ICELAND WILDERNESS TREKKINGHOSTED BY MERIT TRAVEL EXPERT MICHELLE BLANCHARD

$3,299* p.p.

10 days Departs Sept. 11, 2015

Iceland is one of those rare places on Earth that feels more science-fiction than fact, even when you’re actually there. Gushing geysers, bubbling hot springs, mammoth volcanoes, and acres of polar ice lend this laidback island nation a palpable otherworldly allure. Your adventures here will bring you into close contact with all of it, hiking glaciers, scaling volcanic craters, and learning the colourful lore from your expert guides. There’s no spacesuit required for this out-of-this-world experience just healthy legs and a wide open heart.

*CDN$ pp dbl occ. Land only. Taxes included. Deposit of $250 pp. No single supplement. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | QC-7002238 | Canadian owned

• three nights in a multi-share hostel• six nights camping• nine breakfasts, seven lunches, six dinners• South Iceland trekking• mountain camping and hiking along the Laugavagur Trail• Ljótipollur Crater Hike• Golden Circle visit including Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall• glacier walking• local bus and private minivan transportation• Merit Travel host and local guide

INCLUDES:

Merit Travel Halifax | 5552 Kaye Street | 902.482.8000 ext.2308 | MBlanchard@MeritTravel.com | MeritTravel.com

MICHELLE BLANCHARDMichelle is originally from rural Nova Scotia and has a thirst for adventure. She has travelled extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe and is always planning her next adventure. She likes to experience many activities while travelling from bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning, hiking, etc., all while learning about cultures and enjoying the local interaction. Michelle believes that travel is the greatest education, and wants to discover the world for herself.

Day 1 | Sept. 11, 2015 REYKJAVIK

Welcome to Reykjavik! So check-in to the hotel and enjoy the city. Check the notice boards or ask for the exact time and location of the welcome meeting at reception.

Day 2 | Sept. 12, 2015GOLDEN CIRCLE (D)

We transfer from Reykjavik and head east along the tabletop mountains of the Esja and down to Lake Thingvallavatn. Here we stop to visit Thingvellir National Park where you will see one of only two tectonic rift valleys in the world. From Thingvellir we will head over Geysir hot springs. At Geysir we will see a variety of geothermal pools and Strokkur, the erupting hot spring, surely one of the highlights of any visit to Iceland. Just 10 km up the road we find Gullfoss waterfall where we will stop to view the spectacular 32 meter high cascade and grab some lunch at the local cafe.

Day 3 | Sept. 13, 2015 LANDMANNALAUGAR (B/L/D)

We wake up in the heart of Fjallabak in the South Icelandic highlands. Fjallabak literally means “behind the mountains”. Here hidden behind Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjokull, lies a vast untouched wilderness like no other in the world. Enjoy a day hike to Ljótipollur Crater. Our home for the day is Landmannalaugar hot springs, where we will hike the colourful rhyolite mountains before taking a dip in the natural hot pools.Distance: 13.5 km | Travelling time: 4-5 hrs. | Ascent: 140 m

Day 4 | Sept. 14, 2015ALFTAVATN (B/L/D)

From Landmannalaugar we stroll through the rough lava field of Laugahraun, then on to the beautiful hills by the colourful mountain Brennisteinsalda. At this point we have reached a rather high altitude and therefore you can expect snow piles that we’ll have to traverse. At Hrafntinnusker there is a mountain hut where we can have lunch if the weather is bad. Along the hills of Reykjafjöll we continue walking through gullies until we get to Jökultungur. We descend some steep slopes into a green oasis, followed by an easy walk back to our campsite.Distance: 24 km | Travelling time: 8-10 hrs. | Ascent: 900 m

Day 5 | Sept. 15, 2015EMSTRUR (B/L/D)

Today we cross Brattháls hill and head east for Hvanngil gorge. We cross the Bratthálskvísl River before crossing the bridge at Kaldaklofskvísl. From here we head for the hut and campsite of Emstrur and on our way we cross Bláfjallakvísl River again. After dinner there is the option of a nice evening walk where we can take a peek at the unbelievable Markarfjlótsgljúfur canyon. The canyon is 200 meters deep and through it flows the powerful Markarfjót River.Distance: 15 km | Travelling time: 6-7 hrs. | Ascent: 40 m

Day 6 | Sept. 16, 2015 THORSMORK (B/L/D)

The day starts with a crooked path down to the bridge over the Syri Emstruá river. While crossing the river we’ll have to be very careful, as this is one of the riskiest places on the way. Then we head south to an area called Almenningar, where we’ll be seeing peaceful streams covered in arctic birch and flowers. After another river crossing, we leave Almenningar behind and enter Thórsmörk valley. From there we have a short walk to Langidalur hut in Thórsmörk, undeniably one of the pearls of Icelandic nature. Then on to Básar campsite for the night.Distance: 19 km | Travelling time: 7-8 hrs. | Ascent: 300 m

Day 7 | Sept. 17, 2015VOLCANO ALLEY (B/L/D)

This is one of Iceland’s best known treks and links the remarkable Thórsmörk highland valley and Skógar. We start our day by hiking up along the bottom of the valley and to the foothills of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Onwards towards Fimmvör›uháls, the site of the first of two volcanic eruptions in 2010. From here we start our descent to Skógar. We hike through old lava fields, take in the harsh volcanic landscape and follow the river down towards the top of the 60 m high Skógar waterfall. Distance: 24 km | Travelling time: 9-11 hrs. | Ascent/descent: 1800 m

Day 8 | Sept. 18, 2015 SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER (B/L)

Today we have the chance to visit the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull, a magnificent phenomenon of ancient frozen water. We will explore its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges accompanied by an experienced glacier guide. Along the way we will find an ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. No previous experience is required and the equipment will be provided with a briefing on proper use.

Day 9 | Sept. 19, 2015HOT SPRING HUNTING (B/L)

We start our hike from the outskirts of Hveragerði into the beautiful valley of Reykjadalur. Up there hot water rushes down the slopes of the Hellisheiði mountain range and creates the ideal place to relax in an untouched natural hot stream. At the geothermal springs you will witness everything from small gurgling and bubbling mud to vibrant super-heated pools of water. Then we hike back down into the town of Hveragerði. This afternoon is perfect to relax and explore Reykjavik. Take a walk around the city center and experience the daily life of the locals while strolling at an easy pace.

Day 10 | Sept. 20, 2015 REYKJAVIK (B)

Depart at any time.