Scenic South Iceland 5 Days
Tour overview:
Enjoy the knowledge of a professional local guide as you visit unique natural attractions including black sand beaches, hot springs, waterfalls, vast volcanic areas and jagged bird cliffs. You will also a get a chance to sail among icebergs with a guided boat tour on the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and learn about our volcanoes at the LAVA Centre.
Day 1 - Arrival Reykjavík
On arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will be welcomed and driven to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
If you are arriving earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Note: Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.
Day 2 - Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
Approximate Distance: 290 km / 180 miles
Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you’ll tour along the South Shore, a region of volcanic mountains and waterfalls. You’ll get a taste of how Icelanders have harnessed volcanic energy with a visit to the geothermal park in the town of Hveragerdi. Your group will boil eggs in a hot spring and taste fresh rye bread that has baked overnight in geothermal steam. Next you’ll drive through scenic farmlands to Hvolsvollur town. There you’ll discover more about volcanoes and earthquakes with a visit to the LAVA Center’s interactive exhibits.
Your journey continues to the fairy tale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall—the only one in Iceland where you can walk behind the roaring cascade on a footpath, followed by the magnificent 60-metre (197 ft) free-falling Skogafoss waterfall known from Iceland travel blogs. Journey past the beautiful Eyjafjoll mountain range, including Eyjafjallajokull volcano towards volcanic black sand beaches. One of these beaches is Reynisfjara, known for its black volcanic sands, smooth pebbles, and unique rock formations.
Dinner and overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.
Day 3 - Vatnajokull National Park and the Glacier Lagoon
Approximate Distance: 255 km / 157 miles
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll get to see some of Iceland’s most photogenic attractions, starting with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here you will enjoy a guided amphibian boat tour among the floating icebergs. Then you’ll be able to walk along Diamond Beach, where chunks of sparkling ice are dotting the shore like diamonds. Next, the group will also visit the smaller Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon.
After a break for lunch (on your own), your group will continue to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park, named for Iceland’s largest glacier.
Dinner and overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.
Day 4 - Farm Visit and the Classic Golden Circle
Approximate Distance: 380 km / 236 miles
Breakfast at your hotel. Your guide drives you back to Reykjavik today, passing by more incredible sights along the way. The first stop will be at a local farm, where you’ll learn about daily life at a typical Icelandic farm.
Next the tour will take you around the Golden Circle, a popular route for viewing some of the best-known natural sites in South Iceland. You’ll see the picture-perfect, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area with its bubbling mud pots and spouting Strokkur geyser. The last sight of the day before your return to Reykjavík will be the magnificent Thingvellir National Park, an area of outstanding beauty.
After this exciting day, head back to Reykjavik, where your driver-guide bids you farewell. The evening is open for your own activities.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 5 - Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice
Approximate Distance: 50 km / 32 miles
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight.
When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from the hotel for your airport transfer by a shuttle bus about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional: not included).