Day one starts bright and early, at 7:00 – 7:30 am when you’ll meet your guides in Reykjavik and make the scenic journey to Landmannalaugar. During the 3-4 hours drive, you’ll see Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, along with a host of other incredible sights. Once you reach Landmannalaugar, you will be greeted by a geothermal paradise, replete with colorful rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs. Hike across the craggy Laugahraun lava field, until you reach the awe-inspiringly beautiful Brennisteinsalda volcano, whose slopes have been dyed various shades of green, red and blue by sulfur deposits. Spend the night at a remote Landmannalaugar hut.

Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540′)
Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Landmannalaugar

Day two begins with a traditional Icelandic breakfast before heading towards the obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker. Continue hiking to Reykjafell Mountains and descend into the Jökultungur area, a luscious green valley whose rocks have been dyed various shades of red and yellow by the volcanic activity. Proceed through Jökultungur and watch the scenery change to a dark shade of palagonite black. If the weather is good, head towards Mt. Haskerdingur. If not, proceed towards the Jökultungur Mountain and begin to weave your way through its meandering paths to its summit, where we will be rewarded with majestic views over the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Descent will take you past the River Grashagakvisl and through a small stream before arriving at Lake Álftavatn, where you’ll spend the night.

Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2950 ‘)
Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Álftavatn

After breakfast, ford a stream and push deeper into the stunning Icelandic Highlands. Skirt around Stórasúla, an emerald green volcano that rises out of the jet-black volcanic desert of Mælifellssandur. Mælifellssandur is a completely unique black desert, crisscrossed by icy blue glacial streams, which make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your penultimate stop will be Emstrur, a luscious valley where Icelandic farmers have traditionally grazed sheep. Finally, you’ll stop at the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, carved into the earth by the glacial river that runs through it. Rest amidst yet more stunning scenery of Botnar and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon

Start your day with a traditional Icelandic breakfast and head towards the iconic Thorsmork Valley, a green oasis that rests between two imposing glaciers. The journey begins near to the colossal Myrdalsjokull Glacier which dominates the skyline of the area. Pass the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (the Unicorn) before reaching the dense birch forest that signals your arrival at Thorsmork, the most famous place in Iceland’s Highlands. Spend the evening in this incredible valley, which is steeped in myth and surrounded by mighty glaciers and majestic mountains.

Distance: 15km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmork

Day five will take you to the mountain pass, which bisects the mighty Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull Glaciers. This ever-evolving landscape has two new features known as Magni and Modi that were created by the notorious eruption of 2010. You’ll notice a lava waterfall that is literally frozen in time and is a stark reminder of just how powerful nature is. Once you reach the summit of the mountain pass, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area. Return to the gorgeous Thorsmork Valley, enjoy a delicious grilled lamb dinner, and rest for the day.

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 800 m (2600 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmork

The final day in the Icelandic Highlands is more flexible with the itinerary. Go and explore the area surrounding the volcanoes of Katla and Eyjafjallajokull or hike up Valahnukur Mountain, whose summit provides sublime views over the valley. It is also possible to simply relax in Thorsmork and enjoy all of its majestic beauty or go off in smaller groups to explore something else. In the afternoon, return to civilization and spend the night in a lovely country hotel in Hella.

Distance: 6 km / 3.5 mi
Walking time:: ~3 hours
Ascent: 275 m / 902 ‘
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Country hotel in Hella

Head towards Iceland’s famous South Coast, renowned for its incredible cascading waterfalls, impressive glaciers, jet-black beaches, and capricious volcanoes. Your first stop will be the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a secret cave hidden behind the waterfall, allowing you to see the beauty of this majestic natural wonder from a different angle. Next stop is the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier, famous for its many icy crevices, deep craters, and craggy rock formations. Upon arrival at the base camp at the foot of the glacier, your guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need and give you a short safety briefing. Then you will head out for an incredible 1-hour hike on a glacier, where you can explore all the magic that this icy wilderness has to offer. The final stop on the tour is the majestic Skogafoss waterfall, famed for its roaring cascade of water that tumbles 60 meters down the cliff face into a beautiful valley below. Iceland’s stunning south coast is the ideal way to finish your time in the country, providing access to everything that makes the land of fire and ice so special!

Included meals: Breakfast