Visit the world's Northernmost capital and some of its great, nearby attractions. This short tour includes airport transfers, accommodation and guided excursions from Reykjavík. Enjoy city sightseeing, a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon and an exploration of the three sights that make up the fabulous Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park and Geysir Hot Springs. You can also add extra nights and other great optional excursions to this tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 Reykjavik Arrival
Coach transfer from Keflavík Airport to your hotel or nearest bus stop in Reykjavik. The city centre is a small area, characterised by eclectic and colourful houses, good shopping and dining. Recently established as a haven for food lovers, there are numerous restaurants with many taking advantage of the abundant local seafood, meat and game. The city also has wonderful museums including the National Museum, displaying artefacts from the first settlement to the modern age, for an excellent overview of Iceland's history and culture. The Reykjavik 871+2 Settlement Museum, an archaeological museum based around a 10th century Viking longhouse unearthed in 2001. You may also like the Reykjavik Art Museum and the National Gallery.
Day 2 City Sightseeing and the Blue Lagoon
Today board a Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing bus and explore Reykjavik at your own pace, with the opportunity to hop on and off at conveniently located bus stops. Daily departures start every or 30 minutes (May-Sep) or 45 minutes (Oct-Apr). The full tour takes about 80-85 minutes, starting from the first stop at Harpa Concert Hall.
Then in the afternoon, take a non-guided coach transfer from the city to the Blue Lagoon, passing lava fields along the way. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the rejuvenating, aquamarine waters, rich in minerals and possibly healing powers. Return to Reykjavik by coach, at the conclusion of your visit - you can choose between several departure times.
Day 3 Golden Circle, Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park and Geysir
This exciting Golden Circle classic coach excursion takes you to three of the 'must see' sights. Start with a stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. This is also where the gigantic tectonic plates of America and Eurasia have pulled apart, with the resulting rift valley on the shores of Iceland’s biggest lake. The next stop is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders: Geysir hot springs, the home of the one-and-only original geyser. Here the ground trembles and steaming hot water spouts spectacularly skywards from the famous Strokkur geyser every few minutes. Then a short walk down to nearby Gullfoss Waterfall, which is an impressive sight to behold. Here a powerful glacial river cascades down 32m on two levels into a narrow canyon with a thunderous roar.
Day 4 Reykjavik Departure
Coach transfer from your hotel or nearest bus stop to Keflavik Airport where your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures: daily all year
Notes:
The order of excursions may change.
You can add extra nights and optional excursions (plus there are many more, please ask us):
Wonders of Snaefellsnes - 12hrs (all year)
There is something so otherworldly about Snaefellsnes that Icelanders often associate it with spiritual experiences and folk tales. This tour provides an insight and spectacular views of this unique area where geological wonders border on the magical. The Snaefellsnes peninsula in the West of Iceland is almost like a miniature version of the entire island. The area has beautiful samples of most of the natural landscapes that make Iceland so famous. This includes black beaches, magnificent mountains, volcanic craters, incredible birdlife, magical caves, and of course, the most picturesque glacier of them all, Snaefellsjokull. Part of the peninsula makes up Snaefellsjokull National Park, the country’s only coastal national park. This tour visits the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and provides real insight into quintessential volcanic craters. Along the way you’ll get great views of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain (famous from Game of Thrones ), and the dark cliffs and black sand of Djupalonssandur bay are a favorite among photographers. In the middle of this beautiful peninsula sits Snæfellsjökull, the stunning glacier that has captured the imagination of people all over the world, including Jules Verne who mentioned it in his novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You’ll enjoy grand views of this beautiful volcano glacier. It is, after all, the real star of the show.
Into the Glacier - Ice Cave Classic - 10hrs (all year)
Explore the second largest glacier in Iceland from the inside! This journey takes you on a guided tour in a monster truck to the entrance of the Langjokull Ice Cave. The man-made tunnel in Langjokull glacier is the largest of its kind in the world. We’ll explore the tunnels for one hour. Venture deep into the heart of Iceland’s Ice Age! During the trip, your tour bus will stop to view the scenic Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver rushing hot springs. To get to the man-made Ice tunnel and caves, located high up in a remote area of the glacier, we ride in a huge specially modified “monster“ truck. Before you know it, you‘ll find yourself standing on top of a vast icecap. Your glacier guide will take you on an amazing journey, deep within the glacier where you can see the stunning blue-hued ice. You’ll learn about how glaciers are formed and why they are important to Iceland and to the world.
South Coast, Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach - 14.5hrs (all year)
Iceland’s South Coast is a true natural beauty with numerous attractions along its coastline. The astonishing highlight is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and its surrounding wonderland, truly one of a kind. The sheer force of nature carved one of the outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull ice cap, Iceland’s largest and Europe’s most voluminous glacier. It also formed Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach. Visit the neighbouring and quieter Fjallsarlon lagoon. Make several stops along the way. Visit the hidden gem Stjornarfoss waterfall, Skogafoss and the mysterious Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can walk behind. Stop at the charming seafront town Vik, famous for its black sand beach and the majestic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. From May to September enjoy a boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon (Please note the boat tour does not operate from October to April due to excess ice in the lagoon).
South Coast Classic - 10.5hrs (all year)
Experience the wonderful volcanic southern coastline of Iceland with its thundering waterfalls, endless black sand beaches and glacier coated volcanoes. By coach through lava fields by the actively volcanic Hengill mountain and then down to the rich coastal farmland. On clear days you can see Hekla Volcano. In the distance, the glacier capped Eyjafjallajokull Volcano will rise majestically above the coastal mountains at its base. Just off the coastline are the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of around 15 small islands. First stop is at Reynisfjara black sand beach. After being amazed by the power of the sea you will head on to Vik. The village of Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland.
On your way back to Reykjavík, stop by the powerful Skogafoss Waterfall where a short walk up a flight of steps takes you to one of Iceland’s most scenic views that includes glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. The last stop of your day is a visit to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, famous for the hidden pathway behind and around it.
Whale Watching - 3hrs (all year)
Depart from the Old Harbour, Reykjavík, on this great tour. Whales are beautiful animals and one of nature's most extraordinary sights. Experienced guides on board will share their wealth of whale knowledge, as well as some interesting facts and old sea stories about encounters with these magnificent creatures. The whales around these parts are not shy, often surfacing quite close to the boat and, as our sea-faring guides will tell you, to see a whale up close is truly is a sight to remember.
Northern Lights Hunt by Boat - 2.5-3hrs (01 Sep - 15 Apr)
Sail out from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík to a location away from the city lights, perfect for aurora hunting! The guide will share facts and myths about the magical phenomenon.
