Iceland is a land of extreme contrasts. Vast, desolate lava fields are interrupted by lush, moss-carpeted valleys. Giant cascading waterfalls give way to vibrantly colored rhyolite mountains. From the otherworldly landscapes of the south coast, to the mystical power of the central highlands, our overland expedition takes in the most beautiful and inspiring areas of Iceland.
Hikes on the south coast lead us through fairytale scenery; past dramatic waterfalls, floating icebergs, and some of Europe’s largest glaciers. A boat excursion, cultural connections, and an optional ride on an Icelandic horse round out our adventure. Along the way, we spend a day in the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar hiking along colorful mountains. Towards the end of our journey, we head to the Reykjanes Peninsula to experience the total eclipse. Witnessing the eclipse from this remote and magical corner of the world is a once in-a-lifetime experience that adds a breathtaking finale to our Icelandic adventure.
Gjain Valley, Hjalparfoss and Haifoss
Upon meeting our guide, after breakfast, in Reykjavik, we begin our drive to Gjain Valley, a fairy-tale world where two river channels cascade over waterfalls and lava formations. We hike, explore craters and lava caves, and see wellsprings. We also visit Hjalparfoss, a unique double waterfall, and Haifoss, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland where the water cascades a mesmerizing 400 ft.
Our final stop for the day is at a traditional farmstead, providing insight into what rural life must have been like in pre-modern Iceland.
This evening we arrive to our remote, countryside hotel, where we enjoy home-style Icelandic cuisine for dinner.
LandhotelHella, Iceland
Situated near some of the country’s most stunning sights the Landhotel is the perfect base for our stay in Iceland’s southern countryside. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and retreat to your cozy room at night. Heated geothermally, this new 4-star hotel is designed to be at one with nature.
Landmannalaugar
Today we venture into the Icelandic highlands of Landmannalaugar for a day of hiking. The highland roads are unpaved, and if conditions permit, we take the fjallabak (literally, “route behind the mountains”) to Landmannalaugar, an area of multicolored rhyolite mountains and hot springs.
Along the way we stop at the Sigoldufuss waterfall and a crater lake called Ljotipollur. Despite the name, which translates to “Ugly Puddle” in Icelandic, expect vivid colors amidst lava sand. At Landmannalaugar, we hike through one of the largest geothermal fields in Iceland and an otherworldy landscape of rough lava, obsidian, and moss.
A transfer south leads to our accommodations for the next two nights, at the cozy and welcoming Hotel Klauster.
Hotel KlausterKirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland
Hotel Klauster is a charming accommodation nestled in the southeastern part of the country, near the iconic Vatnajokull National Park. Guests can indulge in delicious Icelandic cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and unwind and relax in the hotel's sauna or hot tub.
Ingolfshofdi, Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
After breakfast, we drive across Skeidararsandur, a vast river delta formed by runoff from nearby glaciers. Catastrophic flooding occurs here regularly, as geothermal activity melts the glaciers, causing a tremendous amount of water to flood the plain. Across the delta is Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier, whose presence lords over the surrounding landscape.
Our first stop this morning is a visit to the spectacular Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Watching icebergs float down the lagoon and into the ocean is captivating. This is the perfect place to experience unspoiled nature and the unique environment of Iceland, where icebergs calve off the largest glacier in Europe, the great Vatnajokull, and float around the lagoon in all shapes and colors. For a closer look, we take a Zodiac boat ride across the lagoon, before walking to nearby Diamond Beach where chunks of ice contrast with the dark sand.
This afternoon, we visit a nature reserve located at Ingolfshofdi. This area is known for its incredible birdlife, especially its puffins. These comical waterbirds are a delight to watch, and a local farmer gives us a ride on his tractor to an isolated headland, where we can hike in their midst. This remote cape, surrounded by black sand beaches, is also the place where Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, spent his first winter in Iceland in 874 A.D.
We then return to our hotel, with time to freshen up, before enjoying a dinner of Icelandic speciaities.
