Splendors of South Iceland

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; Private Activity and Transfers; Meeting point: Hella Hotel; 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)

Explore Iceland’s southern coastline and visit beautiful waterfalls on this full day trip from Hella. Your guide, who will be chauffeuring you, will pick you up from your hotel at a pre-arranged time. Drive to the LAVA Center in Hvolsvollur to see the exhibits dedicated to Iceland’s volcanoes and earthquakes. From there head to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall that features a drop of 200 feet. Stop to take photographs of the tumbling waters and walk to the small cave behind the falls. Continue on to the historic lighthouse at Dyrholaey. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you are feeling brave, you can walk across the natural rock formation known as the Dyrholaey Arch. Then visit nearby Reynisfjara to see the Reynisdrangar Columns. These are three basalt sea stacks that rise from the water like needles. Take a stroll along the black sand beach and enjoy the views of the coastline and the ocean. If you have the time, you can also visit Urridafoss, Iceland’s most voluminous waterfall. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees to the LAVA Center are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note the optional time at the LAVA Center is 1 hour)

Discover the scenic attractions along the popular Golden Circle route. Begin your exploration at the gorgeous Gullfoss waterfall and watch it cascade into a river canyon. From your vantage point, you can also take in splendid views of Langjokull glacier. Journey on to the Geysir geothermal area that sits tucked into the Haukadalur valley. Stop at Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir for breathtaking views. Drive on to the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This scenic park was the site of the country’s first Parliament and is home to waterfalls and aquifers. Capture stunning images of the scenery, made famous by Game of the Thrones series. (Duration: Full Day; Private Enroute Activity with Chauffeur Guide; Transfers included; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this full day adventure. The peninsula contains diverse landscapes that showcase the best aspects of the country, earning it the nickname ‘Iceland in a Nutshell’. Your guide, who will be chauffeuring you, will pick you up from your Reykjavik hotel in the morning. Head to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which makes for a stunning picture with the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain in the backdrop. Visit Skardsvik Beach and walk across its golden sand that sets it apart from the country’s typical black sand beaches. Stop to see the bright orange-colored Svortuloft lighthouse that stands in stark contrast to the black cliffs around it. Soak in the views of the coast before continuing on to get a closer look at the Gerduberg Basalt Columns. Formed by lava flows cooled by the sea, these hexagonal columns have stood for thousands of years. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy)

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 private 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; Private Activity; No Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us in advance of special dietary requirements. Please note minimum age for activity is 4 yrs.)

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)