July 2027
This trip will be more active than many VETS Adventures— with white water rafting, kayaking, horse back riding or ATV adventure, glacier walking, hiking & RIB boating. Plus time in a bus as we navigate around 75% of the Iceland!
July 7 – 15, 2027
A High-Octane Journey Through The Land of Fire and Ice
We are taking 18 couples + Jon/Kim from VETS and Kevin/Juliet from Going Places Travel. There are no single supplements on this trip.
July 7 - 15, 2027
Joining the VETS Adventures team in Iceland from July 7–15, 2027, offers a rare opportunity to pair high-energy outdoor exploration with meaningful collegiality in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Arriving at the height of the Icelandic summer means experiencing nearly endless Arctic daylight, lush green valleys, accessible highland trails, and peak wildlife viewing—from nesting puffins along the coast to humpback whales feeding offshore. Rather than navigating complex logistics alone, you’ll travel alongside a curated group of veterinary peers and friends, tackling rugged glacial terrain, thundering waterfalls, and volcanic highlands by day before unwinding together over great food and continuing education conversations by night. Whether you’re looking to earn CE credits in an unforgettable setting, push your physical boundaries, or simply recharge with people who understand the veterinary profession firsthand, this nine-day expedition turns a bucket-list destination into a shared adventure.
Day 1 -Touchdown in the Land of Fire and Ice (July 7)
Hit the ground running as you arrive at Keflavík International Airport. Shake off the jet lag with an optional plunge into the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or spend time in the main shopping/museum/restaurant district before checking into the sleek Iceland Parliament Hotel in the heart of Reykjavík. Tonight, the expedition kicks off with a massive welcome feast at Grillmarket, where local ingredients are expertly seared over open flames. Travel Time: Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík (Iceland Parliament Hotel)— ~45 minutes
Day 2 - Glacial Rapids & The Golden Circle (July 8)
Trade the clinic for the canyon. After exploring the tectonic rift at Þingvellir, gear up for an adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting run down the Hvítá River, navigating churning glacial meltwater and dramatic rock gorges. Dry off and witness the explosive power of Geysir and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall before a carnivorous Viking feast at Ingólfsskáli Farm. Travel Time: Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Hvítá (Rafting) → Geysir/Gullfoss → Black Sand Hotel ~ 3.5 hours of fragmented driving.
Day 3 - Thundering Falls & ATV Adrenaline (July 9)
Journey down the rugged South Coast. Stand in the roaring mist of the towering Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. After a hearty lunch at Skálakot Horse Farm, push the limits on an optional high-speed private ATV/Quad Bike tour across the volcanic black sands, or take on a private horseback ride. Cap the day with a massive, well-earned Icelandic burger and local brews at Smiðjan Brugghús. Travel Time: Black Sand Hotel → Seljalandsfoss → Skálakot → Skógafoss → Hótel Jökulsárlón Travel Time: ~4.5 hours total (Includes a heavy ~2.5-hour stretch to the glacier lagoon after dinner.)
Day 4 - Crampons, Ice Axes, and Diamonds (July 10)
Strap on your crampons for a private, three-hour guided hike across the ancient, crevassed ice of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. For a different burn, opt for the steep hike to the basalt-columned Svartifoss waterfall. In the afternoon, explore the massive floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Lagoon and the crystal shores of Diamond Beach before retreating to Hótel Jökulsárlón. Late dinner: 8:15pm Travel Time: Jökulsárlón → Skaftafell/Falljökull Glacier → Jökulsárlón — 90 minutes total— ~45 minutes each way.
Day 5- Paddling the Ice & Geothermal Recovery (July 11)
Take to the water on a private kayak tour, navigating your own vessel through the icy, iceberg-laden waters of the southeast. As we transition to the untamed East Fjords, you’ll enjoy a lunch box. At the Fjords, you can give your muscles a much-needed break in the floating geothermal infinity pools of Vök Baths before checking into Hotel Hérað. Travel Time: Hótel Jökulsárlón → Egilsstaðir (Vök Baths) → Berjaya Hotel Hérað — ~3.5 hours of scenic coastal driving.
Day 6 -Hiking the Volcanic Wasteland (July 12)
Step onto another planet. Hike the massive rim of the Hverfjall tephra crater and navigate the jagged, towering lava pillars of Dimmuborgir (The Dark Fortress). Feel the heat of the earth at the boiling mud pots of Námaskarð and the active Krafla volcanic zone, finishing the day with the roaring beauty of Goðafoss waterfall. Travel Time: Egilsstaðir → Krafla/Mývatn/Goðafoss → Akureyri (Skáld Hotel)— ~3.5 to 4 hours total
Day 7 - High-Speed RIB Boats & Leviathans (July 13)
Head to the whale-watching capital of Húsavík. Suit up and strap into high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) vessels, crashing through the waves of Skjálfandi Bay for up-close encounters with humpback whales and nesting puffins. Celebrate a successful day on the water with a group dinner at the historic Salka Restaurant. Travel Time: Akureyri → Húsavík (Whale Tour) → Akureyri— ~2 hours total (1 hour each way).
Day 8 - The Capital Return (July 14)
We will bypass the grueling five-hour drive and take a quick, scenic domestic flight back to Reykjavík. Spend your final afternoon at leisure exploring the capital’s vibrant streets or picking up last-minute gear. We will visit the Settlement Museum— a real highlight within easy walking distance. Tonight, the crew gathers for an upscale farewell dinner at La Primavera, blending Icelandic freshness with Italian culinary tradition. Travel Time: ~45 minute flight (it would have been a 5 hour drive.)
Day 9 - Departure (July 15)
Check out of the Iceland Parliament Hotel and transfer to Keflavík International Airport, with one final optional stop at the Blue Lagoon for those needing a last geothermal soak before heading home. Travel Time: Reykjavík → Blue Lagoon → Keflavík Airport — 1 hour total
Summary
9-nights, 10-days
What’s Included: 8 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners, 5 Lunches, Group Transfer to and from airport, the Blue Lagoon, Hotels as listed.
What’s not Included: International Airfare, beverages other than those included with dinner. Gratuities: Tipping is appreciated but is not commonplace in Iceland. Everyone is paid a ‘livable wage.’
Cost: $10,650 per person, double occupancy. No Single Supplement.
Physical Ability & Age Limit: From River Rafting to Hiking to ATVs/Horseback riding— this is going to be a very active trip. You will need to be physically fit enough to engage in these activities. Attendees must be 16 years and above.
We have room for 36 Travelers + Jon/Kim (VETS) and Kevin/Juliet (Going Place Travel.)
Travel Insurance – PLEASE – this is a must. To achieve these low prices we had to agree that our payments to the vendors are not refundable should we cancel anyone. Therefore, we are unable to refund your payments should you have to cancel for any reason. Travel Guard, Faye, Generali and other reputable travel insurance companies can insure your payments and be the source for refunds should you need to cancel. We cannot refund because your money has been sent to the vendor in order to reserve your place. Should we sell out and have a waiting list, we’re happy to swap people into your spot and provide you with the refund funded by the new attendees payments, but there is no guarantee we will have a waiting list. Travel insurance is the only way you can guarantee a refund of some or all of your payments.