Fjadrargljufur and Thakgil
This morning we hike along Fjadrargljufur Canyon, hollowed out over millions of years by the Fjadra River. We follow the eastern edge, which offers stunning views of the plains and glacial brooks below, before descending through moss-covered rock formations to the floor of the canyon.
In the afternoon we travel to Thakgil, an expansive valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. We will explore the trails in this breathtaking area, before traveling to our boutique accommodations located at the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
This evening we have the option to ride Icelandic horses. (Please note horseback riding is at an additional expense.) These friendly horses have been selectively bred for centuries to produce an animal that is even-tempered and strong, with great endurance. They also have a very smooth gait—the tolt—which makes riding them a wonderfully comfortable experience, even for beginners.
UMI HotelHvolsvöllur, Iceland
UMI hotel offers a first class restaurant with a unique view of the Westman Islands and the southern coastline, as well as a lounge bar with a view of the famous subglacial volcano Eyjafjallajökull and the beautiful mountain terrain surrounding it. Next to the hotel the river Svaðbælisá peacefully flows by.
Skogafoss and Kvernufoss, Solheimajokull Glacier Walk
We begin our day at the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall, a 200-foot-high cascade that often produces rainbows in its mist. For those in the mood for a more substantial hike, we can ascend a 370-step staircase to the top of the falls, and continue along the Skoga River. We pass many beautiful waterfalls and on a clear day, we can see the coastline and Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers in the distance. This is true Icelandic wilderness on the heath.
Close to Skogafoss is the waterfall Kvernufoss—a secret, lesser-known jewel nearly 100 feet tall. We hike a short distance into the gorge to enjoy this hidden beauty.
After lunch, we continue to Eyjafjallajokull massif. From its eastern face, the Solheimajökull glacier tongue extends from its parent glacier, Myrdalsjokull, Iceland’s fourth largest. Here, we meet our Icelandic mountain guide, who equips us with the proper tools (crampons and ice axes) for an adventure on an active glacier. After instruction on the proper use of our equipment, we traverse the glacier onto an ice field, where a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses await our discovery.
En route back to our hotel we stop at Reynisfjara Beach, with its black volcanic sand, smooth pebbles, and unique rock formations, A late day walk on the beach will allow us to take in this beautiful sight at a quieter time, when we can hear the waves crashing on the shore.
Gullfoss, Geysir, Organic Farm and Thingvellir
This morning we explore some of Iceland's most well known sites beginning with Gullfoss, or the “golden falls.” This impressive cascade drops over a series of tiers into the Hvita canyon, and its volume of water makes it one of the largest falls in Iceland. From Gullfoss, we continue a short drive to the “Great Geysir,” believed to have been created around the end of the 13th century when a series of strong earthquakes shook the Haukadalur Valley.
We next visit an organic farm where we tour the greenhouses and learn about the challenges of growing food in Iceland. Thanks to geothermal heat, they are even able to grow tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes! Of course, we will sample some of what is in season while we are here.
Our day concludes with a visit to Thingvellir, a national park of great historic significance to the Icelandic people. The park is home to Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 A.D. Each summer, representatives from communities around the country would meet here to establish laws and resolve disputes. The journey could take weeks over the rugged terrain. We traverse the parliament plains, and also explore a natural phenomenon that makes Thingvellir an important geological site—here we are standing on the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates—which are constantly, over the millennia, drifting apart.
This afternoon we continue to our boutique hotel in the heart of Reykjavik.
Alda HotelReykjavik, Iceland
Situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, the 4-star Alda Hotel is perfectly positioned for your stay. Guestrooms feature Nordic design and modern amenities offering the perfect blend of both comfort and style. Enjoy complimentary smartphones for local calls and internet use, a sauna and hot tub, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Reykjanes Peninsula and Eclipse Viewing
Depart from Reykjavik in the morning for a full-day exploration of the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, one of Iceland’s most geologically active and visually captivating regions. Our first stop will be a lava tunnel, where we will venture underground to witness the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic activity frozen in time, and learn about the formation of the tunnel and the unique lava formations inside. From here we continue to the lava fields of the most recent volcanic eruption, offering a rare chance to see the stark beauty of fresh volcanic landscapes.
