Six Days in Iceland

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Being so far north, Reykjavik’s daylight can change dramatically between seasons – 4 hours in winter and up to 22 in summer – which means you’ll either have a lot of time to party or a lot of time to nap in the sun. After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner or check out the craft beer scene with the group (your leader always has the best recommendations) and explore the nightlife (or late-day life?) in this coastal capital.

Follow Iceland’s Golden Circle today with a few smooth, scenic drives. First, visit Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains – this is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in AD930. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. Then check out the Strokkur Geyser and if you’re lucky, maybe see it blast water through the air. Finally, swing by the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River to witness the impressive cascades. On the way to your accommodation for the night, there’s the option to stop at Secret Lagoon in Fludir for some steamy hot springs action – this is Iceland’s oldest natural pool! Fed by the Vaomalahver, Basahver and Litli Geysers, the pool’s water flows continuously, meaning it stays warm (38 to 40 degrees Celsius year-round), clean and rich in sulphur. (B)

Today, you’ll drive along the south coast of Iceland – one of the most popular areas in the country due to the incredible natural beauty and scenic havens dotting the coast. You’ll visit Gljufrabui (Canyon Dweller) first up and bask in the gorgeous cascades of this towering waterfall that’s a bit more off-the-beaten-track (but just as beautiful) as some other tourist favourites. Then, it’s on to another waterfall – Gluggafoss. Also known as Merkjarfoss, this waterfall is the most prominent in the series of falls that run off Merkja River. If the season’s right, you may also visit the famed black sands of Reynisdrangar – voted one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. After exploring the basalt stacks and sweeping panoramas, head on to Dyrholaey Nature Reserve and marvel at the cliffs that jut out into the sea (season permitting). Known as ‘the arch with the hole,’ this is a stunning sight – but be careful, as it can get really windy here! Tonight, you’ll stay near the famous Glacier Lagoon.

Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s largest icecap? This morning, you can choose to embark on an optional walk on Vatnajokull – you don’t really need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here, so don’t let the size scare you. Glaciers like Vatnajokull are sadly melting away due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this if it is on your bucket list, as it might not be here in a few years’ time. In summer, you can also take an optional boat ride here and glide through the waters for a different perspective. After, visit Skaftafell National Park – a wilderness area known for its huge glaciers, mountain trails and Svartifoss waterfall – which you’ll take a short hike to and witness the cascades tumbling down over black basalt columns. Today is not a day to forget your camera! If the season’s right, you might also make a pitstop at Fjadrargljufur – a unique serpent-like canyon that was only discovered by visitors a few years ago. Later, arrive in the remote seafront village of Vik, where you’ll have a free night to explore, find the perfect spot for dinner or rest and recharge.

It’s time to make your way back to Reykjavik, but not before chasin’ some more waterfalls! Today, you’ll visit mighty Seljalandsfoss – part of the Seljalands River, you can actually walk behind the falls and see the cascades from underneath (raincoat recommended). Then, head to Skogafoss on the Skoga River and marvel at the cliffside drop – here, you can climb the stairs to the right of the falls and watch the birds dive in and out of the cliff face. Then, cap off your waterfall tour with a visit to Urridafoss – this one is on Iceland’s longest river and is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. Arrive in Reykjavik in the afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main sights. Icelandic locals have a special relationship with hot dogs, so you’ll have the option to stop by a hot dog stand and see what all the fuss is about – it’s said that you haven’t really tasted a proper hot dog until you’ve had one of theirs! Tonight, maybe go shopping for a few souvenirs, or alternatively, grab your group and knock back a few drinks at one of Reykjavik’s quirky bars to celebrate the last night of this nature-lovers adventure.

With no further activities planned, your trip will come to an end after breakfast this morning. But your adventure doesn’t have to end! If you’re staying on, why not spend today on a snorkelling day trip in Silfra Fissure or visit Sky Lagoon's oceanside geothermal hot pools. If you’d like to extend your stay in this paradise backdropped by mountains, just speak to your booking agent. (B)