ICELAND Midnight Sun Ring RoadTrip
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Overview
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| Status |
Normal |
| Start Time |
6:00 PM -
Jun 18, 2024 (Tuesday)
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| End Time |
6:00 PM -
Jun 28, 2024 (Friday)
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| Location |
Reykjavik - Iceland Ring Road |
| Category |
Trips & Travel |
| Club |
Urban Diversion |
| Region |
UD-San Francisco Trips & Travel
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| Sharing |
All Clubs |
| Event Host |
Christina Atkinson |
| Max Attendees |
9 |
| Max Guests |
User Max |
| Cost Range |
$1,699.00 -
$1,799.00
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| Join us for 10 days (including the famous longest day of the year!) on the most epic road trip you'll likely ever take - Iceland's Ring Road! We will be traveling in a fleet of top of the line camper vans staying at Iceland's most stunning locations along the way. We will have nearly 22 hours of sunlight each day, and 7 hours of pure "golden hour" pinkness to explore one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world. Picture this: multiple geothermal hot springs, 9+ epic waterfalls, black sand beaches, lupine fields, glaciers, icebergs, and everything in-between! We'll round out the trip with a relaxing spa visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, and experience one night exploring Reykjavik with new friends before heading home. **SIGN UP SOON TO CLAIM YOUR SPOT, THIS TRIP IS FILLING UP FAST** |
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| Basic Details: |
ICELAND:
Midnight Sun Road Trip *Longest Day of the year*
Waterfalls, Glaciers, Black Sand Beaches, Blue Lagoon, & more!
**SIGN UP SOON TO CLAIM YOUR SPOT, THIS TRIP IS FILLING UP FAST**
(Add yourself to the watchlist to be the first to know about important updates.)
Join us for 10 days in ICELAND!
This is the most epic Iceland trip you'll ever take - Iceland's Ring Road! We will have nearly 22 hours of sunlight each day, and 7 hours of pure "golden hour" pinkness to explore one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world. We will be traveling in a fleet of top of the line Icelandic campervans, load up and lets hit the road! Picture this - Iceland's most popular attractions including waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, black sand beaches, lupine fields, and more!
We'll top off the trip with a relaxing spa visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, and experience one night exploring Reykjavik with new friends to end an unforgettable trip.
Seljalandsfoss | one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 nights camping in stunning Iceland wilderness
- 2 nights hotel lodging
- Most meals included
- Adventure to Iceland's most popular attractions including waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, lupine fields, and more!
- Spa day at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool
- Famous Reykjavík Fringe Festival will coincide!
- Explore Reykjavik's food, art, and culture
- Endless photo ops
- IMPORTANT: For those who are not sure they want to share a van for the sleeping portion of this trip, we encourage you to bring a personal size tent, and sleeping mat/bag. Each area we are staying will have space for tents as well. Ask host for more details.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 9 nights lodging accommodations - 7 nights in rental camper vans, 2 nights in city hotels
- Most meals - more details to come
- Action-packed itinerary with hikes, wineries, hot springs, and more
- Your adventurous, fun, and charismatic host to lead you on this journey and drive you around
- We may need a second driver + co-host. Message us if you're interested to discuss discounted registration!
 NOT INCLUDED:
- Arrival airport transfers (can be arranged by your host for additional fee)
- Flights to/from Kelflavik International Airport (KEF)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended!)
- Personal travel day food & some eating out meals
- Personal drinks (alcohol, bars, etc.)
WHAT TO BRING:
- PASSPORT THAT DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF ARRIVAL (see 'Post Registration Details' for more info)
- Alternative Photo ID
- Cash - you can exchange USD for Icelandic Króna (ISK) when you arrive
- Secure money belt
- Proper attire for the activities planned (review the itinerary and plan accordingly)
- Sleeping bag (bedding is included, but you may want a sleeping bag if you get cold easily or want personal bedding while sleeping)
- Day pack for excursions
- Camera / photography equipment
- Pack light : Max 2 moderate bags per person - 1 large duffel bag, 1 smaller day backpack
- Please do not bring 2 suit cases, a carry on, and a back pack. I promise you won't use half of it, nor do we have the space. Packing light also makes for moving around easier and less to worry about losing.
