On the first day your journey heads for the famous Golden circle. You will visit the classic destinations like Thingvellir, the site of the old Icelandic parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the legendary Geysir and Gullfoss also known as the Golden Waterfall. To add even more to your experience on this fun filled day you will also visit the volcanic crater called Kerid.
For the next two days you will continue your journey along Iceland’s south coast to discover its stunning glaciers, lava fields, volcanoes, strong rivers and waterfalls. You will also see an amazing black beach scattered with icebergs, next to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is where huge icebergs float in ice cold water and seals swim around them. The highlights in this part of your tour is a visit to the unique Blue Ice cave in Vatnajokull.
The last part is a fairy-tale adventure around the West Iceland and Snæfellsnes peninsula. Less than 3 hours from Reykjavik, this area combines all the wonders of Iceland in one place: the sea crashing upon the sandy shores, jagged lava fields, volcanic craters, waterfalls, imposing cliffs for hiking and photography, and small fishing villages for those who are curious about the culture Iceland. A visit to the Vidgelmir Lave cave (biggest one of its kind here in Iceland) is included in the tour.
Join this 5 day adventure for an unforgettable experience. Included is accommodation for 4 nights with breakfast, entrance to Blue Ice Cave and Vidgelmir Lave Cave with all safety gear provided and entrance to the Kerid Volcanic Crater.
This package can be booked with Standard & Reversed itinerary. Reversed itinerary starts with 2 Days on the West Coast followed by 3 Days on the South Coast. All inclusions & exclusions remain the same
Day 1 | Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater
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On the first day you will visit Golden Circle – Geysers, Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. We want to add something unique to your experience and that’s why we will also visit the Volcanic Crater Kerid.
First on the agenda is a visit to Thingvellir National park. It lies within the belt of volcanic activity and fissures which pass across Iceland, a part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, the junction of the american and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a nice feeling to stand with your right foot in Europe and the left one in America. This amazing place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is shrouded in the history of Iceland and the Vikings of the past.
Next stop is the Geysir – the biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir itself, which gives the others their name. Strokkur erups every 5 to 10 minutes, throwing a column of water into the air to a height of 20 to 30 meters. Here you can also buy some refreshments or lunch.
From Geysir we drive to Gullfoss. Known as the Golden Waterfall, this is one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland, powerful and beautiful as it rushes down from two tiers into an ancient valley.
Last on the agenda is a visit to the Volcanic Crater Kerid. The crater is 270 m wide and more than 55 m deep. There is a lake in the bottom of the crater which gives it a magical and colorful appearance. After enjoying this fantastic creation of nature, you stay overnight on the South Coast, where you can admire famous Northern Lights (if the weather conditions will allow to do so)
Optional Activity (no pre-booking required):
GEOTHERMAL HOT TUBS
GEOTHERMAL HOT TUBS
GEOTHERMAL HOT TUBS
GEOTHERMAL HOT TUBS
After exploring four incredible attractions located on the Golden Circle Route you will arrive in Hveragerði, a town renowned for its vibrant geothermal activity. Not only will you have the chance to witness a smaller version of Geyser, but you can also indulge in a relaxing dip in the warm, naturally heated waters.
Be sure to pack your swimwear and end your day in the famous Icelandic geothermal pools! There is no better way to enhance your evening! Hot Tubs are located at or by your hotel and entrance is included.
After overnight stay on the countryside you will drive along route 1 passing through small towns and enjoying the beauty of the Icelandic South Cast. Your first stop will be at the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is located beneath the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Remember to ask your tour guide all about the colossal eruption back in 2010. Close by is the beautiful but less known waterfall Gljufrabui.
Next up is the stunning Skogafoss, a drop of 60 m (200ft) of natural raw power that must be seen to be believed. You will then have the additional pleasure of visiting the secret waterfall of Írafoss.
Then it is on to Reynisfjara, a black sand beach nestling under Mt. Reynisfjall – seasonal home to numerous puffins that dive from its cliffs out to sea. Black basalt has been shaped into amazing different formations, most notably the famous Reynisdrangar. Beware the might of the Atlantic Ocean which looms with its powerful waves.
At the end of the day, your accommodation awaits in a countryside. On the way there and during the night, we will look out for the best way to see Northern Lights if conditions are favorable.
OVERNIGHT STAY ON THE COUNTRYSIDE
If we are lucky with the weather and if the aurora is active, we will make the best use of the low light pollution in this area to try to see them. Remember though – the Northern Lights are not “switched on” every day!
Today, you set off in the morning for a totally unique experience. A visit to a natural stunning Blue Ice cave will be the highlight of the day.
You start by driving to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This famous lagoon is filled with huge chunks of ice that have cracked off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float slowly out to sea. Some icebergs wash on shore, lying on the vivid black sand like diamonds on satin and from there, your Ice cave adventure will begin.
The ice caves only form in the winter when glacial water freezes to create this unique natural phenomenon. Each season, the local glacier experts find the best caves to visit in an enjoyable and safe way.
From the glacier lagoon, they drive you through the best of Icelandic highlands in a special Super Jeep to the ice cave. There you will have about an hour to explore and enjoy the magical blue caves. Please do not forget to bring your camera!
After this unforgettable adventure, you drive back to the Jokulsarlon where you join the bus again. From there, you drive to the Hofskirkja Turf Church!
On the way back to Reykjavik, you will of course be able to enjoy the beautiful nature of the South Coast and to make a quick stop in Vik village for some refreshments, while keeping an eye out for the Northern lights if conditions are right.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT REYKJAVIK - short pit stop before heading West
Today we’ll take you to Borgarfjordur, thought to be the location for many of the famous Icelandic Sagas.
Deep in the heart of the wild landscapes here, you’ll see Deildartunguhver – the most powerful hot springs in Europe, which pumps out more than 180 liters of boiling water every second. The next stop will be at Reykholt, which is an historic site in Iceland’s folklore, featured in the writings of Snorri Sturluson, a famous poet and local chieftain. Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool) is an old-time hot spring, where locals have bathed for hundreds of years. Snorralaug is now a protected archaeological treasure, and there is also a traditional timber church here to look at too.
Awe-inspiring waterfalls at Hraunfossar are next on the itinerary. Magnificent stretch of waterfalls that runs for nearly a kilometer over a rugged lava field. There is another waterfall nearby, known as Barnafoss, or the “waterfall of the children”. Once there was a stone arch making a natural bridge over the Hvita river here. Many years ago, two children from a nearby farm were drowned when they tried to cross it. Their heartbroken mother had the bridge destroyed to save others from the same sad end.
For lunch you will stop at Husafell. Set between two glaciers, Husafell is an entrancing place filled with Viking history, with traditional turf houses and little elf huts to amuse the children too. This is a charming spot, with thick birch tree forests and pretty waterfalls, and it has been an inspiration for local artists. As well as that, the “Husafell Stone” can be found here, a legendary “lifting stone”, once used to test the strength of the locals and still used in strongman competitions today.
Choose your activity during booking process:
LAVA CAVE
From Húsafell you will be taken to the Viðgelmir Lava Cave. Explore an astonishing lava cave system deep underground. Filled with fascinating ice formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, this multicolored marvel is one of the most extensive lava tunnels in the world. You’ll see its best features on this thrilling 90-minute tour.
CANYON BATHS
Relax like a Viking in the fabulous Canyon Baths deep in the Deildargil canyon. Enjoy a 4WD journey with stunning views of beautiful canyon waterfall called Langifoss to reach a second secret canyon. Then you can lie back in the warming waters of an authentic stone-walled spa and enjoy unforgettable views!
Day 5 | The Magnificent Snaefellsnes National Park
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Day 5 begins with a scenic drive towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – by many called “Iceland in miniature”. There are not some many places here in Iceland where you can see so many kinds of geology packed into such a small area.
There are very good reasons why Snaefellsnes was on the Lonely Planet TOP 10 Regions in World 2015 list. While driving along shores of the peninsula you will pass by lovely and charming fishing villages, biggest strato-volcano in Iceland called Snaefellsjokull, walk on top of the cliffs and have an opportunity to spot wild seals resting at the Ytri-Tunga Beach. Djúpalónssandur is another gorgeous black sand beach, where the air is filled with the sounds of birds circling the cliffs and the ocean waves hitting the sand. The most recognizable spot on the peninsula is Kirkjufell (Church) mountain accompanied by a small, but iconic falls. Make sure to have your camera ready to take a picture for your collection!
On the way to Reykjavík you will pass by the Whale Fiord (Hvalfjordur) and the tunnel laying 165 meters below it.
Accommodation for 4 nights in a double or a twin room with private bathroom and breakfast included
Ice Caving Expeditions with all the safety equipment provided
Lava Caving Expeditions with all the safety equipment provided
Entry fee to Kerid Volcanic Crater
Free Wi-Fi on bus and USB chargers next to every seat
Excluded
Lunch & Dinner – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch or snacks during the tour
Swimwear and towel - needed for optional visits at local swiminning pools
This package can be booked with Standard & Reversed itinerary. Reversed itinerary starts with 2 Days on the West Coast followed by 3 Days on the South Coast. All inclusions & exclusions remain the same
Know Before You Go
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location
Tour is operated under all weather conditions: please bring warm, wind & waterproof clothes
Duration of the tour is 5 days and 4 night
Estimated arrival time in Reykjavík on Day 5 is around 20:00 (Depending on weather and road conditions)
If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary of this tour by changing the order of visited attractions
PLEASE NOTE: If you select option with visit at Canyon Baths please remember to bring your own towel and swimwear
Hiking boots are mandatory
Proper footwear when walking on uneven and slippery surfaces increases your safety and comfort. Please note, that you can be banned from participating in glacier activities when not wearing required shoes. If you do not own proper footwear (solid shoes reaching above your ankle) you can rent them during booking process
Luggage allowance
Each guests can bring one small carry-on and checked-in size luggage. For your convenience, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small suitcase or backpack.
We offer pick up and drop off within the city of Reykjavik. We can pick-up directly from many hotels and guest houses in Reykjavik as well as from the Reykjavik cruise ship terminals.
Parts of Reykjavík City Center are closed for the commercial traffic. Please note, that your pick up might be from one of the dedicated meeting points
