Categories Iceland on Sale! Adventure & Eco Travel Escorted Tours Scandinavia Summer Tours

Follow Iceland’s Volcanic Way route and discover how seven mighty volcanoes shaped this incredible land while visiting famous wonders like the Golden Circle and Glacier Lagoon. This compact small group tour offers the perfect introduction to Iceland’s volcanic heart and dramatic landscapes.

If you’re looking for a short tour that perfectly introduces you to Iceland’s volcanic heart and culture, you just found it! Following the legendary Volcanic Way route, you’ll discover how seven mighty volcanoes helped create this incredible land while visiting beloved South Iceland wonders like Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, the Glacial Lagoon/Diamond Beach, Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and the Blue Lagoon. We’ve included fun activities unique to summer, when volcanic landscapes are at their greenest, birdlife is vibrant, and endless daylight reveals how fire and ice sculpted this land. Our special Midnight Sun departures let you experience evenings where the legendary midnight sun burnishes lava fields and black sands with magical light.

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. If you want a uniquely Icelandic hot spring pool experience, we recommend the seaside Sky Lagoon and its relaxing Skjól spa ritual. We can help you with booking a visit!

It’s also very nice to take a stroll in the old city centre, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy 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.

Approximate Distance:

340 km / 211 miles

Today’s Volcanoes: Hengill, Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull

Lively geysers – Famous waterfalls – Black sand beaches

Breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel.

Your first stop is the Volcano Express experience at Harpa in Reykjavík. The Volcano Express experience takes you on a journey through southwest Iceland, one of the most volcanically active regions in the country. You’ll feel the physical power of earthquakes, the sensations of flight and freefall, and the heat of lava. You’ll soar above erupting volcanoes and dive deep into the centre of the Earth to discover the processes that are transforming our country.

Depart Reykjavík for a discovery of volcanic features and natural wonders. The first volcanic area you’ll meet is HENGILL. This volcanic system stretches over 60 km (37 miles) and has erupted nine times since the end of the last Ice Age. Hengill is home to Iceland’s second-largest geothermal area. Locals have cleverly harnessed its energy to provide power, grow flowers, and even to cook food!

Your journey takes you to Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site) where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. You might even have a rare chance to walk between two continents!

Head onwards to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring. Geysir’s geothermal activity originates from the Hengill volcanic area. A short drive away is the dramatic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Falls. A series of footpaths lets you view the falls from different angles.

Next, enjoy a taste of volcanic local culture in Laugarvatn. You’ll visit a unique outdoor geothermal bakery where sweet Icelandic rye bread is baked in hot sands. You can taste some of the freshly baked bread, hot from the ground. It’s especially delicious eaten with Icelandic butter and smoked Arctic trout.

Drive along the scenic South Shore, one of Iceland’s main farming areas partly because of rich volcanic soil. Drive by typical family farms, some which have huge boulders and lava fields created by eruptions from two powerful volcanoes.

One volcano is MOUNT HEKLA, the “Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes.” Hekla rises 1,491 metres (4892 feet) above sea level and on a clear day is visible across South Iceland. Hekla, who wears a “shawl” of snow, has erupted 23 times in the last 1000 years (last eruption: 2000AD).

The other is EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL, an ice-capped volcano that erupted in 2010, its ash cloud affecting air traffic in Europe. The eruption caused flash floods and spewed ash over area farms and villages for over a month. Ultimately, the ash turned out to be a good fertilizer for these farms.

Stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Each waterfall is unique and makes a perfect subject for a photo. These waterfalls cascade off the mountains below Eyjafjallajökull.

The South Shore is also home to many varieties of seabirds, including the popular and charming puffin. (Puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and mid-August).

End the day in Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town. Between May and September, the peaceful countryside evenings are bright with long periods of daylight. The period between late May and July is the best time experience the midnight sun. The sun descends toward the horizon but never sets, and the sky is painted with beautiful shades of gold and pink.

Dinner and overnight in the Vík area.

Approximate Distance:

390 km / 242 miles

Today’s Volcanoes: Katla, Lakagígar and Öræfajökull

Glacial lagoon with icebergs – Europe’s largest glacier

Breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll be in the area of KATLA. This glacier-covered volcano has erupted twenty times between the years 930 and 1918, creating the distinctive black ash and sand visitors find so photogenic. The Katla region is a UNESCO Geopark because of its unique volcanic features.

