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Volcanic Explorer

from £899 excluding flights

  • 5 nights
  • Year round
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Volcanic Explorer
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Highlights

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See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route

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Hop across to the Westman Islands and visit a part-buried town

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See the stunning waterfalls on the South Coast

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Stroll along black-sand beaches at Vik

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Enjoy Reykjavik with its blend of Nordic and modern style

south west iceland lava centre exhibit

Visit the Lava Centre with its interactive exhibits

Why this trip...

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park tailor made white

Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

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Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

This exciting self drive short break provides a glimpse of the fiery side of Iceland, with a liberal splattering of impressive waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. Focusing on the south-west corner of the island, one action packed day follows another.

Enjoy a leisurely start to your holiday staying at the Northern Light Inn, a short drive from the airport and in close proximity to one of Iceland’s primary visitor attractions, the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing dip in preparation for the spectacular sights to follow, including the trio of natural wonders on the Golden Circle route.

Explore the magnificent south coast, scattered with volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches and majestic mountains. Make a stop at the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur and learn all about volcanoes, eruptions and earthquakes. In Vik, take part in the Lava show and witness the sight, the sound and the heat of real flowing lava as it flows into the dark room, bubbling and shining bright onto a huge block of ice.

On a day trip by ferry (booked separately) to the volcanic Westman Islands, walk through houses excavated from the ash of the massive 1973 eruption, then head along the coast to see puffin colonies (summer only) or opt for one of the thrilling possibilities to get onto the nearby Solheimajokull glacier – include riding a snowmobile, a superjeep trip, or even a glacier walk.

Reykjanes is the rugged peninsula in Iceland’s south west where you’ll find a moody lavascape and surf pounded, black sand beaches, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, a ‘mysterious’ lake and tectonic rifts. It’s also home to Iceland’s newest volcano, Fagradalsfjall, which erupted in 2021 and has continued to erupt periodically ever since, with spectacular fiery lava flows leaving behind newly formed black lava fields. Take in these last few other worldly sites before heading home.

Itinerary

Fly to Keflavik, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the Northern Light Inn close to the Blue Lagoon for an overnight stay. Perhaps take an evening dip in its therapeutic waters (entrance fee at extra cost – pre-payable).

Explore Reykjanes Peninsula where you will cross dramatic lava fields, witness steaming vents and bubbling mud pools at Krisuvik and walk across the bridge between the two continents which is situated on the mid-Atlantic ridge. Enjoy the famous trio of natural wonders on the Golden Circle route: Gullfoss, a stunning two-tiered waterfall and gorge; Geysir, where you’ll witness the geyser Strokkur erupt every few minutes and Thingvellir National Park, site of the historic Althing assembly, where tectonic rifts are visible on the surface. Overnight at Hotel Fludir.

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Hop across to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), a short ferry ride away and explore the volcanic island of Heimaey (additional cost). Climb the crater Eldfell, whose 1973 eruption buried one third of the island’s houses under lava and ash. Walk through the lava and visit the houses excavated from the ash. Walk or drive along the coast to the puffin colonies and Storhofdi viewpoint (summer only). Back on the mainland, stay 2 nights in the Vik area at Hotel Kría.

A day of mouth-watering scenery begins as you approach the 8km long Solheimajokull glacier. Optional guided glacier walk on this massive creaking tongue of ice (at additional cost). Snowmobile and jeep tours on Myrdalsjokull icecap are also on offer. Feel the spray at the foot of 60m high Skogafoss falls and visit the nearby Skogar Folk Museum and its turf farm. At Dyrholaey Nature Reserve, see the impressive rock arch and watch puffins (summer only) and other seabirds. Stroll on the black sand beaches near Vik and marvel at the troll-like rock stacks and basalt columns. Visit the 35-minute demonstration at the Lava Show.

