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.

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.

Dinner and overnight stay in Vik area for the next 2 nights.

Day 4: Vik – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón

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. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see floating icebergs and maybe a curious seal or two. An optional boat trip (extra charge) takes you on a sail between the icebergs.  Return to Vik for your overnight.

Dinner and overnight in Vik area.

Day 5: Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Reykjavik

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

Breakfast at your hotel. Start with a visit  to the new Lava Center, an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. Afterwards,  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 Gullgoss, 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

Overnight stay in Reykjavík. Dinner is on your own.  

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to the airport not included.

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.