We enjoy lunch at a local eatery, with time to relax and take in the coastal scenery before exploring the dramatic geothermal area of Gunnuhver, known for its boiling mud pools, steam vents, and eerie folklore. This site showcases the untamed energy bubbling just beneath Iceland’s surface.
In the afternoon, we gather at one of the peninsula’s optimal locations—such as Garour or Sandgeroi—to witness the total solar eclipse. These spots offer the longest duration of totality in the region, with over 1 minute and 40 seconds of complete eclipse. Weather permitting, this rare astronomical event will be viewed against a dramatic volcanic and coastal backdrop—an unforgettable experience.
After the eclipse, we begin the return journey to Reykjavik, arriving in the early evening.
Blue Lagoon and Departure
This morning we head to the Blue Lagoon, where the warm waters beckon us for a soak. A fitting tribute to our stay in the land of fire and ice.
Keflavik International Airport is only 15 minutes away from the Blue Lagoon, and we will drive you there in time for your late-afternoon flight.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
8 Days
Aug 6-13, 2026
$8,995 Per Person
$2,100
See single supplement policy below.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' tours are designed for active individuals who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. This Eclipse Adventure is rated 2 easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are 1-3 hours long, on occasionally rough hiking trails with minimal vehicle support. On Day 5 our optional climb to the top of the Skogafoss Waterfall is about a 300 foot ascension on a metal staircase, followed by an easier 400 foot ascent for the remainder of the hike. Because of the nature of the trails, we sometimes hike out and back on the same path.
The Reykjanes Peninsula offers wide, open views of the sky and the Atlantic Ocean, providing beautiful backdrops for eclipse viewing. Our guide team in Iceland will scout out the best location ahead of time and will provide chairs and eclipse viewing glasses for the occasion. Of course, we cannot predict the weather, so we hope for clear skies on the day of the eclipse for optimal viewing.
Your guide(s) will meet you after breakfast on Day 1 of your trip at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the Alda Hotel, in downtown Reykjavik. We will depart after a brief orientation meeting, so please be checked out and dressed for hiking.
Your guide(s) will provide a drop-off at your choice of downtown Reykjavik locations in the late morning or at the Keflavik International Airport by 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the trip. Please plan departing flights accordingly, taking into account the required check-in time for international flights. You may wish to consider spending an extra night in Reykjavik and departing the following day, depending on flight schedules.
The Alda Hotel and downtown Reykjavík can be conveniently reached by the Flybus, which departs from the arrivals terminal of the airport 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. Tickets can be purchased in the airport terminal upon arrival, or before you travel at www.re.is/flybus.
If you prefer a private transfer to, or from the airport, please inquire in advance with Boundless Journeys. Current rates are $260 per transfer, for 1-3 guests; $340 per transfer for 4-6 guests. We can group together interested guests, arriving at the same time, to decrease the cost.
August is among the driest months in Iceland, although weather is still quite variable. You are unlikely to have sunshine every day, but it is also unlikely for it to be cloudy for long. This month brings near round-the-clock daylight.
Iceland
High: 54 Low: 46
Menus in Iceland generally feature a choice of meat (often lamb) and fresh fish (many varieties of both fresh and saltwater fish are available, the most common being salmon and trout). Some menus are more extensive. Icelandic cuisine has come a long way, and many chefs train in mainland Europe before bringing their skills home to create innovative dishes using native ingredients. It is common even for small hotels to offer meals buffet-style, as this allows travelers to try traditional local dishes alongside more familiar fare.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
Iceland is a land of extreme contrasts. Vast, desolate lava fields are interrupted by lush, moss-carpeted valleys. Giant cascading waterfalls give way to vibrantly colored rhyolite mountains. From the otherworldly landscapes of the south coast, to the mystical power of...
This Eclipse Adventure is rated 2 easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are 1-3 hours long, on occasionally rough hiking trails with minimal vehicle support.
This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
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