Gems of the South West

Begin the day with a hearty, energising breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the choice between either exploring Iceland’s fantastic south coast by rental car or taking a horseback tour which is available as an add-on for this day. The various horseback tours you can choose from are listed further down this page. Or if you would prefer to explore the south coast then we suggest setting your sights on the town of Vík, which is located about 93 kilometres to the east.

Vík is the southernmost town of Iceland and well known for its striking surroundings and dramatic black lava beach – although perhaps the stops along the way make the trip a true highlight of any visit to Iceland. If you choose to visit Vík we recommend stopping at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls which are about 55 and 74 miles respectively from your cabin. Along the way you will also pass the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and the Solheimajökull Glacier where you can take a guided tour over the tongue of the glacier which stretches down towards the coast. As you drive along you will have amazing views of black lava beaches and the wild ocean to your right and dramatic mountain peaks looming high above to your left.

Located just before Vík are the bird cliffs at Dyrhólaey. Here you can park your car and step out to enjoy an unbeatable view over the cliff formations, the black beach and the rough sea. The cliffs here are known for their rich bird life and many people come especially to see the puffins which nest in the area between May and August. If you choose to take a walk on the beach, take care not to go too close to the water. It is not uncommon for big sneaker waves to crash in and sweep away anybody who is standing too close. You will spend the night at Hotel Eldhestar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you once more have the choice between taking a horseback tour or heading out in your rental car. The different horseback tours are listed further down the page. If you choose to explore Iceland on your own account then we recommend using today to take a trip around the world-famous Golden Circle. The Golden Circle consists of three classic stops: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Thingvellir National Park is an area of great historical significance. It is the site of the world’s first democratic parliament, the Althing, which was held by Icelanders all the way back in the year 900. The area is also of geological interest as it is right here that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, resulting in a three-mile wide valley that is flanked by steep cliffs on either end.

Geysir is a world-famous geothermal area which is best known for its main attraction, Strokkur – a mighty geyser that erupts roughly every five to ten minutes. When Strokkur erupts it propels a 60 feet tall cascade of water up into the air. Gullfoss is a majestic waterfall that is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Iceland. The fall begins where the River Hvítá plunges down into an almost 104-feet deep crevice. Today you will also have the option to add on a visit to the Secret Lagoon. This lagoon is a hot spring about 49 miles east of Reykjavík. It has showering facilities where you can freshen up and a bar where you can grab something to eat or drink. The water falls in two steps and visitors can get up close to the huge masses of water that come crashing down over its edge and into the ravine below.

Today you also have the option to visit the Secret Lagoon – a geothermally heated outdoor pool which is located 49 miles to the east of Reykjavík. When the day is over you will head back to Hotel Eldhestar for another night.

Breakfast at the hotel. If you have chosen a three-night trip then today is the day you head home. Drive back to Keflavík Airport (drive time is around one hour) and leave off your rental car before catching your return flight to the US.

If you have opted for a four-night trip then today will be yours to explore Reykjavík at your own pace. It takes about one hour to drive to Reykjavík from your hotel and once there you will find a rainbow of possibilities. This package gives you the option to add on a whale watching tour that departs from Reykjavík. You will head out by boat and get to see and learn more about these mighty giants of the ocean.

Alternatively there is plenty to see and do in the city itself. The city is an old fishing town that has since exploded in colour and excitement on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to many first-class restaurants and brimming with culture, shopping and an incredible nightlife which surprises many with its abundance of energy. The city is practically built for exploring on foot with most things located within comfortable walking distance. But if you do end up wearing yourself out, the city offers no shortage of amazing spas where you can relax and recover from a day of adventure. In the evening you will drive back to Hotel Eldhestar for another night.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day for those of you on a four-night trip to head home. Take the coastal route from Hveragerði to Keflavík Airport (drive time is around one hour) and leave off your rental car before catching your return flight to the US. Take care to make it back in good time. We hope the trip will have been everything you’ve dreamed of and that we’ll be seeing you again soon!