Compare Multi - Activity Adventure by Icelandic Mountain Guides vs Iceland in 8 days - Land of Ice & Fire - PRIVATE TOUR CHARM by Exoticca

Day 1: Reykjavík - Half day bike tour - Farm stay

The morning will be dedicated to mountain biking in the lunar landscape and lava fields around Reykjavik. Then we head to Hveragerði village known for hot springs and green houses and there we can visit the local swimming pool. In the afternoon we come to the farm stay where we will spend the next 3 nights and after settling in we can say hello to the horses and goats.

Driving: 2-3 hrs total

Activity: 4-5 hrs total

Day 2: Golden Circle and River Jet

Today we head inland to visit some of Iceland most renowned places, the golden waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area. On the way we will stop for an exciting River jet tour on Hvítá river close to Gullfoss. The tour starts where the river is calm, but we then head upstream and into the canyon where the current is stronger so the ride becomes more thrilling!  We continue the day visiting the World Heritage Site Þingvellir National park the site of the ancient Viking parliament and a place where the continental drift can be observed as here is where the Mid Atlantic Ocean Ridge surfaces. (Warm clothing and a cap necessary on colder days)

Driving: 4-5hrs total

Activity: River Jet 1 hr, shorter hikes 2-3 hrs total

Day 3: Sea Kayak tour

This morning we head to the small town of Stokkseyri  located on the coast and one of the better places for a kayak ride. Here we can freely explore the waterways and labyrinths of the inland lagoon for a couple of hours and then take a dip in the local swimming pool to warm up. In the afternoon we get to know the Icelandic horses as we go for a horse riding tour at a Horse Riding Centre close by. The ride will take us through meadows and lava fields of the area.

Driving: 2-3 hrs total

Activity: Sea kayak 2-3 hours, horse riding 1h30-2 hours.

Day 4: Glacier Walk and Þórsmörk

Today we pack our bags and head east towards the Eyjafjallajökull massif and the glacier Sólheimajökull. Here we will put on crampons and go on a short glacier walk (1h30) exploring the water cauldrons and other ice features found in the glacier ice. After the glacier walk we take a look at the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before turning into the highlands and the valley of Þórsmörk – the hidden green oasis located behind the glaciers of the south.

Night in a mountain hut.

Driving: 4-5 hrs total

Activity: 2-4 hrs

Day 5: Volcano Hike

From the comfortable mountain hut we set out for the hike up to the new craters of Fimmvörðuháls pass. These craters were formed during the first phase of the 2010 eruption. This is a hike that takes us through the magnificent landscapes of Þórsmörk cut with deep canyons and sharp ridges. Up on the hills we will enjoy fantastic views towards the surrounding glaciers as well as the green valley of Þórsmörk itself. Arriving at the craters we will see the new lava, still hot under the surface. After exploring the site we return down to the mountain hut for the night.

Night in mountain hut (BBQ dinner)

Hiking: 8-10 hrs total

Day 6: Blue Lagoon

Leaving Þórsmörk we head back west along the south coast. We follow the coastline on to the Reykjanes peninsula with its lava fields and formations and finish off our tour with a visit to the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík.

Driving: 3-5 hrs

Activity: 2-4 hrs total

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Iceland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Reykjavik.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Reykjavik

Touch down in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in Iceland. Self-transfer to the hotel* and get settled in before enjoying the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. If time allows, get out and explore the cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique Icelandic cuisine of the capital or visit Reykjavik's fantastic museums on Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.* * Optional private or shuttle bus transfers can be added as a supplement in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3: Reykjavik - Snaefellsnes

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a morning city tour of Reykjavik. See the highlights of the city such as the charming Old Harbour, the Harpa Concert Hall and the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, a symbol of Iceland. Spend some free time exploring at your leisure before departing to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a region in the west of the country known for its dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, cliffs and snow-capped mountains. Take in the captivating views before arriving at the hotel. Keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights, which are often sighted in the night's sky around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Overnight stay in Snaefellsnes.

