South Iceland Summer Explorer - 6 days
South Iceland Summer Explorer - 6 days
South Iceland Summer Explorer - 6 days
6 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Heimaey, Vik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2424/SISE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 30
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through South Iceland with the "South Iceland Summer Explorer" tour. Begin your adventure in Reykjavik, exploring the vibrant capital and relaxing in the rejuvenating waters of the Sky Lagoon. Set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay, where you might spot majestic blue whales and playful dolphins. Discover the volcanic history of the Westman Islands and walk behind the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Experience the raw power of nature at the Vik lava show and marvel at the breathtaking Solheimajokull glacier. Hike through the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and unwind in a natural geothermal stream. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Iceland's natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Baron
Welcome to Iceland! Board the Flybus Shuttle and transfer from Keflavik Airport to your hotel in Reykjavik. The rest of the day is free to head out and explore Iceland's charming capital.
Day 2: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Baron
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we embark on a city tour of Reykjavik. Take in sights including the famous Hallgrimskirkja church, National Museum, City Hall, and Houses of Parliament.
Later, we enjoy a 3-hour whale-watching cruise. All manner of species come to the food-rich waters of Iceland to feed in summer, and you may be able to spot dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, and more during the cruise. We then visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition, home to many life-sized whale models and a virtual reality experience.
Then we enjoy a visit to the Sky Lagoon, Iceland's latest attraction, set to rival the famous Blue Lagoon. The Sky Lagoon is man-made, but filled with Iceland's natural geothermal water and looks out over the harbour of Reykjavik. Relax in the warm waters and perhaps enjoy a glass of champagne as you let the lagoon rejuvenate you.
Day 3: Hella
Location: Heimaey
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Reykjavik - The Westman Islands - Hella. Leaving Reykjavik, we travel to the coast and board a ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. In 1973, half of the island's settlements were destroyed by a volcanic eruption, triggering a huge evacuation effort. Residents managed to save the harbour from destruction by pouring cold seawater on the lava to direct it away from this important infrastructure. We'll take a bus and walking tour of the island, including a visit to the "Pompeii of the North", a volcanic excavation project. We'll also have the chance to walk up the volcano crater.
As well as the 4,500 residents who still live on Heimaey, approximately 8 million puffins make the island their summer home, and you'll be able to see these beautiful birds by the hundred. Many other migratory species also visit the Westman Islands in summer to feed and breed, so who knows which species you may spot!
You'll have plenty of time to explore Heimaey town and its surrounding areas independently before we return to the mainland and head to our overnight accommodation in Hella.
Day 4: Vik
Location: Vik
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hella - Vik - Skógar - Hella. Today we experience the true forces of nature which make Iceland so special. Our morning starts with the plunging Seljalandsfoss waterfall, there's a path that winds its way directly behind Seljalandsfoss, which we will walk along and feel the spray from the waterfall.
On our way to the village of Vik we attend the famous lava show, when a volcanic eruption is re-enacted on a small scale. You'll see lava flowing along the ice, and feel the immense heat radiating from it. We then travel to the black lava beach of Reynisfjara. Our walk along the beach will allow us to spot yet more of Iceland's birdlife, as well as impressive rock formations and basalt columns.
In the afternoon, we visit Skogar where we'll see the traditional turf houses of the Skogar Folk Museum and be mesmerised by the sightings of the thundering skogafoss waterfall, reaching over 60 meters high, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Alternatively you can join an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier It's an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. Price per person: ISK 23.000.
Day 5: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Baron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hella - Landmannalaugar - Reykjavik. Leaving our hotel in Hella, we transfer to a highland vehicle and drive along the unpaved road to Landmannalaugar. These incredible mountains were formed by rhyolite lava, which is of a different sort to many volcanic formations. The effect is a series of "rainbow" mountains, with lots of interspersing colours, including reds, yellows, and browns. Sizzling sulfur springs are still visible and steamy vapour rises from the land. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the area and there is free time to explore and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.
We'll stop to see the beautiful Hjalparfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik where the evening is at leisure.
Day 6: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel Baron
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before an included Flybus Shuttle transfer to Keflavik Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-star hotels -
5 breakfasts & 1 lunch
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
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5 nights 3-star hotels
Accommodation for 5 nights in 3-star hotels is included.
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Keflavik Airport arrival and departure transfer (FlyBus shuttle)
Transfers from and to Keflavik Airport via FlyBus shuttle are included.
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Escorted by an English-speaking guide/driver-guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide or driver-guide.
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Transportation in modern coaches, with free Wi-Fi & return transport in a highland vehicle to Landmannalaugar
Transportation in modern coaches with free Wi-Fi and return transport in a highland vehicle to Landmannalaugar is included.
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Return ferry trip to the Westman Islands
A return ferry trip to the Westman Islands is included.
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Walking tour of the Village of Heimaey
A walking tour of the Village of Heimaey is included.
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Guided whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik
A guided whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik is included.
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Entrance to the Whales of Iceland exhibition
Entrance to the Whales of Iceland exhibition is included.
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Entrance to the Sky Lagoon including towel rental
Entrance to the Sky Lagoon, including towel rental, is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
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Tips for your guide - this is an entirely personal gesture
Tips for your guide are not included and are an entirely personal gesture.
Accommodation
Stay at the Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik, offering cozy rooms with en suite facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a buffet breakfast. In Hella, enjoy modern Nordic-style accommodation at Hotel Stracta, featuring stunning countryside views, a restaurant, and hot tubs for evening relaxation.
Age Policy
Strictly 12 yrs+
Mode of Transport
Travel in modern coaches with free Wi-Fi, including a return highland vehicle to Landmannalaugar. Enjoy a return ferry trip to the Westman Islands and airport transfers via FlyBus shuttle. The tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide/driver-guide.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the whale-watching cruise?
During the whale-watching cruise, you may be able to spot dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, and more as they come to feed in the food-rich waters of Iceland.
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What is unique about the Sky Lagoon experience?
The Sky Lagoon is a man-made lagoon filled with Iceland's natural geothermal water, offering views over the harbour of Reykjavik. It is designed to rival the famous Blue Lagoon and provides a relaxing experience with the option to enjoy a glass of champagne.
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What can I expect to see on the Westman Islands?
On the Westman Islands, you can explore Heimaey, the only inhabited island, which was affected by a volcanic eruption in 1973. You will see the 'Pompeii of the North', a volcanic excavation project, and have the chance to walk up a volcano crater. The island is also home to approximately 8 million puffins during the summer.
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What is the Vik lava show?
The Vik lava show is a re-enactment of a volcanic eruption on a small scale, where you can see lava flowing along the ice and feel the immense heat radiating from it.
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What activities are available at Landmannalaugar?
At Landmannalaugar, you can explore the colourful rhyolite mountains, enjoy a picnic lunch, and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.
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Is there an opportunity to hike on a glacier during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier, which is an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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