Journeys: Explore Iceland

Reykjavik

Arrive at any time.

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.

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 Expedition Leader 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.Please note that due to high demand there may be limited availability when booking optional activities during the tour. Many of these can be pre-booked and we recommend that they are purchased in advance in order to secure space as they are quite popular. See the Available Extras below for details and add them in the Tour Extras section when confirming your trip.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodations:  Fosshotel Reykjavik

Reykjavik/Skaftafell

Discover the beauty of Iceland's southern coast as we drive towards Skaftafell.Take in views of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, whose 2010 eruption sent massive clouds of ash into the atmosphere of the North Atlantic. See the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and follow a hidden path through a canyon to the secluded falls of Gljufrabui. Stop in Hveragerdi, nicknamed the "hot spring village," where you will have the opportunity to taste bread baked in a hot spring. Then visit the Lava Center in Hvolsvollur for a look at how volcanoes and earthquakes have shaped the island.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Reykjavik - Skaftafell 7h - 8h 350km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hveragerði geothermal garden and hot springs

Hveragerdi

Visit the geothermal garden of Hveragerdi, a hot spring village, where you have the opportunity to taste black bread and eggs baked directly in a hot spring. Learn how locals use the geothermal elements in daily life and have developed the community gardens and greenhouse to grow their town and promote green living.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Visit

Seljalandsfoss 0.5h - 1h

Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.

Lava Centre

Hvolsvollur 1h

Visit this stunning interactive exhibition to learn about all aspects of Iceland's unique geography, including volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal activity.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hali Country Hotel

Skaftafell

Continue exploring the southern shore, driving through sandy plains and moss-covered lava fields and stopping along the way at historical and geological sites. Visit Diamond Beach, scattered with icebergs that wash up on the black sands, and see iridescent ice formations in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. Consider enhancing your experience by opting for the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride, or take take some time on your own to soak in the stunning scenery. Hike in Vatnajokull National Park to Svartifoss waterfall, framed by basaltic lava columns, and pause at a historic farmstead in Oraefi, home to one of Iceland's best preserved turf churches.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Visit

Jokulsarlon 1h - 2h 3km

Visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with views of the ice cap. The lake is the lowest point in the country and filled with icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals lounging on top. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier that float down to the coast's black sand shores. Total distance: 3km.

Vatnajökull Glacier Visit

Vatnajokull 3h - 4h

Stop at Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe, covering over 8% of Iceland. There are multiple volcanoes underneath the glacier as well as over 30 outlet glaciers that stem from Vatnajokull.

Hike to Svartifoss waterfall

Skaftafell 2h - 2.25h

Enjoy a hike in Vatnajokull National Park to view Svartifoss waterfall. Also known as the black falls, the stunning site is surrounded by dark basaltic lava columns.

Private Vehicle

Skaftafell

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hali Country Hotel
1
Optional Activities for Day 3
Show
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride
5700ISK Per Person
Jokulsarlon
Opt to take a boat ride around the lagoon to get closer to the floating icebergs with their seal passengers. The lagoon can be appreciated from the shore, but joining an amphibian boat tour allows you to get up close to the beautiful and unusually coloured icebergs floating in the water. This activity is offered from 1 May to 30 October, and is subject to availability.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Skaftafell/Vik

Embark on a guided walk atop a glacier in Skaftafell National Park, which was incorporated into Vatnajokull National Park in 2008. Strap on a pair of crampons and get close-up views of intriguing ice formations, deep sinkholes, and rugged crevasses. Later, stroll along the black sands of Reynisfjara beach, capturing images of the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Depending on the season and nesting habits of birdlife, we may also visit Dyrholaey Cape. As well, it is possible to see puffins at Reynisfjara beach, Dyrholaey Cape or near Vik in the summer months (15 May - 15 August).

