Excursions

Social programme and excursions

Welcome reception - Thursday 23 June
Welcome reception at the University of Iceland - Stakkahlid in the afternoon

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Conference dinner - Friday 24 June
Conference dinner included in the conference fee. Extra ticket to the dinner is EUR 75

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Post-conference tour Saturday 25 june
 
On the Golden Circle tour you can walk around the world-famous Geysir geothermal area, a geothermal field where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and pools of mud bubble. One of the Golden Circles many highlights is the Gullfoss waterfall, the queen of Iceland's waterfalls. Finally, but no less spectacular is a visit to the Thingvellir National Park. This is the original site of the oldest existing parliament in the world. The Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible, a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart along tectonic plates. Dinner at the Seashore Restaurant in the village of Stokkseyri included.

Duration: approx. 8 hours
Departure: 14:00
Price: 85 EUR

An adventurous ride from the Íshestar Riding Centre into the lava fields surrounding Mt. Helgafell volcano to the old Kaldársel sheep corral or to Lake Hvaleyrarvatn through lava fields and across beautiful hillsides. View rough lava fields and look for different formations in the lava, maybe you will be able to spot a troll or two. The beautiful Bláfjöll Mountains tower above on the horizon. All riding is on excellent riding paths.

Duration: 3 hours (riding 1,5 – 2 hours)
Departures: 14:00. Transfers from hotels and guesthouses to the Riding Center start 12:45.
Transfers back to hotels and guesthouses start at 16:15.
Included: Transfers to and from the Riding Centre, horse riding as per itinerary, riding helmets, rubber boots, and rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride. English and Scandinavian speaking guidance.
Price: EUR 57

Whale watching

Our Whale Watching adventure starts at Reykjavík‘s Old Harbour in our new luxorious especially designed whale watching boat. On our way out to the whales we visit the Puffin islands, known for puffin watching and colorful birdlife. After only a short sail from the island we have reached the whale watching area. Our experienced guides tell our passengers all about the whales we can expect to spot and where to look for them. They also share interesting facts and entertaining stories about the whales with our passengers. The whales are not shy and often surface quite close to the boat. A whale up-close is truly a sight to remember! We offer free coffe on board and light refreshments are for sale inside our warm and comfortable viewing area. On our Whale Watching Tours we frequently see Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, White-Beaked Dolphins, and Humpback Whales.

Duration: around 2 - 2,5 hours
Departure: 14:00. NOTE pick up from hotels at 13:30
Price: EUR 45

Puffin watching tour - Saturday 25 June

The Puffin watching adventure is conducted from an old and charming Special Tours Puffin Watching Boatwooden boat called Skúlaskeið or “Old Skuli“, taking up to 35 passengers each time. Lundey and Akurey are two small islands located in the Reykjavík bay area, only 15 minutes away from Reykjavík‘s Old harbour, from where we depart. The islands are covered with small hills and slopes and both are well known for their colorful birdlife. The island‘s shores are rocky but Old Skuli is especially designed to take us as close to the islands as possible due to its shallow draught.
When we arrive to the islands we turn off the engine so our passengers can observe the birds and the beautiful surroundings. Our licensed guide tells all about the Puffins and other birds of interest that are often seen on the Puffin watching tours. Other birds spotted include Northern Fulmars, Gulls, Arctic Terns, and Black Guillemots.

Duration: 1 hour
Departure: 16:30. Pick up from hotels at 16:00
Price: 20 EUR
Note! Binoculars are provided on board

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The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon Express is not to be missed while you are in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon's warm water and natural active ingredients; mineral salts, silica and blue green algae help you relax and unwind while the Blue Lagoon white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin. The mineral salts balance and relax body and soul. This tour departs at 14:00 and you can return at one of our flexible return times.

The Blue Lagoon Express offers the ideal way to visit the Blue Lagoon. Other available departures at 08:30, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. Return times are always flexible.
Departure: 15:00. Pick up at hotels and guesthouses 30 minutes before departure.
Included: Bath fee to the Blue Lagoon
Price : EUR 45

The Jeep Safari - Thorsmörk & The South Coast - Sunday 26 August

We start by driving in our modified super trucks along the south shore, heading for one of the places that Icelanders appreciate most, Þórsmörk (The Woods of Thor).
On the way we make a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall to walk behind the waterfall and at a small glacial lagoon.
Many glacial rivers have to be crossed on the way to Þórsmörk which is situated in a valley the south of Iceland surrounded by three glaciers and mountains which create favorable circumstances for growth for the over 170 plant species you can find in the area. Many walking paths are marked in Þórsmörk, making it an ideal place for short hikes with views of glaciers, woodlands and other colorful landscape.

Pick up time: 08:30 - 09:00
Duration: 9 - 10 hours
Includes: Pick up from hotels/guesthouses in Reykjavik and guided super truck tour
Price: EUR 187

Please note: Choices of roads and availability of activities are condition dependent.
Lunch and refreshments are not included in the prices.