Natural Wonders of Iceland is an experience designed to see, feel and explore some of Iceland's spectacular natural wonders. From cascading waterfalls, spurting geysers and bubbling hot springs; towering volcanoes, glistening glaciers and extensive lava fields; you will literally be able to feel the volcanic energy around you. Based in a hotel in the centre of Reykjavik, overlooking the harbour, each day you will explore different areas, encountering the country's unique geological landscapes, volcanic energy and hopefully some of the many whales which reside in Iceland's waters.
Only a moderate level of fitness is required for all activities and day trips undertaken during your stay in Iceland.
Your journey will begin with a walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by a hike over the ancient glacier of Sólheimajökull. Your geological exploration continues with visits to the 60 metre high cascading falls of Skógafoss, through some of Iceland's fertile farmlands and areas of historic interest and past the foothills of the notorious Eyjafjallajökull volcano (infamous for the 2010 volcanic eruption). You will also take a stroll along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its famous basalt columns and caves.
The Golden Circle is renowned for its extraordinary geological formations and to explore it you will travel in the comfort of a small-group minibus. This journey will begin in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, home to Iceland’s first parliament. Here you will be able to walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and witness one of the only two tectonic rift valleys in the world. This exciting exploration will take you to the spectacular 32 metre high Gulfoss waterfall, the famous Geysir hot springs and Kerið crater (nicknames the ‘‘Eye of the Earth’’ – a striking blue 6,500 year old crater containing a vivid blue lake and surrounded by steep slopes. In amongst exploring these geological wonders, you will take a pit stop at the Secret Lagoon – Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, which harnesses geothermal power to keep the water at a constant 100.4° - 104°F (38° - 40°C) year-round.
On this jam packed week we will also send you to the Silver Circle, where you will explore the raw beauty of West Iceland, including witnessing Europe’s most powerful hot spring, being amazed by waterfalls cascading through ancient lava cliffs and visiting an Icelandic horse farm. You will also get the unique opportunity to navigate your way through Langjökull Ice Tunnel, which is the largest of it’s kind in the world.
After all the inland exploration and geological excitement, we will then take you out off the coast of Reykjavik in search of whales. Of course, nothing is guaranteed in Nature, but species most often spotted include minke, humpback, blue, fin, sei, sperm, orca and pilot whales.
Northern Lights
The itinerary for this trip can run as written 1st May - 30th September. Outside of that period some elements will need some modification. An option from mid Sept - March is to incorporate some night time opportunities to see the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis).
Itinerary
Sample 7 Day Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary can be shortened, lengthened and changed to incorporate any of the other short trips you can find through the Iceland Home Page on our website.
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik
Fly to Reykjavik on the afternoon or evening flight. Please Contact Us to receive a flight price quotes.
You will step onboard a pre-arranged shuttle to your hotel.
If you arrive early enough, you will be able to join a free walking tour of Reykjavik.
You will be spending the next 6 nights in a comfortable hotel, located within the heart of Reykjavik, conveniently located overlooking the harbour, close to shops, restaurants and bars. Hotel upgrades can be arranged.
Day 2: South Coast Glacier Hiking & Waterfalls
After being picked up from Reykjavik, you will first head to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's greatest iconic waterfalls. Here you'll have the opportunity to walk behind the magnificent wall of water and feel the immense power generated by the fall.
You will journey through fertile farming lands and small villages of south Iceland, an area rich in Viking history and heritage, towered over by the infamous Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes, the former of which was responsible for the notorious 2010 ash cloud. On clear days, you’ll have an excellent view of these renowned volcanoes and the Westman Islands off the coast.
Next you will enjoy a hike on the glacier tongue with a certified glacier guide. Afterwards, you will head towards Reynisfjara, where you can stroll along the black sand beach known for its famous basalt columns and caverns. Witness the Reynisdrangar cliffs and basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea; Icelandic legend has it that they are mischievous trolls turned into rock by the rising sun.
Your day will draw to a close with one final stop at the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall. Here you will be able to walk right up to the 60-meter-high thundering waterfall and feel the spray on your face. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk up the 527 steps to gain a bird’s eye view of the cascading water and rainbows.
