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. 

Accomodation & Meals

• 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Reykjavík (twin room; single room available at surcharge)
• 6 nights at campsites across the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Highlands
• Shared tents (2 pax per tent, same-sex sharing)
• Access to hot showers at campsites
• Daily breakfasts in Reykjavík
• All other meals are self-managed; full camping kitchen provided

Camping Equipment

• Quality tent (shared)
• Sleeping mat
• Gas stove & fuel
• Cook set and tableware
• Electric cooler per vehicle

Transport

• 4WD rental vehicle (e.g., Suzuki Vitara or similar)
• Baldur ferry from Snæfellsnes to the Westfjords (passengers and vehicles included)

Activities & Entrances

• Exploration of Iceland’s top natural sites, from the Golden Circle to the Highlands
• Strategic positioning to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse in the best location on Earth
• Wildlife watching opportunities: puffins, arctic foxes, seabirds
• Scenic hikes in Kerlingarfjöll and Landmannalaugar
• Optional soak in natural hot springs (entrance fees not included)

Support

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

• International flights
• Fuel (to be shared among participants)
• Sleeping bag (bring your own)
• Camping meals (self-managed: plan and shop with your car group)
• Lunches and dinners in Reykjavík
• 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 trip is designed for adventurous travelers with a good level of general fitness. Expect long days of driving, often on gravel or uneven roads, particularly in the Westfjords and highlands. Accommodation is mostly in tents, shared by two people of the same sex, at campsites with basic facilities. While the camping setup is comfortable and the gear provided, sleeping outdoors for several nights requires a spirit of adventure and a degree of adaptability. Some hikes involve steep or slippery terrain, such as the 6 km Landmannalaugar loop and weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key.

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, especially when camping. 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 campsites, showers, hot springs)

Camp & Sleep Essentials

• Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating: 5°C or lower)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional, for added warmth)
• Earplugs (for windy nights… or a snory tent mate!)
• Eye mask (Icelandic nights are still short in August)
• Travel pillow or packable pillow
• Microfiber towel

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 or ferry ride)
• 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.)

Eclipse Gear

• Eclipse viewing glasses (ISO-certified), mandatory for safe viewing
• Optional: small notebook/sketchpad to record the experience (yes, it’s that magical)

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)

Eclipse & Nature

Q: What’s so special about the 2026 eclipse?
A: On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain — the first visible total eclipse in mainland Europe since 1999. In most places, it will be a brief event. But not in the Westfjords of Iceland. This remote, untouched corner of the country lies directly in the path of maximum totality. Here, you can expect over 2 minutes of complete darkness — longer than anywhere else. Add to that Iceland’s dramatic landscape of cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean fjords, and you have one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth to experience this celestial event. We’ll be there, in the wild heart of the Westfjords, far from light pollution and crowded viewing sites, chasing that perfect horizon where the moon will cover the sun.

Q: Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse?
A: Yes — proper eclipse-viewing glasses or filters are essential for safely observing the partial phases. We’ll bring certified solar viewers for the group, and (no spoilers) we may have a little surprise planned around that.

Camping Life

Q: What’s the camping setup like?
A: You’ll sleep in spacious two-person tents, shared by sex unless otherwise arranged. We provide sleeping mats, all cooking gear, and access to hot showers. Expect stunning views, the sound of waterfalls, and the occasional gusty night.

Q: Is there electricity and phone charging at the campsites?
A: Most campsites offer basic facilities, including bathrooms and limited access to electricity. You’ll also have power banks and car outlets to recharge phones and cameras.

Q: Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
A: Yes. We recommend a 3-season sleeping bag rated for +5°C comfort (temperatures can dip below 10°C at night).

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.

Travel Documents & Insurance

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
A: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA and many international travelers can enter visa-free. Check with your local embassy for specific requirements based on your nationality.

Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required. It must cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and outdoor activities including hiking and self-driving in remote areas.

Meals & Budgeting

Q: What meals are included?
A: Breakfasts are included in Reykjavík. While camping, meals are self-prepared using the provided kitchen setup. You’ll shop for groceries as a group. Lunches and dinners in Reykjavík are not included.

Q: How do we split fuel and food costs?
A: Fuel, camping food, and parking fees are not included in the package and will be shared among participants (we suggest using a shared expense app or simple kitty system).

General Questions

Q: What fitness level is required?
A: This trip is rated moderate. You should be comfortable with long days in the car, a few steep hikes
on uneven terrain, and basic outdoor living. No technical hiking experience required.

Q: Is Iceland safe for travelers?
A: Yes, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The main challenge is its unpredictable weather, which is why we travel in 4x4 vehicles and follow updated road advisories.

Q: What if the weather is bad during the eclipse?
A: Cloud cover is always a possibility, but we’ve built flexibility into the itinerary to seek out clearer skies. Our team will monitor weather data closely to position us for the best possible chance.