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Introduction to Iceland

Great excursions from your base in Reykjavik
Strokkur Geyser, Iceland © Shutterstock

From your base in Reykjavik, enjoy some fantastic day excursions, showing you the highlights of Iceland's wonderful natural environment and culture. Visit the three premier sights that make up the Golden Circle - Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, then choose which stunning natural sights you will visit on the other days.  

Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavik Arrival

Coach transfer from Keflavík Airport to your hotel or nearest bus stop in Reykjavik. Time at leisure - 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, numerous restaurants take advantage of the abundance of local seafood, meat and game. There are also many wonderful museums including the National Museum, with artefacts from the first settlement to the modern age, giving an excellent overview of Iceland's history and culture. Reykjavik 871+2 Settlement Museum is 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 Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area

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 3 South Coast Classic OR South Coast, Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach

Today choose between two great excursions:

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.

OR 

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).

Day 4 Langjokull Glacier & Ice Cave OR Wonders of Snaefellnes

Today choose between two great excursions:

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.

OR

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. 

Day 5 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.

Add extra nights and additional excursions, such as: Reykjavik Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing bus ticket, Horse Riding, Whale Watching, Blue Lagoon, Snorkelling in Silfra Gorge, Snowmobiling on a Glacier, ATV tour and many more.

If you are travelling in autumn/winter (Sep-Apr) you can also add a search for the Northern Lights - choose from tours by Super Jeep, coach or boat.

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