Volcanic eruption | Iceland
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FROM: USD $1,354 pp

YEAR-ROUND TOUR: Enjoy a volcano hike at the site of Iceland's most recent eruption near Grindavik on this 4-day group tour. You will also take in the country's most iconic sites at the Golden Circle, hike on a glacier in Vatnajokull National Park and explore inside a natural ice cave. See the icebergs at Jokulsarlon Lagoon, walk behind the cascading waterfall of Seljalandsfoss and admire dramatic Fjadrargljufur Canyon, where Justin Bieber filmed a music video! If travelling in winter, end your trip with a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Golden Circle - Visit Geysir geothermal fields, Gulfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
Reynisfjara - Walk along the dramatic black sand of this lava beach and admire the towering basalt rock formations at the coast
Vatnajokull National Park - Hike on a glacier and explore a natural ice cave in the famous Vatnajokull Glacier, accompanied by a qualified guide
Northern Lights - Gaze skywards as you search for the Northern Lights each evening of your tour (winter departures from September - March)
Seljalandsfoss - Marvel at this famous waterfall, see the nearby cascade of Skogafoss and walk behind the iconic natural wonders
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - See mighty icebergs floating on the lagoon and calving from the surrounding glaciers
Volcano Eruption Site - Explore a volcanic landscape transformed by recent eruptions, witness raw natural power, and see the fresh lava flows up close

Included

3 breakfasts
Pick up and drop off from a central pick-up location in Reykjavik
Transportation in a heated minibus with complimentary Wi-Fi
Guided glacier hike with certified local guide
Recently Erupted Volcano Hike
This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go
3 nights 2-3-star accommodation
Escorted by an English-speaking driver/guide (you may have multiple different guides during your trip and the group may change on different days and for different activities)
Sightseeing at the Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir), Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Vatnajokull & Skogafoss
Guided Ice Cave Tour
Northern Lights tour (During Winter Season)

Not Included

International Flights and Visas
Tips for your guide - this is an entirely personal gesture
Arrival & departure transfers
Pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik

Itinerary

Day 1

The Golden Circle

Reykjavik - Thingvellir National Park - Geysir - Gullfoss - Seljalandsfoss - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Pick-up is at 09:00 am at the meeting point in Reykjavik (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Our first stops are the three renowned attractions of the Golden Circle, the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park holds a special place in the heart of every Icelander. Established in 930 AD, the Icelandic parliament is the oldest continuously operating parliament in the world. Here, you will see Thingvallavatn, which houses the Silfra fissure that lies between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The cliff of the Rift Valley runs directly through the National Park the only land visible land border between two continents.

Next, our tour takes you to the geothermally active hot spring area of Geysir. Although the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all geysers, is now inactive, Strokkur, a nearby hot spring, erupts spectacularly every 5 to 10 minutes. The final Golden Circle stop is Gullfoss waterfall, where you can witness the powerful falls thundering through a rugged canyon, dropping 32 meters in two stages.

Following the Golden Circle, we embark on a scenic drive along the beautiful south coast, making a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, you have the unique opportunity to walk behind the elegantly cascading falls and truly feel the power of nature. Then we’ll head to our countryside hotel, an ideal spot to witness the flickering colors of the Northern Lights if travelling in winter (September - March).

Please note: This tour is modular, meaning it is made up of separate excursions and activities. You will have different guides and will be joined by different groups for each section of the itinerary. All of the tour inclusions remain the same.
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Day 2

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike & Ice Caving

Jokulsarlon - Skaftafell - Vatnajokull - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Our day begins with a hearty Icelandic breakfast before we set off towards the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, passing through moss-covered lava fields and some spectacular rock formations that vividly remind us of past volcanic eruptions. By this point, we’ll catch sight of the majestic Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, which stretches like a tongue from Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

In its shadow lies the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, famous for the glittering icebergs that drift across its icy-blue surface. Many of these icebergs wash up on the nearby Diamond Beach, where they gleam like beautiful diamonds against the black sands.

After Jokulsarlon, we head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for yet another adventure. Here, we’ll meet our certified glacier guide, who will take us to the Vatnajokull Glacier. All safety equipment and crampons will be provided before we embark on an exhilarating glacier hike. During our glacier hike, our guide will explain how these incredible ice formations came to be. And the memorable experiences aren't over, as we then delve into the icy depths of the glacier by entering a natural ice cave.

