South Iceland Summer Explorer
SUMMER TOUR: See southern Iceland at its scenic best with this six-day summer tour. Explore the charming capital of Reykjavik and head out to sea on a whale-watching cruise. Enjoy a therapeutic dip in the brand new Sky Lagoon, explore the island of Heimaey on the Westman archipelago, and admire the plunging waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Watch the world-famous lava show at Vik, and hike amongst the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Reykjavik
Day 1 Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Board the Flybus Shuttle and transfer from Keflavik Airport to your hotel in Reykjavik. The rest of the day is free to head out and explore Iceland's charming capital.
Day 2 Reykjavik, whale watching & the Sky Lagoon
Day 2 Reykjavik, whale watching & the Sky Lagoon
This morning we embark on a city tour of Reykjavik. Take in sights including the famous Hallgrimskirkja church, National Museum, City Hall, and Houses of Parliament.
Later, we enjoy a 3-hour whale-watching cruise. All manner of species come to the food-rich waters of Iceland to feed in summer, and you may be able to spot dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, and more during the cruise. We then visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition, home to many life-sized whale models and a virtual reality experience.
Then we enjoy a visit to the Sky Lagoon, Iceland's latest attraction, set to rival the famous Blue Lagoon. The Sky Lagoon is man-made, but filled with Iceland's natural geothermal water and looks out over the harbour of Reykjavik. Relax in the warm waters and perhaps enjoy a glass of champagne as you let the lagoon rejuvenate you.
Day 3 The Westman Islands
Day 3 The Westman Islands
Reykjavik - The Westman Islands - Hella. Leaving Reykjavik, we travel to the coast and board a ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. In 1973, half of the island's settlements were destroyed by a volcanic eruption, triggering a huge evacuation effort. Residents managed to save the harbour from destruction by pouring cold seawater on the lava to direct it away from this important infrastructure. We'll take a bus and walking tour of the island, including a visit to the "Pompeii of the North", a volcanic excavation project. We'll also have the chance to walk up the volcano crater.
As well as the 4,500 residents who still live on Heimaey, approximately 8 million puffins make the island their summer home, and you'll be able to see these beautiful birds by the hundred. Many other migratory species also visit the Westman Islands in summer to feed and breed, so who knows which species you may spot!
You'll have plenty of time to explore Heimaey town and its surrounding areas independently before we return to the mainland and head to our overnight accommodation in Hella.
Day 4 Waterfalls, volcanoes & glaciers
Day 4 Waterfalls, volcanoes & glaciers
Hella - Vik - Skógar - Hella. Today we experience the true forces of nature which make Iceland so special. Our morning starts with the plunging Seljalandsfoss waterfall, there's a path that winds its way directly behind Seljalandsfoss, which we will walk along and feel the spray from the waterfall.
On our way to the village of Vik we attend the famous lava show, when a volcanic eruption is re-enacted on a small scale. You'll see lava flowing along the ice, and feel the immense heat radiating from it. We then travel to the black lava beach of Reynisfjara. Our walk along the beach will allow us to spot yet more of Iceland's birdlife, as well as impressive rock formations and basalt columns.
In the afternoon, we visit Skogar where we'll see the traditional turf houses of the Skogar Folk Museum and be mesmerised by the sightings of the thundering skogafoss waterfall, reaching over 60 meters high, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Alternatively you can join an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier It's an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. Price per person: ISK 23.000.
Day 5 Landmannalaugar
Day 5 Landmannalaugar
Hella - Landmannalaugar - Reykjavik. Leaving our hotel in Hella, we transfer to a highland vehicle and drive along the unpaved road to Landmannalaugar. These incredible mountains were formed by rhyolite lava, which is of a different sort to many volcanic formations. The effect is a series of "rainbow" mountains, with lots of interspersing colours, including reds, yellows, and browns. Sizzling sulfur springs are still visible and steamy vapour rises from the land. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the area and there is free time to explore and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.
We'll stop to see the beautiful Hjalparfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik where the evening is at leisure.
Day 6 Goodbye Iceland
Day 6 Goodbye Iceland
Our tour comes to an end today. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before an included Flybus Shuttle transfer to Keflavik Airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
Situated in the centre of Reykjavik, the Fosshotel Baron is a classic Icelandic hotel with excellent facilities. Guest rooms are cosy with comfortable beds, televisions and en suite facilities. The hotel also benefits from complimentary Wi-Fi and a buffet breakfast. Warm soup and baked bread is also available at a small charge for all guests from 5 - 10pm everyday - great for those winter evenings.
Hotel Stracta in the sleepy village of Hella, offers a serene getaway in South Iceland. This contemporary hotel provides a range of en suite accommodations, from cosy 18m² standard rooms, to spacious 24m² studio rooms, which are equipped with a small kitchenette and a sofa bed. All of the guest rooms are designed in Nordic style and well-equipped, with modern amenities. A delicious and hearty buffet breakfast is served each day at the buffet restaurant Gardur. You can unwind in the sauna or outdoor hot tubs while soaking in views of the Northern Lights and enjoy delectable à la carte meals at Stracta Bistro restaurant, which serves a whole host of Icelandic and international culinary delights. In the winter, Hotel Stracta's dark gardens are perfect for Northern Lights hunting!
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