid-trip itinerary changes, but your Backroads Leaders are always prepared to make necessary adjustments to ensure a great trip while keeping safety the top priority.

Shuttle Time

To access the best routes and most unique hotels in this expansive region, we’ve incorporated multiple shuttles into your itinerary.

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