Small-Group 3-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Westman Islands, South Iceland, & Highlands from Reykjavik

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Small-Group 3-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Westman Islands, South Iceland, & Highlands from Reykjavik

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

at 07:30

Duration

3 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

June - Sept.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Discover volcanoes, waterfalls, and islands on this three-day guided excursion, exploring the incredible Westman Islands, South Iceland, and the Icelandic Highlands. Those eager to see some of Iceland's most impressive natural attractions on an off-the-beaten-track adventure should book this small-group tour now.

The trip starts with collection from your accommodation in Reykjavik. You'll meet the expert, English-speaking guide leading the tour and the other guests. This excursion is a small-group trip, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide questions and get a more personalized experience.

On the first day of the tour, you'll visit the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, also called the Westman Islands. These 15 volcanic islands are just off Iceland's South Coast and boast stunning landscapes with cliffs, sea caves, and black-sand beaches.

The largest of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands is Heimaey, home to around 4,300 people. In 1973, a volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of Heimaey, but the residents later returned and rebuilt.

You'll return to mainland Iceland later in the day and drive along the South Coast to Vik, getting some spectacular views. You'll see Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which famously erupted in 2010, bringing air traffic across Europe to a halt.

On the second day of the tour, you'll hike in the Fjadrargljufur canyon in Southeast Iceland. This breathtaking natural wonder was formed by the Fjadra river over thousands of years.

The canyon stretches over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long and is up to 328 feet (100 meters) deep. It offers panoramic views of its cliffs and winding river below. You'll hike along the canyon's rim, taking in its unique rock formations and lush vegetation. The canyon's beauty has gained popularity in recent years, attracting tourists from around the world.

However, conservation efforts are in place to preserve its delicate ecosystem and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy it.

On day two of the tour, other stops include the Vatnajokull National Park, where you'll see the Lakagigar craters and the small village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur in Southeast Iceland.

On the third and last day of the tour, you will head back toward Reykjavik along a scenic F road, stopping along the way. You'll see the Eldgja canyon, the Ofaerufoss waterfall, and the Landmannalaugar hiking area, where you can soak in a natural geothermal pool.

After an unforgettable few days of exploring, your guide will take you back to your accommodation in Reykjavik, where you can continue your adventures or head home.

Enjoy this immersive three-day small-group experience exploring the Westman Islands, South Iceland, and the Highlands. Check availability now by choosing a date.

Included

Two nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast

Transfer from Reykjavik

Admission to the Eldheimar Museum on Heimaey island

Vestmannaeyjar ferry crossing

Landmannalaugar facility fees

Activities

Hiking

Sightseeing

Boat Trip

Hot Spring Bathing

Cultural Activity

Bird watching

Map

Attractions

Highlands

Vatnajokull Glacier

Lakagígar

Eldgjá

Landmannalaugar

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Þjórsárdalur

Brennisteinsalda

Hjálparfoss

Eldfell Volcano

Vik

Eldhraun

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Kirkjugolf Stones

Stórhöfði

Systrastapi

Eldheimar Museum

Ofaerufoss Waterfall

Landeyjahofn

Systrafoss Waterfall

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Vestmannaeyjar Islands & the South Coast

On the first day of your three-day sightseeing tour of the Icelandic Highlands, you'll visit the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, drive along the South Coast, and visit the village of Vik.

Your day starts when your expert, English-speaking guide picks you up from your accommodation. You'll also meet the other people on the tour. This excursion is a small-group experience, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know each other over the next three days.

The day's first stop is Landeyjahofn harbor, where you'll catch the ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, also known as the Westman Islands. It will take around 30 minutes to get to the main island of Heimaey, and then you will visit Storhofdi cape.

Jutting out into the North Atlantic, it's a prime spot for observing nesting seabirds like puffins and guillemots. The area's volcanic origins are evident in its rugged terrain, with lava formations and cliffs towering above the ocean.

Next, you'll visit the Eldheimar Museum. The museum showcases the 1973 eruption of the Eldfell volcano, which engulfed parts of the town in lava. The museum offers a firsthand look at the dramatic events through artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits.

Visitors can learn about the eruption's impact on the community and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and recover. With the threat of eruption looming, the entire island's population had to be evacuated to mainland Iceland during the night.

