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St Richard’s Iceland Trek

20th Nov 2024 - 25th Nov 2024

6 days/Iceland /Moderate to Challenging

Overview

Join St Richard’s Hospice as they spend three days trekking through the other-worldly landscapes of Iceland.

Discover active volcanoes and vast lava fields, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and more.  We will be hiking to Iceland’s youngest volcano, Gelgingaldir and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall before exploring the ethereal peaks of the Mount Hengill heritage site – scaling the impressive Vörðuskeggi Peak with spectacular views over Lake Þingvellir, and Eyjafjallajökull and the distant Westman Islands. Our adventures will also see us trek along the fault lines between Europe and America.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes to the skies while you are there and you might be lucky enough to experience Lady Aurora herself!

NB. Bookings on this trip are now subject to availability and may be subject to flight surcharges.

This trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will be trekking long distances over varying terrain over consecutive days.

You will be accompanied by local guides who have an excellent knowledge of culture and hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be accompanied by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

This trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will be trekking long distances over varying terrain over consecutive days.

Temperatures can typically peak to around 5°C during the day and drop to around 0°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control. Weather during the adventure will be dry with light winds and rain is possible. Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.

You will be provided with plenty of hearty Icelandic meals which typically include fish and lamb and will keep your energy levels high for each day of discovery. Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.

The minimum age is 18. It may be possible to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy and determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.

You will stay in a hotel for the duration of the trip. A single-occupancy hotel room may be possible subject to availability and payment of a single supplement.

This is not a ‘hunting for the Northern Lights’ trek. However, between September and April Iceland is treated to a magnificent natural display of aurora borealis. While we cannot guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights on this adventure, there is a very high chance that there will be solar activity in the area at this time of year. This trek will be exploring the very best Iceland has to offer – if you are lucky enough to see the lights while you are there this is a bonus!

Itinerary

Day 1 (Wednesday 20 November 2024):

London – Reykjavik
Depart London for Reykjavik and transfer to a hotel on the southern coast of Iceland.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Thursday 21 November 2024):

Nesjavellir – Reykjadalur – Hveragerdi
After breakfast we drive to Nesjavellir from where our day’s hike starts.  We will hike across a field of geothermal activity with bubbling mud pools to Ölkelduháls. From there we continue down to the magical valley of Solfataras and hot springs called Reykjadalur where those brave enough can dip into a natural hot river. We continue down to the car park near Hveragerði where our bus waits us. Short drive back to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: approx.14km

Day 3 (Friday 22 November 2024):

Hengill – Mt. Vorduskeggi
After a good breakfast we drive up to the Mt. Hengill area. From there we will hike up to Vörðuskeggi Peak (805m). From the top you will enjoy views of Lake Þingvellir and Langjökull to the north and Eyjafjallajökull and the distant Westman Islands. From there we will hike up to Mt. Skeggi the highest peak in Hengill heritage site. We will then return to our hotel for dinner and a jacuzzi!
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: approx. 13-14km

Day 4 (Saturday 23 November 2024):

Pingellir National Park – Reykjavik
A short drive brings us to the National Park of Thingvellir where we will hike along the fault lines that divides America and Europe. After the hike we drive to Reykjavik for your celebration dinner in town and last night at a hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: approx. 10km

Day 5 (Sunday 24 November 2024):

Reykjavik 
Today is free for you to explore Reykjavik or take an optional excursion to visit the Blue Lagoon (payable separately).
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 (Monday 25 November 2024):

Reykjavik – London
Today we take the flight home back to London.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances, your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of health and safety.

Costs & How to pay

Registration fee: £350
and then either…

Sponsorship: £3600

or

Flexi: £1800 trip costs plus a suggested fundraising target of £1800 for St Richard’s Hospice

NB. Bookings on this trip are now subject to availability and may be subject to flight surcharges.

SPONSORSHIP

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

  • A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • A minimum of £2,880 must be paid to the charity by 28 August 2024.
  • The remaining £720 must be fundraised by 20 November 2024.

FLEXI

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.

  • A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • Trip cost balance of £1,800 is payable to St Richard’s no later than 28 August 2024.
  • You must also fundraise a minimum of £1,800 for St Richard’s Hospice. A minimum of £1,440 (80%) is due by 28 August 2024. The remaining £360 (20%) is due by 20 November 2024.
  • Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

What's included

  • Return flights from UK* (inc. current taxes and fuel surcharges)
  • Transfers and transport in Iceland
  • Accommodation in hotels (5 nights)
  • Meals as specified
  • Local guides
  • Different Travel UK tour manager

What's not included

  • Lunch on Day 5
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (£50-60pp)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, souvenirs etc.)
  • Vaccinations

Have a question?

If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.