ICELAND WITH HAFÞÓR JÚLÍUS BJÖRNSSON

September 19-24, 2021

INTRODUCTION

Join Hafþór for a once-in-a-lifetime trip through some of Iceland’s most rugged terrain. The strongest man in the world and regular on Game of Thrones will take you through the black lava beaches, the south coast waterfalls, and even to some ice climbing. Enjoy accommodation at the luxurious Hotel Ranga before heading to The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon where you’ll end the trip relaxing in style. Healthy dinners and lunches abound as this trip will do everything to keep you healthy and active.

Meet Your Host

HAFÞÓR JÚLÍUS BJÖRNSSON

Thor (Hafþór) began competing in strongman after an injury to his ankle ended his basketball career. In 2009, powerlifting star Benedikt Magnusson, saw Hafþór in the gym and encouraged him to compete in Iceland’s Strongest Viking which was being held the next day. With no real training, Hafþór won one event and made an Icelandic record in stone carrying. An Icelandic record, it should be noted is not insignificant as Magnus Ver Magnusson was a four-time winner of the TWI World‘s Strongest Man Contest and Jon Pall Sigmarsson won the event four times. No other country has done so well.

Day One

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH

9:00am Lava caving (all gear provided)

Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel/Cave: Iceland’s most expansive lava tunnel stretches nearly a mile long, and has fascinating characteristics like beautiful columns of light that pour in through shafts that open to the outside. At the end of Raufarholshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations await.

11:30am Lunch in the Greenhouse Fridheimer (included in cost)

Lunch in the Greenhouse Fridheimar at Fridheimar Farm: This family-run farm and restaurant is known for its outstanding organic tomatoes and rich history of horse-breeding. Visitors flock here to tour the farm’s beautiful greenhouses kept warm year round with geothermal heating. Tomatoes are the star on the menu here, where you find everything from classic tomato soup to exotic tomato schnapps.

1:00pm Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall

Strokkur Geysir: One of the most active Icelandic geyser, Strokkur is capable of shooting water 90 feet high and erupts every five minutes on average. Nearby is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), from where thousands of tons of icy water from the Langjökull glacier thunder down in a majestic double waterfall.

Day Two

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST

9:00am Depart Ranga

9:30am Arrival to Glacier Eyjafjallajokull Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland’s southern region. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands River that originates from the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajokull, and visitors can walk behind the fall and explore its small cave.

12:00pm Lunch in the old farm (not included)

1:30pm Ice walk (private)

Depart on a private ice walk on Solheimajokull glacier: Solheimajokull is Iceland’s southernmost glacier and is an astonishing 200 meters thick. Discover the icy caves and tunnels that are beautifully integrated with this magnificent natural wonder.

Day Three

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND

7:00am Breakfast available

8:30am Depart Ranga

9:30am Depart for a 30-minute ferry ride

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Boat trip around the islands

Vestmannaeyjar: Visit the stunning archipelago off the south coast of Iceland and the largest of its islands, Heimaey. The other islands are uninhabited, and Vestmannaeyjar itself is under constant threat eruptions and lava flows that leave behind spectacular natural landscapes.

Puffins: Iceland’s two species of puffins include the tufted puffin and horned puffin. We’ll take you for outdoor excursion where you can enjoy birdwatching and learn about the native islander’s rich history.

3:00pm Visit the volcano museum

Volcanic trek: Our gentle hiking tour begins in the harbor and moves onto Skansinn where you’ll see an old fort and ancient wooden church. From Skansinn we walk on the edge of the region’s lava boundary with a beautiful view over the town. The walk ends at Eldfell volcano, one of Iceland’s youngest active volcanos.

Day Four

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD

8:00am Breakfast available

11:00am Hike inside the volcano (all gear included)

Thrihnukagigur Volcano: We begin the day with a four-hour volcano tour of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano. You will descend 400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift and explore this natural wonder. Lunch at The Retreat: Built into the volcanic frontier and encircled by the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters, the suites at the Retreat are simply spectacular. You will start your journey in the hallmark of the Retreat Hotel experience, the Retreat Spa, which is carved into an 800-year-old lava flow.

7:00pm Dinner at Sumac (recommended but not included)

Overnight at the Retreat Spa Blue Lagoon

Day Five

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH

8:00am Breakfast available

11:00am Departure to Reykjavik food and culture trip

Start the day with local restaurant visits and tastings, and a brewery visit: You will visit award winning restaurants, small family run businesses, and secret local hangouts. Some of the traditional Icelandic foods that you will taste and learn about include fermented shark, lamb soup, Icelandic ice-cream, local cheeses and seasonal meats.

5:00pm Whale safari

You will be privy to sightings of Mink whales, White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Overnight at Retreat Hote

Day Six

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH

Transport for departure: Travel back home after Iceland adventure

COST PER PERSON

$12,700 Double Occupancy

$13,200 Single Occupancy

Trip Inclusions:

3 Nights Hotel Ranga
2 Nights The Retreat Hotel at The Blue Lagoon
All transfers as noted in luxury private vehicles
All touring as noted in the itinerary
Meals & drinks included on days and meals as noted