- Here are a few of our top recommendations:
LODGING
 CAMPER VANS
We'll be renting a couple of decked out camper vans for the majority of the trip. Each van is built to sleep 5, however we will be sleeping up a max 4 people per van to ensure everyone has enough space to sleep comfortably. Each van has two large beds (larger than queen size, but slightly smaller than a king size bed.) Each van also includes all the kitchen gear we will need, and a sink with running water. There are two platform beds with mattresses in each van - we will be providing sleeping bags through the van rental company. Vans are also equipped with full cabin heaters, charging ports, WiFi, and other general comforts. We will be camping at established campgrounds, meaning you will have access to flush toilets every night, and hot showers on most nights throughout the trip.
HOTELS
We will be staying altogether the first and last night of our trip at a hotel in the center of Reykjavik called Hotel Reykjavík Centrum. We carefully chose this lovely 4+ star hotel not just due to it's rating, the cherry on top is this hotel's amazing location in the bustling city center within walking distance of some of Iceland's best museums, restaurants and bars. These nights will be covered with your registration - specific hotel information and locations will be shared soon. If you plan to arrive early or stay later than the planned dates, you will be responsible for booking lodging on your own.
Please note - you will be sharing a hotel room (you will have your own bed in the hotel room). You can book a private room with us upon request, and depending on hotel availability. Please contact the host asap with any lodging requests you may have.
New to camper van travel?
Do you want to join our Iceland road trip, but have fears of camper-van-claustrophobia when sleeping at night? You can bring a personal sized camping tent, and a comfy sleeping pad (we can point you in the right direction at REI). Although in our experience, we think the camper vans are much more comfortable and cozy than a tent, you are welcome to bring a back up plan tent. Rest assured, at least 1 of our hosts will be sleeping in their own tent outside the van for the entire trip, so we will have a little community of tents. (Note: you may read online that most campgrounds in Iceland charge a fee for each individual camper/tent set up at the campsite. Not to worry, UD will take care of the extra tent fees for the trip.)
ITINERARY
This is a general outline for the absolute best stops in Iceland - but there's plenty of room for customization! Join early to help plan the smaller stops and make this trip your own!
Add yourself to the watch list to be the first to be notified of updates.
DAY 0 | Monday Jun 17
 Leave for Iceland
- NOTE: All attendees MUST arrive at the Reykjavik Airport no later than 9AM on Tuesday June 18th to meet up with the group before we set off in the camper vans
- You lose a calendar day flying into this timezone, so make sure to double check your flight arrival date and time before booking your flight
- Expect a total travel time around 25+ hrs (by the clock - actual travel time is around 12-15 hours depending on your flights)
- Transportation from the airport to our hotel can be arranged for an additional cost
DAY 1 | Tuesday Jun 18
Intro to Reykjavik
- Arrive Tuesday, check into the hotel.
- We will meet up in Reykjavik
- We'll fight off jet lag by getting a jump on exploring the city of Reykjavik
- Visit the Hallgrimskirja - tallest church in Iceland and a great lookout point over the city
- Explore Reykjavik’s colorful street art scene
- Lunch and Dinner in the city ($)
DAY 2 | Wednesday Jun 19
Snaefellsnes Penninsula
- Check out of Reykjavik and hit the road!
- Breakfast on the road ($)
- Kirkjufell - one of the most photographed mountains (event title picture), with its mesmerizing shape and 2 waterfalls
- featured in Game of Thrones!
