Iceland Glaciers and Hot Springs Winter Adventure
Overview
Read HERE for info on 2023 Dates.
Set your Walter Mitty playlist to SHUFFLE as you hike, ice climb, ATV bike, and hot-spring-hop through a Viking land with a population smaller than Staten Island! This 7-day, all-inclusive, women’s-only multi-sport adventure to Iceland will slap over-worked fatigue away to make room in your soul for jaw-dropping beauty, badass women, and the most delicious gas station Pylsa you will ever eat. 🌭
Experience the best of Southern Iceland’s Golden Circle as we board our SHE-nanigan Shuttle for a road trip along the coast. We’ll chase waterfalls, trek across glaciers, audibly moan in hot springs, and spend each night searching for the perfect Van Gogh sky. (Northern Lights season, baby!)
We’ll leave the light pollution of Reykjavik behind to stay in traditional Icelandic Guest Houses and Hotels surrounded by total darkness at night.
When the sun’s beamin’, we’ll frolic on the biggest glaciers decked out in crampons and ice axes. You’ll get sendy ice-climbing glacial walls (Yes, you CAN ice climb!). We’ll set off across black sand beaches on ATV searching for the famous plane wreck and zipping through mountain canyons.
Let’s not forget all of those waterfalls! Instagram-worthy moments include Gulfoss, Strokkur’s steamy water geyser, Skógafoss, strolling along the black sands of Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon, Reynisdrangar, and Seljalandsfoss.
Do you work for National Geographic now? Probably.
Did we go overboard with three hot springs soaks? Probably. After hiking into a river valley, we strip down ducked behind the smallest wall ever in frigid temperatures to take a dip in a natural hot spring in Iceland surrounded by snowy mountains. You’ll soak with locals at the Secret Lagoon and end our epic winter adventure in the new, swanky Blue Lagoon.
Sound exciting? You’ll also be with a local and an Explorer Chick Guide who will be planning your adventure day by day to take advantage of the weather and the daylight. Hey, it’s a road trip where we call the shots! No rigid schedule, but a trip that flexes and flows so you get the best vacation. We’ll be sure to stop at local favorites too for ice cream, shopping, and craft brews!
Are you ready for this?!
Adventure Highlights
- Sensory nirvana––blue glaciers, white waterfalls, black beaches, green landscapes, amber beer
- Hike through hills, canyons and craggy-gorgeous national parks.
- Hunt down Aurora Borealis by simply walking out of the hotel/guesthouse.
- Strap on crampons and a helmet and grab an ice axe to trek across a glacier surrounded by volcanic ash
- Ice Climb on a badass glacier
- Strip down to your skivvies to enjoy the steamy goodness of natural hot springs.
- Soak in the geothermal waters of three of Iceland’s best hot springs including Blue Lagoon
- Explore the famous Golden Circle trifecta of destinations – Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
- Soak in the iconic sights of Iceland’s southern coast including Skógarfoss Waterfall, Dyrhólaey, Glacier Lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss
- Stay in traditional Icelandic accommodation, including a sheep farm!
- Live it up aboard our private transportation as your local and Explorer Chick guide make unplanned stops and surprises along the way. It’s your trip! We can do what we want!
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything in-between easy.
- Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour.
DAY 1: Welcome to Iceland!
Welcome to the most ridiculously beautiful place on earth, where even highway ditches look like postcards. Day 1 is all about arriving before we kick off our adventure with a Welcome Dinner at a favorite Icelandic restaurant. (Reindeer, anyone?)
If arriving early, we share some recommendations for exploring Reykjavík including where to find the best cinnamon buns you’ll sink your teeth into. Wanna guided tour with all the food? Book an optional Walking Food tour with us. Sightsee and dine at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel, Shared Doubles
Meals: D
DAY 2: Natural Hot Springs and National Parks
Two words you’ll mispronounce with glee all day! Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for a short drive to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði. We’ll hike up mystic hills into the magical valley of Solfataras where we’ll find Reykjadalur (hot springs, baby!). We’ll dip in the natural hot river, dry off, hike back to our she-shuttle and drive to Thingvellir National Park. If you’re into fault lines, you’re gonna need a fresh pair of undies. We’ll learn all about major historical events that led to the area being declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D
DAY 3: Geysir, Gulfoss, and a Greenhouse
You like eruptions, girl? Today we’ll drive towards the Geysir spouting spring area before taking in the panty-dropper of panty-droppers: Gullfoss waterfall. Get those misty selfies! From there we’ll hop a short drive to the famous Friðheimar greenhouse where we’ll lunch on their renowned tomato soup and learn all about greenhouse tomato farming. Bloody Mary, anyone?
