2 in 1 Bundle Discount Tours | Ice Cave, South Coast and Snaefellsnes

On your second day, it is time to zip up your warmest jacket and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of a Vatnajökull ice cave. 

You will meet your guide by the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon before boarding a super jeep and heading onto the glacier towards the cave. Your expert guide will accompany you the whole time, assisting you during your explorations.

Ice caves are formed when subterranean rivers of summer meltwater cut through glacier ice caps. The caves, therefore, are only accessible in winter when the water has run its course. New caves form each year, and in autumn, trained mountaineers head out to locate them.

It is crucial that you wear good hiking shoes and warm clothing with waterproof outer layers, for even though the ice caves are gorgeous, they are mighty cold. The age-old ice is the color of electric blue and white and smooth to the touch where the summer rivers have melted and sculpted it to perfection.

Depending on weather and glacier conditions, you will spend between 45 minutes to an hour in and by the cave. After your exploration, you will head back to Jökuslárlón, where you'll have time to explore the lagoon and its surroundings before heading back to the city.

You will arrive in Reykjavík in the evening, after dinner time. Please note that accommodation is not included for this night.

On your third morning, you will be picked up in Reykjavík and head north to begin the second half of your adventure. Before reaching the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you will explore the splendid natural and cultural sites of west Iceland.

You will first take a route that escorts you around the flat-topped mountain Esjan, which overlooks the capital, to the fjord of Hvalfjörður. This area is renowned for its sparkling seas and towering mountains, from which you are likely to see many tiny waterfalls. 

However, the first stop of the day will be at Europe's highest flowing hot spring, Deildartunghver. Surrounded by spectacular nature, this beautiful example of Iceland's geothermal activity is a fantastic place to drink in the landscapes and take some photos.

Next up is the charming village of Reykholt, a historic site that used to be the home of the renowned medieval chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. Without his works, such as Prose Edda, we would know far less than we do about European history and the belief systems of the Old Norse.

From Reykholt, you will head to two dramatically different waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar is defined by its serenity, with water trickling gently across a plane of lava. Barnafoss, just a short walk away, is much more powerful and rushes through a narrow gorge.

After enjoying these beautiful sites, you'll make your way to your west Iceland accommodation. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Northern Lights if the sky is clear!

The final day of your excursion will see you thoroughly exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often labeled 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diversity. This peninsula is home to the sub-glacial volcano of Snæfellsjökull, a spectacular feature that overlooks many sites. It resides in a National Park of the same name.

Your journey will start at the cliffs of Gerðuberg, which are lined with hexagonal columns so perfectly formed that they seem to be carved by hand. They are, in fact, the result of a volcanic eruption. Near to here is the beach of Ytri-Tunga, famous for being a favorite lounging spot for seals and its yellow sands, which are a rare sight in Iceland.

You will next arrive at the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The effect of the Atlantic's powerful waves on the lava at the coast here has led to some stunning formations and features, not least the Gatklettur rock arch.

You will then head to the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, home to four ancient lifting stones that were used to test the strength of the region's fishermen for centuries. Your guide will let you see how suited you would have been to this dangerous way of life.

You will then head on to Vatnshellir, a 7000-year-old lava cave with a depth of 656 feet (200 meters). Here, you have the option to partake in a caving tour, in which you will descend into the depths to see the fascinating geology up close. A caving tour in this area is particularly special, as Snæfellsjökull was the setting to the Jules Verne novel 'A Journey to the Centre of the Earth', adding some fantasy to the adventure.

Next, you will travel onwards to Kirkjufell mountain, one of the most widely photographed natural features in the whole of Iceland. It's easy to see why. The mountain's unique shape and charming surrounding scenery make it any photographer's paradise. This fact was not overlooked by the Game of Thrones production team. Kirkjufell is clearly featured in several episodes throughout Season Seven.

You will begin your return journey to Reykjavík, passing through some beautiful fjords, and will arrive in the evening. From here, you're free to explore Reykjavik's colorful nightlife.