Snaefellsnes & South Iceland

Reykjavik - Borgarnes - Arnarstapi - Hellnar - Djupalonssandur - Hellissandur. Our Icelandic adventure begins as we depart Reykjavik. You will be collected from a designated central pick-up point at 9:00 a.m. Please be aware that the entire pick-up process might take up to 30 minutes. Check the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point in Reykjavik.

We will journey west from Reykjavik along the coastline of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Our first stop will be Borgarnes, known for its Viking history. We’ll then visit the basalt columns at Gerduberg before heading to Ytri Tunga’s golden-sand beach. We will continue to Budir, a hamlet with stunning Snaefellsnes landscapes.

Our next stop is the fishing village of Arnarstapi, where we’ll explore the area. We then have the option to tour the Vatnshellir Cave at an extra fee, an ancient lava tube in Snaefellsnes National Park, reminiscent of Jules Verne’s “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth.” Those not joining the caving tour can visit the Malarrif visitor center and its lighthouse for no charge.

Onwards to the stunning Djupalonssandur Beach known for its black sand. We’ll take a short hike along the pebble-strewn shore, explore shipwreck remnants, and try lifting stones to test our strength like the old fishermen. If travelling in winter (September - March) keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights from our rural accommodation in Hellissandur.

Please note: This tour is modular, meaning it is made up of separate excursions and activities. You will have different guides and will be joined by different groups for each section of the itinerary. All of the tour inclusions remain the same.

Hellissandur - Reykholt - Reykavik. After breakfast, we’ll kick off the day by visiting the photogenic Mount Kirkjufell, known to “Game of Thrones” fans as a filming location. Next, we’ll stop briefly at Grundarfjordur, where we can take a break and pick up snacks or other essentials. Then, we’ll visit Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls flowing through lava formations, and Barnafoss, known for its tragic legend of two drowned children.

Next, we’ll explore the historic Reykholt, where Snorralaug, the hot spring pool of famed poet and politician Snorri Sturluson. You can unwind at Krauma Geothermal Baths for an extra fee (book with us online), or, if you prefer, visit Sturlureykir horse farm to meet Icelandic horses and explore the farm's geothermal heating system.

We’ll marvel at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, which churns out 180 litres of water per second at a steamy 97°C. This incredible spring supplies heating and hot water to nearby areas. We’ll then head back to the capital, Reykjavik, at around 6 p.m

Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Kirkjubaerklaustur. First on our agenda, after breakfast is the Golden Circle. We’ll begin at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the rift valley is shaped by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thingvellir is also the site of the Althingi, the world’s oldest parliament, established in 930 CE. Don’t miss Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake. After exploring here, we’ll head to Haukadalur Valley to see Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts up to 25 metres every few minutes.

Next, we’ll visit Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, which remains untouched by early 20th-century hydroelectric plans and retains its natural beauty.

Continuing along the Ring Road, we’ll glimpse the volcano Hekla before reaching Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. A short path allows us to walk behind the falls, offering stunning views and a chance to see rainbows on sunny days. Seljalandsfoss drops around 60 metres, so waterproof clothing is recommended.

Winter departures can conclude the day with a chance to see the Northern Lights, if the weather permits, before heading to our hotel near Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Skaftafell - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. We start our day with breakfast before continuing our journey east through dramatic lava fields and glacier sands towards Vatnajokull National Park. First, we’ll visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where majestic icebergs float serenely, having calved from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier. Occasionally, you may spot seals playing among the ice. We'll then head to Diamond Beach, where translucent icebergs, resembling giant quartz crystals, rest on the coal-black sand.

Moving on to Vatnajokull Glacier in Skaftafell, we embark on a glacier hike guided by certified glacier experts (weather permitting). you'll be equipped with crampons and other necessary gear as we explore Vatnajokull’s crevasses and moulins, sure to be an unforgettable experience. And that's not all, as we also head inside a natural ice cave to take in the stunning colours and ice formations - have your camera ready.

After a memorable day, we head back to Kirkjubaejarklaustur, keeping our eyes peeled for the Northern Lights on winter departures.

Please note: Proper hiking boots are absolutely essential for glacier hiking, as it’s not possible to fit crampons on any other kind of footwear. If you don’t have hiking shoes, you can rent some from us when booking the tour. Please keep in mind that hiking boots cannot be rented on the day of the hike.

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Reynisfjara - Skogafoss - Reykjavik. After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Reykjavik, with a quick stop at Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Additional stops will also be made at the iconic Elhraun lava field and Reynisfjara, home to an iconic black sand beach. Explore a black basalt cave and the towering sea stacks just off the coast.

Our final stop is Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. It towers more than 60 metres, and you can climb the 527 steps to a panoramic viewpoint if you wish. After our visit, we make our way back to the Icelandic capital, where our tour ends on arrival sometime between 16:00 and 19:00 depending on road and weather conditions.

Please note: This 5-day tour comprises two tours combined with accommodation in Reykjavik in between. Ice caves are natural and ever-changing phenomena, making them unpredictable. We will visit one ice cave during the tour, selected based on safety and conditions. Additionally, the itinerary's order may change, and the glacier hike and ice cave visit might be combined, depending on access to the ice cave at that time.