Gracious Southwest Iceland – now including Into the Glacier !

Meet your guide at 09:00 am and set out to explore Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital. Learn about the history while visiting landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja, the University district, and the harbour, where fishing boats, mountain views, and the Harpa concert hall create a distinctive atmosphere. Afterwards we take a short drive out of the centre to Bessastaðir, the historic home of the president of Iceland. Although it is closed to visitors, it remains an important landmark.

We head to an Icelandic restaurant for a lunch stop, where we will experience Iceland through a seasonal menu, with the chef leading the way and the waiter serving as your guide.

After exploring the city and stopping for lunch, we will head to Harpa and enjoy the Volcano Express, a short fil about Iceland’s volcanic nature.

Hotel/Other Details: Hótel Borg or similar in Reykjavík.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

We leave Reykjavík and head west through the countryside towards Borgarfjörður Valley, a region shaped by geothermal energy, rivers and lava fields. We will stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where steam rises steadily from the ground.

Afterwards, we will head to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, both part of the same river system. At Hraunfossar the cold spring water emerges from beneath a wide lava field and flows into the Hvítá river – a formation created by volcanic activity over 1000 years ago. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, where the river narrows between rock formations. This site is also known for its own tragic tale, which adds to the atmosphere of the area

Our journey than takes us to Húsafell, a quiet area near the highlands. From here, we join the Into the Glacier tour, a guided excursion into a man made ice tunnel inside Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Specially equipped vehicles bring us up onto the ice, where we explore the glacier from within.

Hotel/Other Details: Hótel Húsafell or similar

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Todays adventure starts at Hvammsvík Hot Springs located in Hvalfjörður, where geothermal pools meet the sea.

After a rejuvenating soak we will continue towards the Golden Circle. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930 AD, making it the oldest in the world. The site is also located between two tectonic plates, The North American and Eurasian plates. This is clearly visible in the landscape.

After taking in the sites at Þingvellir, we head to Laugarvatn Fontana. While there we will see traditional rye bread baking using geothermal heat, after hearing the history behind the baking of the bread we will get to taste the rye bread while warm. Next we head to Friðheimar Geothermal Greenhouse & Horse Stables is our next stop. Here we will learn about greenhouse farming supported by geothermal energy and meet the Icelandic horse.

Before going to the hotel for the evening we will stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known watefalls. Followed by the Geysir area, where the geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes.

Hotel/Other Details: Hótel Geysir or similar.

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

This morning venture to the South Shore of Iceland, known for its waterfalls, open landscapes and coastal features shaped by volcanic activity. The day includes a visit to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most recognized waterfalls, as well as Seljalandsfoss, where it is possible to view the falls from behind. We explore Skógar Folk Museum, with more than 15,000 artefacts related to farming, fishing and daily life in rural Iceland. Turf houses and tools on display offer insight into the country’s cultural heritage. Further east, we reach the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its striking hexagonal basalt columns and sea stacks rising from the ocean. A short stop is also made in the village of Vík. After the adventures of the day we return to Geysir.

Hotel/Other Details: Hótel Geysir or similar.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Begin the day with a visit to Kerið, a volcanic crater formed about 3000 years ago. The crater is about  55 metres deep and features a small lake at its base, with steep slopes of red volcanic rock surrounding it.

From there, we head to Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geological activity. The area is shaped by volcanic forces, with dramatic fissures, bubbling hot springs, and vast lava fields creating a unique landscape. Our first stop is at the Bridge Between Continents, which lies on one of the world’s largest plate boundaries – between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

We continue to Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. It offers sweeping views of the rugged coastline and surrounding landscapes, standing as a testament to Iceland’s maritime heritage. Afterwards, we stop at Gunnuhver, a geothermal area bursting with boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and vibrant colours from surrounding rocks and minerals that give it an otherworldly atmosphere.

We end the day with a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is renowned for its strikingly vivid blue-turquoise and mineral-rich waters. Soak and unwind surrounded by the surreal and lunar-like landscape of volcanic rocks and moss.

After a week full of adventures, we head back to the hotel in Reykjavík for one last night.

Hotel/Other Details: Hótel Borg or similar

Meal Plan: Breakfast

A taxi will come and pick you up at your accommodation, taking you to Keflavík Airport. As you leave the city, you’ll pass through open landscapes, rocky fields, and coastal views, offering a final look at Iceland’s unique terrain. The route provides a brief but scenic journey as you head towards the airport, ready to catch your flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast