Immerse yourself into the Raw Beauty of Iceland
11 Day Yoga Retreat & Icelandic Adventure with Marisa Cline
Retreat Dates: August 6 – 16, 2024
Location: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hveragerði, Reykjavik, and southern region
Nearest International Airport: Keflavik
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Price: $4,899 CAD plus 5% GST per person (double occupancy)
Deposit: A deposit of $500 CAD is required to reserve your spot – limited spots left!
Your Iceland Adventure
Immerse yourself into the raw beauty and special energy of Iceland on a unique adventure with Marisa Cline. Your journey will begin on the infamous Snaefulness Peninsula – a mecca for purity and inspiration and considered to be one of the seven most important cosmic centres on the Earth, triggering the heart chakra. You will be situated near the Snaefellsjokull mountain which is both a volcano and glacier at the tip of the peninsula. Your journey will involve yoga practice combined with creating a deep connection with the earth through hiking and exploration will be the theme of this experience.
After 3 days on Snaefulness Peninsula you will venture to South Iceland – Hveragerði – home to hot boiling rivers, geothermal power and the gateway to some of the famous sights in the south. In the southern region you will have stops in Vik and Skaftafell where you will experience black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and the raw beautiful landscapes of south Iceland. You will end your journey in the vibrant city of Reykjavik and of course have an opportunity to head to the Blue Lagoon before your journey home.
The Retreat
It is no coincidence that the retreat will be held at this sacred and earthly heart-centered land. Deeply intimate and heart-led, this yoga retreat will be an invitation for you to come home. An unraveling and shedding of layers, a returning to yourself – your heart – your home. Through yoga, meditation, journaling, and immersing ourselves in nature, we will explore not only the beauty of this sacred land, but the inner topography of ourselves.
Yoga, meditation, hiking with mid-hike meditations in the raw beauty of the landscape, will be the framework of the retreat. Each yoga and meditation session throughout the journey will build upon the previous. An interwoven fusion of dynamic breath focused vinyasa; deep restorative healing; postural and movement breakdown, alignment, and exploration; and intrigue and discussions into the practice and ourselves; all layered to deepen your practice and cultivate the space to journey into the depths of the self.
Please consider that while we will be creating space to be still, quiet, and introspective; we will also be moving our bodies a lot. Expect yoga sessions and/or hiking/exploring everyday.
About your Instructor
Yoga Retreat Details:
Getting There – Must fly to Keflavik International Airport and arrive the morning of August 6, 2024. Iceland Air has great flight options into Keflavik – it is advised to book your flight early as they may go up in price. If arriving earlier or staying later, Travel Roots can provide assistance with arranging accommodations and activities if needed.
Program Fee Covers:
- Domestic Transportation – private vehicle
- Accommodations in 3* guesthouses, hotels, cabins, or B&Bs
- Meals specified in the itinerary – excluding alcoholic beverages
- Yoga Instructor / Group Leader
- Blue Lagoon Premium Package
- Private Group Fjallsárlón Boat Tour
- Entry to Krauma Geothermal Baths
- Yoga and meditation led by Marisa Cline
- Guided adventures with Marisa Cline
Program Fee does not cover:
- International Flights to Keflavik – we can assist you with booking your international flight if needed
- Additional activities
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Beverages, alcoholic beverages and meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Activities and excursions which have not been mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel and medical insurance (this is a prerequisite and assistance can be acquired if necessary)
- Personal Expenses (for shopping or extra excursions)
- Any other services not specified above.
Testimonials
“Just back from an amazing yoga retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica and I would highly recommend Travel Roots!! Our trip was so well organized, the yoga, food, and area were beyond exceptional!! I would do it again tomorrow!!” – Anonymous Testimonial
“Can’t recommend highly enough the organisation of the tour done by Travel Roots. Everything from the B&B to the food and yoga teaching was absolutely perfect! Can’t wait to go back next year 
” – Anonymous Testimonial
**FLEXIBLE ITINERARY WITH ROOM FOR SPONTANEOUS EXCURSIONS** This experience will be based on the groups interests and will be somewhat self-guided. The itinerary is not set in stone and may have to change due to weather conditions, the group’s abilities, and the group’s interests. The group will have access to their own private vehicle for the duration of the trip which will allow for spontaneous activities and self-exploration opportunities throughout the tour.
