Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) — Iceland’s main airport, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Upon arrival, we’ll pick up our 4WD rental vehicle directly at the airport. We’ll be using Suzuki Vitara or similar models: spacious, comfortable, and ideal for gravel roads, fjord crossings, and Iceland’s highland terrain.
This is a self-drive adventure, and we expect participants to share driving duties throughout the trip. If you’re not comfortable taking the wheel, no worries — just let us know when booking, and we’ll make sure you’re paired accordingly. 

Accommodation & Meals

• 10 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses
• Twin or double rooms as standard; single room available on request, subject to availability and supplement
• Daily breakfasts included at all accommodations

Transport

• 4WD rental vehicles suitable for Highlands and F-roads
• All transportation between regions and key locations as per itinerary

Activities & Experiences

• Exploration of Iceland’s most iconic and remote regions, from the South Coast to the Highlands
• Guided access to Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll geothermal areas
• Visit to major natural landmarks including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic craters, and fjords
• Whale watching tour in Húsavík
• Scenic hikes in volcanic and geothermal landscapes

Support

• Esploro Travel trip leader throughout the journey
• Pre-departure travel support and trip preparation guidance

• International flights
• Fuel (to be shared among participants)
• Lunches and dinners
• Parking fees and any road fines (e.g., speeding tickets)
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Entrance fees to optional hot springs or unlisted attractions
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Anything not expressly listed under What’s Included

Moderate

This journey is suited to travelers with a good level of general fitness and an adventurous mindset. Expect long driving days on gravel roads and F-roads, including remote highland sections. Several hikes involve uneven, steep, or slippery terrain, with distances of up to 4–6 km. Weather in the Highlands is highly variable, so flexibility and resilience are essential.

In Iceland, there’s a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes — it’ll change.” And it couldn’t be more true.Expect fast-changing conditions and be prepared for everything: sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow — sometimes all in the same day. August is technically summer, but don’t let that fool you. Average daytime temperatures range between 10°C and 15°C (50-59 °F), but can feel much colder with wind chill, especially inthe highlands and coastal areas like the Westfjords.
Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. Even when it’s not raining, humidity and wind can make conditions harsh. Nights can drop to 5°C (41 °F) or lower, and there may be strong gusts in exposed areas. That said, you may also enjoy long hours of daylight, crisp air, and moments of stunning clarity when the Icelandic landscapes light up in surreal color.
The takeaway: layer smart, stay dry, and embrace the elements: it’s all part of the adventure.

Clothing & Footwear

• Waterproof jacket and pants (essential for wind and rain)
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Warm sweaters or fleeces
• Insulated jacket (light down or synthetic)
• T-shirts (preferably quick-dry)
• Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
• Swimsuit (for hot springs)
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
• Comfortable shoes for evenings/rest stops
• Flip-flops (for showers, hot springs)

Gear & Accessories

• Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries)
• Daypack for hikes (15-20L)
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Portable charger / power bank
• Camera + spare batteries / memory cards

Toiletries & Medication

• Personal toiletries (in travel sizes)
• Lip balm (windproof, with SPF if possible)
• Sunscreen (even in Iceland!)
• Basic first aid (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)
• Motion sickness tablets (for winding roads)
• Wet wipes / tissues

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Credit card & some cash in local currency (ISK)
• Power plug adapter (Iceland uses Type F, 220V, same as rest of Europe)
• Main luggage: backpack, max 60L (We strongly recommend a backpack instead of a suitcase — soft-sided, compact, and easier to pack in the vehicle.)

Optional but Useful

• Travel journal or book
• Snacks for long drives
• Travel-size laundry soap (if you want to rinse quick-dry items)
• Binoculars (for puffins, arctic foxes, landscapes)

Highlands, Hiking & Adventure

Q: How technical are the hikes on this trip?
A: Most hikes are non-technical but take place in remote, wild terrain. Expect uneven ground, lava fields, loose rocks, river valleys, and changing weather. Good hiking fitness is required, but no climbing or mountaineering skills are needed for the standard itinerary.

Q: How long are the hikes and how much walking should I expect?
A: Hikes typically range from 2 to 4 hours, with optional extensions in places like Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll. Daily walking is moderate and can be adapted to the group.

Q: Is this trip suitable for guests with mobility issues?
A: No. Participants must be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and spending time outdoors in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Driving & Logistics

Q: Who drives? Is this a self-drive trip?
A: Yes, this is a self-drive adventure. You’ll travel in comfortable 4x4s like the Suzuki Vitara, perfect for gravel and highland roads. We expect guests to take turns behind the wheel, provided they’re eligible and comfortable driving abroad.

Q: What if I don’t want to drive?
A: That’s okay! Not everyone needs to drive, but at least 2 drivers per vehicle is ideal. If you're unsure, let us know and we’ll help coordinate the group.

Q: Are river crossings involved?
A: Yes, in the Highlands. Crossings are assessed case by case and only attempted when conditions are safe.

Accommodation & Connectivity

Q: What kind of accommodation can I expect?
A: We stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and guesthouses, selected for location and practicality rather than luxury. Rooms are clean, simple, and well positioned along the route.

Q: How are rooms arranged?
A: Twin or double rooms are standard. Single rooms are available on request, subject to availability and a supplement.

Q: Will we stay in remote areas?
A: Yes. Some nights are spent in remote regions of Iceland, especially in the Highlands and less populated areas. Facilities may be simpler than in Reykjavík, but always comfortable.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A: Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, but connection quality can vary, especially in remote areas. Do not expect fast or reliable internet every night.

Wildlife & Nature

Q: What wildlife might we see?
A: Puffins, arctic foxes (rare but possible), seabirds, reindeer in the east, and whales during the Húsavík whale-watching tour.

Q: Is whale watching guaranteed?
A: No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed, but Húsavík has one of the highest success rates in Europe.

Drones & Photography

Q: Can I fly a drone?
A: Yes, outside National Parks and protected areas. Drone use is strictly regulated in Iceland. Permits are required for National Parks and must be obtained before departure. We’ll guide you through the process if needed.

Q: Is this a photography-focused trip? Will there be support for photos and drones?
A: This is not a photography workshop, but photography is very much part of the experience. The Esploro Travel team leader knows Iceland extremely well and will help you reach hidden viewpoints, lesser-known drone-friendly locations, and photographic spots that don’t appear on standard itineraries.

Practicalities

Q: What level of fitness is required overall?
A: Moderate to high. You should be comfortable with long days, variable weather, and hiking up to 4–6 hours. Optional summits require higher fitness but are never mandatory.

Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes. Insurance must cover hiking, remote travel, and medical evacuation.