Fire & Ice: Yoga + Adventure in Iceland with Catherine
Your TourHero
Hi, I’m Catherine. I’m a yoga instructor, retreat leader, and world traveler who is passionate about sharing inspiring wellness experiences. After spending the past two years in the tropics, I’m ready to embark on a different kind of exploration. I’ve dreamt of Iceland for years and I’m excited to share this yoga and hiking adventure with you!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Jul 10 – 15, 2023
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
10 – 14
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Hiking, nature, food, camping
Fellow Travelers
Meghan
Kristen
Karen
Elizabeth
Catherine
Regina
Greta
Mary Beth 
KellyYour Local Guide
Iceland Highlights is a travel agency located in Reykjavik that provides travel planning, consultancy, and DMC destination management services. Since 2016, friends Marius, Tung, and their team have been working hard on a mission to provide private tour solutions with easy booking procedures, fast and personal customer service, and unforgettable travel experiences. The company features day tours, multi-day tours, self-drive packages, concierge services, and so much more. Their welcoming staff speaks multiple languages and will do everything they can to ensure you have a memorable getaway in Iceland.
Adventure across the stunning island of Iceland to explore glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls on a six-day wellness retreat.
Iceland’s contrasts of fire and ice will serve as our inspiration, guiding our energetic morning yoga practices and our restorative evening sessions. Beyond the backdrop of Iceland’s emerald coast, you’ll explore your own inner landscape, reconnecting with the raw, the essential, the vibrant, and the eternally true aspects of yourself.
Our experience will be anchored next to the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall, where we’ll camp cozied up to this magnificent wonder. Each morning, we’ll climb out of our tents for our morning practice besides the waterfall: movement, breath, and meditation to awaken and energize us for the coming excursion. Back at home camp, we’ll end each evening with a restorative yoga session, nurturing our bodies with gentle movement and breath, Yoga Nidra meditation, and savasana.
This trip is an exploration of contrasts: fire and ice, movement and meditation, adventure and rest. Together, we’ll navigate the polarities of Iceland, as you learn how to inhabit the middle space, the place of sustainable wellness. You’ll return home with tools to help you continue to feel whole, vibrant, and connected — a new set of yoga practices, fresh perspective, and a better understanding and appreciation of your inner landscape.
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until 60 days before departure. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by 60 days before departure and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund, minus the deposit amount.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Hi, I’m Catherine. I’m a yoga instructor, retreat leader, and world traveler who is passionate about sharing inspiring wellness experiences. After spending the past two years in the tropics, I’m ready to embark on a different kind of exploration. I’ve dreamt of Iceland for years and I’m excited to share this yoga and hiking adventure with you!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Jul 10 – 15, 2023
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
10 – 14
Transportation
Van
Adventure across the stunning island of Iceland to explore glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls on a six-day wellness retreat.
Iceland’s contrasts of fire and ice will serve as our inspiration, guiding our energetic morning yoga practices and our restorative evening sessions. Beyond the backdrop of Iceland’s emerald coast, you’ll explore your own inner landscape, reconnecting with the raw, the essential, the vibrant, and the eternally true aspects of yourself.
Our experience will be anchored next to the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall, where we’ll camp cozied up to this magnificent wonder. Each morning, we’ll climb out of our tents for our morning practice besides the waterfall: movement, breath, and meditation to awaken and energize us for the coming excursion. Back at home camp, we’ll end each evening with a restorative yoga session, nurturing our bodies with gentle movement and breath, Yoga Nidra meditation, and savasana.
This trip is an exploration of contrasts: fire and ice, movement and meditation, adventure and rest. Together, we’ll navigate the polarities of Iceland, as you learn how to inhabit the middle space, the place of sustainable wellness. You’ll return home with tools to help you continue to feel whole, vibrant, and connected — a new set of yoga practices, fresh perspective, and a better understanding and appreciation of your inner landscape.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Keflavik & Skogar
- Arrive in Keflavik
- 7:00 AM - Group transfer from airport
- 7:30 AM - Breakfast at Hotel Keflavik
- Transfer to Blue Lagoon
- 3.5 hour visit to Blue Lagoon with 3-course lunch
- Visit Gunnuhver Geotherm Area, Geldingadalur & Seltún Geothermal Area
- Transfer to Skogar campsite
- Dinner at the campsite prepared by chef
- Restorative yoga session
- Day 2 · Skogar
- Morning yoga
- Breakfast served by chef
- Trek along the Fimmvörðuháls trail (boxed lunch included)
- Return to camp
- Dinner prepared by chef
- Restorative yoga session
- Day 3 · Skogar
- Morning yoga
- Breakfast served by chef
- 9:00 AM - Drive to the river rafting base
- River rafting excursion
- Lunch at Farmer’s Bistro
- Visit Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall
- Transfer back to campsite
- Dinner prepared by chef
- Restorative yoga session
- Day 4 · Skogar
- Morning yoga
- Breakfast served by chef
- Transfer to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Visit to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
- 1:30 PM - 2-course lunch at Frost Bistro
- Tour of Eldhraun Lava Field
- Hiking in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Transfer back to accommodation
- Dinner prepared by chef
- Restorative yoga session
- Day 5 · Skogar & Reykjavik
- Morning yoga
- Breakfast prepared by chef
- Pack and check out of campsite
- Waterfall tour with stops at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi & Hjálparfoss
- Lunch at Efstidalur Farm (not included in price)
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
- Transfer to Reykjavik
- Check-in at Exeter Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Tapas Barinn
- Day 6 · Departure
- Breakfast
- 8:30 AM - Morning yoga
- Check out of accommodation
- Group transfer from accommodation to airport (2 vans)
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland – start this wellness journey with a visit to the Blue Lagoon!
Welcome to Iceland! Our exploration of Iceland’s wonders will be the gateway to explore your inner landscape through movement, meditation, breathwork, and deep rest.
We’ll transfer from the airport to From here, we’ll visit the Blue Lagoon, a famous and incredibly beautiful pool and spa that is naturally heated by the same geothermal energy we’ve been learning about. A 3.5 hour stay here will help relax you after a long day of travel!
After a 3-course lunch at the nearby LAVA Restaurant, we’ll travel to the Gunnuhver Geothermal Area before going to the Geldingadalur volcano and taking a short hike to see the lava! After taking a ton of pictures, it’s off to Skogar, our campsite for the next few days. With the majestic Skogafoss waterfall serving as a backdrop, this is one of Iceland’s finest camping areas. Your tent will already be set up when you arrive, so just take in the views, eat a dinner prepared by your own private chef.
The night will end with a restorative yoga session to get the mind and body ready for a restful sleep.
Day 2
Trek along the unbelievable Fimmvörðuháls trail and discover a fantastic landscape
Iceland is known for its incredible hiking, and Skogar sits conveniently at the start of one of the greatest trails in the entire country: Fimmvörðuháls. Going from a lush, grassy landscape and progressing up into mountains and glacier-carved valleys, it provides once-in-a-lifetime views. After breakfast at camp, you’ll head out on this trail to hike for approximately 15 miles, taking in the sights and letting nature surround you. (Don’t worry about lunch – your chef will send you off with a pre-made meal!) Once you’re done, it’s back to Skogar for dinner and a soft and relaxing restorative yoga session.
Day 3
Raft down the Hvitá river before touring part of the Golden Circle
We’ve got another exciting day planned, so get ready! We’ll fuel up with breakfast at camp before departing for the impressive Hvitá river for a rafting excursion. No experience is needed – just sit back and enjoy the views of the Hvítár canyon as you speed along the water. After a few hours on the river, it’s off to the Farmer’s Bistro for a fresh meal before a new adventure: a tour of the Golden Circle. Iceland’s most famous sightseeing journey, the Golden Circle contains the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park, and we'll see two of those sites today. After experiencing these iconic spots, we’ll return to the campsite with a full heart, ready to refuel and share our experiences over dinner. We’ll close out the night with a group share and delicious restorative yoga session.
Day 4
Tour Iceland’s South Coast and discover a variety of different landscapes
Iceland is known as the Land of Ice and Fire for a reason – all of nature’s extremes (and everything in between) can be found here. We’ll begin today by exploring the icy end of the spectrum with a visit to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón is a lagoon filled with blue ice that has crumbled off of nearby glaciers, and Diamond Beach is a spot just across the road where you can watch as this ice drifts out towards the sea. We'll then stop in at the Frost Bistro for some lunch from their 2-course menu. Not too far from here is our next destination, the Eldhraun Lava Field. The lava rocks here have become overgrown with lush moss over the years, creating an alien landscape that can only be found in Iceland. Our final stop of the day will be Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a labyrinthine canyon with snaking rivers and waterfalls that is an absolute joy to uncover. After a full day of exploration, giving us the chance to connect as a group and with nature, we’ll share dinner back at the campsite. We’ll close our day with gentle movement and deep stretching to care for the muscles that carried us all over the beauty of Iceland.
Day 5
Go chasing waterfalls before spending the evening in Reykjavik
Today is your last morning here in Skogar, so take in the views one last time! After breakfast, we’re headed on a tour of the three most beautiful waterfalls in the area. First is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall with a cavern behind it allowing you to take a step behind the water and view it from an entirely new perspective. Next is Gljúfrabúi (say that five times fast), a fall that shyly hides in wait to be discovered. Our final stop is Hjálparfoss, a spot where two waterfalls come together and meet in a display of both harmony and chaos. After this mesmerizing tour, we’ll eat lunch at a local farm, stop by Thingvellir National Park, and then trade our scenes of nature for the quiet city life of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. After checking into our stylish hotel, we’ll grab dinner at Tapas Barinn before calling it a night.