The Retreat Itinerary
August 6 - Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DRIVE TO SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA
Group Arrives at Keflavik International Airport. Marisa will greet you upon arrival ad you will head for a welcome breakfast in the town of Keflavik. After breakfast you will hit the road to your first destination – FossHotel Hellnar on Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Stop for lunch / snacks along the way.
Have everyone get settled into their rooms and have a nice group dinner. After dinner enjoy an evening walk along the shores towards Arnarstapi.
Group breakfast in Keflavik and 3 course welcome dinner at 7:00PM is included on this day.
Accommodations at FossHotel Hellnar or similar.
Total Driving time from Keflavik Airport to Hotel 3 hours (239 km)
Driving times may vary based on if the group wants to stop anywhere along the way.
Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own expense.
August 7 - Day 2: SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA
08:00 – 09:00AM – Morning Yoga Practice
Breakfast is buffet style and can be eaten after yoga.
Explore Snaefellsjökull National Park and head to the Black Sand Lava Beach - Dritvík & Djúpalón and Skarðsvík.
Picnic lunch.
2 course dinner served at the Hotel at 7:00PM
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
August 8 - Day 3: SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA TO REYKHOLT
08:00 – 09:00AM – Morning Yoga Practice
Breakfast is buffet style and can be eaten after yoga.
Depart Fosshotel Hellnar and start journey towards Fosshotel Reykholt.
On route explore more of the peninsula heading to Kirkjufell to see the large mountain one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. You'll see Ben Stiller skateboarding past in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013). Kirkjufell is backed by the roaring waterfalls, Kirkjufellsfoss.
Additional stops along the way:
- Raudfeldsgjá Gorge (the crevasse)
- Budakirkja Church – picturesque black church along the coast https://www.west.is/en/place/budakirkja-church
Picnic lunch
Arrive and check-in to the Fosshotel Reykholt. Head to Krauma Geothermal baths and spa for a late afternoon soak followed by dinner.
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Accommodations at Fosshotel Reykholt.
Driving time from Hellnar which includes stopping at Kirkjufell is about 2.5 hours (203 km).
August 9 - Day 4: REYKHOLT TO HVERAGERDI
08:00 – 09:00AM – Morning Yoga Practice
Breakfast is buffet style and can be eaten after yoga.
After breakfast drive to your next destination in South Iceland – Hveragerði – home to hot boiling rivers, geothermal power, and the gateway to some of the famous sights in the south. Stop at some interesting sites and for a picnic lunch along the way.
- Thingvellir National Park - In recent decades, research has shown that Thingvellir National Park is a natural wonder of the world where the geology and ecosystem of Thingvallavatn form a unique whole. Thingvellir National Park area is part of the Atlantic Ocean ridge that runs through Iceland. There you can see the consequences of the erosion of the earth's crust in the gorges and cracks in the area.
Stay at the Greenhouse Hotel.
Total Driving time from FossHotel Reykholt to The Greenhouse Hotel with a detour to Thingvellir is about 2 hours (140 km).
Breakfast, box lunch (from Fosshotel Reykholt) are included. Dinner at own expense.
August 10 - Day 5: HVERAGERDI
Early breakfast at 7AM.
Depending on group consensus, venture to the boiling river either early morning (bring snacks and water, breakfast upon your return) or in the evening after dinner. This is a busy site in Iceland so to avoid crowds it is best to go either early morning or in the evening.
Free day to reflect, partake in an activity such as horseback riding, or just relax. Picnic lunch.
Optional activities:
- Sólhestar Horse Rental - https://solhestar.is
- Visit the secret lagoon – one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland – it’s about 45 minutes from the Hotel - https://secretlagoon.is
- Visit the geysir
Meet for dinner at the Hotel at 7:00PM
Breakfast included. Box lunch and dinner not included on this day.
August 11 - Day 6: HVERAGERDI TO VIK
Morning yoga (based on availability of space and weather).
Breakfast at Hotel at the Greenhouse Café and Juicebar.
Drive towards Vik.
- Stop at Skógafoss - one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet). Again, easily accessible just off of the main road. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/skogafoss
Enjoy an evening beach stroll / meditation.
Breakfast included (Greehouse Café). Lunch & dinner at own expense.
Total drive from Hjarðarból to Vik time 2 hours (142 km)
Accommodations at the Puffin Hotel in Vik.
August 12 - Day 7: VIK TO FOSSHOTEL NUPAR
Breakfast at the Hotel.
After breakfast you will visit Reynisdrangar, the black sand beach to see the 3 trolls.
Picnic lunch in Vik or on the beach.
