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Iceland 11-Day Trip
$5,300 USD – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A down payment of half the trip cost, per person, is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
Payments made by credit or debit card are subject to processing fees at the time of booking. These fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account which does not incur any processing fees.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the trip, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $925. If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying for the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase a single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing a single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.
What is included :
- 10 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
- Local trip leader throughout
- Private ground transportation in 4×4 minibus
- Most activities (as noted in the itinerary)
- Blue Lagoon visit
- All breakfasts
What is not included :
- Visas (if needed)
- Insurance
- International flights
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- All lunches & dinners
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
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Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.No complainers
Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things do not go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!Iceland is not like home
Expect things to be different than what you are used to back home and remember that it is all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you are used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas.Small hotel rooms
The hotel rooms in Iceland tend to be very small by Western standards, especially in Northern Iceland. If you are sensitive to small spaces or a heavy packer, then it is best to purchase the single supplement.Trip leader
Your trip leader will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions and offer suggestions. He/She will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.Semi-independent trip
Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you are free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates. -
This trip requires a low to moderate level of physical fitness. All activities are outdoors and most require walking on ice, snow, rugged terrain, and/or mud up and downhill.
If you do not feel physically able to participate in a particular activity, you are welcome to explore the less steep areas and enjoy the views or just go halfway up depending on your ability. Your trip leader can always give you an idea of how strenuous each activity will be.
Some hotels do not have elevators so you should be able to walk up and down at least 2 – 3 or more flights of stairs with varying degrees of steepness with your luggage and unassisted. Most hotels will have porters or staff to help you with luggage but please keep this in mind when tipping.
To participate in this trip you should be able to:
- Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day unassisted, up and down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces, with and without an incline, and on rough terrain.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours unassisted, walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from the minibus to the hotel and your room.
- Get in and out of a minibus without assistance.
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October is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland! With an average of 15 hours of darkness, October is a great time for the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
*NOTE: Please do not plan your trip around seeing the Northern Lights. You can follow this Northern Lights forecast and IF the lights are active during your stay and you get so lucky to see the aurora borealis, then it will be a bonus!
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Each group consists of 5 – 11 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into a society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group size also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the tour leader who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the tour leader can recommend activities that might interest you. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are paid at your own expense.
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Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Reykjavik (KEF) and is approximately 1 hour from Reykjavik’s Old Town.
Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
If you want to take a taxi, see our blog about how to get to the city center from the Reykjavik Airport for more details.
Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is Reykjavik (KEF) as well. The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
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Currently, passport holders from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days in Iceland.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Iceland.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
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The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK).
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
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The only time you will need cash is for tipping your trip leader.
To get cash, we strongly recommend using ATMs while in Iceland as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you upon arrival in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can usually find ATMs at almost all bank branches, supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices.
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Cash is NOT king in Iceland, credit card is! Everywhere in Iceland, even the public bathrooms, credit/debit cards are accepted. (Most bathrooms are free but there will be 1 or 2 during your trip that require payment.)
We suggest telling your bank and/or credit card company that you will be using your card in Iceland. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
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Iceland does not have a strong tipping culture but many dining and drinking establishments will add a service fee to the bill. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.
Tipping your trip leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip $100 – $150 USD at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.
For more information about tipping your tour leader, please see our blog on tipping your trip leader.
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We recommend having access to anywhere between $1,200 – $1,600 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most activities of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for meals and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
Iceland is an expensive country and most meals could cost $70 or more for one person. There will be stops at grocery stores for snacks and alcoholic beverages. (See our packing list for more information.) Most nights, you will eat dinner at the hotel as you will be in the countryside surrounded by nature. It’s best to plan on spending $40 – $80 for dinner. Despite the high price, past travelers have said they have never had such delicious food as they did in Iceland!
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Iceland, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Iceland! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
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All hotels you will stay at offer free Wifi and most restaurants and other public places will offer it as well. Connection may be weak in your room and/or only available in the lobby or common areas of the hotel. Keep in mind that it may not be as fast and the connection may not be as strong as you are used to back home.
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In Iceland, the most common outlet fits European pin plugs also known as the standard “Euro” outlet (see picture below). Iceland operates on 230V and 50Hz. Converters and/or adapters might be necessary for your electronic devices.
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The weather in Iceland in October is nothing short of unpredictable; you could experience four seasons in one day. The average temperature for Iceland in October is between 35 – 45°F (2 – 7°C) but with the wind and rain that you may encounter, it can feel a lot colder. That being said, you could also have a couple of days to enjoy fabulous sunshine and temperatures in the 60s°F.
