Categories Summer Tours Scandinavia Escorted Tours

Join us on an extraordinary journey to witness one of nature's rarest spectacles, a total solar eclipse, set against the awe- inspiring landscapes of Iceland!

With expert geologist and astronomer guides leading the way, we'll observe the eclipse in this legendary land of volcanoes, glaciers and endless wonder. Explore the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula and other iconic sites like Geysir, the Gullfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach and the mighty Eyjafjallajokull glacier. Along the enjoy a fascinating eclipse lecture and authentic icelandic experiences for a truly celestial adventure at the edge of Europe.

Itinerary

Arrival at Keflavík International airport. Transfers to Reykjavík are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cosy café.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavík offers a multitude of restaurants, making dinner a wonderful way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.

Golden Circle and Eclipse Lecture

Lively geysers and golden waterfalls – Legendary national park – Fascinating facts

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for your eclipse adventure! Today’s destination will be the world-famous Golden Circle. This trio of natural wonders is an ideal introduction to Iceland’s geology and history.

Drive through scenic countryside on the way to Geysir geothermal area. This is the home of the great Geysir spouting hot spring, the one who was the inspiration for the English word “geyser.” Geysir is not so active these days, but its cousin, Strokkur, shoots up a beautiful plume of steam and hot water about every ten minutes. Take some time to stroll on the path that brings you around the area’s erupting hot springs and surreal bubbling mud pools.

Near Geysir is the dramatic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Falls. Some Icelanders believe Gullfoss is the country’s most beautiful cascade. You can enjoy spectacular views of Gullfoss from different angles on a series of footpaths. We also recommend a stop at the monument to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the courageous woman whose activism helped establish Gullfoss as a protected natural wonder in the early 20th century.

The final “segment” of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site) where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This place makes us Icelanders enormously proud of our heritage. Þingvellir is also where the European and North American tectonic plates diverge. You can see the dividing line, and you might even have a rare chance to walk between two continents!

The road now leads to the charming Borgarfjörður region in West Iceland. This evening, join us for an engaging eclipse seminar in Borgarnes town. Our hand-picked team of speakers will share their insights about the upcoming eclipse. You’ll learn amazing information Iceland’s geology and what happens in the skies above the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll also learn what to expect during the eclipse. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and dinner with your group before you head to your hotel for the night.

Dinner and overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Eclipse Chasing on Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Iconic Volcano-Glacier – Famous Mountain – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Amazing Eclipse

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is the day! The eclipse is scheduled for late afternoon in Iceland’s far west. This will be the first total solar eclipse in Iceland since 1954, and with luck you’ll be part of the experience!

Before heading the viewing point, your tour group will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snæfellsness Peninsula and its national park. Known as “Iceland in a Nutshell,” Snæfellsnes features the different types of landscapes seen around Iceland. These include the distinctively photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain, the magnificent basalt formations near Arnarstapi village, and the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djúpalónssandur beach. The crown jewel is Snaefellsjökull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano. There are legends that a benevolent spirit lives on Snæfellsjökull and watches over the area. There is certainly a mystical atmosphere about Snæfellsnes, one which the approaching eclipse will enhance.

During the day, savor a Snæfellsnes style lunch at a cosy village restaurant. As late afternoon approaches, your group will prepare for the eclipse. Your guides will locate the best viewing spot based on weather and visibility conditions at the time.

The eclipse is expected to begin forming around 16:45 (4:45pm). The sky will dim, and time will seem to stop as the moon’s umbral shadow falls across western Iceland. As the moon crosses between Earth and the sun, it will block all direct sunlight, turning bright daylight into dark twilight. If conditions are ideal, you will see the glowing corona of the sun and the beautiful “diamond ring” that forms around its edge. This total eclipse will last about 2 minutes, but the entire formation process takes about 2 hours.

After an unforgettable day, your group will return to your hotel for the evening.

Dinner and overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Waterfalls – Glacial Views – Black Sand Beaches

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive along the South Shore, an area of Iceland that is home to both volcanoes and glaciers. This is also some of Iceland’s best farmland, and you’ll pass by charming farmhouses, often with multi-colored herds of horses grazing in the fields.

If the skies are clear, you might see the area’s two most famous volcanoes in the distance: beautiful Mount Hekla (last eruption 2000) and glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull (last eruption 2010). You might also catch a glimpse of the volcanic Westman Islands archipelago far out at sea.

Stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Each waterfall is unique and makes a perfect subject for a photo. Seljalandsfoss offers the rare chance to take a trail that leads behind the waterfall itself. Skógafoss waterfall is said to hide buried treasure; it also makes a great backdrop for a selfie.

Head onwards to visit Reynisfjara beach. Take a walk on the black sand, admiring the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll then drive to Hveragerði, a pretty town that sits on a hot spring area, for your overnight.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Hveragerði area.

Greenhouse Village – Thundering Waves – Geothermal Lagoon

Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the village of Hveragerði, which is one of the few sites in the world located directly in the middle of a geothermal area. Hveragerði is often called "The Flower Village" because of its geothermal greenhouses.

Next, you’ll turn onto a southern coastal road and follow alongside the shoreline with its breathtaking sea waves. The road takes you through the surreal landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula, where you can enjoy a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon*, a unique wonder of nature with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water in the middle of a black lava field. Return to Reykjavík, where your guide bids you farewell at the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is open for you to enjoy your own activities. Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

*The Blue Lagoon visit is subject to conditions in the area. If the Blue Lagoon will be closed, we will advise you of alternative plans.

Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.

We recommend you depart from your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!

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