Iceland’s South Coast Wonders | Glaciers & Volcanoes
- Scandinavia
Durations
8 Days
Difficulty
Challenging, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
Begin your adventure in Reykjavik, exploring its charming streets and cultural landmarks before setting out on the famed Golden Circle to witness Þingvellir’s rift valley, the erupting Geysir, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Sail to the volcanic Westman Islands for a unique experience of puffins, lava fields, and craters before returning to the mainland to chase waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss along the South Coast.
Continue your adventure to Skaftafell National Park for a thrilling glacier hike amid icy peaks and black sands. Explore the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, where crystal-blue icebergs glisten against volcanic shores. Wrap up your journey with a scenic return drive to Reykjavik and a soothing soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon — the perfect finale to your Icelandic escape.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Focus: Arrival, car pickup, and city immersion.
- Arrive at Keflavik Airport (KEF), transfer to Reykjavik accommodation. Settle in and spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s iconic church for panoramic city views, walking along the waterfront, and discovering the lively downtown area.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: Full day of sightseeing.
- Drive the essential Golden Circle route, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the erupting hot springs at Geysir, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall.
- Night Stay: Selfoss / Hella area.
- Night Stay:~60 km + Ferry
- Time Taken: Full day trip.
- Drive to the Landeyjahöfn terminal and take the ferry to Heimaey, the main island of the Westman Islands. Spend the day exploring this volcanic island, hiking up the Eldfell volcano that erupted in 1973, visiting the Eldheimar museum, and spotting puffin colonies in summer. Return on a late afternoon ferry.
- Night Stay: Hella / Hvolsvöllur area.
- Distance Covered: ~80 km
- Time Taken: 4-6 hours with stops.
- A relaxed day exploring the iconic waterfalls of the South Coast. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, discover its hidden neighbor, and climb the stairs alongside the powerful Skógafoss. End the day at the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach near Vík.
- Night Stay: Vík area.
- Distance Covered: ~140 km
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours drive, plus activity time.
- Drive to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, located at the foot of the immense Vatnajökull ice cap. The day’s main event is a guided glacier hike on an outlet glacier. Alternatively, enjoy one of the park’s many scenic hiking trails.
- Night Stay: Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
- Distance Covered: ~120 km (return trip)
- Time Taken: Full day of sightseeing.
- Spend a full day at Iceland’s “crown jewel,” the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Take a Zodiac boat tour to navigate among the giant icebergs. Explore Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore. You can also visit the nearby, often quieter, Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.
- Night Stay: Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
- Distance Covered: ~330 km
- Time Taken: 4-5 hours drive.
- A leisurely drive back west towards the capital. This day allows you to revisit any favorite spots along the South Coast or explore sights you may have missed on the way out, such as the Lava Centre museum in Hvolsvöllur.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Time Taken: ~45 minutes
- Enjoy a final Icelandic experience with a relaxing morning at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (pre-booking is essential) before making the short drive to KEF airport for your departure.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
