Iceland: The Viking Challenge - Iceland Activity Holiday

Thrill seekers; this one’s for you!

Forget lazing around on beaches, this is one holiday that will really take your breath away! Get your adrenaline pumping on this Iceland activity holiday which gives you the opportunity to try out a whole host of thrilling outdoor pursuits and exciting ventures whilst enjoying the staggeringly beautiful Icelandic countryside. Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings and do things you’ve never done before such as white water rafting, quad biking, glacier walking and even whale watching. Experience is not a requirement for any of the Iceland activities and full tuition is provided by the expert guides before you are let loose on this unique country’s diverse terrain. All of the daily activities listed in the itinerary are included within the price of your Iceland activity holiday, but they are not compulsory if you would prefer to spend your time doing other things.

Your base camp for the duration of the Iceland activity holiday will be in your choice of three specially selected Reykjavík hotels which you can arrange with your tour advisor prior to departure. There are plenty of Reykjavík activities to enjoy in the country’s capital city, providing you have some energy left by the end of the day! The Viking Challenge activity adventure holidays are an incredible way to experience Iceland’s nature, geology and culture from a range of different perspectives and are excellent value for money. After a week of playing hard you will even receive a Viking Challenge certificate to commemorate your terrific achievements!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THIS TOUR THE CHILD IS AGED 14 YEARS OR OVER***
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Day 1 - Arrive in Reykjavík
Arrive in Reykjavík

Your Iceland activity holiday begins when you check in at either the Guesthouse Borgartún, the 3 star Hotel Reykjavík or the 4 star Hotel Hilton Nordica - the choice is yours. There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavík and this evening you have free time to explore the sights of Iceland’s capital, sample some of the Icelandic cuisine and generally get your bearings before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s rest, ready for the thrilling days ahead!

Day 2 - The Golden Circle and White Water Rafting
The Golden Circle and White Water Rafting

Your Iceland activity holiday begins with a captivating tour of Iceland’s world renowned Golden Circle. Marvel at the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall where an impressive 140 cubic metres per second of water plunges into a 32 metre-deep canyon. Be astounded by the Great Atlantic Rift, a deep scar across the earth that rudimentarily illustrates how the country is slowly being pulled apart by tectonic activity. And watch in wonder as heated water periodically explodes high into the air at the famous Geysir. Following this, prepare for an exhilarating white water rafting experience down the gushing rapids and serene canyons of the Hvítá River before taking a daring cliff jump into the glacial river itself.

Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch

Day 3 - Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing
Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing

Experience the frozen realms of a glacier up close on Iceland’s beautiful south coast. Today your Iceland activity holiday lets you explore the deep crevasses, sinkholes and peculiar ice formations of the Sólheimajökull Glacier, accompanied by an expert guide who will decide on a safe route and provide fascinating information about its ever-changing structure. Next, try climbing one of the ice faces using the crampons, pick axes and safety ropes that are provided. On the way home we make a stop at the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, perfect for a photo opportunity!

Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch

Day 4 - ATV Ride and the Blue Lagoon
ATV Ride and the Blue Lagoon

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), or quad bikes, provide a thrilling means by which to see a lot of Iceland’s countryside that would otherwise be inaccessible. For this adventure holidays activity you will need to possess a valid driving licence. Full training is provided before you zoom off over the lava plateaus of the Reykjanes Peninsula sticking to the course of the river and even driving into it! Spectacular views are assured. Following such an exhilarating ride, a relaxing dip in the legendary Blue Lagoon is just what is needed after day four of your Iceland activity holiday. The geothermally heated waters are rich in minerals and are even thought to have healing powers.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Treasure Hunt, Horse Riding and Whale Watching
Treasure Hunt, Horse Riding and Whale Watching

Prepare for an action-packed day five of your Iceland activity holiday. The morning is spent getting to know Reykjavík on an entertaining treasure hunt before heading off to don riding gear for a two-hour horseback tour of the lava fields that surround Mount Helgafell Volcano. At this leisurely pace you have time to take in the unusual volcanic rock formations and the dramatic landscapes that make this country so unique. Finish the day with a boat trip to go in search of whales such as the humpback and minke variety. You might also see dolphins, porpoises and seabirds, including the delightful puffin.

Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch

Day 6 - Hiking Challenge
Hiking Challenge

The final pursuit of your Iceland activity holiday is a challenging four to six hour hike (12 to 17 kilometres) over some of Iceland’s magnificent terrain. Depending on where your guide decides to take you, you may get to climb a volcano, see gushing waterfalls, enjoy amazing mountain panoramas, walk past steam vents and hot springs, admire the rugged coastlines punctuated with caves, trek across barren plains, through forests, around lakes... the list is endless. See for yourself the scenery that makes Iceland so alluring.

Day 7 - Depart Reykjavík

Say goodbye to your fellow guests on this last day of your Iceland activity holiday. Following a much needed good night’s sleep, wake up to a delicious hearty breakfast before making your way to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK, clutching your well-earned Viking Challenge certificate of course!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT GOOD HIKING BOOTS, WARM OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WATERPROOF JACKET AND PANTS, HAT, GLOVES AND A TOWEL ARE NEEDED FOR THIS TRIP***