Overview
Experience Europe’s wilderness island! Hike the rugged coastline, explore the inside of a lava tube, and take in the country’s fascinating history where democracy was born in 930 AD. Iceland is home to geysers and hot springs found in few other places around the world. You will also experience the many waterfalls, volcanic formations, and glaciers the island has to offer. Enjoy the beauty of Iceland’s dramatic, black-sand beaches. Travel to the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago and see puffins, sea caves, and the interesting village of Heimaey Town, part of which is preserved under volcanic material. Enjoy great food and comfortable lodging in bed & breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels.
Sample Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Arrive in Reykjavik and get to know your trip mates.
Your trip begins in Reykjavik in the evening. Meet your group at the hotel before getting to know one another over dinner. Take time to share your expectations for the upcoming days.
Day 2: Explore the Icelandic capital before settling into a seaside bed & breakfast.
After breakfast with great coffee, set out to explore the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja church for amazing views of this beautiful city. In the afternoon, you will head north on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula where you’ll stay in a beautiful, seaside bed & breakfast. If time allows, take a hike in the area before a cozy dinner.
Day 3: Enjoy a coastline hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi.
After enjoying a plethora of local breads and spreads, you will hike along the spectacular coastline between Hellnar and Arnarstapi. This unique hike boasts spectacular black rock arches, caves, and cliffs. Enjoy a cappuccino at a cliffside cafe at the end of the trail.
Day 4: Travel the Golden Circle and trek into the largest lava tube in Iceland.
Head to the Golden Circle and see immense, ancient volcanic fields on your way to the largest lava tube in Iceland. Take a guided tour into the lava tube to experience the amazing colors and rock formations. On the way back, experience the raging expanse of Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Vikings established the Althing, the world’s first democratic parliament, in 930 AD. End the day relaxing in the hot pools at Hveragerdi.
Day 5: Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and explore the southern coast of Vik.
Head to Vik on the southern coast and see some of Iceland’s most beautiful vistas. Today, the group may head north on an incredible road to hike to the Myrdalsjokull glacier or take time to explore the immense falls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss under the shadow of Eyjafjallajokull, a volcano that last erupted in 2010. Walk along the sweeping black sand beach before settling in for the evening.
Day 6: Ride an Icelandic pony on the black sand beaches of Vik.
Saddle up your Icelandic pony to go horseback riding along the black sand beach. Take the afternoon to explore the town of Vik before relaxing and enjoying a traditional Icelandic dinner. For those who choose not to ride, The Icelandic Lava Show, ice cave and glacier tours, or hiking will be offered as alternative activities.
Day 7: Visit Skaftafell National Park and Jokulsarlon, a turquoise glacial lagoon.
Continue up the coast to visit Skaftafell National Park for views of incredible mountain valleys and the Vatnajokull glacier. Continue to the turquoise blue Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon to experience Iceland’s deepest lake. This place is yet another example of the dramatic beauty of Iceland.
Day 8: Take a ferry to the scenic island of Vestmannaeyjar.
We will take a boat tour through amazing sea caves and potentially spot playful puffins swooping from steep cliffs high above our heads. 60% of the world's population of Puffins nest in Iceland in the summer, before heading out to sea in September. Vestmannaeyjar is loaded with history. Pirates from the Barbary Coast raided the island in 1627 and sold hundreds of local residents into slavery. A cannonball fired during that conflict is still embedded in the rocky entrance to the harbor. In 1973 a major volcanic eruption destroyed nearly 1/3 of the homes and buildings but increased the size of the island by 2 square kilometers. You will see homes encased in lava reminiscent of a mini Pompeii. Fortunately, no residents of Heimaey were hurt during this episode of island life.
Day 9: Say farewell to your trip mates. If you choose, stop by the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport.
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers after breakfast before taking in your final views of Iceland. If you choose, make one last museum stop or relax at the Blue Lagoon hot pools on your way to the airport (not included).
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE: Perched atop the edge of the Eurasian and North American Tectonic plates, Iceland is a stark landscape of volcanic fields, black beaches, and mountainous areas. Glaciers, geysers, and steaming fumaroles are commonplace in this surprisingly accessible country.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Eyja Guldsmeden Reykjavik at 4:00 PM (local time)
End: Eyja Guldsmeden Reykjavik at 10:00 AM (local time)
Transportation
This trip begins at the Eyja Guldsmeden hotel Reykjavik at 4:00 PM. The trip ends in the same location at 10:00 AM. The time to get from Keflavik International Airport to the Eyja Guldsmeden hotel Reykjavik is about 45 minutes.
Do you have a single supplement for Iceland Hike and Explore?
You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $1000 during the registration process.