After we’re good and full, we’ll soak in a nearby Secret Lagoon (plz bring towels!) before continuing our drive along the scenic South Coast towards our cozy, country guesthouse (and sheep farm!) Sólheimahjáleiga. Tonight’s stay is located at the foot of Mýrdalsjökull glacier with a view of Eyjafjallajökull glacier! Once settled, we’ll spend the rest of the evening hunting down the Northern Lights.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D
DAY 4: Off Roading and Hiking
Spend the day exploring the foot of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. In the AM, we’ll cruise on ATV bikes along the shore of an iconic black sand beach. There we’ll visit the famous Sólheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck and drive across rivers (get those slo mo cameras out!) into beautiful mountain ravines. In the PM, we’ll hike one of the gajillion panoramic trails. Once our thighs start barking, we’ll head back to the farm to visit the the sheepfold and lend a hand in feeding the animals. Then we’ll wash up, wolf down some dinner, and be on the lookout for more Northern Lights.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D
DAY 5: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon And The Glacier Lagoon
Today we head further east to gawk at vast sand plains and the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. By this point your brain will be near-stroke from beauty overload, but there’s more! We can stop to visit the impressive Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is 100 meters deep and 2 km long OR hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park. After, we’ll take in views of vast alpine peaks perforating the horizon as we shout WTF at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Beastly icebergs and sunbathing seals will be everywhere, with an iceberg-studded coast––Diamond Beach––just a short walk away.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D
DAY 6: Ice Climbing and Waterfalls
Stretch those gams because we’re going on a glacier walk atop Sólheimajökull. The landscape of the glacier ice is extraordinary, with deep crevasses and water cauldrons. You’ll be looking Arctic-chic with crampons and ice axes while learning about glacial behavior and environmental impact. If we’re lucky, we’ll happen upon a glacier cave before journeying back to Reykjavík. We’ll make stops along the way to enjoy the picturesque landscape of the South Coast, strolling along the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and taking in the beautiful waterfall of Skógafoss. We’ll return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon for a farewell closing dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D
DAY 7: Blue Lagoon and Farewell Iceland
We’re sneaking one more highlight into our trip as we drive by minibus to the Blue Lagoon! Lean back into the warming waters for 2 magical hours as you reflect on all the adventures, inside jokes, and sweaty underwire. After the bath, our bus will take us on one last ride back to where it all began. Hug/cry/plan your next Explorer Chick adventure before parting ways at Keflavik International Airport.
Day 1: Walking Food Tour $125
Explore Reykjavik with local food lovers who are passionate about sharing Iceland’s incredible cuisines. You’ll stroll the city visiting 6 unique restaurants with a fun & knowledgeable local guide by your side. You will visit everything from well-known ‘must visit restaurants’ to small family run businesses and secret local hangouts. Forget about the fermented shark. Instead, you’ll sink you teeth into favorites like Icelandic lamb, hot dogs, local cheese, seafood, and more.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Departs: 11:30am
Meeting Location: Harpa Music Hall
You are responsible for transportation to the meeting point. This is not an exclusive Explorer Chick tour. You will be with other tourists.
Day 6: Northern Lights by Boat $105
You’ll sail away from the coastline of Reykjavík to search for the auroras on the North-Atlantic with the city lights in the background. An expert guide will be on board telling you all about the science, legends and myths that surround this amazing natural phenomenon. The boat is heated and equipped with a speaker system, so you are welcome to stay cozy and warm indoors until it’s time to dart outside. You’ll also receive warm overalls and the boat is equipped with Wifi, a snack bar, and restrooms.
Duration: 2 hours
Departs: 10pm
You are responsible for transportation to the meeting point. This is not an exclusive Explorer Chick tour. You will be with other tourists. Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed. Tour operator reserves the right to move the tour to a bus if sailing conditions are not safe.
- 2 nights Reykjavik Hotel (Shared – 2 per Room) – Basic lodging centrally located and within walking distance to pubs, shops, and sites. No frills, standard rooms – not hotel rooms. Shared bathrooms.
- 4 nights Authentic Iceland Guest House accommodations (1 night in Laugarvatn, 3 nights in the Southeast) – Shared – 2 per room. No frills, standard rooms – not hotel rooms. Shared bathrooms.
- ATV Bike tour across a black sand beach with all gear provided.