After the museum, you can choose whether to hike up Eldfell volcano or wander around the town. In the afternoon, you'll catch the ferry back to the mainland.

When you return, you'll journey along Iceland's South Coast on the bus. You'll see some of its most beautiful attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

The last stop of the day is the village of Vik, a small coastal settlement renowned for its volcanic black-sand beaches and imposing basalt sea stacks. Vik offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby cliffs.

Then, you'll head to your accommodation for the evening, a comfortable hotel about an hour's drive from Vik through the Eldhraun lava fields.

Day 2

Day 2 - Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Laki Mountain, and Lakagigar Craters

On the second day of your exciting tour, you'll hike alongside the Fjadrargljufur canyon and visit the Laki volcano and the Lakagigar craters.

After a great night's sleep in your hotel, you'll wake up and enjoy breakfast to fuel you for the day's adventures. You don't need to check out or pack your belongings, as you'll return here for a second night.

The first stop on day two is the Fjadrargljufur canyon in South Iceland. The flowing waters of the Fjadra river carved this breathtaking natural wonder. It's a perfect place for a walk, as hiking trails here offer striking views.

Your guide will show you a good route to follow, and you can explore the canyon's rugged beauty, unique rock formations, and lush vegetation. The Fjadrargljufur area is also home to diverse birdlife, adding to its appeal for nature enthusiasts.

Next, you'll head to Vatnajokull National Park in the Icelandic Highlands, where you'll hike to the top of the Laki volcano. A massive eruption in 1783 caused widespread devastation and famine across Europe — some scholars believe this contributed to the start of the French Revolution.

The eruption lasted for months, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and significant environmental impacts. It also formed a row of spectacular craters known as the Lakagigar craters.

The Laki volcano's stark landscape reminds us of the power of nature and the importance of understanding volcanic activity. Your guide will tell you more about the area's history so you can better understand the global impact of Iceland's volcanoes.

From here, you'll make a couple more scenic stops in the Highlands to take pictures and enjoy the views before heading to the small village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you'll have some free time to explore.

Kirkjubaejarklaustur is a charming village surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can admire the nearby Systrafoss waterfall, Systrastapi rock, or Kirkjugolf stones.

You'll now head back to your accommodation for the evening, where you'll get a good night's sleep before your final day of the Highlands tour.

Day 3

Day 3 - Eldgja Canyon, Ofaerufoss Waterfall, and Landmannalaugar

On the third and final day, you'll visit the Eldgja canyon, the Ofaerufoss waterfall, and the Landmannalaugar hot springs area.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll pack your luggage and check out. Climb aboard the bus, ready for a final day of sightseeing in the Icelandic Highlands.

As you head back towards Reykjavik, you'll drive down a scenic F road (one of Iceland's unpaved mountain roads), Fjallabaksleid Nyrdri, stopping at beautiful sights.

Your first stop on day three is the Eldgja canyon, where your guide will lead you on a hike. This impressive volcanic fissure is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long and reaches depths of up to 886 feet (270 meters). Formed by a massive eruption in the 10th century, it's one of the largest volcanic canyons in the world.

Visitors can hike along its rim to marvel at its rugged beauty and unique geological features. One of these features is the Ofaerufoss waterfall. In Icelandic, its name translates to "impassable waterfall" and comes from the river that feeds it, which doesn't have a bridge over it.

The waterfall cascades down in two tiers, creating a picturesque scene amid the craggy volcanic landscape. Accessible via a hiking trail, visitors can witness its beauty up close and take in the surrounding wilderness.

While less well-known than some of Iceland's other waterfalls, the Ofaerufoss waterfall still captivates with its remote charm and serene atmosphere.

Next, your group will stop at Landmannalaugar, a popular hiking area in the Highlands. Here, you can explore the Laugahraun lava field, hike to the Brennisteinsalda mountain, or soak in one of the geothermal pools. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and a towel today!

Your last stop on the tour is the Hjalparfoss waterfall in the Thjorsardalur valley. This waterfall in South Iceland is a pretty cascade where two rivers, Fossa and Thjorsa, merge and flow over a cliff into a calm pool below.

After a fantastic few days exploring volcanoes, craters, islands, and charming villages, you'll return to your accommodation in Reykjavik. The tour usually ends at about 20:00, meaning you can spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.