6-Night Southern Iceland

Day 2

Accommodation

Contemporary View Hotel - Reykjavik, Capital Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00pm.

A parking garage is located in the basement of the hotel. The parking garage is accessible through the hotel stairs or elevator. Exit is on floor -1 (same as the gym). The garage parking system is operated with license plate recognition and is simple to use. When you enter the facilities there is a pay station on the right side mounted on a wall. There is also a ticket machine in the hotel lobby. You pay after your stay just before you leave the garage.

Included Unique Activities

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Hot Springs Tour

You will visit all three attractions on the Golden Circle, directly from Reykjavik, with an added visit to the unique Secret Lagoon. This is the perfect Icelandic experience, giving you a chance to visit waterfalls, geysers, historic sights, and soak in a natural hot spring. Discover the famous sites of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir hot spring area with a great Icelandic twist and a secret stop. This usually takes 8 – 9 hours.

Must-See Sites

The Golden Circle, Capital Region

On the Map: The Golden Circle is a touring region in southwest Iceland. The well-loved driving route begins in Reykjavik and heads south to Selfoss, then northeast to Gullfoss Falls. The road turns west to Þingvellir National Park, finally looping back to Reykjavik in the southwest. 

The Golden Circle consists of three equally stunning locations: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir National Park is an astonishing site, steeped in history and folklore, and surrounded by unique and incredible geology. Not only was Þingvellir the first of Iceland’s three national parks to be established, but it is the only one that has the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also known for its appearance in the popular fantasy epic, Game of Thrones. The Geysir Geothermal Area, within the Haukadalur Valley, is dotted with hot pools, clay pots, and fumaroles. The hills and soil are vividly colored by minerals of the earth. It is a beautiful destination. Gullfoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, is located in a plunging, ancient valley just down the road from the Geysir Geothermal Area. This waterfall tumbles down two elevations, from an overall height of 104 feet. On a sunny day, it gives off rainbows, a truly wondrous sight.

Thingvellir National Park, Selfoss, Southern Region

On the Map: Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park sits in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, about 25 miles northeast of Reykjavik.

As a place of historical, cultural, and geological significance, Thingvellir is a must. The park is known for the Alþingi (Althing)—this was the site of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to the 18th centuries. It includes the Þingvellir Church and ruins of old stone shelters. (Recently, Thingvellir has gained popularity among Game of Thrones fans due to its appearance on the fantasy epic.) The park is in a rift valley, marking the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This valley features the Silfra fissure, known worldwide as one of the top dive sites for two main reasons: It is the only location in the world where someone can dive between two continental plates, and the underwater visibility is over 328 feet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will inspire you with the influence of nature.

Gullfoss Waterfall, Southern Region

On The Map: Gullfoss lies in the northeast corner of the Golden Circle in southwest Iceland. It is located right off route 35, about 109 km (68 miles) northeast of Reykjavik.

Gullfoss (translated as “Golden Waterfall”), is a powerful waterfall on the Hvítá River, fed by Iceland’s second largest glacier, the Langjökull. The water plummets 104 feet in two stages to a rugged canyon. During the winter, the view is particularly spectacular when the water freezes into waves of glistening ice. On a sunny day, visitors are treated to thousands of tiny rainbows, a natural reaction of clouds of spray from the tumbling falls. With amazing views year around, Gullfoss is a highlight!

Reykjavik, Capital Region

On The Map: Reykjavik is a coastal city, located in the Capital Region of Southwest Iceland. Reykjavik is reached via route 1 (the 'Ring Road') from Hofn (to the North) and Vik (to the Southeast).   Reykjavik lies on the Southern shore of Faxa Bay in Southwestern Iceland, and is well-renown as the country’s capital and largest city. Although it is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, it houses six districts, each with their own personality. With its dynamic growing atmosphere, it does not come as much of a surprise that it is often the first city travelers visit when they arrive on the beautiful Nordic island. Highly regarded as one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world, Reykjavik is a welcoming community for those looking to discover all that Iceland has to offer. Known for its vast amount of festivals, the city offers an eclectic list of celebrations including the annual Ingólfshátíô Viking Festival and the lively Winter Lights festival. For those looking to feed their hunger for natural landscapes and outdoor adventure, Reykjavik offers the Heidmork Nature Reserve and Ellidaardalur Valley, both rich in walking paths and stunning scenery. Whether you choose to wander the streets and take in the unique Icelandic culture, or escape the city to enjoy the slow pace of nature, Reykjavik is sure to leave you feeling ready to explore the rest of Iceland.

Day 3

Accommodation

Modern Myrdal Valley Hotel - Vik, Southern Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. Private parking available in close proximity to the hotel.

