Volcanoes and Glaciers

Icebergs, hot springs and volcanoes are plentiful in Iceland. Join this popular tour and discover how the Nature's forces are shaping the world in its most primal state. Lava fields, volcanoes and the history of Icelandic eruptions will surprise you while accompanying you on your holiday. This tour gives you the perfect opportunity to witness and experience the marvels of mother nature in its purest form, while exploring the main attractions of South Iceland, including Westman Islands.

DAY 1 Arrival
Overnight stay in Reykjavík at the newly renovated NATURA Hotel Reykjavik (transfer not included).
 
DAY 2  Skógar – Sólheimajökull Glacier – Vík
Restless Volcanoes  – Folk Museum – Ice Walk
The tour departs from Reykjavík where you will travel south through the greenhouse town of Hveragerði.  Fertile farmland and glacial rivers abound as we continue on through the south of Iceland on the way to Skógar and Skógafoss waterfall.   We visit with the farmers of Þorvaldseyri Farm located at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano that last erupted in the spring of 2010.  A visitors center/family run exhibit was opened in spring 2011, here guests can view a 20 minute film about the spectacular natural event.  Next a stop will be made at she Skogar Folk Musem before continuing on to Sólheimajökull Glacier where an optional glacial walking tour is offered.
Overnight in Vík area.
 
DAY 3  Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón
Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs
We travel through the Catholic convent at Kirkjubæjarklaustur towards Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty.  The area is dominated by magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. We continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. Back to Vík area for overnight.
 
DAY 4  Westman Islands -  Pompeii of the North
Lava Fields – Puffin Island - Magnificent lava fields
We travel along the south coast to Landeyjarhöfn harbor. After arriving at the pier at Bakkafjara we take a 30 minute ferry to the Westman Islands. Once there the group will explore Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westman Islands. Other adventures of the day include: a visit to the puffins in Storhofdi, a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only a few years ago and exploring flora of the new lava field.  After lunch the group will have some extra time to explore the Islands on their own. Overnight in Laugarvatn or Hveragerdi area depending on season.
Note: If the route to the Westman Islands is closed due to weather conditions (spring or early summer) the tour will then continue through lava fields and outwash sands formed by floods from the volcano Katla and onwards to Laugarvatn.
 
DAY 5  Gullfoss – Geysir -  Þingvellir – Reykjavík
Exploding Geysers - The Famous Golden Falls - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)
We depart for the Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir and Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes.  Onwards we travel to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Your next stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

 DAY 6 Departure
Transfer to the international airport not included.