Natural wonders in Iceland

Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM today. Being so far north, the daylight in Reykjavik can change drastically between seasons: 4 hours in winter and up to 22 in summer, which means you'll have plenty of time to party or plenty of time to nap in the sun. After the meeting, you might go out for dinner or check out the craft beer scene with the group (your leader always has the best tips) and explore the nightlife (or should we say nightlight?) in this coastal capital.

Follow the Icelandic Golden Circle today with some scenic and peaceful routes. First, visit the Þingvellir National Park and the Plains of Parliament, the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in 930 AD. If you notice a large water ridge in the landscape, you're probably looking at the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly tearing apart. Then take a look at the Strokkur geyser and, if you're lucky, you might see it shoot water into the air. Finally, make a stop at the double waterfall Gullfoss on the Hvítá river to admire the impressive falls. On the way to your accommodation, there's a chance to stop at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir for some action in the steaming hot springs: this is Iceland's oldest natural pool! Fed by the geysers Vaðmálshver, Básahver, and Litli, the pool's water flows continuously, which means it stays warm (from 38 to 40 degrees Celsius all year round), clean, and rich in sulfur.

Today we will head along the southern coast of Iceland, one of the country's most popular areas for the natural beauty that dots it. You will visit Gljufrabui (Canyon Dweller) and bask in the waterfalls of this impressive cascade, a bit more off the beaten path compared to other favored tourist destinations. Then, we move on to another waterfall: Gluggafoss. Also known as Merkjarfoss, this waterfall is the most significant in the series of waterfalls flowing from the Merkja river. If the season is right, you might also visit the famous black sands of Reynisdrangar, voted as one of the world's most beautiful non-tropical beaches. After exploring the basalt sea stacks and vast panoramas, head towards the Dyrholaey nature reserve and admire the cliffs jutting out into the sea (if the season allows, these last two activities are optional and not included). Tonight, you will stay near the famous glacial lagoon.

Do you feel up to facing the largest ice cap in Europe? This morning, you can embark on an optional walk on the Vatnajokull: you don't need any special experience to sign up for a glacier hike here, so don't be intimidated by its size. Glaciers like the Vatnajokull are unfortunately melting due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this opportunity if it's on your bucket list, because it might not be there in a few years. In summer, you can also take an optional boat tour and glide over the waters for a different perspective. Afterwards, we visit the Skaftafell National Park, a wilderness area known for its massive glaciers, mountain trails, and the Svartifoss waterfall, where you'll take a short hike and see the falls cascading over columns of black basalt. Today is not the day to forget your camera! If the season is right, you might also stop at Fjadrargljufur, a unique snake-shaped canyon that was only discovered by visitors a few years ago. Later, you will arrive at the remote coastal village of Vik, where you'll have a free evening to explore it.

Return to Reykjavik, but not before chasing more waterfalls! Today you will visit the mighty Seljalandsfoss: you can actually walk behind the waterfall and see it from below (a raincoat is recommended). Then we'll head to Skogafoss on the Skoga river and admire the cliff's leap: here you can climb the stairs to the right of the waterfall and watch birds diving in and out of the cliff wall. Conclude your waterfall tour with a visit to Urridafoss: on Iceland's longest river, this is the country's most voluminous waterfall. Arrive in Reykjavik in the afternoon and set off for an orientation walk with your guide. Icelanders have a special relationship with hot dogs, so you'll have the chance to stop at a hot dog stand and see what it's all about: it's said that you haven't really tasted a true hot dog until you've had one of these! Tonight, you can go shopping for some souvenirs or gather with your group for a drink at one of Reykjavik's original bars to celebrate the last night of your adventure.

Your journey with us will conclude after breakfast, but the adventure doesn't have to end here! If you decide to stay, you could spend the day snorkeling at Silfra Fissure or relaxing in the warm geothermal pools of Sky Lagoon, by the ocean. If you wish to extend your stay with the mountains as a backdrop, contact us for more information.