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Iceland Adventure Retreat
Reykjavik, Iceland
July 14-21th, 2024
Cost: $5400

Welcome to the Iceland Adventure Retreat!

This eight day, seven night retreat is packed with adventurous activities and stunning sights – horseback riding and hiking to waterfalls, kayaking the wetlands, soaking in geothermal hot springs, touring the Golden Circle and visiting charming villages. Whether hiking, riding, kayaking or driving across the untamed countryside, you will experience a world like you have never seen before with breathtaking views around every corner. The Icelandic culture is warm and inviting, and we will have the chance to spend time getting to know the local community members and artisans. Along with Jacqueline Stanford, you are joined by Iceland’s very own amazing guide, Hannah, who is an incredible young storyteller. We have fantastic activities planned for you in Iceland this July when the sun never sets. We are looking forward to an incredible time together. 

“The cure for exhaustion is not necessarily rest, it is wholeheartedness” (Brother David Sendall-Rast). 

Get ready for an awesome week of fun and adventure! Please feel free to call or email us if you have further questions. colleen@womensquest.com

What to Expect at the Iceland Multisport “Total Immersion” Adventure Retreat 

Join us for an unforgettable Icelandic Multisport retreat with Women’s Quest, from July 14th to July 21st. Discover what awaits you at the “Total Immersion” Adventure Retreat in Iceland.

This retreat is tailor-made for adventurous women seeking a thrilling and transformative experience in Iceland. Each morning, you’ll wake up to breathtaking views from our two guesthouses and begin your day with a soothing yoga and QiGong session, followed by a hearty Icelandic breakfast.

For the first four nights of your journey, you’ll be accommodated at Hotel Vatnsholt, a charming converted working farm renowned for its warm hospitality. During this period, we have an exciting itinerary planned, including:

One full day of exploring the world renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Golden Circle, which involves visiting the Thingvellir National Park, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, and the impressive Great Geyser. Plus soaking in the secret lagoon and hot spring.

In our beloved town of Hveragerdi, we will set out on a scenic hike through the enchanting Reykjadalur Valley. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have the opportunity to luxuriate for hours in the inviting warm river, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature’s tranquility.

In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure through the serene wetlands. Glide along narrow canals enveloped by a thriving ecosystem of cattails and reeds, while being serenaded by the diverse and vibrant birdlife. This excursion promises not just a journey through nature, but a delightful and memorable experience filled with fun and natural beauty. 
 
Hike to Glymer, the tallest waterfall in the region, and one of our beloved trails adorned with vibrant lupin flowers.
 
Exploring the HESPA wool shop, where our friend and artist GUÐRÚN BJARNADOTTIR will introduce us to the ancient Icelandic tradition of dyeing wool using plants.
 
Indulging in a delectable lobster dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Fjorubordid Stokkseyri
 
The highlight of this leg of the trip, aside from a day of horseback riding on the black sand beach, is the Fimmvörðuháls hike in Iceland. This hike offers a breathtaking experience, encompassing 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 uniquely captivating landscapes. It’s a must-do adventure during your time here.
 
The second half of our retreat will unfold at Hotel Anna, a family-owned retreat in Iceland since 2002. Hotel Anna offers modern Nordic-style apartments that seamlessly blend tradition and comfort. After days of exploration, you can unwind in the natural wonder-filled surroundings of Hotel Anna.
 
During this part of the journey, we have a range of exciting activities planned:
  • Venture to the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon by amphibian boat.
  • Visit the black sand beach.
  • Explore the enchanting diamond beach.
  • Have the option to participate in a glacier hike.
  • Perhaps, get the chance to spot puffins.
  • And, of course, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of many incredible waterfalls.
These experiences will make the latter part of our retreat truly unforgettable.
As we wrap up this incredible journey, our last day will be spent at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, offering the perfect way to conclude the retreat by soaking in the rejuvenating waters of the hot springs.
 

Join us on this incredible adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out this article: “What to Pack for Iceland in Summer (Clothing and other Essentials)”.