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Visit the Lava Centre (additional cost) in Hvolsvollur before driving to Reykjavik where you can also visit the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan (additional cost). Time to explore this colourful capital city. Overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Spend a final day exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula en route back to Keflavik Airport. You may have time to witness the fascinating volcanic eruption site at Fagradalsfjall on foot or by air before flying home.

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday referenced in the itinerary. However, with a wide choice of accommodation in Iceland, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from hotels, farmstays and self-catering apartments to private villas and countryside properties.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists
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  • iceland south west hotel kria exterior winter view
  • hotel fludir restaurant

Excursions

  • iceland south west snowmobiling on eyjafjallajokull south coast ad
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

    from £188

    3 hours | Year round

    Snowmobiling on the infamous Eyjafjalajokull glacier is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun…

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

    £300

    7 hours | Jun-Sep

    A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

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  • iceland aerial view over eyjafjallajokull with superjeep sca
    Iceland

    Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep

    from £225

    4 hours | Year round

    This unique superjeep tour takes you up onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop the volcano that infamously erupted in 2010.

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  • south west iceland lava centre exhibit
    Iceland

    Lava Centre

    from £31

    Various hours | Year round

    The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.

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  • iceland highlands superjeep on glacier rth
    Iceland

    Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier 

    from £162

    3.5 hours | Year round

    Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

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  • iceland south west katla ice cave entrance sthcstad
    Iceland

    Katla Ice Cave Tour

    from £175

    3 hours | Year round

    Explore the inside of a remote natural ice cave with its beautiful colours and formations in the company of an experienced guide.

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  • iceland highlands landmannalaugar5 rth
    Iceland

    Landmannalaugar by Superjeep

    from £250

    8 hours | Year round

    A journey through the wild and beautiful Icelandic highlands, this excursion explores colourful rhyolite mountains, bubbling hot springs and curious rock formations.

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  • south iceland snowmobiling on glacier istk
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

    from £222

    2.5 hours | Year round

    This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland,…

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  • iceland snowmobiling on langjokull img
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Langjokull

    from £182

    3 hours | Year round

    An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a…

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  • iceland reykjanes peninsula inside thrihnukagigur volcano
    Iceland

    Inside the Volcano

    from £294

    6 hours | May-Oct

    A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

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  • iceland raufarholshellir lava tunnel rth
    Iceland

    The Lava Tunnel

    from £53

    Year round

    Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland

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  • iceland south west glacier hiking solheimajokull img
    Iceland

    Blue Ice Experience

    from £125

    3 hours | Mar-Aug

    Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.

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  • iceland snorkelling day tour silfra2 di
    Iceland

    Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

    from £120

    3 hours | Year round

    The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a…

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  • iceland south east jokulsarlon boat is
    Iceland

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    from £42

    35 mins | May-Aug

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

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  • iceland south west blue lagoon winter adstk
    Iceland

    Blue Lagoon

    from £91

    At leisure | Year round

    Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

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  • iceland jokulsarlon at dusk rth
    Iceland

    Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours

    from £94

    1 hours | May-Oct

    Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the…

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  • iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth
    Iceland

    Secret Lagoon

    from £23

    Variable hours | Year round

    The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at…

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

    from £225

    5 hours | Year round

    A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

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  • iceland sky lagoon thermal spa
    Iceland

    Sky Lagoon

    from £69

    At leisure | Year round

    Enjoy captivating views from the geothermal Sky Lagoon as you soak in rejuvenating waters on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £899 excluding flights

Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play or EasyJet. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
  • Daily breakfast
  • Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • 24-hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £899 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

  • 4WD

    We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person, per day.

  • Go electric

    With a selection of electric cars now available including the Kia Niro and Volkswagen ID.3, you can choose to upgrade from as little as £12 per person, per day. We recommend this option for summer only, due to the colder temperatures in winter affecting battery range.

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    Reykjanes Explorer and Blue Lagoon Break

    from £766 excluding flights

    3 nights | Year round

    Self Drive | Short Break | Northern Lights | Volcano

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As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.