- Gatklettur, aka Hole Rock
- Glymur Waterfall - 2nd tallest in Iceland
DAY 3 | Thursday Jun 20
 Northern Territories
- Godafoss Falls - another of Iceland's most famous waterfalls
- Visit to Akureyri - the Capital of the North
- Lunch OR Dinner out in Akureyri, depending on schdule ($)
- Glaumbaer
- Visit the turf houses and learn more about the local history
- Possibility for some Whale Watching ($)
DAY 4 | Friday Jun 21
Power of Nature
- Hverir geothermal area
- Explore amazing fumeroles, geysers, mud pools and cracks of the red geothermal landscapes. With the orange earth and the cracks, it feels like you landed on another planet
- Hike to Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls
- Possibility for a mid-trip visit to Blue Lagoon's lesser-known twin, the Myvatn Nature Baths ($)
DAY 5 | Saturday Jun 22 *Longest day of the year
Lake Myvatn
- The Myvatn Pseudocraters
- Lunch out at Lake Myvatn ($)
- Look for elves and trolls at Dimmuborgir (The Black Fortress) - a field of giant lava rock formations
- Hverfjall Crater & Viti Crater
- Witness a still-fuming lava field at the active volcano of Leirhnjukur
DAY 6 | Sunday Jun 23
Easy East Fjords
- Visit the picture-perfect Scandinavian town of Seydisfjordur
- Lunch in Seydisfjordur ($)
- Fauskasandur Black Sand Beach
- Vestrahorn Mountain & Stokksnes Peninsula
DAY 7 | Monday Jun 24
South Coast Glaciers
- Fjadrargljufur canyon
- Skaftafell National Park
- Option to include an unforgettable glacier hike on Skaftafellsjökull Glacier ($)
- Inspiring Glacial Lagoons - watch icebergs detach from the glacier and float towards the sea
- Jokulsarlon - the most famous glacial lagoon
- Fjallsárlón
- Diamond beach - admire giant diamond icebergs on top of black sand beach
DAY 8 | Tuesday Jun 25
 South Coast Waterfalls
- Seljalandsfoss Falls
- Skogafoss - iconic famous waterfall
- Reynisfjara beach - otherworldly black sand beach
DAY 9 | Wednesday Jun 26
The Golden Circle
- Thingvellir National Park
- Haukadalur geothermal and geyser
- Gullfoss waterfall - iconic famous waterfall
DAY 10 | Thursday Jun 27
Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
 Final sight seeing - Drive back to Reykjavik
- Option to head home this day if you want a little more buffer before returning to your regular schedules
- Relax at the Blue Lagoon - Iceland's most famous geothermal hot springs
- Lunch inside a lava cave at Lava Cafe ($)
- Final night in the city - Dinner out on the town & celebratory drinks ($)
DAY 11 | Friday Jun 28
Departure Home - or - continue travel around Europe!
- Morning commute back to the airport together - transportation method TBD
- Breakfast on the way to OR at the airport ($)
- We will have two groups going to the airport, the early departures, and the later departures. If you want to head to the airport solo, or continue your European travel, please feel free and communicate this with your host.
- The early departure group will arrive to the airport no later than 7:30am.
- The later detparture group will arrive to the airport no later than 12:30pm
- Remember, you'll be traveling backwards in timezones - it may only look like 6 hours of travel time on a clock, but you'll actually be traveling for around 12-15 hours.
($) - cost not included in reservation - members pay onsite
HOW TO JOIN
- Add this to your watch list to be notified about updates
- Message the host with any questions
- Register here and pay your 50% deposit - remaining balance is due 30 days prior to event start date (May 20)
- Review the 'Added Details & Directions' and 'Post Registration Details' to book flights and make other preparations (TBD)
- Post on the message wall to introduce yourself and get to know your fellow travelers
Questions? Contact your host (Christina) directly @ 415-766-7317
or email Christina@urbandiversion.com
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| Cost: |
| Registration Deadline: |
Through
Mar 05, 2024 (Tuesday)
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Through
May 04, 2024 (Saturday) |
Through
Jun 18, 2024 (Tuesday) |
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Member Special Rate
(25-50% discount)
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$1,699.00 |
$1,749.00 |
$1,799.00 |
50% deposit - remaining balance charged 30 days prior |
Normal Rate
(NO Discounts)
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$1,749.00 |
$1,799.00 |
$1,849.00 |
50% deposit - remaining balance charged 30 days prior |
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| Cancelation Policy: |
No Refund - All Registrations Final (View Cancelation Policy)
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| Added Details and Directions: |
TRIP SPECIFICS
COSTS & PAYMENT
REGISTRATION IS A 50% DEPOSIT - the remaining 50% is due 30 days prior to event start date (May 20).
| Member Type |
Early Bird |
Standard |
Last Call |
| Standard/Premium |
$3,398 |
$3,498 |
$3,598 |
| Prospect |
$3,498 |
$3,598 |
$3,698 |
| Non-Member |
$3,598 |
$3,698 |
$3,798 |
This trip will be 100% guaranteed by no later than April 15th - so long as we meet our minimum number of registrations. If we don't hit the required signups needed by April 15th, your 50% deposit will be refunded to your card. We recommend getting travel insurance and/or booking flights that you can cancel just in case.