Day 6
Say goodbye to a beautiful experience in the heart of Iceland"
Our adventure has been an exploration of fire and ice, movement and meditation, adventure and rest. You’re returning home with tools to help you continue to feel whole, vibrant, and connected — a new set of yoga practices, fresh perspective, and a better understanding and appreciation of your inner landscape.
After one final breakfast together and a yoga session at the Exeter Hotel's gym facilities, it’s time to pack up and take your transfer to the airport to catch your flight. I hope you’ll join me again on another retreat soon!
Accommodation
Skógar campsite (or similar according to availability)
Enjoy your time in Iceland at a stellar campsite just steps away from the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall! The retreat will include all camping equipment needed (tents, sleeping bag, yoga mats, towels, pillow, cooking equipment). On-site facilities include bathrooms, showers, and water. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Tents.
Exeter Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, the Exeter Hotel perfectly embodies a blend of historical charm and modern design that makes Iceland's capital such a captivating destination. This property provides a diverse range of accommodations to meet every need, from sleek, minimalist-style Standard rooms to the more spacious Superior rooms, all the way to the opulent Loft Suite with its private balcony, panoramic city views, and sumptuous furnishings. Every room includes state-of-the-art amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV, and Nespresso machines, plus soothing rainfall showers and local Icelandic toiletries for an authentic touch. The hotel's facilities offer guests an immersive experience in Icelandic culture, including a modern, farm-to-table restaurant showcasing local cuisine, a bar with an impressive selection of Icelandic craft beers, and a rooftop sauna with stunning views of the city and the nearby ocean, promising an unforgettable stay right at the center of one of the world's most fascinating cities. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin/double beds.
Included
- 4 nights at Skógar campsite (or similar)
- 1 night at Exeter Hotel (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All activities described in the itinerary
- Transportation between activities and accommodation
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- One group airport arrival transfer
- One group airport departure transfer
- Dry suits for river rafting excursion on day 3
- Tents, air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, and tables at campsite
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Yoga mat (please bring your own)
Available add-on
Post-trip extension
Book this add-on to include a post-trip extension.
Included:
- 3 nights at FossHotel Lind July 15, July 20 and July 22
- Shared transfer to Blue Lagoon and back to hotel on July 21
- Shared airport transfer to Blue Lagoon on July 22
Price: USD 806
1 spot left
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until 60 days before departure. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by 60 days before departure and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund, minus the deposit amount.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Seljalandsfoss's unique geology allows you to encircle the waterfall and enter the cave behind it, allowing for a new and stunning vantage point to photograph and experience nature at her rawest. - Unsplash - Seljalandsfoss
- During your time in Iceland, you'll camp right next to the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall. - Iceland the Beautiful
- Today, we'll hike the famous Fimmvörðuháls trail to see the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. - Unsplash: Michelle Rossman
- Our last stop is at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a picturesque location with emerald moss, rocky cliffs, and flowing river. - Unsplash: Agnieszka Mordaunt
- We'll start our day at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. - Unsplash: John Salvino
- We'll start this epic South Iceland adventure with a trip to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. - Unsplash: Pavol Svantner
- Our next stop: The magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. - Unsplash: Laila Gebhard
- The trail culminates in a beautiful yet surreal landscape, the quintessence of Iceland. - Wikimedia Commons
- We'll begin the day by transferring to the Hvita river for a rafting adventure. - Wikimedia Commons
- Rafting down the Hvitá is a great way to explore Iceland's scenery while also getting your blood pumping! - Unsplash: Angga Indratama
- The first stop on our Golden Circle tour is Geysir. Get ready to be amazed by the jets of water that spurt from the ground here! - Unsplash: Lex Melony
- Finally, we'll stop back in time at the ancient Þingvellir National Park. - Unsplash: Alex He
- The nearby Diamond Beach allows you to watch as the ice floats out to sea -- and sometimes back to shore. - Unsplash: journaway Rundreisen
- The lava rocks of Eldhraun have become overgrown with lush moss over the years, creating an alien landscape that can only be found in Iceland. - Wikimedia Commons
- Up next is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem of a waterfall with a mystic aura. - Wikimedia Commons
- The twin waterfalls of Hjálparfoss suggest both chaos and harmony. - Wikimedia Commons
- We'll end the day in Reykjavik, Iceland's wonderful capital. - Unsplash: Annie Spratt
- Welcome to Iceland! Your journey starts the moment you arrive with a trip to the Blue Lagoon. - Unsplash: Frank Denney
- Soak in the strikingly icy-blue waters and let your body, mind, and soul, rest, relax, and heal. - Unsplash: Benjamin Rascoe
- Exeter Hotel - Exeter Hotel
- Skogar campsite - Ferdalag
- Exeter Hotel - Exeter Hotel
- Exeter Hotel - Exeter Hotel
- After some pampering and lunch, we'll visit the Gunnuhver Geothermal Area before going to the Geldingadalur volcano, where we'll take a short hike to see the lava! - Unsplash: Toby Elliott
- Fosshotel Lind - Fosshotel Lind