Iceland

SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS & THE BLACK BEACH

Today we explore Iceland’s delightfully diverse south west shoreline firstly climbing through a remarkable lunar like landscape of multi-coloured lava plateaux, through the Threngli Pass and descending across the sparkling River Olufsa – famous for its excellent salmon. Some of Iceland’s prettiest landscapes now lie before you as we pass farms and charming villages set amongst pleasant pastures – keep an eye open for the exceptionally hardy Icelandic horses. To the north you can see Myrdalsjokull and Eyjfjalla Glaciers - the latter famous for its volcano below, which infamously halted Europe’s air traffic in 2010.

We head for two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss tumbles ribbon-like over a great overhanging lava cliff whilst Skogafoss is one of the country’s highest, plunging some 60 metres in an impressive shower of shimmering spray. The natural wonders continue as we approach the imposing wall of ice forming the snout of the immense Solheimajokull Glacier. You may notice a sulphurous hint in the air here, as the waters emanating from the glacier here are called “Stinking River” due to the sulphurous acid content absorbed from the hot geothermal rocks beneath your feet. Next we travel to Reynisfjara, close to Iceland’s southernmost point, to see the famous black-sand beach. Depending on the time of the year, you may be lucky enough to spot the renowned Atlantic puffin colonies.

WHALE WATCHING OR BLUE LAGOON

Late morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik situated around its natural harbour on a fjord. You then have a choice of two completely different yet very special experiences: a boat trip in search of whales and dolphins, or a relaxing bath in the Blue Lagoon.

We take a boat out in search of two of the planet’s most graceful creatures. Depending on conditions and with a little luck, we may see some of the many species of whales living in Icelandic waters, such as humpbacks and killer whales, though more common are minkes as well as dolphins.

Alternatively, you may choose to visit Iceland’s celebrated Blue Lagoon, where there’s the opportunity for a unique bathing experience. Against a stunning volcanic backdrop, you can enjoy a restorative dip in the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters, which are geothermally heated to a constant 38 degrees Celsius. 

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Today we embark on a full day tour around the Golden Circle, aptly named due to its dramatic cocktail of amazing geology, geography, politics, history, culture, raw natural energy but most of all scenery which takes your breath away. Iceland has literally spilled into the sea from the “Mid Atlantic Rift” where the two great American and Eurasian tectonic plates tear apart. Firstly we drive past steam jets ominously and noisily erupting from the bare earth, seemingly from a submerged steam train. Normally hidden from our gaze, we astonishingly experience the dramatic effects of these massive forces at Thingvellir. Here you stroll along a striking chasm left as the plates diverge leaving two great rock scars either side – stretch out and you literally touch both continents simultaneously! Continuing to the Hvita river, just upstream lies a layer of varying rock ‘pavements’ and as we approach this wild location a distant smoke-like spray column rises above the lava fields. This incredible natural wonder promotes complete awe and you will immediately understand why the locals named them Gullfoss – the Golden Waterfalls.

Next a third spectacular natural phenomenon, the Haukadalur, one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. Here you experience the amazing Strokkur, a pool of slowly bubbling, gurgling, steaming water quietly simmering away until, with almost no warning, it erupts with a roar in a towering jet of steam shooting 20 metres or more above your head. Strokkur is the most impressive geyser, an unpredictable phenomenon named after the biggest hereabouts known locally as Geysir. By now you really feel you are in an unknown ‘other world’ where nature dominates and the planet is young, a land devoid of trees and almost of grass itself – its work in progress and a glimpse of our own country millions of years ago. We then return to our hotel after an incredible day.

RETURN FLIGHT

Today you will be taken to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight home after a thoroughly memorable tour.