Encounter West & South Iceland

Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, a taxi will be waiting to take you to the capital city of Reykjavik. En route, you’ll pass through Iceland’s scenic landscapes, including stretches of open terrain, rocky fields, and coastal views. Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at central hotel in Reykjavík, where you can begin your exploration of Iceland’s vibrant culture, history, and architecture. Overnight at Reykjavík hotel

Meet your tour guide this morning for a tour of Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital. Learn about the history while visiting landmarks such as the beautiful church Hallgrímskirkja, the University district, and the harbor, where fishing boats, mountain views, and the Harpa concert hall create a distinctive atmosphere. Then we drive to Bessastaðir, the historic home of the president of Iceland. We head to an Icelandic restaurant for a lunch stop, where we will experience Iceland through a seasonal menu, with the chef leading the way and the waiter serving as your guide. Afterwards, we will head to Harpa and enjoy the Volcano Express, a short film about Iceland’s volcanic nature. Overnight at Reykjavik hotel

We leave Reykjavík and head west through the countryside towards Borgarfjörður Valley, a region shaped by geothermal energy, rivers and lava fields. We will stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where steam rises steadily from the ground. Afterwards, we head to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, both part of the same river system. At Hraunfossar the cold spring water emerges from beneath a wide lava field and flows into the Hvítá river – a formation created by volcanic activity over 1000 years ago. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, where the river narrows between rock formations. Our journey than takes us to Húsafell, a quiet area near the highlands. From here, we join the Into the Glacier tour, a guided excursion into a man-made ice tunnel inside Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Specially equipped vehicles bring us up onto the ice, where we explore the glacier from within. Group dinner and Overnight in Husafell

Today’s adventure starts at Hvammsvík Hot Springs located in Hvalfjörður, where geothermal pools meet the sea. After a rejuvenating soak, we will continue towards the Golden Circle. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930 AD. The site is also located between two tectonic plates, The North American and Eurasian plates. After taking in the sites at Þingvellir, we head to Laugarvatn Fontana. While there we will see traditional rye bread baked using geothermal heat; after hearing the history behind the baking of the bread, we get to taste it while warm. Friðheimar Geothermal Greenhouse & Horse Stables is our next stop, where we will learn about greenhouse farming supported by geothermal energy – plus meet Icelandic horses.
Before going to the hotel for the evening, we will stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. Followed by the Geysir area, where the geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Overnight in Haukadalur (or similar)

This morning we venture to the South Shore of Iceland, known for its waterfalls, open landscapes and coastal features shaped by volcanic activity. The day includes a visit to Skógafoss waterfall as well as Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where it is possible to view the falls from behind. We explore Skógar Folk Museum, with more than 15,000 artefacts related to daily life in rural Iceland. Turf houses and tools on display offer insight into the country’s cultural heritage. Further east, we reach the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its striking basalt columns and sea stacks rising from the ocean. A short stop is also made in the village of Vík. Overnight in Haukadalur

Begin the day with a visit to Kerið, a volcanic crater formed about 3000 years ago. The crater is about 55 meters deep and features a small lake at its base. From there, we head to the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geological activity. The area is shaped by volcanic forces, with dramatic fissures, bubbling hot springs, and vast lava fields creating a unique landscape. Our first stop is at the Bridge Between Continents, which lies on one of the world’s largest plate boundaries – between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We continue to Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and surrounding landscapes. Afterwards, we stop at Gunnuhver, a geothermal area bursting with boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and vibrant colors from surrounding rocks and minerals that give it an otherworldly atmosphere. We end the day with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is renowned for its strikingly vivid blue-turquoise and mineral-rich waters. Soak and unwind surrounded by the surreal and lunar-like landscape of volcanic rocks and moss. After a week of adventures, we head back to the capital. Overnight at Reykjavík hotel

Transfer to Keflavik international airport by taxi for your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Iceland!