Glaciers and Geysers of Iceland’s Southern Coast

8 days from $9,200

Travel along Iceland’s southern coast from the Blue Lagoon to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, discovering an incredible range of geological phenomena, from glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and geysers.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Take a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap.

• Snorkel between two tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park.

• Ride a Superjeep on a guided tour across lava fields and rivers to glacier-covered mountains.

• Go horseback riding on one of Iceland’s iconic black-sand beaches.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you.

Day 1 – Keflavik, Iceland

After arriving in Keflavik, meet your private driver for the transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Unwind after your flight with a relaxing soak in these geothermal hot springs. Later, continue with your driver to your hotel.

Day 2 – Golden Circle

Set off on a private tour of the Golden Circle, including the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir, an active geyser that shoots water high into the air at regular intervals. Enjoy a memorable lunch at a tomato farm and then visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the oldest parliament in the world. Here, you’ll have a once-in-alifetime opportunity to snorkel between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Day 3 – Thórsmörk Nature Reserve

Embark on a shared Superjeep adventure to the beautiful Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, inaccessible by most vehicles. Cross rivers and lava fields before ending in an area surrounded by glaciers and mountains.

Day 4 – Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón

Travel east with your private driver to Skaftafell, where you’ll strap on crampons and a harness for a smallgroup hiking excursion on the Vatnajökull Glacier. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and join a guided Zodiac boat ride among floating icebergs.

Day 5 – South Coast

Make your way back along the south coast. Walk on black-sand beaches and see jagged sea stacks and famous volcanoes. Encounter waterfalls both powerful and picturesque, and enjoy ample opportunities for hiking. This afternoon, you’ll have a chance to go for a horseback ride along Iceland’s dramatic south coast.

Days

6–8 – Reykjavík

Travel to Reykjavík and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Head into the city center to see the distinctive architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, or visit Aurora Reykjavík, which recreates the experience of viewing the northern lights. The next day, join a group cooking class. Learn how to make traditional Icelandic dishes, and hear how the island’s cuisine is intertwined with its folklore and the Icelandic sagas. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Grimsborgir

A contemporary hotel with 29 geothermal hot tubs on the Golden Circle route.

Hotel Laekur

A family-run country hotel near the southern coast with a sauna and outdoor hot tub.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – A remote and stylish property offering sweeping views.

Stracta Hotel

A family-run hotel offering a range of activities, from kayaking to horseback riding.

Reykjavík

Residence Hotel

Chic apartments in Reykjavík’s central 101 district.

Where To Stay

H10 Duque de Loulé – A stylish hotel housed within an 18th-century building, with a rooftop bar looking out over Lisbon.

Hospes las Casas del Rey de Baeza

A whitewashed 18th-century home with a rooftop bar and pool offering views of Seville.

Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula – A historic hotel built around a convent and a Moorish home in central Granada, with a sauna and a Turkish bath.

Gran Hotel Miramar – A historic waterfront hotel featuring gardens that lead to Málaga’s beach, a pool, a spa, and a hammam.