Iceland - Earth, Fire and Ice - Cycling Holiday Iceland Cycling holiday

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Indroduction
With an abundance of active volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, lava deserts, crashing waterfalls and snowcapped peaks,
Iceland is like no other place on earth. Our fun-packed time here takes us by bike to the most impressive sights and offers a unique
insight into this amazing island.

Following arrival at Keflavik airport we transfer to Reykjavik where, depending upon arrival times we can spend a first afternoon
exploring the cycle routes around this vibrant city. The first night is spent in a pleasant centrally located guesthouse just a few
minutes walk from the city centre and its now legendary nightlife.
The following morning, after a short transfer to the Dyrfjöll mountains at Nesjavellir the real adventure begins as we head off on twowheels in the direction of the fascinating environmentally-friendly Nesjavellir powerplant, where, time-permitting, we can take aguided tour and learn a little about volcanic energy and the geology of the island.

Great Gyser

Next stop is the site of the ancient parliament at Þingvellir. Here is the meeting point of the European and North American plates,
where you’ll see the earth literally splitting apart. As the week progresses we continue deeper into the countryside taking a beautiful route over the Lyngdalsheiði heath.
On our 3rd day we arrive at the world-famous geothermal area of Geysir. Here you’ll see Great Geysir and, if you’re lucky, witness
boiling water soaring up to 50 metres above the ground. If not then there is always the ever-faithful Stokkur that spouts every 10
minutes. A few miles further up the road we drop by the magnificent Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall), indisputably one of Icelands most impressive natural sites.

After taking time to really appreciate these incredible natural wonders we load up the bikes transfer by minibus to our hotel on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands where we spend the night in luxury before moving on deep into the wilderness the following morning.
Well-rested we make an early start biking past lush moss green areas, lava fields and colourful rhyolite as we head into the
highlands. Our goal is Landmannalaugar, a special place indeed. The accommodation here is a rustic mountain hut and the facilities
are basic yet more than adequate and the two nights we spend here offer a unique mountain experience of endless daylight and
relaxing natural hot spring waters in which to sooth your limbs following your cycling.

Following a day of biking or hiking around this colourful area, where rhyolite stones and black obsidian decorate the landscape, we head to Eldgjá canyon after a lovely route along Fjallabak nyðra (mountain back) before arriving at Holaskjol and our next mountain hut, where we overnight. On our final day’s biking, we continue along the ‘mountain back’‚ before transferring back to Reykjavik fora final night of relaxation and celebration in what is rightly-described as one of Scandinavia’s liveliest cities. Next daywe make ourway back to Keflavik airport for our flight connections.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation along the route is picked by quality, character and authenticity to give you a truly Andalucian experience. Ancient Moorish village houses, grand casonas, rural hotels built into castle walls, a beachside thatched hotel and a riverside casa rural with an organic kitchen and chance of a massage or Turkish bath to soothe any aching limbs, are all places you will be staying the night. Breakfast and lunch provided

• Nesjavellir powerplant
• Great Geysir
• The Golden Waterfall

Day 1 Fly to Keflarik. Our local guide will collect you and transfer you to Reykjavik. Afternoon free to explore Reykjavik.

Day 2 Cycle tour, distance 35/40 kms -20/30 miles

Day 3 Cycle tour, distance 40kms/25 miles

Day 4 Cycle tour, distance 40kms/25miles

Day 5 Rest Day, Optional activities day.

Day 6 Cycle tour, distance 40 kms/25 miles

Day 7 Cycle tour, distance 40 kms/25 miles

Day 8 Depart Keflavik and return flight to UK

clGrading for Cycling and Mountain Biking

Grade 1 - Easy For the infrequent cyclist, gentle slopes. Distances between: 15-25 miles/25-40 kms per day

Grade 2 - Gentle For the leisure cyclist who exercises regularly. Will incude a few steep climbs. Distances between: 20-30 miles/35-50 kms per day.

Grade 3 - Moderate for those who cycle regularly. Includes some steep climbs. Distances between 25-50 miles/40-80 kms per day

Grade 4 - Challenging - For regular cyclists looking for longer distances 40-70 miles/65-120 kms per day.

This tour is graded 2-3

Whats Included

All accommodation during the trip as per the itinerary.

All meals excluding evening meals on days 1 & 7

Full tour service including guide(s)/support person and support vehicle.

Unless stated at least one guide(s)/support person qualified in First Aid.

Airport transfers

Whats not Included

Personal clothing and equipment.

Travel to and from Iceland

Alcoholic drinks.

Travel insurance.

Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.

Bike hire (if required)

Flights & charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)