South Iceland Road Trip: Volcanoes, Falls and Vik

Savor the many cultural delights of Reykjavik with a walking tour of its most-loved culinary destinations. Sample at least ten different kinds of local dishes, ranging from artisanal seasonal cheese to delectable hand-make Icelandic ice cream, on this customized food excursion. Learn from your guide about the country’s food heritage as you try authentic Icelandic seafood and grass-fed and free-roaming lamb. See colorful street art and quintessential Reykjavik landmarks as the culinary setting changes from relaxed fine dining to intimate family-run restaurants and local hangouts like a popular hot dog stand. If you’re feeling really adventurous, your guide will also recommend places where you can try traditional Viking dishes like fermented shark, ram testicles and sour sheep heads! (Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfers; Meeting Point: Klapparstígur 25, Reykjavík; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us in advance of special dietary requirements. Please note minimum age for activity is 4 yrs.)

Explore the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik with a private guide. You could begin your day with a visit to the splendid Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Visible across the city, the design of the shrine draws inspiration from the natural geological formations in the country. Enjoy beautiful views of the city from the observation deck at the top of the cathedral. Head to Harpa Concert Hall, one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks with it sleek, colored glass façade and modern design. You could enjoy a guided tour or a live performance at this all-purpose cultural center. Afterwards, walk along the city’s waterfront, halting to take pictures of the gleaming Sun Voyager steel sculpture. Make your way to the trendy Laugavegur street with its boutique stores and hip restaurants. Enjoy a hearty meal or grab a quick bite before you check out the quirky street art lining the paths along the downtown area. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Snacks Included)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the attractions of the Golden Circle on your drive from Reykjavik to the scenic hamlet of Hveragerdi. Begin your exploration at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. Featured in the works of numerous Icelandic artists over the centuries, this spectacular park was also seen in the Game of the Thrones series. Travel on to the Haukadalur valley where you can explore the geothermal area that is home to the largely dormant Great Geysir and the intensely active Strokkur Geysir. Afterwards, drive on to the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall that gushes down into the Hvita river canyon. This glacial waterfall with its dual layer cascade offers ample opportunities for you to test your photography skills. (Enroute; Self-explore Activity; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Beginning from Gullfoss, join your local guide in a Super Truck, and head towards Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest in Iceland. Arriving at Jaki base camp on the glacier’s western edge, gear up in snowmobile suits, balaclavas, gloves, and helmets. A glacier expert will teach you how to safely operate snowmobiles. Shortly after, hop on for an adventure in the Icelandic highlands. Zoom across the smooth snowy landscape at your own pace. Take in breathtaking vistas of the table mountain of Eiríksjökull glacier, the domed peak of Hofsjökull glacier, and the Kerlingafjöll mountain range. En route, see expansive lava fields, rugged cliffs and gigantic volcanic craters. Making a pitstop, learn about the history of these gorgeous natural surroundings. Listen to anecdotes about the ice caves nearby that were used by outlaws during the medieval times. Return to camp with memories of a unique experience on the landmark Langjökull Glacier. (Duration: 4/5 hrs; Time: 1200 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfers; Meeting point: Gullfoss Cafe; Notes: Wear warm clothes with weatherproof layers, and snowboots)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Skogafoss, Waterfalls and LAVA Center on your way from Hveragerdi to Vik, the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. Stop at the scenic Urridafoss waterfall in Thjorsa, Iceland’s longest river. Capture stunning images of this gushing waterfall, the most voluminous in the country. Journey on to the LAVA Center at Hvolsvollur to enjoy an interactive experience dedicated to Iceland’s volcanic activity and earthquakes. Browse the collection of artifacts, graphics, and films about geological occurrences over the past century before you hit the road again. (Enroute; Self-explore Activity; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend exploring the scenic seaside surrounds of Vik, a remote village on Iceland’s southern coast. Explore the safe hiking routes on Mýrdalsjökull and Solheimajökull glaciers. See the Yoda-like geological formation at Hjörleifshöfdi cave. Walk on historic trails across the picturesque cape, while learning about the region’s famous Viking settler Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson. Head to the Dyrholaey peninsula, which has a natural arch and a century-old lighthouse perched on a cliff. You may spot puffins and arctic terns at this bird sanctuary. Spot an abandoned US Navy plane that crashed on a beach nearby. Back in town, drop by the hilltop Vikurkirkja church for panoramic village vistas. Stroll down the Reynifjara Black Sand beach, home to the dramatic Reynisdrangar Rocks. Sign up to see the Icelandic Lava Show. Unwind in Vik’s outdoor geothermal pools after a busy day. Finish off with a few craft beers at Smidjan Brugghús! (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Enjoy a leisurely adventure on the Sólheimjökull glacier tongue of the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull, in Southern Iceland. Arriving at the base camp, gear up in safety harness, and accompany your expert glacier guide across this surreal terrain. First, walk across the valley on black volcanic ash, around seasonal glacial lagoons. Armed with crampons and ice axes at the glacier edge, step into this raw and rugged frozen wonderland. The Sólheimjökull glacier features crystal-clear ice and various shades of blue, along with debris from previous eruptions. See amazing ice formations such as deep crevasses, sculptures, moulins, caves, and ridges as you traverse the ice cap. Listening to anecdotes and learn about the natural history of the region. You can notice the impact of climate change on the everchanging volcanic landscapes around. Upon reaching the plateau, take in panoramic vistas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the southern coast before heading back. (Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity; Max group size: 15 guests; No Transfers; Meeting point: Sólheimajökull parking area, 20 mins before departure; Fitness level: Easy; Meal included: Coffee/Tea; Please wear warm clothes with waterproof layers and comfortable hiking shoes; Minimum shoe size provided during the activity is US 2.5)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and waterfalls combined with a hike to Svartifoss. Set off from Vic for the majestic Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon now made famous as the stunning locale in Game of Thrones series as well as Justin Bieber’s “I’ll show you” video. Hike along the winding lengths made by the Fjaðrá river and take in the windswept, rugged expanse stretching to the horizon. Next head to historic Kirkjubækjarklaustur region for the Systrafoss or the Waterfall of the Sisters, named after convent that used to exist here in the12th century. Marvel how the river Fossá runs in two separate streams, making for two slender waterfalls, flowing side by side down the rocky walls. Another delicate looking falls is the Foss á Síðu, which flows down in elegant cascades from Lake Þórutjörn. For a truly distinctive sight, hike up to the Svartifoss falls, set in the heart of black basalt columns surrounded by the vast green expanse of Skaftafell National Park. (Enroute; Self-explore Activity; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Please note when snow covers the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, the paths become slippery and icy. In mid-winter, it is required to bring hiking crampons or spikes; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities.)

