Explore Iceland
7 days
Duration7 days
At the place where two continental plates brush up against each other is Iceland, land of fire and ice. Get up close to this unique country on a seven-day exploration of its natural highlights. Make your way through lava tube caves, watch the living Earth in action at some of the island’s volcanoes, relax in incredible hot springs, and keep your eyes peeled for whales off the coast. Find your element in a place of extreme elements.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Upgraded
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík
There is a lot to do in and around Reykjavik - should you wish to take advantage of the many optional activities, such as the Blue Lagoon thermal pools, we recommend booking a pre or post night.
Hotel accommodation in Iceland is very limited and rooms/facilities can be fairly simple with few amenities. Hotels are chosen for their location and access to the wonderous landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Hotels are often remote, all the better to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
Hotel accommodation in Iceland is very limited and rooms/facilities can be fairly simple with few amenities. Hotels are chosen for their location and access to the wonderous landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Hotels are often remote, all the better to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
Arrive at any time.
During winter months (generally November through early March) the itinerary and inclusions are highly subject to change based on weather conditions and less "daylight "hours. Your CEO will go over the schedule and advise you of any alterations on a daily basis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding that this is completely outside of G Adventures control.
Day 2: Reykjavík/Golden Circle/Selfoss
Thingvellir National Park is the meeting place of the two tectonic plates on which America and Europe rest. This rift is clearly visible in the huge fissures that scar the landscape surrounding the lake and lava fields. Continue on to Geysir, the world famous spouting hot spring, which gave all others its name, then Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Falls, thundering down 32 meters into the Hvítá River Gorge.
Explore the geological wonders that have shaped Iceland on a tour of the Golden Circle, including a walk in Thingvellir National Park and visits to the Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir hot springs. Also visit a farm to learn about the use of geothermal energy in Icelandic horticulture and enjoy a lunch of local produce. Spend the evening relaxing at the geothermal hot tubs and sauna at our hotel.
During winter months (generally Nov-Feb) it may be possible to view the Northern lights in a few spots along the itinerary. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings will be dependent on weather conditions. G Adventures cannot guarantee that travellers booked on this tour will experience the Northern Lights.
Enjoy lunch at a farm.
Meals: B, L
Day 3: Selfoss/Vik
Depending on the season and nesting habits of birdlife, we may also visit Dyrhólaey Cape. As well, it is possible to see puffins at Reynisfjara beach, Dyrhólaey Cape or near Vík in the summer months (15 May - 15 August).
Discover the beauty of Iceland’s south shore, catching views of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Visit the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall and follow our CEO along a hidden path to the secret waterfall of Gljúfrabúi. Stop along the way to visit the Skogarsafn Museum, and the famous Skogafoss waterfall. We'll also explore the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the surrounding coast in search of birds and wildlife.
Meals: B
Day 4: Vik/Skaftafell
Visit Skaftafell National Park for an incredibly scenic hike on the glacier, feeling the ancient ice under our feet. Above us rises the massive Vatnajökull glacier in all its magnificence. Walking on crampons (metal spikes for the soles of our shoes), we'll safely traverse the ice viewing ice formations, deep sink holes and rugged crevasses. On winter departures (November - March), depending on weather conditions we also will visit an ice cave on our hike. Our highly qualified glacier guides will educate you about the Vatnajökull Glacier and the rough outlet glaciers, such as Virkisjökull, which descend from the main hub, towards the ocean.
Depart early for Skaftafell and embark on a scenic glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park with an expert guide. Take in the impressive icy formations and hike to a waterfall to learn more about the Vatnajokull glacier and National Park.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Skaftafell
We make various stops today along the South shore including; The Church Floor underground basalt columns, Dverghamrar "Dwarf Rocks" basalt columns, Eldhraun "Fire Lava" lava field (created in one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history in 1783-1784, affecting not only Icelanders but Europeans as well), Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Skeiðarábrú twisted bridge (the remains of the bridge destroyed in a massive flood, caused by an sub-glacier eruption, that brought huge icebergs - some as big as a house).
Continue exploring the south shore's sandy plains and moss-covered lava fields, stopping along the way at various historical and geological sites. Visit Crystal beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to view icebergs which get carried out to sea, often washing back ashore on the black sand beach. Later, visit the Thorbergur Cultural Heritage Museum and enjoy a traditional dinner. Opt for a boat ride on the lagoon (May-October).
Meals: B
Day 6: Skaftafell/Reykjavík
In the summer months, keep your eyes open for Reindeer, who come down to the lowlands and can often be seen grazing with sheep and cows.
Travel back to Reykjavik with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur and Hveragerði, then visit a local power plant to gain a better understanding of how geothermal energy is used throughout the country. Opt to have a farewell dinner with your CEO and enjoy your last evening out on the town.
Meals: B
Day 7: Reykjavík
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Geothermal Farm Visit with Lunch, Selfoss Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant Visit, Selfoss Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Golden Circle tour with a walk in Thingvellir National Park
- Visit Gulfoss waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Visit black sand beaches
- Take an ice walk on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park
- Visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon
- Visit Skogafoss waterfall
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private minivan/bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts)