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Volcanoes & Glaciers - Mountain & Fjords

Combination of Two Tours

12 Days / 15 locations in Iceland

Combine two of our most popular guided tours to create a 12 day journey through Iceland's most spectacular scenery.

Discover the magic of volcanoes and glaciers, and the magnificent natural landscape that surrounds them. The first half of your combined tour covers the major attractions of south Iceland, including the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, glaciers, geysers and waterfalls as well as the beautiful Westman islands.

Iceland's remote Westfjords offer the most unusual and untouched nature imaginable.

Be captivated by Iceland's most remote region the Westfjords, where you'll hike along red sands, sail the fjords to deserted villages teeming in wildlife, see puffins on Latrabjarg cliffs, and soak in hot springs under the Midnight Sun.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Arrival in Iceland

On your own, transfer to Reykjavik. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers, which can be booked through Scantours. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion is 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 “Smokey 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.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm).

 
Day 2     Westman Islands
Meals: Breakfast

Waterfall - Lava Fields – Puffin Island – Magnificent lava fields

Breakfast at your hotel. The first stop today will be made at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall.

Travel along the farmlands of the south coast to Landeyjahofn harbor. After arriving at the Bakkafjara pier, take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. The destination is Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westmans and the only inhabited one. Visit the island´s Storhofdi Point with its fantastic views over the area. During mid-May through the beginning of August it is also possible to see puffins here. Take a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago. Visit Eldheimar Museum and explore the flora growing in the new lava field. Afternoon at leisure to explore the island on your own.

Overnight in the Westman Islands. Dinner on own.

 
Day 3     Westman Islands - Skogar - Vik
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Powerful Volcanoes – Folk Museum – Black sand beaches

Breakfast at your hotel. Take the ferry back from the Westman Islands and travel further on along the south coast. Pass numerous glacial rivers en route to Skogafoss waterfall. A famous folk museum is nearby, showcasing the buildings and daily life of Icelanders in the past centuries. This part of Iceland is home to the new Lava Centre, an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. After a visit to the Lava Centre, continue on to the black sands of Reynisfjara beach. Here you can witness the powerful waves and amazing basalt column features carved by the power of the sea.

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

 
Day 4     Vik - Vatnajokull Glacier - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Skaftafell and Glacial beauty – Europe‘s largest Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll be in the area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth before reaching the small town Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. Head onwards to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacier-ringed valley in Vatnajökull National Park. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon to see floating icebergs and maybe a curious seal or two. An optional boat trip (extra charge) takes you on a sail between the icebergs. Return to Vík for your overnight.

Dinner and overnight in Vik area.

 
Day 5     Thingvellir - Gullfoss Waterfall - Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

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

Breakfast at your hotel. Today 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. Travel onwards to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The next stop is Thingvellir National Park, where the Viking-age parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also where you can see the meeting point where the European and North American tectonic plates meet. After some time to explore Thingvellir, head back to Reykjavik.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík. Dinner is on your own.

 
Day 6     Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Stykkisholmur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Unique Waterfalls – Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring – Ferry Ride among 3,000 Islands

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the Mountains and Fjords part of your adventure with a drive along the scenic coastline of Hvalfjordur Fjord (Whale Fjord), one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland. In West Iceland, explore Hraunfoss (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children's Falls), known for their exceptional and intriguing beauty. Afterwards, stop at Deildartunguhver hot springs, which rushes out of algae-covered boulders at a steamy 97°C (200°F).

In the afternoon, your group arrives in Stykkisholmur village for a lovely ferry ride across the spectacular Breidafjordur Bay dotted with 3,000 tiny islands. Encircled by mountains and the Snaefellsjökull volcano, the dramatic bay is home to 50 bird species, the rare white-tailed eagle, and grey seals who enjoy lounging about on the small islets.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Flokalundur area.

 
Day 7     Westfjords - Patreksfjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Remote Westfjords – Stunning Bird Cliffs - Red Sand Beach – Quirky Folk Museum

Breakfast at your hotel. Today discover unique sights in one of the least visited places in Iceland, the Westfjords! Stroll along Raudisandur beach, which shifts in color from golden to orange and red depending on the daylight. In a setting of black cliffs, Raudisandur shelters a large lagoon where curious seals and Arctic skuas are regular visitors. Afterwards, switch your focus from natural wonders to unusual local treasures at a quirky folk museum in Hnjotur.

