Epic 7-Day Summer Vacation Package with the Inside the Volcano Tour & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
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Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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Iceland greets you in all its splendor as you land, displaying the vast, open terrain of the Keflavikurhraun lava fields. The airport shuttle bus will take you to the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik, so your trip will be as hassle-free as possible.
The highway lies between the harsh waters of Faxafloi Bay and a lava field ranging from ink black to mossy green, with the mountains as a backdrop and the conical Keilir mountain peak as the king of it all.
You could stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to Iceland's capital city. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.
If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there's no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. There's plenty to see and do in Reykjavik if you have extra free time.
After checking in to your accommodations, you'll have a chance to get a taste of the capital. Go for a walk in the old town, get some gourmet slow-roast coffee at a specialty coffee hut, or visit the always-vibrant live music bars.
Various museums in Reykjavik detail the rich history of this land during its nearly 1150 years of settlement. The National Museum of Iceland provides a comprehensive overview of the nation's history, from its Viking origins to modern times, with artifacts and displays that tell tales of Iceland's rich heritage. Just a short distance away, the Settlement Exhibition offers a window into Reykjavik's earliest days, with well-preserved remnants of a 10th-century longhouse.
There will undoubtedly be something for you in the city by the bay to occupy your time!
After a fantastic introduction to Iceland, you'll retire to your Reykjavik accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 2 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
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On day two, you'll be whisked away from the city sidewalks and into Iceland's magnificent, unspoiled nature. Being one of the most famous sightseeing trails in the country, the Golden Circle sports three deservedly famous natural wonders for you to enjoy today, all in the company of an experienced guide.
Your first stop is the beloved Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating park is where the tectonic plates of Europe and America meet, pushing and pulling to create a marvelous landscape of canyons and fissures. Later, Iceland formed its democratic parliament there. Therefore, the name translates to "Parliament fields."
Next is the Geysir geothermal area, where you'll see the geyser Strokkur spout water 49-66 feet (15-20 meters) up in the air every few minutes. All around are steaming fumaroles and smaller geysers that bubble and spit boiling mineral water, creating strange and sometimes dreamy colors on the red mud ground.
Your last stop on this day is the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss. It carries its name, "The Golden Waterfall," with pride and certainly deserves it. Crowned with sunlight in summer, it's a glorious sight to behold and one of the nation's most-loved waterfalls.
The famous Golden Circle offers fun-filled activities for those who want to get in touch with a more adventurous side of themselves. You have three different adventure options that you can add to this day to make it even more magical.
Those who fancy an adrenaline rush can go snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier and race over the age-old ice at great speed. If you prefer something calmer, you can get to know the Icelandic horse on a riding tour through the beautiful countryside.
You may also choose a snorkeling tour in the Silfra fissure at Thingvellir National Park. In the crystal clear waters between the two tectonic plates, you can swim literally between the continents. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
After this, you'll return to the city for another evening in Reykjavik.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 3 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
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You'll be picked up early at your hotel on day three, ready to head out for a day of wonders. The South Coast is like a treasure chest of natural beauty, boasting Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls and scenic yet otherworldly beaches.
The first stop is at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a narrow but stunning cascade over a small cave. A pathway next to the falls leads you inside this cave, providing a unique view of the South Coast through the water curtain. Make sure you wear your waterproof gear for this one!
Next up is another waterfall, equally beautiful but vastly different. Skogafoss falls with great power from a 197-foot (60-meter) tall cliff onto the flat earth beneath. When the water hits the ground, the force creates mists in which you can often see a single or double rainbow on sunny days.
There are two mighty glaciers located on the South Coast. The first you'll see is Eyjafjallajokull, infamous for halting all air traffic when it erupted in 2010. The second one, Myrdalsjokull, covers the volcano Katla and is the fourth-largest ice cap in Iceland.
Today, you'll enjoy hiking atop one of Myrdalsjokull's outlet glaciers, Solheimajokull. Accompanied by a trained glacier guide, you'll trek past ash-covered ice peaks, deep crevasses, and blue glacier moulins until you reach a large, white plain of pure snow and ice. It's quite a sight.
Next, you'll stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, where you can admire Reynisdrangar, the ever-watchful sea stacks that stand afar in the ocean like great dark guardians. Watch for puffins, as you might spot one or two nesting in the cliffs. Just be careful to keep your distance from the water at Reynisfjara, as the waves are notoriously powerful.
After a brilliant third day of sightseeing, you'll head to your accommodation in the Vatnajokull National Park to relax for the evening.
Experiences
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
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Today, you'll head to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where the vast icebergs break away and crumble from a nearby glacier, becoming massive, floating pieces of diamond ice in the azure water. The lagoon is inhabited by seals and birds that have become remarkably accustomed to the appreciative audience.
The interplay of light on the ice creates a surreal landscape, with shades of blue and white reflecting off the water, offering photographers a dreamlike canvas. As the bergs drift towards the ocean, they form an ever-changing tableau of shapes and sizes, making every visit to Jokulsarlon a unique experience.
If you wish to better view the icebergs and seals, you can opt for a boat ride on the lagoon. This excursion is perfect for the whole family.
The serene atmosphere of Jokulsarlon-with the distant sounds of glaciers calving and birds chirping-provides a calming contrast to the movement of the icebergs. The lagoon acts as a frozen testament to Icelandic nature's raw power and beauty, captivating visitors with its tranquil yet dramatic ambiance.
You'll also visit the nearby Diamond Beach, a black sand expanse on the Atlantic Ocean, where the icebergs have broken up and can now be found spread out over the coast. Also known as Breidamerkursandur, Diamond Beach is roughly 0.56 miles (900 meters) from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
The beautiful landscape appears to the unsuspecting eye as a velvety stretch of sand dotted with large, uncut diamonds.
These shimmering ice chunks, contrasting starkly with the dark sands, are constantly reshaped by the ocean waves, creating a dynamic and ever-changing scenery. The sight of sunlight refracting through the ice is truly a spectacle.
You'll then journey back to the capital, Reykjavik, where you'll spend the night. Along the way, you'll visit some of your local guide's favorite places for insights into Icelandic nature and culture.
Accommodation
Day 5 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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On day five, you'll take an exciting adventure to the Thrihnukagigur volcano. A driver will pick you up in Reykjavik and take you to the site.
Thrihnukagigur stands over a dark, empty lava field near the beautiful Blafjoll mountain. When you arrive on-site, you'll start with a 45-minute walk to the volcano. Your well-versed guides will then take you down into the magma chamber in a suspended elevator so that you can view the great space as you head down.
You'll descend 393 feet (120 meters) into the empty chamber of this great, dormant volcano. Its ground area is the size of a football field, a cathedral of nature's grandeur.
In the past, the burning lava created patterns and lines of color in the vast, high walls that lead up to the kettle-shaped opening. The vibrant hues within the chamber, ranging from deep reds to brilliant oranges and rich purples, paint a vivid tapestry that narrates the volcanic history of Thrihnukagigur. Stalactite-like formations hang from the ceiling, while the intricate layering on the walls reveals the intense heat and pressure dynamics that once raged within this now silent chamber.
The chamber's opening is only 13 square feet (4 square meters), giving the great space the appearance of the throne room of the mountain kings of old lore. The vastness inside, contrasting against such a modest entrance, amplifies the chamber's sense of mystery. As you wander into its depths, it feels like you're stepping into an ancient world, untouched by time, where nature's artistic prowess is fully displayed.
Your expert guide will share fascinating insights about the volcano for an immersive and informative experience amid your otherworldly surroundings. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the magma chamber's surreal atmosphere and take photos for lasting memories.
Your unforgettable experience ends with an elevator ride back up and out of the chamber. You'll then walk back to the starting point.
Afterward, there will be drinks, refreshments, and maybe some traditional Icelandic meat soup! When you've had your fill of food and fun, a driver will take you back to the city.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 6 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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Today, you can enjoy Reykjavik city and its many cafes, restaurants, museums, and shops. You can even check out the geothermal pools, much adored by locals, or go up the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Check out the Arbaer Open Air Museum, which offers a glimpse into the city's past through its preserved historic buildings. The cosmopolitan Laugavegur Street beckons with its chic boutiques and vibrant eateries.
If you need a moment of tranquility, the peaceful ambiance of Tjornin, the city's central lake, is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Every corner of Reykjavik is an invitation to discover something special.
If you haven't had enough adventure yet, choose from one of three exciting trips for the day.
Many marine animals reside in the waters just off Reykjavik, and today, you could go on a whale-watching tour to see the whales that call Faxafloi Bay their home. Minke whales, humpbacks, and playful dolphins are frequently spotted in these cold Atlantic waters.
With the guidance of expert crew members, you'll get a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience.
Or, you could join a horse riding tour in the beautiful countryside surrounding the city. The Icelandic horse is a small and friendly creature, making this tour perfect for beginners and experts.
If you'd rather get to know the city from up high, you could take a geothermal helicopter ride over Reykjavik and the nearby countryside. Enjoy your last day in style, high above the ground.
From this unique vantage point, you'll have the opportunity to see the vibrant cityscape, geothermal hot springs, and stunning natural landscapes that surround Iceland's capital, offering a perspective that few visitors get to experience.
Spend your evening in the city. Seek some good music in the bars and other venues to experience Reykjavik's artistic side.
After another fantastic day, you can head to your accommodation in the city.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 7 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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Sadly, your last day in Iceland has arrived. When it's time to leave, you'll hop aboard an airport shuttle and take one last ride through the desolate lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Keflavik International Airport.
If you have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you'll finish your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflect on the incredible adventure you've just taken in the land of fire and ice.
If your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik.
One of the city's standout attractions is Perlan. This futuristic glass-domed building offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck and houses the unique "Wonders of Iceland" exhibit.
If you want to experience Reykjavik's geothermal bathing culture, the Laugardalslaug and Sunhollin swimming pools are popular options. Laugardalslaug, the largest outdoor thermal pool in Reykjavik, provides an excellent opportunity for relaxation and recreation, while Sunhollin, a historical swimming hall, offers a traditional Icelandic pool experience. Both are a perfect way to unwind and engage in local customs.
For art and architecture enthusiasts, the Sun Voyager, a beautiful sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason, symbolizing hope and dreams, is a must-see. The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is another stunning architectural marvel known for its reflective glass facade.
Rainbow Street, brightly painted in the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag, adds a splash of color to the cityscape and symbolizes Reykjavik's diversity and inclusivity.
If marine life intrigues you, visiting the Whales of Iceland museum, with life-sized models of various whale species, provides an educational and captivating experience.
You'll head to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you again soon.
Experiences
What to bring
Good to know
Wearing cotton or jeans as the outer layer during your trip to the Thrihnjukagigur volcano tour is not allowed. Please wear suitable waterproof clothes and sturdy hiking shoes for this trip. It's always the same temperature inside the crater – about 42-43 F (5-6 C). The Thrihnjukagigur volcano tour involves a hike of approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk.
Although it's summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
For the snorkeling tour, participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
Please note that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
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