Iceland’s ice caves typically form during the winter months when the summer melt waters freeze, creating vast pockets and stunning patterns within the sapphire-blue ice. These tours are highly weather-dependent, so the ice cave we visit will be chosen based on the day’s conditions. Since temperatures inside the ice cave are below freezing, don’t forget to dress warmly.
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur  |  Breakfast

Day 3

South Coast Sightseeing

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skogafoss - Reykavik. After breakfast, we’ll begin our tour along the South Coast. If road conditions permit, we’ll take a slight detour to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, famously known as the "Bieber Canyon" after the singer filmed his music video here.

Next, we’ll visit the Eldhraun lava field before heading to the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Here, we’ll witness the striking contrast of the white-crested waves of the Atlantic Ocean as they crash against the jet-black sands. Rising from the cliffside is a cluster of basalt sea stacks, reminiscent of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. We’ll also view the Reynisdrangar basalt pillars, which jut out from the sea like jagged peaks. According to folklore, these were once a trio of trolls turned to stone by the sun as they attempted to drag a boat back to shore.

We’ll also stop at the equally impressive Skogafoss Waterfall, where a wide cascade tumbles 60 meters into a pool below. We’ll climb the meandering path beside the falls for a spectacular view over the entire area. Skogafoss also features prominently in Icelandic mythology, and our guide will point out the two unusual rock formations believed to be trolls petrified by the dawn. Some locals believe a Viking settler hid a treasure chest somewhere beneath the falls, promising fabulous wealth to whoever finds it.

The famous Eyjafjallajokull stands above Skogafoss. With good visibility, we can catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain before returning to Reykjavik for the night.
Overnight: Reykjavik  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Volcano Hike & The Northern Lights

Reykjavik - Grindavik - Reykjavik. You probably saw on the news in early 2024 that a volcanic eruption took place near the town of Grindavik, forcing its evacuation. Although safe now, this area is still relatively active, and today you will join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hike and visit the newly erupted volcano site!

Volcanic eruptions are rare and inherently hostile events. Their rarity, sheer power, and potentially destructive forces make them utterly fascinating. Not all eruptions are the same some spew ash high into the sky, while others release molten magma.

After our hike, and if you are travelling during the winter months (September - March), we’ll drive out to hunt for the magical Northern Lights. Our Northern Lights tour begins with the thrill of the chase. Once our guide picks us up from back in Reykjavik, we’ll embark on the hunt, driving into the unparalleled beauty of a starry night.

As the forecast changes daily, we can’t tell you in advance exactly where our quest for the Aurora Borealis will take us. But one thing is certain, we will take you far away from the city lights! We might head to Hvalfjordur, Thingvellir, Reykjanes, or another rural area in South Iceland to escape light pollution. Travelling by minibus allows us to reach offbeat locations that the big buses can’t access. After our Northern Lights tour, we return to Reykjavik and our tour ends at around midnight - 1:00. There is no accommodation included tonight, so you will need to book post-tour accommodation independently.

Please note: The Northern Lights chase is available only during the winter season, from September to March. If travelling during the summer months then our tour will end back in Reykjavik after the volcano hike, during the mid-afternoon.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

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Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Adventure Hotel Geirland, Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Adventure Hotel Geirland is set just outside the quiet village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. All rooms offer tea/coffee facilities and views of the surrounding mountain ridge. Some of Geirland’s cosy rooms are set in individual cottages in the garden. Free Wi-Fi and a TV are available in the main building. Guests can enjoy an onsite restaurant and bar. Lunch packs can be made on request. Skaftafell National Park is 60 minutes’ drive from Adventure Hotel Geirland.

Hotel Island Spa & Wellness Hotel, Reykjavik

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Housed in a contemporary building on the eastern side of Reykjavik, this casual hotel is close to shops, bars and restaurants. The bright, relaxed rooms come with satellite TV, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast served in a stylish restaurant, as well as a cosy lobby bar, a spa, and a gym. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, accessibility features, and an indoor pool. And as Iceland's first dedicated health and wellness spa, guests are welcome to book pampering treatments at their leisure.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Reykjavik
Ends
Reykjavik
Departs
Daily (with some exceptions), year round
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 18
Hotel Rating
2-3-star hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver
Meals
Breakfast: 3
Countries
Minimum Age
12 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
No
Dep. Transfer
No
Colourful houses of Reykjavik against a backdrop of snowy mountains
Sunset at Skogafoss, described as the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland
Colourful houses of Reykjavik against a backdrop of snowy mountains
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