The Tale of Trolls and Things: Summer in Iceland
August 16 - 23, 2025
About the Tale
Bismillah!
Caravan Tales welcomes you on a journey to explore a land of my heart: Iceland!
Participants will be compiling stories and reflections from their journey in Iceland to create the collective story: “The Tale of Trolls and Things.” The theme of the Tale is __________. Caravan Tales is about immersion and connection to people we meet. There will be limited stops to traditional tourist spots but guidance will be provided to those interested in visiting them on personal time!
Before take-off, we will gather (virtually) to become acquainted with one another, relay travel expectations, logistics and packing information! Companions of Caravan Tales are expected to uphold the highest level of respect and courtesy when traveling. Specific guidance will be provided pre-departure based on Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum Al Din - Chapter on the Conduct in Travel. This trip is open to all soul seekers, but will adhere to Islamic principles (e.g. daily prayers, no drinking).
Trip at a Glance
All participants 18+ are welcome! Participants younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a family member. This will be a hiking intensive trip with an average of 20,000 steps/day.
Arrival Date + Program Start Date - Saturday, August 16, 2025
When booking your flight, ensure you arrive to Keflavik International Airport by this date!
Program End Date - Sunday, August, 24, 2025
Book your flight to depart from Keflavik International Airport
Please note: Below shows the TENTATIVE plan, as plans are subject to change! This is purely to give you an idea of what theme of activities to expect. You will be added to a WhatsApp group a month from the start of the program which will include a detailed daily itinerary. If you need longer for shopping/want to see tourist sites not covered in the itinerary, I suggest you arrive earlier or prolong your stay!
You will not be taken to the typical tourist sites, please extend your trip or come earlier to visit the sites. I am happy to help you coordinate how to visit those locations!
Once upon a time, there was a Caravan of companions who embarked on a journey to a land so they may learn principles of Islam through the beauty of Iceland. Each day they would start with their spiritual vitamins of recitation of Surah Yasin, Wird-al-Latif, and setting intentions. They would end each night with reflections, game night to build camaraderie, and recitation of Surah Mulk.
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Friday, 4/25/25
They arrived to Tokyo, Japan, eager to meet the other Companions. After unpacking and getting settled in their cozy accommodation, they had a brief introduction session and then headed to the local konbini to initiate Japanese immersion! Those who arrived early in the day prayed Jummah at Tokyo Camii!
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Saturday, 4/26/25
The Companions jumped straight into their exploration of Tokyo including visiting the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and the surrounding streets buzzing with food vendors, visiting the Japan Muslim Association with a session with a beloved Japanese sheikh about Islam in Japan! They ended their day in an electrifying display of Tokyo city’s lights!
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Sunday, 4/27/25
In spirit of renewal and the coming of spring, they took a day trip out of the city to visit display of flower gardens. From this experience they learned about how beauty, nature and gardens are important to the Japanese people, conservation work of these gardens, and a visit to traditional housing and art studios!
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Monday, 4/28/25
The Companions strapped on their hiking boots as they would be hiking the day with hidden places of worship along the way, hopeful of views of Mount Fuji if the day is clear!
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Tuesday, 4/29/25
It was time to say goodbye to Tokyo and take the much awaited Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. They looked outside the train window in amazement at the fast speed and the beauty of the towns/cities in passing. The days preceding were packed with action so they needed time to recharge before joining back with their Companions for a game night, reflections, and recitation of Surah Mulk!
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Wednesday, 4/30/25
They headed to a suburb of Kyoto, passing breathtaking views of the Hozukyo Gorge to meet with an organization to bring awareness to local resources and conservation. They were surrounded by the serenity of the mountains and learned about the projects of the suburb. On the way back to their accommodation, they stopped by a bamboo town and had an outdoor afternoon session with a local Muslim brother on the similarities of Japanese linguistics and the Quran.
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Thursday, 5/1/25
They traveled to the heart of matcha production in Japan, learned tea preparation from a non profit organization working with tea farmers and producers. Then they journeyed on to Nara where they met with a sweet student to teach them about Japanese architecture and the deer park!
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Friday, 5/2/25
Phew! It was a busy past few days! The Companions prepared for Jummah in Kyoto and checked out local temples. They ended their day of exploration with a maghreb tour of the magically illuminated shrines!
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Saturday, 5/3/25
The Companions bid each other farewell with a heart full with newfound friendships, stories and direction for what is to come after the trip, including how they will benefit their communities.