Day 3: Whale Watching from Reykjavik
This morning you will take to a boat in search of whales in Faxafló Bay from Reykjavik with an expert crew and specially trained marine biologist guides. During this whale watching trip, you will be on the lookout for such species as minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. If you’re lucky you may even encounter orcas, fin whales or long-finned pilot whales.
Day 4: Golden Circle Safari & Secret Lagoon
After pick up from Reykjavik, you will take a 40-minute drive to your first stop: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, which was once home to Iceland's first parliament, Althingi. As you survey your surroundings, you'll be able to get a sense the power of standing in a rift valley, proof of our Earth's constant movement. Exploring the park, you'll walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Next you will venture to Gulfoss, translated to "Golden Waterfall’’, which receives glacial waters from Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier. This majestic two-tiered cascade plummets an impressive 102 feet (32 meters) and is truly mesmerising to watch.
You will then head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, which is famous for being home to Iceland's most well-known geysers. This area is actually the namesake of all geysers! Here, you will take a wonder around bubbling water pools, clear geothermal springs, and steam vents. The most active and impressive geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 4 to 10 minutes, giving you many chances to see boiling water shoot up between 49 and 65.6 feet (15 to 20 meters) into the air.
After a busy few hours seeing wonderous geological sights, you’ll next be able to soak up the scenery and recharge in geothermal waters at Iceland's oldest swimming pool, Secret Lagoon. Located in the moss-covered lava fields, this pool harnesses geothermal power to keep the water at 100.4° - 104°F (38° - 40°C) throughout the year. As you swim, look out for a small geyser erupting near the edge!
The final stop of the day is definitely worth the wait. Kerið (‘’Eye of the Earth’’) is a striking volcanic crater comprising a vivid blue lake and surrounded by steep slopes. The crater is around 6,500 years old, yet it’s still vibrant with colour and texture. In summer, its walls appear to be painted red and green by moss and minerals, while in winter, the blue lake contrasts beautifully with the white snow. He you can take a leisurely walk around the rim to view this fascinating lake from many angles.
Day 5: Free Day
You will have today free to spend at leisure, exploring the city.
Day 6: Explore the Silver Circle & visit Langjökull Ice Tunnel
After pick up from Reykjavik, you will first head towards the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. So powerful is this geothermal pool, that it is used to hear Icelandic homes in the area. It is in fact Europe’s most powerful hot spring, with a flow rate of 180 litres (47.6 gallons) per second. Here you will stroll through the geothermal field and past steaming, bubbling pools that consistently reach temperatures of 97°C (207°F).
Next you will head to two of Western Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, which emerge from an ancient lava field: the first – Hraunfossar, which consists of a series of tiny cascades, while the second – Barnafoss flows in the middle of a narrow canyon, with the twists and turns of the stream generating a flurry of milky blue/ white foam.
Afterwards you will explore Langjökull Ice Tunnel, the largest of its kind in the world. You will spend around an hour navigating its frozen corridors and its built-in chapel.
Day 7: Depart Reykjavik
After breakfast, a shuttle transfer bus will come to your hotel and take you to the airport. Alternatively, if you are departing on the afternoon flight, you will have the morning free to explore Reykjavik and spend as you wish.
Dates
The activities specified within this 7 day itinerary can be enjoyed all year round. Adjustments can be made depending on your specific interests, so please contact us to discuss your options further.
Price includes
All accommodation
Transfers between airport and Reykjavik
Meals as specified (B=breakfast L=lunch D=dinner)
All guided activities and equipment as specified in the itinerary
Price excludes
International flights
Meals and services not otherwise specified
Evening meals
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry etc
Travel insurance
Tips
Single Supplement For single occupancy standard rooms, there will be an additional supplement. Single Supplements start from £315
Upgrades Please contact us for hotel upgrade options
Flights Please call us for a quote on flights. We can arrange your flight for you from a choice of several airports within the UK.
All trips are guided in small groups of between 2 and 20 people (50 - 200 on the whale watching trip)
Activity Level Moderate