Day 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover why Snaefellsnes is one of the most scenic destinations in Europe with a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Experience magical landscapes ranging from moss-cloaked lava fields, black-sand beaches, caves filled with lava tubes and roaring ocean waves. Enjoy stunning views in every direction as you explore this land of glaciers, waterfalls and mountain tops, and see the iconic Snæfellsjökull Volcano. Return to the hotel and enjoy another night under the star-studded skies of Iceland. Overnight stay in Snaefellsnes.

Day 5: Snaefellsnes - Golden Circle - Skógarfoss

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on the world-famous Golden Circle Tour to discover three of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions. Explore the Thingvellir National Park, a historic site, known as the home of Alþing, the site of Iceland's parliament meetings from the 10th to 18th centuries. Furthermore, the park sits on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, so it is also known for its unique geological activity. The Geysir Geothermal Area is another highlight of the Golden Circle Tour, where you can watch the erupting Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysers spray steam and water high into the air at regular intervals. In fact, all the geysers in the world were named after this 'Geysir'. Finally, visit the legendary Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most beautiful and captivating sights in Iceland. After an action-packed day exploring the Golden Circle, continue towards Skógarfoss and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Skógarfoss.

Day 6: Skógarfoss - Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Skógarfoss

Breakfast at the hotel. Your discovery of southern Iceland continues today, beginning with a stop at Reynisfjara Beach. Known for its dramatic landscape of enormous basalt rocks and the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Reynisfjara Beach is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Iceland's characteristic black sand beaches. Continue to the amazing Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of the greatest wonders of nature in Iceland. The result of a warming climate, huge blocks of ice constantly break off of the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier and float on the waters of this picturesque lagoon. The lagoon is up to 250 meters deep, making it the deepest lake in the country and is surrounded by immaculate landscapes of black sand beaches and rugged wilderness. After taking in the spectacular views of nature in its rawest, unkempt beauty, return to your hotel in Skógarfoss, passing through impressive lava fields along the way. Overnight stay in Skógarfoss.

Day 7: Skógarfoss - Reykjavik

Breakfast at the hotel. See two spectacular waterfalls today, starting with the Skogafoss Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. Measuring 25-metres wide and 60-metres tall, watch the wall of thundering water cast rainbow across the surrounding cliffs as the sunshine illuminates the waterfall. Afterwards, visit Seljalandsfoss, the same height as Skogafoss but unique because you can walk behind the wall of falling water. Depart for Reykjavik and check in at the hotel. Spend the evening exploring the sights of the capital at your leisure, getting to know Icelandic urban culture. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Day 8: Reykjavik

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, sightseeing in the city's museums or shopping for souvenirs. Why not enjoy a relaxing sauna in one of the city's many public sauna houses or take a stroll along the coast to see the famous Sun Voyager sculpture. Alternatively, why not take an optional day trip to the famous Blue Lagoon or embark on an exciting whale watching excursion!* Overnight stay in Reykjavik. * Optional visit to the Blue Lagoon: Transfer from Reykjavik to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a natural seawater spa located just outside of Reyjavik. Enjoy entrance to the lagoon, towel hire and plenty of time to relax in the mineral-rich thermal waters. A silica mask and 1 drink of your choice from the in-water bar is also included. * Optional Whale-Watching Excursion: Enjoy an exciting day at sea on a whale-watching excursion from Reykjavik. Set sail on one of the largest whale-watching boats in Iceland, complete with viewing decks and an onboard cafe to go in search of minke and humpback whales as well as dolphins and other marine animals. An unforgettable adventure! Please note: you can only select one of the optional excursions on this day.

Day 9: Reykjavik - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of Iceland. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US.* Arrive in US and end your trip. * Optional private or shuttle bus transfers can be added as a supplement in the next step of the booking process.