Must-See Sites

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Southern Region

On the map: Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall located in southern Iceland. Vik is to the southeast, and Reykjavik is to the northwest.

Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall along Iceland’s southern coast, fed by melting waters from the glacier capped Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This powerful waterfall cascades into an idyllic meadow. It is best known for the walking path that runs behind its veil of falling water and mist. During the winter months, the path behind the falls is closed due to weather and ice. Because the falls are only 75 miles from Reykjavik, they make a perfect day trip for those staying in the city.   

Skogafoss Waterfall, Southern Region

On The Map: Skógafoss is a cliff waterfall situated on the Skógá River in southern Iceland. It is reached via route 1 (the “ring road”) from Reykjavik (to the northwest) and from Vik (to the southeast).

Skógafoss is a stunning waterfall that lies on the Skógá River, in southern Iceland, at the cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline receded toward the sea (about 5 km from Skógá Village), the former sea cliffs remained. However, that isn’t the only thing that makes Skógafoss unique; the waterfall comes directly from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Climbing the 370 steps to the top of Skógafoss rewards visitors with a stunning view out over southern Iceland’s coastline. Standing at 60 meters (197 feet) tall, the heavy veil of water is impressive, and walking close enough envelops visitors in a cloud of spray, sound and refracted light. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a rainbow is often visible on sunny days.

Skogar Museum, Southern Region

On the map: Situated 150 km east from Reykjavík nearby ring road number 1. The museum was especially known for the curator Þórður Tómasson who has now retired.  Originally housed in Skógar Regional School, the museum is divided into three parts: the folk museum which offers a huge variety of tools and implements used for fishing and farming, as well as artifacts dating back to the Viking age. In the rebuilt turf houses in the open-air museum, you can catch the atmosphere of times long gone and experience how Icelanders lived through the centuries. The museum of transport, which also houses a souvenir shop and the Skógakaffi cafeteria, tells the story of technology and transportation and its development in Iceland in the 19th and 20th century.

Overnight Location

Vik, Southern Region

On The Map: Vik is located in the Southern Region of Iceland, reached via the Ring Road. Reykjavik is to the northwest. This remote seaside village offers a small-town experience, complete with diverse wildlife and adventurous activities. As one of the three towns located within the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Vik is a hub for exploring the Myradalsjökull Glacier. Although famous for its proximity to the large glacier and underlying dormant volcano, Vik has something of interest for everyone. It is an area to observe wildlife, birdwatching, and for hiking; the surrounding areas offer an authentic peek into the lives of native animals. During the summer, nesting puffins inhabit Dyrhólaey, the small peninsula with a natural arch. Throughout the winter, travelers have the opportunity to experience breathtaking northern lights. Any time of year, you can go horseback riding on black sand beaches, explore the Myradalsjökull Glacier by snowmobile, or observe Reynisdrangar Cliffs’ natural wonders.

Day 4

Accommodation

Modern Myrdal Valley Hotel - Vik, Southern Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. Private parking available in close proximity to the hotel.

Included Unique Activities

Icelandic Lava Show

The Icelandic Lava Show is the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity! The show begins with a short opening from the show's host and then delves into a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism and why Iceland is such an active volcano island. Then Katla UNESCO GEOPARK and the volcanoes surrounding Vík are highlighted with an explanation on why these volcanoes are considered among the most dangerous on the planet. After that, the show takes the audience 100 years back in time with a dramatic story about the catastrophic Katla volcano eruption in 1918.

The highlight of the show is when everyone is advised to put on their security goggles and the lava starts pouring into the showroom. The bright orange color as the lava starts flowing into the room is like sunrise and as the lava starts gliding over the ice it starts to bubble and crackle. The most surprising aspect, however, is the intense heat that radiates from the lava and the temperature in the showroom quickly rises. For a few moments, the only thing you want to do is sit there transfixed on the lava, mesmerized by the sensory onslaught as you watch the lava cool in front of your eyes, slowly turning from bright orange to grey to black. It is an experience unlike anything else.

Soon after the lava flows into the room, the show's host starts playing with the lava, explaining the different aspects of it and what it really was that you just witnessed. As the lava continues to cool down, the host is able to demonstrate some of the wonders of the lava in a live Q&A session. At the end, when the doors to the showroom are opened, it is usually a bright-eyed and flushed group of audience that walks out of the room, still wrapping their heads around the remarkable experience they just had in this wonderland of ice and fire.

