Iceland Glaciers and Hot Springs Winter Adventure

Welcome to the most ridiculously beautiful place on earth, where even highway ditches look like postcards. Day 1 is all about arriving before we kick off our adventure with a Welcome Dinner at a favorite Icelandic restaurant. (Reindeer, anyone?)

If arriving early, we share some recommendations for exploring Reykjavík including where to find the best cinnamon buns you’ll sink your teeth into. Wanna guided tour with all the food? Book an optional Walking Food tour with us and sightsee and dine at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel, Shared Doubles
Meals: D

Two words you’ll mispronounce with glee all day! Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for a short drive to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði. We’ll hike up mystic hills into the magical valley of Solfataras where we’ll find Reykjadalur (hot springs, baby!). We’ll dip in the natural hot river, dry off, hike back to our she-shuttle and drive to Thingvellir National Park. If you’re into fault lines, you’re gonna need a fresh pair of undies. We’ll learn all about major historical events that led to the area being declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Our lodging for the next two nights is by Lake Laugarvatn, a perfect location to look for the Northern Lights!

Hiking: 5 miles. 1,138′ elevation gain. 2.5 hours hiking time.

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D

You like eruptions, girl? Today we’ll drive towards the Geysir spouting spring area before taking in the panty-dropper of panty-droppers: Gullfoss waterfall. Get those misty selfies! From there we’ll hop a short drive to the famous Friðheimar greenhouse where we’ll lunch on their renowned tomato soup and learn all about greenhouse tomato farming. Bloody Mary, anyone?

After we’re good and full, we’ll soak in a nearby Secret Lagoon (plz bring towels!) before continuing our drive along the scenic South Coast towards our cozy, country guesthouse (and sheep farm!) Sólheimahjáleiga. Tonight’s stay is located at the foot of Mýrdalsjökull glacier with a view of Eyjafjallajökull glacier! Once settled, we’ll spend the rest of the evening hunting down the Northern Lights.

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D

Spend the day exploring the foot of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. In the AM, we’ll cruise on ATV bikes along the shore of an iconic black sand beach. There we’ll visit the famous Sólheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck and drive across rivers (get those slo mo cameras out!) into beautiful mountain ravines. In the PM, we’ll hike one of the gajillion panoramic trails. Once our thighs start barking, we’ll head back to the farm to visit the the sheepfold and lend a hand in feeding the animals. Then we’ll wash up, wolf down some dinner, and be on the lookout for more Northern Lights.

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D

Today we head further east to gawk at vast sand plains and the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. By this point your brain will be near-stroke from beauty overload, but there’s more! We can stop to visit the impressive Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is 100 meters deep and 2 km long OR hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park. After, we’ll take in views of vast alpine peaks perforating the horizon as we shout WTF at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Beastly icebergs and sunbathing seals will be everywhere, with an iceberg-studded coast––Diamond Beach––just a short walk away.

Hiking: Svartifoss Waterfall 2 miles. 439′ elevation gain. 1 hour hiking time.

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D

Stretch those gams because we’re going on a glacier walk atop Sólheimajökull. The landscape of the glacier ice is extraordinary, with deep crevasses and water cauldrons. You’ll be looking Arctic-chic with crampons and ice axes while learning about glacial behavior and environmental impact. If we’re lucky, we’ll happen upon a glacier cave before journeying back to Reykjavík. We’ll make stops along the way to enjoy the picturesque landscape of the South Coast, strolling along the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and taking in the beautiful waterfall of Skógafoss. We’ll return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon for a farewell closing dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel, Shared Doubles
Meals: B-L-D

We’re sneaking one more highlight into our trip as we drive by minibus to the Sky Lagoon! Lean back into the warming waters for 2 magical hours as you reflect on all the adventures, inside jokes, and sweaty underwire. After the bath, our bus will take us on one last ride back to where it all began. Hug/cry/plan your next Explorer Chick adventure before parting ways at Keflavik International Airport. Our bus will make one stop back in Reykjavik for those of you staying another night.

*Depending on the season and hours, you may visit Blue Lagoon instead of Sky Lagoon. 

*Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.

Explore Reykjavik with local food lovers who are passionate about sharing Iceland’s incredible cuisines. You’ll stroll the city visiting 6 unique restaurants with a fun and knowledgeable local guide. You will visit everything from well-known ‘must visit restaurants’ to small family run businesses and secret local hangouts. Forget about the fermented shark. Instead, you’ll sink you teeth into favorites like Icelandic lamb, hot dogs, local cheese, seafood, and more.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Departs: 11:30am. Tour is approx 3.5 hours

You are responsible for transportation to the meeting point. The meeting point is a 15-min walk from our Rendezvous Hotel. This is not an exclusive Explorer Chick tour. You will be with other tourists.

You’ll sail away from the coastline of Reykjavík to search for the auroras on the North Atlantic with the city lights in the background. An expert guide will be on board telling you all about the science, legends and myths that surround this amazing natural phenomenon. The boat is heated and equipped with a speaker system, so you are welcome to stay cozy and warm indoors until it’s time to dart outside. You’ll also receive warm overalls and the boat is equipped with Wi-Fi, a snack bar, and restrooms.

Duration: 2 hours
Departs: 9pm

You are responsible for transportation to the meeting point. This is not an exclusive Explorer Chick tour. You will be with other tourists. Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed. Tour operator reserves the right to move the tour to a bus if sailing conditions are not safe.