4 nights at hotel or guesthouse. 4 nights in camps or huts. Meals will feature a wide range of local Icelandic specialties and the freshest ingredients available, prepared simply and customized to individual tastes.

Specially equipped vehicles negotiate rough tracks, river crossings, deserts, lava fields and glacial terrain. (Vehicle support is present at all times to transfer gear and equipment and provide access to remote destinations in the interior.) Average time spent driving each day will range from 4-6 hours depending on the interests of the group. Distances will vary and the driving will be staggered at the beginning and end of each day for landscape and hiking explorations.

Iceland's natural wonders are at every turn and the scenic panoramas are unlike any in the world. The sites to be seen on foot include crater lakes, geysers, the 2nd largest geothermal field, mountain trails, geothermal pools, waterfalls, and ice caves, natural hot springs, lava fields, active volcanoes, a volcanic desert and fjords. This trip offers both leisurely walks and distance hiking excursions ranging in duration from two to five hours.

Ride a native Icelandic horse, renowned for its five gaits, as we near the approach to our final destination, the cultural capital of Akureyri.

Whale sightings are never a sure thing, but the odds are best in Icleand to see blue, fin, humpback, northern bottlenose and mink whales; white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and puffins.

Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik, which means Steamy Bath, is the capital of cool-packed with art museums, several theaters, an opera house, symphony orchestra and a vibrant nightlife. Along the route, we'll stay at a 1903 guest house, visit museums, botanical gardens,Viking-era structures and farmhouses.