There aren’t usually large amounts of snow but you may experience a light dusting. There are about 9 hours of daylight in October.
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The famous saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes”. The climate is constantly changing and it can rain at a moment’s notice. Water-resistant gear is extremely important; otherwise, you will be cold and miserable. A raincoat, hiking pants, and boots (all water-resistant) are all essential items to pack.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sturdy, waterproof boots (for walking across snow, mud or ice)*
- Comfortable waterproof walking/hiking shoes (with good traction)*
- Walking/Hiking sticks (if you have a hard time walking on uneven ground)
- Wool or waterproof socks*
- Warm hiking pants (water-resistant or waterproof)*
- Warm wind- and water-resistant jacket/coat*
- Thermal leggings (fleece-lined)*
- Thermal long-sleeved shirts*
- Warm sweaters*
- Bathing suit (for hot springs & beer spa)*
- Towel for hot springs (can be rented for a fee on-site)
- Flip flops (for hot springs)*
- Swim cap/Hair cover (hot springs have high silica levels)
- Beanie/Good cap that covers your ears*
- Waterproof gloves*
- Thick scarf*
- Sunglasses
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap
- Waterproof phone case (for Blue Lagoon)
- Washcloth (for shower)
- Portable charger/battery pack for phone
- Adapters/converters
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (for the road; food is expensive in Iceland!)
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for day trips (water-resistant is best)*
- Motion sickness medication, Diarrhea medicine, Prescription medication (if needed)
*Must-have items!
When it comes to packing clothes, think layers, layers, layers. The unpredictable weather in Iceland can be difficult to dress for but layers are the solution. Long sleeves, fleeces, and water- & wind-resistant jackets are the way to go. Having waterproof or water-resistant boots are 100% essential. Even if there is little rain, the mist of the waterfalls can get you pretty wet so a waterproof jacket and pants are must-haves. You will be in the same minibus for the trip so you can leave extra layers on the bus and put on things when needed.
Jeans are not recommended but if you want to bring a pair for dinner, then they are nice to have. Jeans are not ideal for daily sightseeing.
You will more than likely wear the same thing every day of the trip.
All of the hotels will provide a small toiletries kit but if you need more shampoo, conditioner, and soap, it’s best to bring your own. Not all of the hotels will have a hairdryer in the room so you should bring one with you. if you need it.
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A few of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services if needed. You will change hotels almost daily on this trip so we suggest bringing enough of everything with the expectation that you will not have time to do laundry.
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Yes, the water is generally safe to drink in Iceland unless noted. Almost all of Iceland’s tap water comes from deep wells under the ground.
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Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world by many. It experiences low crime rates and violent crimes are almost unheard of. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unattended to avoid being an easy target for a thief.
The US State Department offers general travel information about Iceland. See below for more information:
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Hotels and restaurants throughout Iceland offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Iceland to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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We offer private trips to Iceland depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
The arrival and departure airport is Reykjavik (KEF).
*Please do not book any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking the tour.
Visa
Currently, passport holders from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days in Iceland.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Iceland.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Most of the hotels on this trip are locally-owned and reflect the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic — Clean lines, minimal decor, and amazing views.
The hotel rooms in Iceland tend to be very small by Western standards, especially in Northern Iceland. If you are sensitive to small spaces or a heavy packer, then it is best to purchase the single supplement.
*We do not offer pre-/post-tour accommodation. When the trip is confirmed, we will send you the name of the hotel so you can book extra nights should you need them.
Reykjavik
This casual, contemporary hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Laugavegur shopping street. The relaxed rooms feature Scandinavian-style furnishings and an amazing breakfast buffet.
Hella
This hotel has outdoor saunas and hot tubs for relaxing and rejuvenating. The hotel has a restaurant that serves a fusion of traditional Icelandic and international cuisine as well as a bistro/bar.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
This hotel features simple, yet modern decor. There is a restaurant offering a breakfast buffet and a dinner menu. It also boasts spectacular mountain views. In the evening, guests can relax with a drink in the bar’s cozy armchairs.
Höfn
The highlight of this hotel is its views of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The hotel offers modern rooms and a restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.
Möðrudalur
This hotel is located on a farm settlement where you will get to see Icelandic rural culture. It boasts cozy rooms and an informal restaurant offering homemade food. The coolest part is the turf cottages (with grass growing on the roof) where you will sleep for the night.
Húsavík
Situated in the heart of Húsavík, this hotel is within walking distance of the harbor of Skjálfandi Bay. At their whale-themed restaurant, the menu is mostly based on local ingredients to promote and stimulate the local economy.
Akureyri
This hotel is only a 5-minute walk from downtown with many restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
