We’ll carefully select your guide from our small group of “super” guides who know Iceland’s backroads and wilderness conditions intimately. They are experts in guiding outdoor activities for both beginners and experienced participants. Most importantly, they are passionate about sharing Iceland’s culture and nature with our visitors to Iceland.
Highlights: Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja National Museum The Blue Lagoon
Please note: If you have added extra nights in Reykjavik before your tour, our guide will meet you and the group for the start of the tour on Day 2 according to the standard “South Iceland Adventure” itinerary.
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Transfers to Reykjavik are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.
If you are arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We would be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a wonderful way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a wonderful way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Myrdalsjokull Reynisdrangar Cliffs Vík
4×4 Adventure – Back Roads and Beautiful Views – Lava Cave – Black Sand Coast – Waterfalls
Distance travelled is variable – route chosen based on the most scenic options each day. 250 – 350km (155 – 186 miles)
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your driver-guide, who will brief you on the day’s excursion. Today you will be an explorer as well as a traveler! It’s important to know that your guide may adjust the itinerary to snow and weather conditions, to make sure each day is an adventure that shows you the best of the area at the time you are visiting. Enjoy travelling in an amazing off-road vehicle that can easily cross the roughest of Icelandic terrain.
All the activities planned are fun, but you are not required to take part. So, don’t worry if you don’t feel up to it. The days will be great with lots to see.
Once you leave the city limits, it will not take long to reach remote areas. You will start the day with an easy caving expedition into an ancient lava tube. This cave was created by volcanic eruptions and gives a rare glimpse of how a volcano looks from the inside.
After emerging from the underground, drive along the South Shore using back roads and trails, enjoying the views of rugged coasts and isolated farms.
Along the way you’ll stop to view some of the beautiful waterfalls that decorate the South Shore such as the mighty Skogafoss waterfall. If conditions are exactly right, you might also visit a hidden waterfall, a local gem accessible only to small groups.
Then climb aboard the 4×4 vehicle again to explore a part of the region’s famous black sand beaches.
At the end of the day, you’ll visit a secret natural wonder on the black sandy beach.
Spend the evening at the Hrifunes guesthouse, located on a cozy farm just on the edge of the highland wilderness. Hrifunes is far away from any light pollution, so if the weather conditions are right, there is a chance you might see northern lights.
The hosts of Hrifunes, Haukur and Hadda, will make sure you have a comfortable stay. They serve home-made family-style dinners or buffets. Dinner is an especially fun part of the day, with lots of chatting and laughter about the day spent together. Our past visitors have really enjoyed this experience and the opportunity to enjoy good food and get to know the other people on the trip better.
Highlights: Eldhraun Lava Field Skaftafell National Park Vatnajokull Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Extensive Lava fields – Europe’s largest glacier – Glacier Hike – Lagoon with Icebergs
Distance travelled is variable – route chosen based on the most scenic options each day. Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
After a hearty Icelandic breakfast, start your day by driving along the mountain road that crosses Eldhraun, a huge lava field created by an eruption in the 18th century.
Pass the huge cliffs at Lomagnupur with their incredible basalt columns and enjoy some of the hidden gems the area has to offer. Continue to the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park. The entire national park covers about 14% of Iceland, making it one of the largest parks in Europe. Here you will don crampons and, with ice pick in hand, hike on the wonderous Svinafellsjokull glacier. During the hike you’ll see amazing shapes in the ice and learn how glaciers are formed.
Afterwards, enjoy the famous Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon with its colorful icebergs and lazy seals, and the picturesque Diamond Beach close by. Plenty of photo opportunities here!
After an exciting day of ice, icebergs, and volcanic lava, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight at Hrifunes, your home away from home.
Highlights: Eyjafjallajokull Hekla Gullfoss Geysir Thingvellir National Park Reykjavik
Volcanic Views – Golden Waterfall – Erupting Hot Springs – Bathing in a Secret Lagoon
Distance travelled is variable – route chosen based on the most scenic options each day. Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
Enjoy another delicious Hrifunes breakfast. Then you’re off again for another day’s adventure in your trusty off road vehicle.
Make your way towards the Golden Circle, passing through regions with views of volcanic mountains such as the famous Eyjafjallajokull (2010 eruption) and Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano.
On the agenda today is a swim in the Secret Lagoon, a peaceful hot spring fed lake. Created by local residents using the natural landscape and materials in 1891, it is Iceland’s oldest geothermal swimming pool. The water has natural minerals that soothe your skin. Surrounding the pool are tiny bubbling mud pots and a little geyser that erupts regularly. Watching these tiny geothermal marvels as you soak in the Secret Lagoon is a special experience.
End your day visiting the three natural pearls that create the famous Golden Circle: the big waterfall Gullfoss, the spouting hot spring area of Geysir and the beautiful Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is the ancient location of Iceland’s first parliament, as well as the meeting point of two tectonic plates that divide Europe from North America. Your guide will bid you adieu with a taste of Iceland’s famous schnapps, brennivin, and a bit of fermented shark meat to go with it. It is a true Viking test and tastier than it sounds!
Return to Reykjavik where the evening is at your leisure.
Overnight in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
We recommend you depart from your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!
