7 Days in Iceland: Summer South Coast
Neither daylight nor scenery relent on this week-long tour of Iceland's geothermal gems, lava-made landscapes, and wonderful waterfalls.
Iceland
7 days / 6 nights
$2,650 /person
$2,650 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Basking in mineral-rich hot springs, from the Sky Lagoon to the Blue Lagoon
Spelunking in the crevices of hidden lava tubes with a local expert mountaineer
Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
Searching for puffins on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
Hiking alongside craggy mountains, sparkling glaciers, and plunging waterfalls on adventurous trails
The Golden Circle's Gurgling Geysers
Overview
Get ready to enter the Golden Circle in all of its gilded glory. This morning, you'll make your way back down the Borgarfjordur fjord towards Reykjavík. Just before the town of Mosfellsbaer, however, you'll turn east to Thingvellir National Park and Iceland's world-famous Golden Circle. Here, you'll make your first stop in Thingvellir, which occupies a fascinating geological plane, defined by fissures and canyons where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia have slowly drifted apart. To fully experience this one-of-a-kind geologic formation, you can join an optional snorkeling tour unlike anything you've ever experienced. Then, you'll resume your road trip and drive amid barren volcanic peaks toward the fertile farmlands of the Golden Circle. Stop at the Haukadalur Valley's Geyser Geothermal Area to witness thes mesmerizing Strokkur Geyser as it spouts up to 40 meters. You'll end your day in and around the Golden Circle at the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall: a massive feat of nature, with a deep canyon crafted by the flow of the Hvita River. You’ll have the chance to walk all the way up to the cascading water, photographing it from all angles.
Highlights
The Secret Lagoon (optional)
The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, ranks as the oldest swimming pool in all of Iceland. Erected in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, it maintains a steady flow of hot springs water, characterized by rich, natural resources. During your drive today, you'll have the option to visit this lagoon to dwell in its nutrient-rich waters — Icelandic style.
Thingvellir National Park
When you picture Iceland's raw landscapes, you may be picturing this park. In a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Thingvellir National Park is among the few places in the world where you can walk — and swim — between continents. You'll marvel, too, at the raw wilderness in the park area, which includes the crystal clear waters of Silfra and dormant volcanic peaks.
Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure (optional)
During this optional Silfra Fissure tour with an expert snorkeling guide, you'll dive into one of the world’s most unique bodies of water with unparalleled visibility. Here, you'll float between a crack in the Earth, ripped open by the movement of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Silfra yields crystal clear glacial water, filtered for decades through underground lava rocks, which you can taste as you snorkel through the gap between two continents — comfortable in the warmth of your dry suit.
The Golden Circle
Over the course of 186 miles, Iceland’s Golden Circle encompasses the Geyser Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. During your road trip here, you’ll experience the full range of Iceland’s natural wonders, anchored by fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pits alike.
Accommodations
Hotel Geysir
Hotel Geysir is a family-run hotel on the doorstep of the geothermal area in the historic Haukadalur valley, and it opened on 1st August 2019. The new building connects the existing services in the area and is designed with the aim of reflecting nature through the choice of materials blending into the nearest surroundings. Dine at Geysir Restaurant Geysir Restaurant was designed with the aim of reflecting nature through the choice of materials blending into the nearby surroundings.
Location:
Geysir Haukadalur, 806
How it works
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Six nights at 3-4 star hotels with early check-in on day one, breakfast and private bathroom included.
- Travel file with roadbook, maps, practical information, local tips, maps, hiking maps and expert recommendations.
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- Personalised trip crafting
- On-trip concierge service
- Seven days of automatic car rental, including a second driver, unlimited km, SCDW insurance, and airport pick-up/drop-off fee
- All activities and experiences listed as included in the itinerary
- Everything else listed as included in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- Arrival and departure flights
- Car rental environmental fee (615 ISK per rental), Govt. KM tax , and any other add-ons (rental insurance, GPS, 4G Wifi, baby seat, etc.)
- Personal expenses
- Parking fees in Reykjavik or national parks
- Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary