Spectacular 8 Day Summer Vacation Package of Iceland in Depth with a Guided Greenland Day Tour

Your second day will be spent admiring the many, diverse sites of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The most iconic feature of the region is Snæfellsjökull, a sub-glacial volcano that has inspired artists for centuries; it is, for example, the main setting for Jules Verne’s novel ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. You will have plenty of chance to admire this great glacier as you head from site to site.

Other features you will visit include Kirkjufell mountain, the most photographed mountain in Iceland; the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur, where you can test your strength against ‘lifting stones’ like fishermen in centuries past; and the Lóndrangar basalt sea stacks that many compare to a castle. You will also have the opportunity to see the charming villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, which are steeped in folklore and rumours of magic.

You will spend your night in Reykjavík.

Today will be spent seeing the famous sites of the Golden Circle.

You will start with Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. This beautiful location sits directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the edges of which are clearly visible. It is also steeped in history; it was here that early Icelanders formed their first parliament, an institution that still exists today. This makes Þingvellir the original site of the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament.

Following Þingvellir, you will head to Haukadalur valley, where you can witness the geyser Strokkur erupting every five to ten minutes, to heights of up to 40 metres. This is a beautiful geothermal area, with many hot-springs and steaming fumaroles for you to admire. If you are incredibly lucky, you may even see some activity on the great geyser that gave all others their name, Geysir itself.

The third and final stop of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss waterfall. This feature is enormously powerful, surging in two tiers into an ancient canyon. It is one of the most popular spots in Iceland to witness the incredible forces of nature at work.

While this day will be mainly sightseeing, you have the option to add on some extra adventures if you are so inclined. You can opt to snorkel in the crystal-clear Silfra ravine in Þingvellir National Park, for a chance to swim between two tectonic plates. A snowmobiling tour on Langjökull glacier leaves from Gullfoss waterfall that you could otherwise partake in. A final option is a two-hour ride on one of Iceland’s iconic and adorable horses.

Alternatively, you can choose to spend your evening visiting the spectacular Fagradalsfjall volcano, which is currently erupting on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This 5-hour-long hiking excursion will provide you with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime perspective of this primordial phenomenon.

You will spend your night in Reykjavík.

Day four is likely to be the most special; the opportunity to visit Greenland is not something many are able to experience. You will leave from Reykjavík Domestic Airport early in the morning, and land on the island of Kulusuk after a short flight. This island is small and rocky, surrounded by mountains, and the little settlement of the same name is nestled seamlessly within the nature.

Once here, you will have a guided tour of the village, which has only around three-hundred residents. You will have plenty of opportunity to learn about Greenlandic life and history, by admiring the architecture, way of life, and visiting the museum. If you are lucky, you will also get to see a traditional Inuit drum dance.

You will return to Reykjavík by the evening, and spend your night back in the capital.

Your fifth day will consist of a journey along Iceland’s South Coast to the glacier lagoon. Just off of the main road are a wealth of beautiful sites.

The first of these, Seljalandsfoss, tumbles off of a concave cliff, allowing you to walk all the way around it for a unique and rare perspective. The second falls, Skógafoss, is massive, over 60 metres tall and up to 20 metres wide. You can approach it right to where the water hits the ground, and ascend an adjacent staircase for some great views.

As you head between these sites, you will be driving by the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Out to sea, you may also be able to spot the Westman Islands.

At Sólheimajökull, a tongue of the greater glacier Mýrdalsjökull, you will have an opportunity to partake in a glacier hike, a mesmerising and exciting adventure that gives you a great insight into Icelandic nature.

You will then visit Reynisfjara, a black sand beach found near the little village of Vík. From there, you'll continue east, passing Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, until you reach your accommodations near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

You will spend your evening in the south-east of Iceland.

On day six, you will return along the South Coast, stopping at all the sites you missed en route. However, you will start by visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Icebergs, calving from a melting glacier, fill the great, serene pool of water, and sail slowly out to the ocean. You will also have the chance to visit the Diamond Beach, where these icebergs wash up, and hopefully to see some seals in the surrounding waters.

For a better look at those bergs, you can opt for a boat tour on the lagoon. Amphibious boats will sail on the calm waters and they are perfect for those who want to capture great photos of the icebergs.

You will reach Reykjavík by evening, and spend your night here.

Your penultimate day will be a free day in Reykjavík. You can use this opportunity to see the sites of the city; there are many excellent museums and galleries to visit, and a wealth of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Considering you will be flying early the next day you can use the opportunity to relax and ensure you are refreshed.

You can also elect to book a variety of different tours from the capital on this day. These include whale-watching and horse-riding.

A final option today - available only for a limited time - is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a 1-hour helicopter ride over the currently erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano. Nothing inspires more awe than the most primordial forces of the earth bursting from Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, particularly when watching from the air. This tour includes a short landing by the eruption site, and departs from Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport, allowing you to also witness the capital from a breathtaking aerial perspective.

Spend the night in Reykjavík

On your eighth day, you will leave the capital for Keflavík airport, for your return flight home. If you are lucky enough to have a late flight, you can use your time to catch up on anything you missed. Visit the Blue Lagoon, explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, or do some last minute souvenir shopping down the Laugavegur main street.