6-Day Volcanoes and Glaciers of Iceland Tour w/ Westman Islands

If your flight lands early in the day we recommend taking the time to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland (airport transfer not included). Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town was named Smoky 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. In the evening you can dine at a multitude of restaurants or coffee-houses to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

We'll travel along the south coast to Landeyjahofn harbor. After arriving at the pier at Bakkafjara we'll take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. Once there, we will explore Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago. Other adventures of the day include: a visit to the puffins in Storhofdi, a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago, visiting Eldheimar Museum and exploring flora of the new lava field. In the afternoon you'll have free time to enjoy this lovely island on your own.

We take the ferry back from the Westman Islands and travel further on along the south shore noting the numerous glacial rivers on route to Skogar and Skogafoss waterfall. We visit with the farmers of Thorvaldseyri Farm located at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano that last erupted in the spring of 2010. A visitor's center / family run exhibit was opened in spring 2011 where guests can view a 20 minute film about the spectacular natural event. Our next stop will be at the Skogar Folk Museum before continuing on to Solheimajokull Glacier. Soon you will be in the area of Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Visit Solheimajokull, a glacier outlet from Mydralsjokull glacier. Solheimajokull is a fantastic opportunity to discover glaciers up close. You can choose one of two unforgettable glacier experiences. Both activities are great for beginners; no previous experience is needed: Glacier Hike: Strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and follow an expert glacier guide on Solheimajokull itself. You'll explore the glacier's surface, discovering amazing ice formations and learn interesting facts about how glaciers form. (Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours) Note: Minimum age for tour is 8 years old and a minimum shoe size of European 34 (U.S. 25) Glacier View Kayaking: Enjoy Solheimajokull from a different angle on an easy kayak tour. Paddle a special sit-on-top kayak in a natural lagoon that flows out from Solheimajokull glacier. Follow your guide's kayak on this easy tour as you paddle between stunning icebergs. Enjoy views of the glacier you can only see from the water. (Duration: 2.5 hours) Note: minimum age for kayaking is 12 years old. We'll spend the night in VIk. Dinner is included on this day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we'll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe's largest glacier. Vatnajokull National Park covers 14% of Iceland’s surface, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Throughout the day you’ll also have views of massive Vatnajokull glacier. Start the day by crossing Eldhraun, the largest single flow of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth. The cataclysmic eruption happened in 1783-1784 AD and affected the climate across mainland Europe. The vast moss-covered lava formations are surreal. Head across a landscape of black sand plains and braided rivers created when glacier capped volcanoes erupted. It's hard to believe that this black sand desert was actually created by ice! Visit Skaftafell, a beautiful glacier-ringed valley in Vatnajokull National Park. The contrast of black volcanoes, silvery glaciers and small green forests is strikingly beautiful. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see floating icebergs and maybe a curious seal or two. Spend a few moments here taking in this unforgettable site. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, a black sand area where broken bits of ice bergs come to rest before they eventually drift to sea. Now it's time to enjoy the beauty of ice and water even more with a boat trip! Head to the Iceberg Lagoon, another (and quieter) glacier lagoon in the area. Take a Zodiac boat tour amid the floating icebergs, viewing the different shapes and shades of blue. Enjoy the guide's interesting insights about the glacier and the area's history and nature. Afterwards we'll return to Vik.

We'll 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. Then, we'll travel to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Our next stop is Thingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik.

Our wonderful Iceland tour ends today and you can self-transfer to the airport on your own (not included).