Settle into your accommodations at the FossHotel Núpar (2 nights)
Dinner buffet at FossHotel Núpar (included).
Enjoy an evening hike to Svartifoss, perhaps the signature attraction of Skaftafell National Park. The reason why we made this claim was that it possessed pronounced hanging hexagonal basalt columns beneath a 20m tall waterfall.
Although this combination of basalt columns and a waterfall was not unique, this waterfall seemed to get the lion's share of the popularity and fame. We suspect this might be because the basalt columns had an obvious geometrical shape, the falls was relatively easy to access and admire from up close and the falls possessed a year-round flow in a landscape that contained glaciers, volcanoes, and large tracts of black sand (i.e. it was quintessential raw Icelandic scenery).
Travel Time from Vik to Fosshotel Núpar is 1 hour & 45 mins (108 km). Roundtrip drive from Hotel to Skaftafell is about 1 hour (91 km).
Breakfast and dinner included. Box lunch not included on this day.
August 13 - Day 8: GLACIER LAGOONS
Morning yoga (based on availability of space and weather).
Breakfast at the Hotel. Box lunches arranged and included in price.
Today will be all about visiting the glacier lagoons - Fjallsárlón & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoons. Arriving to the lagoons is like stepping into a dreamlike world that offers spectacular sights. Iceland's tallest volcano, the Öræfajökull glacier, looms above the lagoon and reaches down to the water where icebergs break off into the lake and drift serenely around before melting. Fjallsárlón is located just before Jökulsárlón and is a little less touristy whereas Jökulsárlón is more touristy but you will find out why since it is home to some amazing ice sculptures that break off the glacier and then get carried out to sea.
From there you can take a hike to one of the black sand beaches referred to as diamond beach where you can find ice crystals that resemble diamonds on the beach. You’ll have fun exploring this unique display of mother nature. Be sure to be on the look out for seals – they are usually out playing amongst the floating ice sculptures.
Included is a glacier boat tour at Fjallsárlón.
Buffet dinner at FossHotel Núpar.
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Total driving time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes (198 km) total for the day - roundtrip. Overnight at the FossHotel Núpar.
August 14 - Day 9: FOSSHOTEL NUPAR TO REYKJAVIK
Morning yoga (based on availability of space and weather).
Breakfast at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will head back to experience Reykjavik with interesting stops along the way.
Options for interesting stops:
- For those up for an adventure to a hidden “laug” or hot pool on your way back towards Reykjavik, they can head to the Seljavallalaug. Seljavallalaug is a protected 25-metre outdoor pool in southern Iceland. The pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and was built in 1923. Stop for a picnic lunch after the hike and a soak.
- Seljalandsfoss - a waterfall that can be fully encircled, situated on the South Coast of Iceland with a drop of 60 meters (200 feet) – easily accessible right off the main road. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/seljalandsfoss
You will arrive in Reykjavik early evening just in time to explore what the city has to offer, do some shopping, and have an amazing dinner.
Accommodations: Fosshotel Rauðará
Breakfast and box lunch included. Dinner at own expense.
Total Driving time: 3 hours and 35 mins (280 km)
August 15 - Day 10: BLUE LAGOON
Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel and some time to explore more of Reykjavik.
Depart early afternoon for an experience at the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a group dinner at the Blue Lagoon. And then depart back to your Hotel in Reykjavik for one last evening.
Blue Lagoon Premium package included.
Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner at own expense.
August 16 – Day 11: HEAD HOME
Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel and some time to explore more of Reykjavik. Recommended to have an early lunch prior to heading to the airport or pick up some food to go. It is recommended to arrive 3 hours prior to the flight.
Leave for the airport around 12:30PM / 1:00PM.
Allow for time to drop off the car rental at Iceland Car Rental Keflavik Airport located at 235 Reykjanesbær.
Total driving time: 40 minutes (48 km)
*Additional nights in Reykjavik or near the airport can be accommodated upon request.
RETREAT INCLUSIONS
- Transportation throughout the tour (van rental or shuttle)
- Accommodations in 3* guesthouses, hotels, cabins, or B&Bs
- Meals specified in the itinerary - excluding alcoholic beverages
- Yoga Instructor / Group Leader
- Blue Lagoon Premium Package
- Private Group Fjallsárlón Boat Tour
- Yoga / Meditation / Guided Adventures led by Marisa Cline
EXCLUSIONS
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages, alcoholic beverages and meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Activities and excursions which have not been mentioned in the itinerary
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips
- Any other services not specified above.