South Iceland Summer Express

Reykjavik - The Westman Islands - Hella. Welcome to Iceland! Departing from Reykjavik at 8am this morning we head southeast to the coast, where we board a ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. In 1973, half of the island's settlements were destroyed by a volcanic eruption, triggering a huge evacuation effort. Amazingly, only one person was killed during the eruption, and residents managed to save the harbour from destruction by continuously pouring cold seawater on the lava to direct it away from this important infrastructure. We'll take a bus and walking tour of the island, including a visit to the "Pompeii of the North", a volcanic excavation project. We'll also have the chance to walk up the volcano crater.

As well as the 4,500 residents who still live on Heimaey, approximately 8 million puffins make the island their summer home, and you'll be able to see these beautiful birds by the hundred. Many other migratory species also visit the Westman Islands in summer to feed and breed, so who knows which species you may spot! You'll have plenty of time to explore Heimaey town and its surrounding areas independently before we return to the mainland and head to our overnight accommodation in Hella.

Please note: If you would like to book pre-tour accommodation in Reykjavik, then we would be happy to arrange this for you on request.

Hella - Seljalandsfoss. Today we experience the true forces of nature which make Iceland so special. Our morning starts with the plunging Seljalandsfoss waterfall, there's a path that winds its way directly behind Seljalandsfoss, which we will walk along and feel the spray from the waterfall.

On our way to the village of Vik we attend the famous lava show, when a volcanic eruption is re-enacted on a small scale. You'll see lava flowing along the ice, and feel the immense heat radiating from it. We then travel to the black lava beach of Reynisfjara. Our walk along the beach will allow us to spot yet more of Iceland's birdlife, as well as impressive rock formations and basalt columns.

In the afternoon, we visit Skogar where we'll see the traditional turf houses of the Skogar Folk Museum and be mesmerised by the sightings of the thundering skogafoss waterfall, reaching over 60 meters high, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Alternatively you can join an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier It's an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. Price per person: ISK 23.000.

Hella - Landmannalaugar - Reykjavik. Leaving our hotel in Hella for the final time, we drive along the unpaved road to Landmannalaugar. These incredible mountains were formed by rhyolite lava, which is of a different sort to many volcanic formations. The effect is a series of "rainbow" mountains, with lots of interspersing colours, including reds, yellows, and browns. Sizzling sulfur springs are still visible and steamy vapour rises from the land. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the area and there is free time to explore and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.

We'll stop to see the beautiful Hjalparfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik where our tour comes to an end. A Flybus Shuttle transfer will take you to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight.