Compare Volcanoes and Glaciers in Iceland by Nordika Travel vs Iceland: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland.

If your flight lands early in the day we recommend taking the time to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland.

Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.

In the evening you can choose from multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík (airport transfer not included).

Day 2: Westman Islands

Lava Fields – Puffin Island – Magnificent lava fields

We travel along the south coast to Landeyjahöfn harbor. After arriving at the pier at Bakkafjara we take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. Once there, we will explore Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago. Other adventures of the day include: a visit to the puffins in Stórhöfði, a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago, visiting Eldheimar Museum and exploring flora of the new lava field. Afternoon at leisure to explore the island on your own.

Overnight in the Westman Islands

Day 3: South Shore - Skógar – Vík

Restless Volcanoes – Folk Museum

We take the ferry back from the Westman Islands and travel further on along the south shore noting the numerous glacial rivers on route to Skógar and Skógafoss waterfall. We visit with the farmers of Þorvaldseyri Farm located at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano that last erupted in the spring of 2010. A visitor's center/family run exhibit was opened in spring 2011 where guests can view a 20 minute film about the spectacular natural event. Our next stop will be at the Skógar Folk Museum before continuing on, passing Sólheimajökull Glacier to the black Reynisfjara beach.

Dinner and overnight stay in Vik/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the next 2 nights.

Day 4: Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón

Europe's Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs

We cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth before reaching the small town Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. Onward to Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland's most outstanding areas of natural beauty. We continue to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to see floating icebergs and possibly curious seals. Throughout the day we are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. Back to Vík.

Dinner and overnight in Vik/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 5: Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Reykjavik

Exploding Geysers – The beautiful Golden Falls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)

We head for the Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir as well as Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. Onward we travel to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Our next stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to the airport not included.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon (Reservation required) on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.

Day 1: Whale Watching & Colorful Skies

From mid-May to mid-October, our tour starts in Iceland's second most visited city, Akureyri. Get ready to go on a whale watching tour. From late October to early May, whale watching is done instead in the capital that is Reykjavík. From September to early March, also included is a night tour to an area where we see the northern lights.

Day 2: A Lake Created by Lava & Geothermal Eruptions

As a land daytrip from Akureyri (mid-May to mid-October) or a flight daytrip from Reykjavík (late October to early May), we are taken on a tour to Goðafoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, a geothermal area called Hverir and Dettifoss Waterfall. Goðafoss waterfall has a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. Lake Mývatn was created by a large basaltic lava which erupted 2,300 years ago. The surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars. Dettifoss is reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Day 3: Approaching a Caldera & Bathing in a Crater or Iceland’s Best Bar Lagoon Accompanied with a City Tour

Today’s destinations and activities depend on the season. From mid-May to mid-October, as a daytrip from Akureyri, we first hike Askja Caldera and then visit a crater called Viti, the latter of which offers a pond where we go bathing. From late October to early May, we go bathing at a ‘fashionable’ geothermal spa called Sky Lagoon, located near to the capital. We are also provided with a tour of the capital.

Day 4: Why They Call This Area the ‘Golden Circle’

From mid-May to mid-October, we relocate from Akureyri to Reykjavík. From late October to early May, we are not based in Akureyri. Instead, we are still based in Reykjavík. Either way, today we are doing the so-called ‘Golden Circle’ as a daytrip from Reykjavík. Destinations include Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir/Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park (a.k.a. Thingvellir National Park). Gullfoss is 32 meters tall and features not 1 but 2 drops. Geysir’s eruptions can hurl boiling water up to 70 meters in the air. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley.

Day 5: One of the Ten Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth & Thundering Waterfalls

We leave Reykjavík and start the journey along the southeast coast. Highlights for today include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We end up lodging in the Skaftafell area. The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall drops 60 meters. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a fascinating cave. Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. Reynisfjara was ranked by National Geographic as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches on Earth.

Day 6: Huge Icebergs, Exploring an Ice Cave & a Surreal Shoreline

Although today we head to Thorsmork Valley, many destinations are visited en route. They include Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake, the natural ice cave at Vatnajökull National Park and Diamond Beach. Skaftafell’s landscape is similar to some of the Alps. The difference is Skaftafell has been formed over thousands of years by different influences of fire and water. Jökulsárlón Lake provides outstanding views of icebergs which rise to a height of 910 meters. Jökulsárlón has been a setting for four Hollywood movies: (1) A View to a Kill, (2) Die Another Day, (3) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and (4) Batman Begins. Vatnajökull’s ice cave contains canals for water which run through or at the bottom of the glacier. Diamond Beach features icebergs which float onto the shore from Jökulsárlón.

*Note that the surreal looking Svartifoss Waterfall is sometimes-but not always-included on today’s tour. It depends on many factors, including the weather. Also, note that the ice cave is not open June through September. It is open only during the winter season.

Day 7: A Hiker's Paradise

Before returning to Reykjavík, we hike around Thorsmork Valley. The highlights are Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, Nauthúsagil Canyon and Gígjökull Glacier. This is arguably the best area in the country from where to go hiking.

Day 8: Mud Pools, Hot Springs & Blue Waters

From Reykjavík, we make a daytrip to the Reykjanes Peninsula: Lake Kleifarvatn, a geothermal area called Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver’s mud pools and hot springs and the Blue Lagoon. Krýsuvík consists of several geothermal fields. Here solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs have formed. The soil is colored bright yellow, red and green. Nearby are several craters which were created by the explosions of overheated groundwater. The Blue Lagoon, one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, is a geothermal spa. There we enjoy bathing inside the warm water.

Day 9: Our Tour Ends Today

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Reykjavík.