Volcanoes and Glaciers in Iceland

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Iceland.

If your flight lands early in the day we recommend taking the time to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland.
Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.
In the evening you can choose from multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík (airport transfer not included).

Day 2: Westman Islands

Lava Fields – Puffin Island – Magnificent lava fields

Breakfast at your hotel.  The first stop today will be made at Seljalandafoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall.

Travel along the farmlands of the south coast to Landeyjahofn harbor. After arriving at the Bakkafjara pier, take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. The destination is Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westmans and the only inhabited one.  Visit the island´s  Storhofdi Point with its fantastic views over the area.  During mid-May through the beginning of August it is also possible to see puffins here. Take a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago.  Visit Eldheimar Museum and explore the flora growing in the new lava field. Afternoon at leisure to explore the island on your own.

The rest of the afternoon is open for you to explore the island on your own. Walk along the harbor and check out the 17^th-century earth fort built to protect the islands from pirate raids. Catch some interesting and timeless photos of the replica of a Viking age stave church built in the year 2000. Take a swim in the public swimming pool, which uses geothermally warmed sea water. Soak in the vibes of the charming and lively fishing town, home to the family-owned Brothers micro-brewery and several restaurants known for great seafood and a charming local feeling. Or simply sit by the sea and enjoy the sounds of the waves and the calls of the sea birds and the peaceful atmosphere of the islands.

Overnight in the Westman Islands.  Dinner on own.

Day 3: South Shore - Skógar – Vík

Powerful Volcanoes – Folk Museum – Black sand beaches

 Breakfast at your hotel.  Take the ferry back from the Westman Islands and travel further on along the south coast.  Pass numerous glacial rivers en route to Skogarfoss waterfall. A famous folk museum is nearby, showcasing the buildings and daily life of Icelanders in the past centuries.   Continue on to the black sands of Reynisfjara beach.  Here you can witness the powerful waves and amazing basalt column features carved by the power of the sea.

Soon you will be in the area of Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Visit Solheimajokull, a glacier outlet from Mydralsjokull glacier. Solheimajokull is a fantastic opportunity to discover glaciers up close. You can choose one of two unforgettable glacier experiences (Both activities are great for beginners; no previous experience is needed).

Glacier Hike- Strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and follow an expert glacier guide on Solheimajokull itself. You’ll explore the glacier’s surface, discovering amazing ice formations and learn interesting facts about how glaciers form. (Duration: 2 – 2,5 hours) Note: Minimum age for tour is 8 years old and a minimum shoe size of European 34 (U.S. 25)

Glacier View Kayaking - Enjoy Solheimajokull from a different angle on an easy kayak tour. Paddle a special sit-on-top kayak in a natural lagoon that flows out from Solheimajokull glacier. Follow your guide’s kayak on this easy tour as you paddle between stunning icebergs. Enjoy views of the glacier you can only see from the water. (Duration: 2,5 hours) Note: minimum age for kayaking is 12 years old

Afterwards, continue your journey. Visit the magical black sands of Reynisfjara beach. Here you can witness powerful waves and amazing basalt column structures carved by the power of the sea. Walking along the beach and hearing the thundering waves is a reminder of nature’s power.

Head to the village of Vik for your overnight. Vik has become a base for a variety of activity tours. This evening you might like to try a Zip Line adventure or a horseback ride along the black sand beach. We can book these tours for you in advance.

Overnight stay in Vik. Dinner is on your own.

Overnight stay in Vik area for the next 2 nights. Dinner on own.

Day 4: Vik – Skaftafell – Glacier lagoon with Icebergs.

Europe's Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier.  Cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth before reaching the small town Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. Head onward to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacier-ringed valley in Vatnajökull National Park.

Visit Skaftafell, a beautiful glacier-ringed valley in Vatnajokull National Park. The contrast of black volcanoes, silvery glaciers and small green forests is strikingly beautiful. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see floating icebergs and maybe a curious seal or two. Spend a few moments here taking in this unforgettable site. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, a black sand area where broken bits of ice bergs come to rest before they eventually drift to sea.

Now it’s time to enjoy the beauty of ice and water even more with a boat trip! Head to the Iceberg Lagoon, another (and quieter) glacier lagoon in the area. Take a Zodiac boat tour amid the floating ice bergs, viewing the different shapes and shades of blue. Enjoy the guide’s interesting insights about the glacier and the area’s history and nature.

Return to Vik for your overnight. Dinner and overnight in Vik.

Dinner and overnight in Vik area.

Day 5: Gullfoss – Geysir – Thingvellir – Reykjavik

Exploding Geysers – The beautiful Golden Falls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

Lively Geysers and Golden Falls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO World Heritage Site

Breakfast at your hotel. Head for the Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir as well as Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. Travel onward to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The next stop is Thingvellir National Park, where the Viking-age parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also where you can see the meeting point for the European and North American tectonic plates.  After some time to explore Thingvellir, head back to Reykjavik

The next stop isThingvellir National Park,where the Viking-age parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Thingvellir is where Iceland became a nation, and many important decisions and historical events happened here. Thingvellir is  also a fascinating place geologically; the North American and European tectonic plates meet, allowing you to walk between continents.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík. Dinner is on your own.  

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to the airport not included. We would be happy to arrange it for you. Either a private transfer or an airport shuttle.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon (Reservation required) on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport if your flight schedule allows it.