Journeys: Explore Iceland

Arrive at any time.

Discover the beauty of Iceland’s south shore, catching views of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Its eruptions in 2010 produced massive clouds of ash that disrupted air travel throughout Europe for several days. Stop in Hveragerði, a hot spring village, where you will have the opportunity to taste bread baked in a hot spring. Then visit the Lava Center for an overview of how Iceland’s volcanoes and earthquakes shaped this island. See the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall and follow a hidden path through a canyon to the secluded falls of Gljúfrabúi.

Continue exploring the south shore, passing sandy plains and moss-covered lava fields and stopping along the way at historical and geological sites. Visit Crystal Beach, scattered with icebergs that wash up on the black sands, and see iridescent ice formations in the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Hike in Vatnajökull National Park to Svartifoss waterfall, framed by basaltic lava columns. Stop at the historic farmstead Hof in Öræfi, home to one of Iceland’s best-preserved turf churches.

Embark on a guided walk atop a glacier in Skaftafell National Park. Strap on a pair of crampons and get up-close views of intriguing ice formations, deep sinkholes, and rugged crevasses. Later, stroll along the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach.

This morning, learn about Icelandic cultural heritage at the Skôgar Folk Museum and visit the picturesque Skogafoss waterfall. Opt to climb 400 steps to the top of the falls for spectacular views. Then set out on a tour of the celebrated Golden Circle. Visit the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and then see Geysir, the hot spring for which all other geysers are named.

Begin the day with a walk in Thingvellir National Park, the last stop on our Golden Circle tour, where we’ll see the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Continue to a traditional Icelandic farm — located in the narrow fjord of Hvalfjörður — where we’ll learn about rural Icelandic life and enjoy a traditional farm-to-table lunch. Continue to the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland.

Spend the day exploring the peninsula, including Snæfellsjökull National Park and its mystical glacier-topped volcano, which Jules Verne wrote about in his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. See Búðir Church, the Lóndrangar sea stacks, Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, and the iconic peak of Kirkjufell. We’ll also visit the Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum, founded and run by world-renowned volcanologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Haraldur Sigurðsson.

Continue to Borgarfjörður, where many Icelandic sagas have taken place. See the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls; and step into Reykholt, the homestead of the 12th-century writer Snorri Sturluson. We’ll also visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring whose water heats most buildings in western Iceland. Continue to Reykjavík for our final evening.

Depart at any time.