We will automatically charge your credit card on file for the remaining balance on May 20. Those registering on/after May 20 will pay in full at the time of registration. Email member_relations@urbandiversion.com to discuss additional payment plan options if needed.
ACCOMMODATIONS
To get the most out of our time, we will be doing a lot of moving during this trip; you will not be in the same location for more than one night. All city accommodations are comfortable and include comfortable amenities. Lodging provided the majority of the trip will consist of van camping in the backcountry or designated campsites. Services may be limited.
FLIGHTS
ARRIVAL FLIGHT
Arriving: You will be flying into Kelflavik International Airport (KEF) and must ARRIVE NO LATER than Thur Jun 21 at 9am. If you plan to arrive earlier than Thursday Jun 20 and need help finding accommodations/transportation, reach out to your host for tips and help planning.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS: TBD (we'll update this as we get closer to the event date)
- Note: Be sure to confirm baggage allowances, seat preferences (if available), and change/cancelation policies before booking!
- HOST'S FLIGHT:
DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Departing: You will be flying home from Kelflavik International Airport (KEF) and may leave any time on Sun Jun 30 or the evening of Sat Jun 29
- Remember, you'll be traveling backwards in timezones - it may only look like 6 hours of travel time on a clock, but you'll actually be traveling for around 12-15 hours. Make sure to consider potential jet lag if you plan to work on Monday!
RECOMMENDED FLIGHT: TBD (we'll update this as we get closer to the event date)
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| Maps |
| Location: |
Iceland Ring Road |
| Address: |
Reykjavik, Iceland |
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| Post Registration Details: |
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! YOU'VE OFFICIALLY REGISTERED !
We're SO excited you chose to join us on this epic summer adventure in Iceland! Take a moment to look over the next steps and other helpful info below. As always, don't hesitate to message your host with any questions, requests, dietary restrictions, or if you need help with booking travel.
NEXT STEPS
PASSPORT
MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT WILL NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF ARRIVAL!
- If your passport expires less than 6 months after your arrival date, you will not be allowed into the country. You will not receive a refund from the airline or us.
- Need a passport? Go to this link and start your application now. This may take up to 3 months, so start this process ASAP!
- If you are in a pinch to get your passport, you can bring your ticket that leaves within a few days to the passport agency in SF or LA and pay a ton of money for a same day passport.... but don't plan on it!
VISAS
- Not required for travelers visiting less than 90 days for tourist or business purposes
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is NOT required to enter Iceland, though is still strongly recommended
Additional vaccinations are not required for the areas we are going. As a best practice, check the CDC's official requirements and recommendations and talk to your doctor before ever traveling to a new country or region.
HELPFUL INFO
WEATHER & OVERVIEW
Being located so far north, Iceland experiences two main extremes throughout the year: Polar Night in winter (meaning few hours of any daylight) and Midnight Sun (the sun only sets for a few hours per day). We'll be visiting right in the middle of the Midnight Sun, meaning we'll have plenty of sunlight for exploring! If you're a light sleeper, we HIGHLY recommend you bring a quality pair of earplugs and an eye mask to help block out residual light.
Daytime temperatures average around mid to high 50s F and mid 40s at night. Iceland is also known for having strong winds, so make sure you bring a GREAT windbreaker/raincoat. Remember we'll be camping for the majority of the trip, so it's always best to bring extra layers to stay warm! It's easier to remove layers than to put on layers you don't have.
EXCHANGE RATE
The currency exchange rate changes regularly, but is generally around .007 ISK per 1 USD, or 1 USD to 142 ISK
Questions? Contact your host @ 415-766-7317 or email Christina@urbandiversion.com
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| Registration |
You are
NOT REGISTERED
for this event
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| Event Messages |
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Message board is only available to members
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| Host Profile |
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Name: Christina Atkinson
Role: Staff
Host Exp: 
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