 

 Highlights:

  • 8 days and 7 nights 
  • 4 nights at Vatnsholt guesthouse 
  • 3 nights at Hotel Anna 
  • In Reykjavik, Private showing at Kirsuberjatréð with our friend Arndís Jóhannsdóttir, who is the owner of this magnificent hidden jewel in Reykjavik. This is a co-op of 11 female artists which handmade amazing local arts and crafts. Even the band Kaleo gets their guitar straps from Dissa.  
  • Hiking Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland in the lupin flowers 
  • Amazing organic, locally sourced meals 
  • Incredible lobster dinner at a quaint little restaurant on the beach – Fjorubordid Stokkseyri 
  • 2 hour kayak adventure exploring the small winding tributaries in the wetlands
  • ⁠Walk behind the waterfall – Seljalandsfoss Iceland  
  • Set sail in the amphibian boat as we tour Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon 
  • Hike the Skogafoss Waterfall and FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS hike – one of Iceland’s most iconic hikes passing up to 26 waterfalls 
  • Soak and swim in the local hot spring pools and spas after exhilarating days of activities, (pool fees not included) 
  • Daily relaxation practices including yoga, and Qigong, designed to relax and empower 
  • Walk to the Basalt columns and the black beach 
  • Guided hike on Solheimajokull glacier- and experience you don’t want to miss (optional around $95) 
  • One day of Horseback riding through the beautiful Icelandic terrain 
  • Visit small artisan’s shops for authentic clothes and gifts
  • ⁠Exploring the HESPA wool shop, where our friend and artist GUÐRÚN BJARNADOTTIR will introduce us to the ancient Icelandic tradition of dyeing wool using plants  
  • Visit the Puffin colony at Dyrholaey
  • Hike to Reykjadalur Hot springs thermal river and soak in the HOT RIVER!
  • We will explore Iceland’s Golden Circle and our guide Hannah will teach us all about the rich history

Golden Circle Day:

  • Thingvellir National Park sits atop the Mid Atlantic Ridge in a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates. The rocky cliffs, canyons, and fissures create an incredibly dramatic and unique landscape. We will get the chance to see where the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland, was founded at Thingvellir in the year 930 and held there till 1798 and is the oldest surviving parliament in the world.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall – one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. The dramatic waterfall is created from the Hvítá river cascading before plunging into a deep crevasse. This is a waterfall that will stay with you forever.
  • Geysir – The Great Geysir is a hot spring geyser that shoots high into the Icelandic sky. Estimates suggest the geysir has been active for 10,000 years and the height of its eruptions are tied to the many earthquakes in the area that are constantly impacting the pressure of the geyser. 
  • Thingvellir National Park – This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and deservedly so. The park is formed from the ancient and ongoing collision of the North American and Eurasian plates. This ongoing tectonic movement has created the amazing geologic beauty of the region! 
  • Lunch at Friðheimar tomato farm – Fridheimar (meaning a world of peace) is a working farm that produces tomatoes year round in its enormous greenhouses. They use specific lighting to keep production rolling through the long and dark Icelandic winters. And boy, do they produce tomatoes! Friðheimar produces around a ton of tomatoes everyday along with providing us a great lunch — best tomato soup I have ever had.
  • Secret Lagoon: Gamla Laugin or Secret Lagoon thermal pool is located in the small village of Flúðir in the Golden Circle area. The pool’s natural surroundings and rising steam gives the place a magical feeling. Nearby, there is even a little geysir which erupts every five minutes, putting on a show for you as you relax in the hot spring. Changing rooms with showers are available on site. 
  • Last day on the way to the airport, Swim and Soak at the iconic Blue Lagoon which is not included in the price (around $100) 
  • Beautiful hikes across the incredible landscapes, past rivers and hot springs, and lots and lots of waterfalls. We will explore parks filled with obsidian fields, blue lakes, volcanoes and much more. 
  • Lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences

Included in the Price:

  • 4 nights Lodging Vatnsholt 
  • Delicious food at every meal, minus three lunches and three dinners 
  • Professional guide Hannah tour of the Golden Circle, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, plus lunch at Friðheimar tomato farm Kayaking in the wetlands 
  • 3 nights lodging at Hotel Anna 
  • Private showing at Kirsuberjatréð Women’s coop 
  • Daily relaxation practices including yoga and Qigong, designed to relax and empower 
  • All Hikes 
  • Amphibian boat tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
  • visit the black beach.
  • Visit the puffins. 
  • visit diamond beach.
 

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to Reykjavik from the airport. 
  • Airfare 
  • Sky Lagoon on July 13 
  • Blue Lagoon entry 
  • 3 lunches, 3 dinners will be on your own
  • Swimming and hot spring pool fees $10 
  • Glacier Hike (around ($95) 
  • Tips for guide and driver

See you in Iceland! With excitement and anticipation,  Jax and Hannah