Volcanoes and Glaciers - 6 days - Summer 2022

AVAILABLE:
May 20 to September 16

DURATION:
6 days / 5 nights

TOUR ID:
IT18

4 days guided tour as per itinerary with coach or small bus tour from Reykjavik
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Expert local English-speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 5
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Accommodation 2 nights in a standard room w/breakfast and w/private facilities in Reykjavík
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Accommodation 3 nights in a standard room w/breakfast and w/private facilities in countryside
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Pick up and drop off at hotel in Reykjavík prior to and after tour.
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1 three-course local-cuisine dinner in the countryside with coffee/tea (day 4)
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Guide service during dinner
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Exhibition and cinema at Lava Centre
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Roundtrip to the Westman Islands with Ferry
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Entrance to Eldheimar Museum
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Choice of glacier hiking or kayaking tour at Solheimajokull Glacier
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Zodiac tour on Iceberg Lagoon
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Great photo stops
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Free Wi-Fi on board tour vehicle
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Seat rotation during the tour
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Customer care service during office hours
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24-hour emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
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Breakfast on arrival day
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International airfare
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Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
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Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel
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Beverages, snacks, lunches unless otherwise noted in itinerary
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Dinners in Reykjavik on day 1 and 5, Westman Islands (day 2),and Vik (day 4)
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Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm)
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Guaranteed late check-out
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Any service not specifically mentioned under "included"
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Day 1. Arrival - Pre night

Transfer to Reykjavík is on your own. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers. Once in Reykjavik, check into your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, you might want to explore Reykjavik’s old town area, location of many museums and galleries. You might also enjoy visiting one of the city’s outdoor geothermal swimming pools where you can shake off your jetlag. In the afternoon you could take one of our day tours, such as whale watching or horseback riding, both bringing you close to Iceland’s nature and landscape.

Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm).

Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.

Highlights: Reykjavík

Day 2. Westman Islands

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and walk out to the area where your tour coach is waiting. Drive along the south shore, one of Iceland’s most volcanic regions. Pass alongside farmlands built in the shadow of towering volcanic mountains. You’ll see many signs of how the volcanoes of the area have powerfully altered the landscape. If the skies are clear, you may even catch views of two of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes: Hekla (last eruption 2000) and Eyjafjallajokull (last eruption 2010).

In Hvollsvollur town, visit the LAVA Centre, an interactive, high-tech exhibition about volcanoes and earthquakes and how they have shaped Iceland. It’s a perfect introduction to the geological wonders you’ll see during your tour.

Next visit the impressive Seljalandsfoss waterfall. If you’re up for adventure and cool experiences you can take the trail that leads behind the waterfall.

Travel along the farmlands of the south coast to Landeyjahofn harbor. Hop onboard a local ferry for a 30-minute trip to the Westman Islands. Enjoy the ride and the view of volcanic islands and seabirds. Your destination is Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westman Island archipelago. Life here is quite a bit different from the “mainland” Iceland, and you’ll discover some of the unique culture and history on a drive around the area.

Visit windy Storhofdi Point with its fantastic views over the area.(During mid-May through the beginning of August you might also see puffins here.) Take a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago. The view from up here and over the sea and islands is simply stunning! (Make sure your camera is charged up and ready!)

Next, take a trip back in time and visit Eldheimar Museum. You’ll learn about the catastrophic 1973 eruption that poured lava over many houses on Heimaey and changed the residents’ lives forever. You’ll see where lava covered houses and where grass and moss now grows among the lava. The volcanic flows also created an amazing time capsule; wandering through Eldheimar gives you a peek into Icelandic daily life in the early 1970s.

The rest of the afternoon is open for you to explore the island on your own. Walk along the harbor and check out the 17th-century fortress built to protect the islands from pirate raids. Catch some interesting and timeless photos of a Viking-style stave church built in the year 2000. Take a swim in the public swimming pool, which uses geothermally warmed sea water. Soak in the vibes of the charming and lively fishing town, home to a micro-brewery and several restaurants known for great seafood.

Overnight in the Westman Islands.
Dinner is on your own. The Westman Islands have some great restaurant choices, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy exploring the options

Highlights of the day: Seljalandsfoss, Eyjafjallajökull, Westman Islands

Approximate travel distance: 170 km (106 miles)

Day 3. South Shore - Skógar – Vík

Yesterday’s focus was on volcanoes. Today the focus is on glaciers! Take the morning ferry back from the Westman Islands and continue your exploration of the south coast. Start with a visit to photogenic Skogafoss waterfall, where legends say an ancient treasure is hidden. The waterfall also makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie.

Soon you will be in the area of Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Visit Solheimajokull, a glacier outlet flowing from Mydralsjokull glacier. Solheimajokull gives you a fantastic opportunity to discover glaciers up close. You can choose one of two unforgettable glacier experiences (Both activities are great for beginners; no previous experience is needed).

Glacier Hike- Strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and follow an expert glacier guide onto Solheimajokull glacier. You’ll explore the glacier’s surface, discovering amazing ice formations and learn interesting facts about how glaciers form. | Duration: 2 – 2,5 hours, 1 – 1,5 hours on the ice) | Included: Guided hike and all necessary safety equipment (crampons, ice axe, and safety harness) | Notes: Minimum age for tour is 8 years old and a minimum shoe size of European 34 (U.S. 25) • Hiking boots are essential for this tour

Glacier View Kayaking – Enjoy Solheimajokull from a different angle on an easy kayak tour. Paddle a special sit-on-top kayak in a natural lagoon that flows out from Solheimajokull glacier. Enjoy views of the glacier you can only see from the water. |Included: Guided kayak trio and all necessary safety equipment | Duration: 2,5 hours, 1 – 1,5 hours in kayak) | Note: minimum age for kayaking is 12 years old

Afterwards, you’ll head to the magical black sands of Reynisfjara beach. You’ll witness powerful waves and amazing basalt column structures carved by the power of the sea. Walking along the beach and hearing the thundering waves is a reminder of nature’s power.

Head to the village of Vik for your overnight. Vik has become a base for a variety of activity tours. This evening you might like to try a Zip Line adventure or a horseback ride along the black sand beach. We’re happy to book these tours for you; simply let us know at booking time.

Overnight in Vík area.
Dinner is on your own.

Highlights of the day: Skógafoss Waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull, Reynisdrangar Cliffs, Dyrhólaey, Vík

Approximate travel distance: 120 km (75 miles)

Day 4. Vík - Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Today you’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Vatnajokull National Park covers 14% of Iceland’s surface, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Throughout the day you’ll also have views of massive Vatnajokull glacier.

Start the day by crossing Eldhraun, the largest single flow of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth. The cataclysmic eruption happened in 1783-1784 AD and affected the climate across mainland Europe. Your tour vehicle then crosses a landscape of black sand plains and braided rivers created when glacier capped volcanoes erupted.

Visit Skaftafell, a beautiful glacier-ringed valley in Vatnajokull National Park. The contrast of black volcanoes, silvery glaciers and small green forests is strikingly beautiful. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see floating icebergs and maybe a curious seal or two. Spend a few moments here taking in this unforgettable site. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, a black sand area where broken bits of ice bergs come to rest before they eventually drift to sea. Now it’s time to enjoy the beauty of ice and water even more with a boat trip! Head to the Iceberg Lagoon, another (and more tranquil) glacier lagoon in the area. Take a Zodiac boat tour amid the floating ice bergs, viewing the different shapes and shades of blue. You’ll also surely enjoy the guide’s interesting insights about the glacier and the area’s history and nature.

Overnight and dinner in Vík area.Dinner is on your own.

Highlights of the day: Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss Waterfall, Vatnajökull National Park, Vatnajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Eldhraun Lava Field,

Approximate travel distance: 400 km (249 miles)

Day 5. Gullfoss – Geysir - Þingvellir – Reykjavík

Today you will visit the Golden Circle region, perhaps one of Iceland’s most famous areas. It’s also a fascinating place to discover more about Iceland’s volcanic and glacial powers, with a bit of Viking history on the side.

Start off by heading for the Geysir geothermal field. The very earth steams with volcanic heat. Underground hot springs shoot from the earth as geysers. The most famous spouting hot spring is Strokkur, which shoots high in the air every few minutes. But there are many other smaller yet very interesting geysers and bubbling mud pools (one of our personal favorites is the hard-working, tiny “Geysir Litli.”

Travel onwards to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Gullfoss is created by a glacial river, Hvita, that thunders over two ledges into a deep canyon. Several footpaths lead around the falls, each giving you a different view.

The final stop of this amazing day is Thingvellir National Park, where the Viking-age parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. Thingvellir is where Iceland became a nation, and many important decisions and historical events happened here. Thingvellir is also a fascinating place geologically; the North American and European tectonic plates meet, allowing you to walk between continents.

After some time to explore the wonders of Thingvellir, head back to Reykjavik, where your guide bids you farewell.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Dinner is on your own.

Highlights of the day: Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park

Approximate travel distance: 295 km (183 miles)

Day 6. Departure

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight.

July 07, 2022	English		Sold out	Standard group
July 14, 2022	English		Sold out	Standard group
July 21, 2022	English			Small group
August 11, 2022	English			Standard group
August 18, 2022	English		Sold out	Standard group
September 01, 2022	English		Sold out	Small group
September 15, 2022	English		Sold out	Standard group

20% Deposit
Cancellation Policy
Time of cancellation for individual traveller(s):
More than 3 weeks (22+ days) prior to arrival: deposit (20%) charged
3 weeks (21 days) and more than 1 week (8 days): 50% charged
1 week (7 days) and more than 72 hours: 75% charged
72 hours' notice and less: 100% charged

Maximum passengers - Standard Classic Motor coach version: 36 passengers

Maximum group size - Small group: 16 passengers

All departures are guaranteed with minimum of 2 participants.

Activity Level/Difficulty: 2 out of 5 (Easy)


Solo traveler: Go solo and make friends as you please! Three of our departures offer a special discount for people traveling on their own: 17 June, 1 July and 12 August. You’ll get a 15% discount from the single accommodation price.
These departures are open to both solo travelers and people traveling with a companion. So join us and meet some interesting fellow adventurers!

Optional Snaefellsnes Extension: 2days / 1 night
Extension Includes:
• Accommodation 1 night in a standard room with facilities in Reykjavik
• 1 Icelandic breakfast buffet
• Scheduled small-group day tour with local English-speaking guide

Optional tours:
You can book and pay for these tours in advance for your convenience and to ensure a spot for you on the tour. Let us know during the booking process.

Day 1, Day 5, Day 6 – Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon | Duration: flexible | Includes: Bathing fee, towel rental, silica mud mask, first drink of your choice | Not included: Swimsuit rental
You must also book an unguided Blue Lagoon shuttle between Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

Day 1, Day 5, Day 6 – Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbor – Look for whales, dolphins and sea birds on a guided boat tour | Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours | Includes: Guided boat tour, warm overalls during tour

Day 3 or 4: Canyon Zipline Adventure – Hike through a breathtaking canyon with unique rock formations and a waterfall and then feel your heart pump with excitement as you take a zipline with amazing bird’s eye views | Duration: 1,5 – 2 hours | Includes: Transfer from Vik, safety equipment, hike with a certified guide, 2 ziplines | Minimum age: 8 years old

Day 3 or 4: Evening Black Beach Horseback Riding – Meet Iceland’s friendly horse breed on an easygoing and fun ride across the famous black sand beaches near Vik | Duration: 1,5 hours | Includes: 1 hour guided riding tour, safety helmet, overalls | Weight limit: 110 kg (242 pounds) | Minimum age: 10 years old

New for Summer 2021:
• As part of our pledge to preserve Iceland’s fragile nature, all our escorted tours include carbon offsetting through Kolviður, the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF)
• Even more flexibility – we offer a version of this tour without pre/post nights in Reykjavik. Contact us for details and prices
• Even more seat space – you have the option during your tour to purchase the seat next to you as an open seat

Accommodation:
This tour stays in hotels with private bathrooms, generally a mix of quality and comfort category hotel. Most of the groups stay at the following hotels. Please note this is an advised hotel list and subject to change.
Day 1 Skuggi Hotel
Day 2 Hotel Vestmannaeyjar
Day 3 Hotel Vík
Day 4 Hotel Vík
Day 5 Skuggi Hotel

This tour is also available without accommodation in Reykjavík. For further information please contact us.

Important - Safe travel
Iceland is a clean, safe country with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy our incredible natural landscapes.

We take our responsibility as proud local hosts very seriously, and that includes making sure your trip is safe and relaxing. We are implementing the advice of international and Icelandic health authorities as a part of our tour operations.

You’re in good hands with our guides/drivers
• We’ve given our hand-picked guides and drivers thorough health and safety instructions and procedures for your tour.
• Your tour vehicle will have hand sanitizer dispensers on board that your driver will make sure are filled regularly.
• At the end of each day your driver will wipe down the tour vehicle’s seats and interior with sanitizers.
Most importantly, we want you to have a fantastic Icelandic experience! Relax, breathe the clean Icelandic air, and enjoy the insights and commentary of your licensed guide as you travel through Iceland’s beautiful landscapes. Come join us in Iceland!

Please Note:
• We reserve the right to alter routes without prior notice, due to road conditions
• Please check the “Program Details“ section in your travel documents to see which your tour’s hotel list and how to meet your guide at the start of the tour
• Please advise us at booking time if you have food allergies or dietary preferences
• Minimum age for this tour is 8 years old due to activities involved

Special Offers:
Participants on this tour are able to get a 20% discount on each of the following amazing experiences in Iceland:
Perlan’s renowned Wonders of Iceland exhibit: Perlan is an amazing experience. You can walk through a real ice cave, feel the power of volcanoes and earthquakes, view a realistically constructed bird cliff and ocean wonders and learn about northern lights at a planetarium show.
FlyOver Iceland experience: Enjoy an amazing simulated flight experience over Iceland’s natural wonders.

Payment:
A non refundable deposit of 20%, of the total package price should reach TOURIS within 3 days of confirmation of booking and full payment not later than 6 weeks prior to tour departure. In case of delay on payments, TOURIS will reserve the right to treat this as a cancellation and withdraw its confirmation of the services.

Children rate:

Child 8-11 years sharing a double room with 2 adults will receive a 25% discount from the listed package price.

Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults.
It is not recommended that children 0-7 years old travel on scheduled tours.


Every detail regarding the booking must be included, in order for TOURIS to ensure efficiency, including the passengers´ name, flight information, all accommodation, tours and other services.

Prices may change without prior notice. If an incorrect price has been listed, we reserve the right to refuse, cancel or limit any order placed at the incorrect price.

Travel Insurance:
To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.