- Entrance fees to Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon
- All technical glacier walking and ice climbing equipment including ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet belay devices, and carabiners
- All entrance and parking fees to sites
- Meals from Day 1 Welcome Dinner through Day 7 Breakfast: B – 6, L – 5, D – 6
- Local English speaking guide(s) throughout the full itinerary
- Private Explorer Chick land-transportation throughout itinerary including departure airport transfer only.
- A commemorative Explorer Chick shirt
- All tips for included meals and local guides.
- A detailed Travel Guide upon booking with everything you need to know for your trip.
- The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!
- One Icelandic English speaking guide throughout the full itinerary
- One experienced Explorer Chick Guide ensuring your trip is seamless and unforgettable!
- Small Group experience! Your Explorer Chick Adventure is exclusive and limited to 12 women
*Packages do NOT include your airfare, alcoholic beverages, costs for additional activities, Travel Insurance, and Explorer Chick Leader tips.
*Does NOT include your Explorer Chick Guide’s Tips – Tipping your Explorer Chick Guide is optional, but customary. If you wish to recognize your Explorer Chick Guide for exceptional service, we recommend you tip them 10-25% of your trip costs.
*A passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your arrival date is required.
*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.
Your trip begins and ends in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Day 1: Arrival. We will rendezvous as a group at 5pm in the lobby our of Reykjavík hotel on Day 1.
Your arrival airport transfer in Reykjavík is NOT included with your package. There are several options for booking your transportation including public shuttle services.
Day 7: Departure: Plan to depart Reykjavík, Iceland after 2pm on Day 7. (KEF)
You will receive a travel guide attached to your booking confirmation with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip including our Rendezvous guest house.
We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please check that your trip is confirmed before booking airfare.
Your Iceland Adventure is geared toward viewing the Northern Lights, seeing the south coasts best landmarks, and enjoying the best of what Icelandic winter’s have to offer. Although we rate this trip as easy to moderate, you will still spend quite a bit of time on your feet – including in crampons!
Explorer Chick prides itself in curating trips for women who live an active, healthy lifestyle. What this means is we tackle the big climbs, the long trails, the bucket lists, and the uncomfortable. To get the most from your adventure we recommend having a solid fitness base with training on trails in a variety of weather conditions and hill/stair climbing. Train how you play!
Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.
Read More About Iceland on the Blog:
Still not convinced that THIS is the adventure for you?
We’ve rounded up some of our most popular blog posts, so you can get to know us a bit better and learn what really goes down on your Explorer Chick Adventure.
- Remember How it Feels to Play
- You are NOT Alone
- The Power of Explorer Chick
- What Does an Explorer Chick Look Like?
- We are ALL IN
- We Do Dumb Stuff
- The Explorer Chick Purpose
- The Traveler vs. the Tourist
- 6 Benefits to Booking with a Tour Company
You can always reach us by email with more questions! Info@ExplorerChick.com
To protect your travel investment and your hide, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. World Nomads is our trusted travel insurance provider. Receive an no-hassle, online quote in less than 2 minutes.
Trip Price:
From $4,699
Save $300 with Early Bird Pricing!
See our Discount page for Codes and Expirations!
Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 due at booking to secure your spot
Single Room Upgrade: $400
Optional Excursions:
Pre-Tour Food Walk – $125
Post-Tour Northern Lights Boat Tour: $105
Payment Plans Available: Email payments@ec-old.design-works.com after booking to set up your monthly payment plan.
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1 Review
Meg Hughes
November 14th, 2018Wow, what an adventure! With the help of Guide Becca and Icelandic guide Tinna, we had a blast. Lots of walking, some climbing and kayaking. Food was plentiful and home made by the guides. Hostels were clean and comfortable, and the bus we got around on was big enough for comfort and small enough for speed. We saw the lights on our last night out and it was truly spectacular. In some locations, the wind can be brutally cold and very high. We encountered 80 mph gusts in a few places. Check the weather leading up to your departure- most of us were surprised it was warmer than where we live in the states. It is VERY wet , so make sure your gear is waterproof. Every hostel had hair dryers but bring your own shampoo/ conditioner and make sure you have any Over the Counter items you need, because the pharmacies , like everything, are pricey! With yoga pants, sweater and boots you will be dressed up enough for anything in the city. It’s a casual place with very friendly people. While the trip is ‘easy to moderate’ the walking is never level, there are lots of hills, so girls, check your cardio fitness. I wish I had!! LOL