Your first stop is Reynisfjara beach, where you can take a walk on the volcanic black sand, admiring the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean. These black sands were created from a unique mix of volcanic ash and glacial activity. You can also see basalt formations that make up part of Reynisfjall, a mountain created by a volcanic eruption during the Ice Ages.

Next, journey into the next volcanic region, LAKAGÍGAR, and its mystical lava fields. Two significant volcanic eruptions produced these mystical landscapes: The Eldgjá eruption in the year 934 and the Laki eruption in 1783-84.

Head across Eldhraun, a vast and surreal lava field created during Laki’s eruption. This eruption’s toxic ash temporarily changed the climate of Earth’s northern hemisphere, leading to harsh winters and famine. Eldhraun remains the largest recorded single lava flow in Earth’s history.

Head into the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe!

You’ll also be entering the next volcanic region: ÖRÆFAJÖKULL. The highest peak on Vatnajökull glacier is an ice capped stratovolcano called Öræfajökull. The volcano under Öræfajökull glacier erupted in 1362 AD, devastating the surrounding region and leading to the name Öræfi (Wastelands). Today, Öræfi is covered with lush fields and woods between glacial floodplains. It is a photographer’s delight.

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You’ll get an even closer look with a boat tour that takes you among the drifting icebergs. During the trip you’ll learn about the lagoon and perhaps taste some of the glacial ice.

Near Jökulsárlón is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea.

Visit Vatnajökull National Park’s famous Skaftafell area, a green oasis of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by several magnificent glaciers and volcanoes. One of these glacial volcanoes is, of course, Öræfajökull.

Head back to Vík village. This evening, we invite you to enjoy several Icelandic summer traditions. Meet some Vík locals at Smiðjan Brugghús Icelandic brewpub, where you’ll learn how the delicious beer is made and sample some of the brews.

Smiðjan is known for its tasty Icelandic-style barbecue cuisine, which you’ll get to enjoy at dinner. Grilling and barbecues are summer traditions every family in Iceland has enjoyed, whether at home or in a countryside holiday cottage.

The sun goes down late this time of the year. This evening, join your group for a night walk in the beautiful Vík area (subject to weather conditions). Many Icelanders enjoy late evening walks in the midnight sun, a time of the day known as the “magical hour.” During your walk, you’ll try some tasty Icelandic refreshments.

Dinner and overnight in the Vík area.

Approximate Distance:

295 km / 183 miles

Today’s Volcanoes: Hengill and Fagradalsfjall

Greenhouse village – Icelandic horses – Thundering waves – Geothermal lagoon

Breakfast at your hotel. Head back along the beautiful South Coast, enjoying a different view of the summer landscapes.

You’ll soon be back in the vicinity of the extensive HENGILL volcanic system. Visit the village of Hveragerði, one of the few sites in the world located directly in the middle of Hengill’s geothermal area. Hveragerði is often called “The Flower Village” because of its volcano-powered geothermal greenhouses.

Next, you’ll visit a nearby horse farm to meet some locals: Icelandic horses. This Viking horse breed played a pivotal role in Icelandic history. Enjoy petting these friendly horses and snapping a few selfies with them. You’ll also taste some sweet refreshments that are traditionally served on Icelandic farms.

Turn onto a southern coastal road and follow alongside the shoreline with its breathtaking sea waves. The road takes you through surreal landscapes to the final volcanic region of the trip: FAGRADALSFJALL. It is located in colorful Reykjanes Peninsula, a ruggedly beautiful wonderland where nature’s power takes centre stage.

Reykjanes is a UNESCO Geopark because of the many geological and volcanic features. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a cause of Iceland’s volcanic activity, runs through the peninsula.

In March 2021, the eruption of Mt. Fagradalsfjall began and lasted for six months. Since 2021, Fagradalsfjall volcano has erupted several times. Volcanologists always closely monitor the area. Your trip will not visit Fagradalsfjall, but you will see plenty of surreal landscape features created by recent and ancient volcanic activity.

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 evening is open for you to enjoy your own activities. Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

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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