Discover the constantly changing scenery of Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon on this exciting boat tour. Don protective gear before you set off in a sturdy zodiac boat across the crystal clear water. Get a close look at floating icebergs on this glacial lake, located at the southern end of Vatnajokull Glacier. Gain insights into the unique geology of the region from your knowledgeable guide. On a lucky day, you might get to see ice calving from the edge of the glacier. After about an hour exploring the lake, return to shore with memories of a unique visual experience. (Only Possible From Apr – Oct; Duration: 1 hr 30 mins; Starting Time: Flexible; Private Activity; No Transfers; Min Age: 6; Protective apparel will be provided; Do wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear; Each boat can accommodate a maximum of ten guests; Fitness level: moderate. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.)

Explore the beautiful mountains and valleys of Iceland on horseback! Hop onto a purebred Icelandic horse that has been carefully selected for your experience level at a stable in Skálakot. Start the tour by riding up the hill and arrive at a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains to the north, the mountain and valley of Holtsdalur to the east and the low land stretching all the way to the coastline and the Vestmannaeyjar to the south. Spend a little time here to enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning views before you head to the Írárfoss waterfall on the other side. Take in the sight of this enchanting waterfall on Írá River and make use of the photo opportunities. Ride back to Skálakot and end the tour with lunch and a cup of refreshing coffee at the restaurant on the farm. (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Maximum weight: 100 kg/220 lbs; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes; Helmet and rainwear will be provided if required)

Experience the ethereal beauty of Blue Lagoon with your complimentary Silica Hotel access. Pamper your senses in the lagoon’s iconic blue geothermal heated waters. Soak in the goodness of the water or explore the wellness options of a sauna and steam room. Rejuvenate with the healing properties of silica, algae and mineral salts at the mask bar, and later relax with in-water facilities for refreshments. (Duration: Full Day; Activity includes complimentary access to the hotel’s private Silica Lagoon and 1 premium admission per guest to the Blue Lagoon, 3 masks, use of towel, bathrobe, slippers & first drink of your choice; Meals Not Included; Guests from 2-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian)

Treat yourself to luxurious wellness experiences at the Retreat Spa, included in your Hotel Blue Lagoon stay. Wake up to a refreshing Yoga session, followed perhaps by a guided group hike. Next, head to the sprawling Retreat Spa to rejuvenate your senses with a wide range of therapies, from hot-stone massages to signature beauty treatments. Explore mystical subterranean spaces or bask in crisp outdoor settings. Experience in-water treatments infused with geothermal ingredients like silica, algae and mineral salts. Later, enjoy complimentary coffee and Icelandic pastries in the lounge before you wind up a blissful day. (Duration: Full Day; Activity includes complimentary access to the hotel’s private Retreat Lagoon and 1 premium admission per guest to the Blue Lagoon, 3 masks, use of towel, bathrobe, slippers & drink of your choice, Blue Lagoon skin care amenities and 15% off Blue Lagoon skin care products; Meals Included: Coffee & Icelandic Pastries; Guests from 2-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian)