We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Please be aware that some UK banks need prior notification before allowing debit or credit cards to be used in Iceland.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Iceland |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£2.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£3.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£2.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£5.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£17.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£35.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£25.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens –Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
None compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
Back to top
Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Additional Information for your Cycling Tour
Back to top
Cycling Safety
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
Back to top
Bike details
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
Back to top
| Bike Details |
Equipment Provided |
| Bike Type: |
Specialized |
| Bike Model: |
Rockhopper
|
| Number of Gears: |
27 |
| Brakes: |
Tektro Draco hydraulic disc brake |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame Range: |
17"-21" |
| Panniers/bike bag type Provided: |
None
|
| Water Bottle Holder Provided: |
Yes |
| Water Bottle Provided: |
No |
| Adjustable Handlebars: |
No |
| Female saddles provided: |
No |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes -If fits 143mm width |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
No |
Back to top
Climate
Iceland has a cool and temperate climate and, despite its situation just south of the Arctic Circle, its northerly latitude is counteracted by the encircling warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift. Summer is generally cool but higher temperatures are common inland. The mean temperature for a summer afternoon is between 12°C and 15°C. The north and interior of the country are generally drier than the south and southern coastal regions. The summer enjoys continuous daylight, whereas late spring and early autumn have long twilights.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to top
One main piece of baggage, a soft grip bag is ideal (not a framed rucksack) and a small daysac. Total allowance 44lbs/20kgs.
Back to top
Clothing
Weather conditions can change rapidly – sunshine, drizzle, rain and snow may all occur in the same day. You’ll need warmer clothing for outdoors and cool evenings. A good quality wind and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential. We also recomend that you bring a swimming costume plus a towel with you as there will be plenty of chances to swim on the tour.
Back to top
Footwear
Each day involves cycling or walking your bike through icy cold water. You will also need to walk your bike on the steepest sections of the mountain. Therefore we recommend against SPD shoes. Much of the water is fast flowing and carries sediment and lava sand, which gets inside shoes. You may be more comfortable not wearing socks (they make your feet cold when wet). We recommend cycling these sections in trekking sandals (closed toes) or neoprene diving/beach shoes. You will need to carry something similar on the walking day as there is a wide fast flowing glacial river to cross. It’s fun with the right footwear. We recommend walking boots for the trek day. Soft indoor shoes are recommended as it is normal in Iceland to have special house shoes.
Back to top
Equipment
We recommend you bring a small torch and medical kit.
Back to top
You will need a 3 season sleeping bag and thermarest matress for the nights camping. If you don't want to bring your own these can be hired locally for 12,000 ISK for the trip.
Back to top
General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