Upon reaching Latrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and westernmost point, your group will encounter an amazing wildlife spectacle, as the stunning cliffs host a mind-boggling number of sea birds. Protected from Arctic foxes, the birds are fearless, providing plenty of close-up photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for playful puffins.

Dinner and overnight stay in Patreksfjordur area

 
Day 8     Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Capital of the Westfjords – Thundering Waterfall – Outdoor Nature Spa

Breakfast at your hotel. Traveling along the winding coastline of magnificent fjords, you will reach the vibrant fishing village of Isafjordur, honorary capital of the Westfjords. Settled in the 1580s, Isafjordur boasts a charming old town centre with some of the finest and most beautifully restored timber buildings in the country. The lively harbour is the town´s bustling centre of commerce and provides a glimpse into the daily rural life in this northerly capital.

En route to Isafjordur, enjoy a stop at the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall, which is a collection of seven cascades resembling a tiered wedding cake. You will also have the opportunity to take a dip in an outdoor thermal hot spring with gorgeous vistas, along with a stop to enjoy some Icelandic specialities at the historical farm of Hrafnseyri.

Dinner and overnight stay in Isafjordur.

 
Day 9     Westfjords - Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast

Fjord Sailing - Abandoned Settlement - Arctic Foxes

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning travel to the fjord village of Bolungarvík where you will board a boat. Sail across Isafjardardjup, the largest fjord in the Westfjords, where steep mountains descend directly into the sea. Step ashore onto one of the most remote corners of Europe. Situated on a beautiful sandy beach, Hesteyri Island is an abandoned settlement where the elusive Arctic Fox roams among colorful wildflowers that grow knee-high. Spend a few hours here, enjoying the breathtakingly lush nature. The afternoon sail back to Bolungarvik reveals panoramic views of Drangjokull glacier.

Overnight in Isafjordur. Dinner is on your own. Isafjordur has several excellent restaurants focusing on the area‘s famous seafood.

 
Day 10     Westfjords - Holmavik
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Arctic Fox Centre – Saga Folklore – Thermal Bathing

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day with a visit to the Arctic Fox Centre in Sudavik. From Isafjordur town the route provides coastal views of the scenic fjords that were cut into the earth by glaciers during the last Ice Age. En route to Holmavik village, stop at a quaint cafe to enjoy a local favorite, freshly baked waffles.

The journey continues through green valleys to Laugar in Saelingsdalur Valley, an area rich in ancient Saga folklore and history. Here you have the opportunity to soak outside in one of the many thermal pools hidden in nature.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Saelingsdalur area.

 
Day 11     Borgarfjordur - Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson – Volcano Hike – Dairy Farm Delights

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive along Iceland's West Coast to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir, the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, who discovered North America. In a turf-covered longhouse replica, meet modern day Vikings who will demonstrate the lifestyle of 1,000 years ago.

Later, make a tasty stop at the local Erpsstadir dairy for an introduction to Icelandic farming life and to sample freshly made ice cream. In Borgarfjordur, hike along moss-covered lava to the 3,500 year-old Grabrok volcano cone. From here you will have incredible views of the Glanni waterfall, a suspected home to elves and trolls.

Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.

 
Day 12     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport not included. We would be happy to book a transfer for you. We recommend you depart no later than three hours before your international flight.

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

 

Notes

Optional Tours And Activities

Booked via your guide at the start of your tour.

Day 2 - Rib Safari boat tour - Small Islands trip | 1 hr

Day 2 - Viking tours boat tour – Circle boat tour | 1.5 hrs

Price Includes
Entrances As Mentioned
5-Day Guided Tour As Per Itinerary From/to Reykjavik
Accommodation 3 Nights W/Facilities in Reykjavik & Countryside
6 Dinners in the Countryside
Lunchbox on Day 9
Roundtrip Ferry Fare to Westman Islands (Day 2)
Boat Tour to Hesteyri (Day 9)
Tasting of Icelandic Specialities (Day 8, 10, 11)
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Excursions
 Dinner in Westman Islands on Day 2 and Isafjordur on Day 10
IT$-1269
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