Must-See Sites

Vik, Southern Region

On The Map: Vik is located in the Southern Region of Iceland, reached via the Ring Road. Reykjavik is to the northwest. This remote seaside village offers a small-town experience, complete with diverse wildlife and adventurous activities. As one of the three towns located within the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Vik is a hub for exploring the Myradalsjökull Glacier. Although famous for its proximity to the large glacier and underlying dormant volcano, Vik has something of interest for everyone. It is an area to observe wildlife, birdwatching, and for hiking; the surrounding areas offer an authentic peek into the lives of native animals. During the summer, nesting puffins inhabit Dyrhólaey, the small peninsula with a natural arch. Throughout the winter, travelers have the opportunity to experience breathtaking northern lights. Any time of year, you can go horseback riding on black sand beaches, explore the Myradalsjökull Glacier by snowmobile, or observe Reynisdrangar Cliffs’ natural wonders.

Diamond Beach, Eastern Region

On the map: Diamond Beach lies in southern Iceland just south of Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

It is a dramatic black-sand beach, dotted with ice and crystals that have journeyed from Jökulsárlón. Some of the ice-chunks are polished by the ocean and wash ashore again, giving them their wide array of colors, from transparent to bright blue. While sunny days are the best time to see the shining “diamonds,” each day offers a beautiful view at Diamond Beach. With Jökulsárlón delivering new ice, and the ocean picking them up, every visit to this magnificent beach is unique. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Southern Region

On the map: Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. 

Reynisfjara is found around 180 km from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, and is a popular stop-off for travelers touring along Iceland's South Coast. Driving to the beach is particularly easy, taking an approximate two and a half hours from the capital.

With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet. Upon visiting the beach, travelers will immediately recognize the unique rocky sea stacks sitting just off the shoreline, known as Reynisdrangar. According to local Icelandic folklore, these large basalt columns were once trolls engaged in trying to pull ships from the ocean. However, as bad luck would have it, the dawn quickly arose, turning the trolls into solid stone.

Caution: Waves of Reynisfjara can be particularly violent, often pushing far further up the beach than many would expect. Visitors are advised to never turn their back on the waves, don't go chasing after them and keep a safe distance of 20-30 metres.

Overnight Location

Vik, Southern Region

On The Map: Vik is located in the Southern Region of Iceland, reached via the Ring Road. Reykjavik is to the northwest. This remote seaside village offers a small-town experience, complete with diverse wildlife and adventurous activities. As one of the three towns located within the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Vik is a hub for exploring the Myradalsjökull Glacier. Although famous for its proximity to the large glacier and underlying dormant volcano, Vik has something of interest for everyone. It is an area to observe wildlife, birdwatching, and for hiking; the surrounding areas offer an authentic peek into the lives of native animals. During the summer, nesting puffins inhabit Dyrhólaey, the small peninsula with a natural arch. Throughout the winter, travelers have the opportunity to experience breathtaking northern lights. Any time of year, you can go horseback riding on black sand beaches, explore the Myradalsjökull Glacier by snowmobile, or observe Reynisdrangar Cliffs’ natural wonders.

Day 5

Accommodation

Modern Myrdal Valley Hotel - Vik, Southern Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. Private parking available in close proximity to the hotel.

Included Unique Activities

Crystal Blue Ice Cave by Super Jeep

Highlights

- Enjoy our blue ice cave tour with our Super Truck
- Experience hidden areas on a glacier outlet from Vatnajokull
- Explore off the beaten path spots on a glacier walk

Come to explore the other-worldly beauty of a natural blue ice cave. On this tour, you'll hop on a SuperTruck to experience hidden areas on a glacier outlet from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. You'll see all sorts of ice formations from impressive caves to ice tunnels formed by the dynamic ever-changing Icelandic nature.
Come and experience the out-of-this-earth beauty of a crystal blue ice cave in winter on a Super Jeep. You’ll explore off-the-beaten-path spots on a glacier walk near Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Meet your friendly guide by Jökulsárlón parking lot, beside the famous glacier lagoon in the South Eastern region of Iceland. Take that one Instagram-worthy picture that you will show to everyone back home: you and the natural blue ice cave that welcomed you.

Must-See Sites

Vatnajokull National Park, Northeastern Region

On the map: Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 and includes the national parks in Skaftafell (est. 1967) and Jökulsárgljúfur (est. 1973) along with the Vatnajökull ice cap itself and extensive areas around it.

Vatnajökull National Park is characterized by diversity on all fronts, be it landscape, biosphere, cultural remains or service levels. For simplification, however, it may be placed into two categories: uninhabited highland areas with limited services and lowland areas with higher service levels.

The park‘s visitor centres are all located in lowland areas. Each of them has an exhibition about the park‘s nature and cultural heritage. Each also has a souvenir shop with a special emphasis on local handicraft and products.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Eastern Region

On the map: Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. 

The still, blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The icebergs calve from the glacier edge and then undulate toward the river’s mouth. Listening to the sounds as they move and float away is awesome. Across the road, you’ll find a beautiful black sand beach, referred to as Crystal Beach or Diamond Beach. There you’ll see ice cubes and crystals washed up from the sea, which when illuminated at dawn, sunrise, or sunset, reflect an amazing array of colors.  

Overnight Location

Vik, Southern Region

On The Map: Vik is located in the Southern Region of Iceland, reached via the Ring Road. Reykjavik is to the northwest. This remote seaside village offers a small-town experience, complete with diverse wildlife and adventurous activities. As one of the three towns located within the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Vik is a hub for exploring the Myradalsjökull Glacier. Although famous for its proximity to the large glacier and underlying dormant volcano, Vik has something of interest for everyone. It is an area to observe wildlife, birdwatching, and for hiking; the surrounding areas offer an authentic peek into the lives of native animals. During the summer, nesting puffins inhabit Dyrhólaey, the small peninsula with a natural arch. Throughout the winter, travelers have the opportunity to experience breathtaking northern lights. Any time of year, you can go horseback riding on black sand beaches, explore the Myradalsjökull Glacier by snowmobile, or observe Reynisdrangar Cliffs’ natural wonders.

Day 6

Accommodation

Contemporary View Hotel - Reykjavik, Capital Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00pm.

A parking garage is located in the basement of the hotel. The parking garage is accessible through the hotel stairs or elevator. Exit is on floor -1 (same as the gym). The garage parking system is operated with license plate recognition and is simple to use. When you enter the facilities there is a pay station on the right side mounted on a wall. There is also a ticket machine in the hotel lobby. You pay after your stay just before you leave the garage.

Must-See Sites

Reykjavik City Hall, Reykjavik, Capital Region

Reykjavík City Hall is an impressive building on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. Bold and modern, this impressive building, in the center of Reykjavík, connects nature and water. It is designed to attract birdlife to the city’s center. Opened in 1992, it houses the mayor and other officials of Reykjavík. On the ground floor, you’ll find a friendly information desk and internet access. The building is also used as a gallery, hosting a steady stream of exciting, new exhibitions. A favorite in the exhibition hall is the huge 3D map of Iceland. It is interesting to examine both before and after exploring Iceland.

Perlan Museum, Reykijavik, Capital Region

The Perlan Museum, translated to “the pearl” in English, is an iconic glass-dome building situated within six decommissioned hot water storage tanks on the highest hill in Reykjavík, Öskjuhlíð. Recently opened in 2017, the museum hosts an exquisite exhibition where you can learn about and experience the wonders of Icelandic nature in a unique and unforgettable way. The main attraction, the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition, allows you to walk through a 100-meter (300 ft.) long man-made cave (the first of its kind in the world) before entering the interactive portion. Once you enter the interactive portion, you will learn more details about Iceland’s treasured glaciers, their future, and how they affect global warming. Included in the exhibition ticket is access to the observation deck, which provides the best views of Reykjavík and its surrounding areas. Perlan is a must-see, not only for the museum, but also for its incredible architecture, amazing panoramic views, and its excellent restaurant and gift shops.

Overnight Location

Reykjavik, Capital Region

On The Map: Reykjavik is a coastal city, located in the Capital Region of Southwest Iceland. Reykjavik is reached via route 1 (the 'Ring Road') from Hofn (to the North) and Vik (to the Southeast).   Reykjavik lies on the Southern shore of Faxa Bay in Southwestern Iceland, and is well-renown as the country’s capital and largest city. Although it is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, it houses six districts, each with their own personality. With its dynamic growing atmosphere, it does not come as much of a surprise that it is often the first city travelers visit when they arrive on the beautiful Nordic island. Highly regarded as one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world, Reykjavik is a welcoming community for those looking to discover all that Iceland has to offer. Known for its vast amount of festivals, the city offers an eclectic list of celebrations including the annual Ingólfshátíô Viking Festival and the lively Winter Lights festival. For those looking to feed their hunger for natural landscapes and outdoor adventure, Reykjavik offers the Heidmork Nature Reserve and Ellidaardalur Valley, both rich in walking paths and stunning scenery. Whether you choose to wander the streets and take in the unique Icelandic culture, or escape the city to enjoy the slow pace of nature, Reykjavik is sure to leave you feeling ready to explore the rest of Iceland.

Day 7

Depart From

Depart from Keflavik Airport, Southern Peninsula

Today you will depart from Keflavik Airport. Please allow ample time at the airport for any delays.