Encounter the natural splendor of Iceland—home to powerful waterfalls, massive glaciers, volcanoes, spouting hot springs, and black-sand beaches — on a popular tour to the geological wonders of the island’s north, south, and west.
Adventure in Iceland
11 days from $8,192 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
Encounter the natural splendor of Iceland—home to powerful waterfalls, massive glaciers, volcanoes, spouting hot springs, and black-sand beaches — on a popular tour to the geological wonders of the island’s north, south, and west.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Richard L.Iceland is the most unique place we've ever been and Smithsonian Journeys did a magnificent job of showing it to us. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and had a wonderful time. This is a great tour.
- Mariana V.The trip to Iceland felt adventurous, exciting and comfortable. The place was gorgeous and the leadership skillful. Thanks for the unforgettable experience!
- Judith H.Iceland is one of the most revealing places to study the history of our earth. The volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls and geysers are amazing reminders of the power of nature.
- J. TrehyThis trip was a wonderful experience. I loved the beauty and diversity of Iceland. Being led by such an experienced and knowledgeable guide made it very special. I would love to go back!
This was a superbly designed and efficiently conducted itinerary that presented an extraordinarily well-balanced view of Iceland's magnificent landscape, fascinating geology, and unique history.- Jefferson, G.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
Post-Tour Extension
Reykjavik – On Your Own 3 days/2 nights
Make the most of the long days in Iceland’s colorful capital, at your own pace. The extension includes:
- 2 nights accommodations at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum (First Class) or Hotel Reykjavik Saga (June 12, July 3, July 31, & August 25, 2025 departures only)
- 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
- Transfer to Reykjavik airport
- Richard L.Iceland is the most unique place we've ever been and Smithsonian Journeys did a magnificent job of showing it to us. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and had a wonderful time. This is a great tour.
- Mariana V.The trip to Iceland felt adventurous, exciting and comfortable. The place was gorgeous and the leadership skillful. Thanks for the unforgettable experience!
- Judith H.Iceland is one of the most revealing places to study the history of our earth. The volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls and geysers are amazing reminders of the power of nature.
- J. TrehyThis trip was a wonderful experience. I loved the beauty and diversity of Iceland. Being led by such an experienced and knowledgeable guide made it very special. I would love to go back!
This was a superbly designed and efficiently conducted itinerary that presented an extraordinarily well-balanced view of Iceland's magnificent landscape, fascinating geology, and unique history.- Jefferson, G.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart the U.S. for Reykjavík, Iceland
Day 2 – Reykjavík and Selfoss
Arrive in Keflavik in the early morning and transfer to Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital to meet your tour leaders and have breakfast at a local restaurant. Enjoy a scenic drive east, stopping to view the geothermal exhibit at the Hellisheidi Power Plant. After reaching your hotel mid-afternoon, enjoy time to relax before this evening’s briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner. (B,D)
Day 3 – Selfoss and Vik
This morning, visit the new Lava Centre, a multi-media, interactive exploration of Iceland’s geological forces, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes. Stop to see two stunning waterfalls: Seljalandfoss, which tumbles nearly 200 feet over a rock hollow, and the legend-infused Skogafoss. Continue to lovely Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town. Enjoy time to have lunch on your own and meander through the town, known for its locally produced wool products. Take a walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, where coastal caves are lined with basalt columns and craggy sea stacks lie just off shore. On the way back to the hotel, see Solheimajokull, a “sliding” glacier that advanced rapidly in the 1990s. (B)
Day 4 – Akureyri and Lake Myvatn
Return to the airport in Keflavik this morning for the one-hour flight to Akureyri, Iceland’s “northern capital.” Travel overland to Lake Myvatn, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape of lunar-like lava fields and volcanic craters. Learn about the area’s “pseudocraters,” and walk among boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles at Namaskard. Learn the folklore behind the otherworldly lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and see the lake within the explosion crater at Viti, part of the Krafla volcano system. (B,D)
Day 5 – Husavik and Vatnajokull National Park
This morning, travel to Husavik and depending on the season, embark on a bird-watching cruise to Puffin Island, home to puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and Arctic terns for part of the years; or take a whale-watching cruise to look for minke, humpback, and blue whales. This afternoon, visit Vatnajoküll National Park, a recently established park that encompasses Europe’s largest ice cap. Venture into the impressive canyon of Asbyrgi to see a hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” Then, traverse Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, a the labyrinth of unusual basalt formations with that create unique acoustics. End your tour at Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Akureyri and Siglufjordur
Admire the curved waterfall of Godafoss this morning. When Iceland became a Christian country 1,000 years ago, a priest threw idols of Norse gods into the falls, which were known as Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods” thereafter. Return to Akureyri, and enjoy free time to explore and have lunch on your own. Continue to Siglufjordur for a visit to the unique Herring and Maritime Museum. Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner tonight. (B,D)
Day 7 – Northern Iceland and Húsafell
Travel southwest today, passing through more incredible natural scenery. Stop to visit Glaumbaer, a folk museum featuring authentic turf houses, and see the small and sturdy Iceland horses at a farm in Gauksmyri. Enjoy the scenic vista at Grabrok Crater, visit the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver, and view Hraunfossar Falls before checking in to your hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Discover the windswept beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula today. Begin with a walk along the shell-sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. Watch for thousands of nesting seabirds on the cliffs, caves, and bizarre rock formations of Arnarstapi. After lunch at a rustic seaside restaurant, stroll the black-pebble beach at Djupalonssandur and see the haunting remains of a shipwreck still scattered along the coast. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – The Golden Circle and Reykjavík
Travel south to the sites of the famed Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, important historically as the meeting place of the ancient parliament—founded here in A.D. 930—and geologically as it straddles the fissure between the North American and European tectonic plates. Next, witness the two-tiered, “golden” waterfall known as Gullfoss, and watch for the frequent eruptions of the Strokkur Geyser at Geyser. Continue to Reykjavík for a visit to the interactive glacier exhibit at Perlan, a state-of-the-art museum with an onsite ice cave. Meet with a local expert before dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)
Day 10 – Reykjavík
Set out on a morning tour of the highlights of the Icelandic capital. The remainder of today is yours to discover Reykjavík as you wish. You’ll have the opportunity to take an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a therapeutic soak. Tonight, celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 11 – Depart for the U.S.
Depart for the airport in time for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)