Today we will get in touch with some of Iceland’s most famous and exciting natural phenomena. Our first stop will be at one of Iceland’s most historical sites, Þingvellir national park, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in the year of 930 AD. At Þingvellir we can see how the earth is ever so slowly pulling apart along the North-America and Eurasian tectonic plates. While visiting Þingvellir national park we go on a snorkeling tour in Silfra fissure and experience the the many colors and clarity of the many sights of Silfra. Dry suit and snorkeling equipment provided. From Þingvellir we head towards the world-renowned geothermal area in Haukadalur, where we see geysers, hot springs and steam vents. We will experience the thrilling display of nature’s force when watching Strokkur erupts column of water into the air every 5-8 minutes. From Geysir geothermal area we continue to Gullfoss waterfall (aka the golden waterfall) where if we can stand so close to the edge we may feel the mist of the glacial water on our faces.
Accommodation in Hveragerði area.

Hveragerði village is located on active volcanic zone with a hot spring area in the middle of the village. We visit Hveragerði in the morning and from there we hike in the beautiful valley of Reykjadalur and get in touch with the pure Icelandic nature. On the way we experience close encounter with small gurgling melting pots and untouched natural hot springs we can relax in before we hike back to Hveragerði. In the afternoon we get to know the Icelandic horse and participate in a horse riding tour in the beautiful area of Hveragerði. Accommodation in Hveragerði area.

Today we drive the scenic road along Iceland’s south coast. We have the opportunity to stand behind the plummeting Seljalandsfoss waterfall and walk up to Skógafoss waterfall to admire its impressive 60 m drop. We then drive to Sólheimajökull glacier where we meet up with an experienced glacier guide who provides us with crampons and other specialized glacier gear before we explore the glacier on foot. The Sólheimajökull glacier is a magnificent place; the ancient ice floe is crevassed riddled, with huge ice ridges and spiraling sinkholes everywhere. In the ice, ashes from past volcanic eruptions are hidden and just a few kilometers to the west, resting on top of the mountains, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano can be glimpsed on clear days. After the hike we continue to Vík in Mýrdalur, Iceland’s southernmost village, surrounded by cliffs which are home to a flourishing birdlife. Along the road, we can admire stunning views of glaciers, black sand beaches and impressive rock formations. Accommodation in Hveragerði area.

Today we visit Heimaey, one of the Westman Islands and the only one inhabitated, located off the mainland’s south coast. In 1973 a volcanic eruption started in Heimaey and lasted for 5 months. The eruption started in the middle of the night and caused the island to be evacuated and the third of all buildings on Heimaey to be destroyed by lava and ash. We visit Eldheimar museum and learn about this eruption and the live of locals before and after the eruption. The highlight of the museum is a house that was buried in ash and lava for over 40 years but has now ben excavated and shows us how cruelly nature treated the homes of so many islanders. Accommodation in Hveragerði area.

Today we drive to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and visit the most significant places in the capital area. But before we do that we drive to the old harbor in Reykjavik and participate on a whale watching tour in hope of seeing some whales. There is a large outside viewing deck on the whale watching boat and the guide along the captain will point out where to spot the whales and give interesting information about the different kinds of whales you can expect to see.

After the whale watching tour we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we explore the capital with our local guide and visit e.g. the presidential residence at Bessastaðir, the restaurant Perlan (the Pearl) for a great view over the city and its surroundings and Höfði house where the all-important summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place in 1986. We visit also the recreation area in Laugardalur where the outdoor geothermal heated swimming pools are located, the university district and the old town centre where the Icelandic parliament and new city hall are located. After the city sightseeing tour we check in at our centrally located hotel. Accommodation in Reykjavik

Private departure transfer from hotel in Reykjavik, in connection with departure flight.