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Skaftafell - Vik 5h - 6h 230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike

Skaftafell 4h

Glacier Wonders is a superb glacier hiking tour from Skaftafell into the magnificent ice world of Falljokull glacier, a tongue of the mighty Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Your certified glacier guide will show you astonishing crevasses which wind through the ice and incredible glistening ice formations. During this tour, you will learn how a living glacier moves and why this magical ice kingdom is constantly changing. Total distance: 6km. WHAT TO BRING -Warm outdoor clothing -Waterproof jacket & pants -Headwear -Gloves -Good hiking boots are essential (rental boots available ISK 1000 extra)

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisdrangar

Visit Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vik. Its black sand and ominous rock formations offshore make for stunning photos. Take some time to watch the foaming white waves crash over the black sand (but don't get too close, the waves here can be extremely powerful), explore the shallow cave if weather and time permits, and get a photo of the basalt sea stacks.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Dyrholaey

Vik/Golden Circle/Selfoss

This morning, learn about Icelandic cultural heritage at the Skogar Folk Museum and visit the awe-inspiring Skogafoss waterfall, opting to climb 400-odd steps to the viewing platform for spectacular vistas. Then set out on a tour of the celebrated Golden Circle. Stand in awe before the steaming Geysir, from which the English word "geyser" derives, and visit the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Vik - Selfoss 5h - 6h 230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Skógasafn Museum

Skogafoss

Skogar Museum, is a cultural heritage collection of 15,000 regional folk craft artifacts exhibited throughout 6 historical buildings.

Skógafoss Waterfall Visit

Skogafoss 1h

Visit Skogafoss, one of the largest and most recognisable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls form a constant mist that floats in the air, creating rainbows as sunlight allows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.

Geysir Visit

Geysir 0.5h - 0.75h

See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.

Gullfoss Waterfall Visit

Gullfoss 0.75h

Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three "steps" before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Ork Selfoss

Selfoss to Snaefellsnes Region

Begin the day with a walk in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we'll see the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Continue to a traditional Icelandic farm-located in the narrow fjord of Hvalfjordur-to learn about rural Icelandic life and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. We'll then make our way to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland.

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.

Depending on the departure we may be staying in Snaefellsnes or Reykholt, both within easy driving distance to all sites on the peninsula

Exclusive Inclusions:

Thingvellir National Park Visit

Thingvellir 2h - 3h

Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland's parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.

Private Vehicle

Selfoss - Snaefellsnes 6h - 8h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Icelandic Farm Experience

Hvalfjordur

Visit a traditional Icelandic farm in the narrow fjord of Hvalfjordur or 'Whale Fjord'. Enjoy a visit and learn about local farming practices and daily life then sit down for a local lunch from the farmers' own produce, including Icelandic lamb.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Snaefellsnes Region

Spend the day exploring the peninsula, including Snaefellsjokull National Park and its mystical glacier-topped volcano, which Jules Verne wrote about in his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. See Budir church, a tiny black church perched in the middle of a lava field; the Londrangar sea stacks; the iconic peak of Kirkjufell, featured in Game of Thrones; and the black pebble beach at Djupalonssandur.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes 11h 400km

Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, visiting places such as Kirkjufell, or 'Church Mountain', on the north shore, Olafsvik and Arnarstapi villages, and Djupalonssandur pebble beach.

Snaefellsjokull National Park

Snaefellsnes

Established in 2001 to protect the area's unique landscape, indigenous plants and animal life as well as the important historical relics, the park is the only Icelandic national park that stretches to the sea. Within the park is the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano which Many believe is one of the seven main energy centres of the earth. Surrounded in myth, the glacier also plays a big role as "the Center of the Earth" in Jules Verne's famed novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Snaefellsnes/Reykjavik

Venture to Borgarfjordur, a picturesque fjord that has provided the setting for many of Iceland's sagas. See the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls; and step into Reykholt, the homestead of the 12th-century writer Snorri Sturluson. We'll also visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, whose water heats most buildings in western Iceland. In the afternoon we'll take some much-needed time to relax at Krauma Spa and Geothermal Baths before continuing on to Reykjavik for our final evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Snaefellsnes - Reykjavik 6h - 8h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sagaland

Borgarfjordur

Explore the Borgarfjordur region which was the setting for most of the Icelandic sagas. The area's landscape, nature and culture heritage seemingly bring history to life.

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Reykholt

Visit Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful hot spring in Iceland whose water heats most buildings in the West of Iceland.

Krauma Spa and Geothermal Baths

Reykholt

Unwind at Krauma Spa, which offers five natural geothermal baths for a relaxing soak.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Fosshotel Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Depart at any time.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast