Hotel StormIn the morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby.
Your day begins with the Volcano Express experience at Harpa in Reykjavík. This immersive presentation takes you on a journey through southwest Iceland, one of the country’s most volcanically active regions. You will feel the physical force of earthquakes, the sensations of flight and freefall, and even the heat of lava. You will soar above erupting volcanoes and descend deep into the Earth to discover the geological processes shaping Iceland.
Depart Reykjavík and begin your exploration of volcanic landscapes and natural wonders. Your first volcanic region is Hengill, a system stretching more than 60 km (37 miles) that has erupted nine times since the last Ice Age. Hengill is home to Iceland’s second-largest geothermal area, where locals have cleverly harnessed its energy to generate power, grow flowers, and even cook food.
Continue to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries along the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Here, you may have the unique opportunity to walk between two continents.
Head onward to the geothermal field of Geysir, where you can admire bubbling mud pools and the frequently erupting Strokkur hot spring. Geysir’s geothermal activity also originates from the Hengill volcanic system. A short drive away is the majestic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, with a network of scenic footpaths offering views of the falls from different angles.
Next, enjoy a taste of local volcanic culture in Laugarvatn. Visit an outdoor geothermal bakery where traditional Icelandic rye bread is baked in the hot black sands. You will be able to sample the freshly baked bread, especially delicious with Icelandic butter and smoked Arctic trout.
Travel along the scenic South Shore, one of Iceland’s main agricultural regions, known for its fertile volcanic soil. Pass family farms, some surrounded by boulders and lava formations produced by eruptions of two powerful volcanoes.
One of these is Mount Hekla, often called the Queen of Iceland’s Volcanoes. Rising 1,491 metres (4,892 feet), Hekla is visible across South Iceland on a clear day. Wearing a snowy “shawl,” Hekla has erupted 23 times in the last thousand years, most recently in 2000.
The other is Eyjafjallajökull, the ice-capped volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. The eruption caused flash floods and heavy ash fall on nearby farms and villages for more than a month. In the long term, however, the ash enriched the soil and improved fertility.
Stop at the impressive waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, each offering a unique experience and excellent photo opportunities. These falls cascade from the cliffs below Eyjafjallajökull.
The South Shore is also home to many seabird species, including the charming puffin, generally seen in Iceland from mid-May to mid-August.
End the day in Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town. Between May and September, evenings in the countryside are bright with extended daylight. From late May through July, you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun dips toward the horizon but never sets, filling the sky with soft shades of gold and pink.
Breakfast / Dinner
340 km / 211 miles
