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 require advanced notice before allowing the use of credit and debit cards 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
Please note also that, although your Explore travel insurance covers snowmobiling in terms of medical costs incurred by you as an insured person, (check your own policy if not covered by Explore travel policy) an excess of around £470 will be payable in the event of any damage to your snowmobile; this excess will not be covered by the Explore (or most likely any other) travel insurance policy. You are also not covered for under a travel insurance for 3rd party liability (damage to someone else or someone else’s property whilst driving a snowmobile). If you have your own travel insurance policy please check that your policy does not exclude medical expenses arising from accidents involving snow mobiling.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
Visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and US 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
Nothing compulsory; tetanus recommended.
Back to top
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
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
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 warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift which encircles the island. Temperatures in Winter can fluctuate between about 10°C and -10°C and precipitation in the form of rain, sleet or snow is to be expected at any time. Days will be short, with daylight often only guaranteed between about 11 am and 4 pm in December. The best time for seeing the Aurora Borealis is October to March. Summer is generally cool but 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, 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 lots of warm clothing; best to have layers that you can add or remove according to your body temperature and level of activity. Year round a wind and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential. We also recomend that you bring your swim suite and a towel with you for use at the Blue Lagoon.
Back to top
Footwear
Walking boots and shoes/trainers.
Back to top
Equipment
Warm hat, gloves, waterbottle, torch and sunglasses.
Back to top
Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to top
General Information
Please note:
This tour will not be accompanied by an explore Tour Leader. Instead you will have a tour representative. The tour representative will not be with you for every section of the tour and will often not stay at the accommodation at night or eat out with the group in the evening. However they will be available for you and your group during the included activities and will help if any problems occur.
Back to top
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
