Experience the vibrant South of Iceland, home to all three of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore its diverse landscapes, from vast lava fields to towering glaciers, on our action-packed Iceland 4 day summer tour.
Journey along the south coast, marvel at waterfalls and black sand beaches, and embark on a thrilling glacier hike within Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull National Park. Cruise to the volcanic Westman Islands to witness Iceland’s volcanic history and encounter Atlantic puffins. Discover the Golden Circle‘s geysers and waterfalls, and explore the historic Þingvellir National Park. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just four days — an unforgettable adventure awaits!
The proposed itinerary spans a total of four days, but can be extended depending on your timeframe and activities chosen. Arrival and departure days, as well as any additional days, will be meticulously planned by our Travel Experts to ensure a seamless experience. We also recommend allocating at least one full day in Reykjavík before or after your tour to explore the vibrant city and its surroundings. Here is what you can expect on a luxury tour of Iceland’s World Heritage Sites.
Day 1 | Explore the South Coast
Embark on an unforgettable summer journey along Iceland’s scenic south coast, where we explore its iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Marvel at the majestic power of waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, venturing behind cascading curtains of water and immersing ourselves in their awe-inspiring beauty. Traverse the captivating black sand beach of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, framed by dramatic basalt columns and crashing waves.
As we venture eastward, we encounter diverse landscapes, from the stark black sand desert of Mýrdalssandur to the expansive Eldhraun lava field, blanketed in vibrant green moss. Our knowledgeable guide shares insights into the historic Laki eruption, which shaped this remarkable terrain. Conclude the day with a hike through the enchanting Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, its ethereal ridges offering breathtaking vistas.
During late August and September, catch a glimpse of the enchanting northern lights illuminating the night sky. In the summer months, bask in the soft pink glow of the midnight sun, casting a spellbinding spectacle against Iceland’s rugged mountains and glacial landscapes.
Where do we stay?
To begin our Iceland 4-day tour, we stay at the Hótel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (or equivalent)
Day 2 | Vatnajökull National Park
Waking up in a remote location around the largest glacier in Iceland is something else! We hope you got a good night’s rest because today is all about glacier adventures. The glacier, and the national park it belongs to, is by far the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, covering about 14% of the country. After breakfast overlooking the other worldly landscape, we’ll go and get a closer look at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and admire the building sized icebergs floating nearby. With some luck, you might spot a cute family of seals taking in the sun on a floating iceberg or swimming around the lagoon. We’ll have our last up close look at the ice as we go down to the Diamond Beach to take in the sparkling ice crystals lying on the long black beach.
As promised, the afternoon is time for us to get onto the ice itself with our glacier hike, designed for first timers. We’ll get to know the Vatnajökull ice cap on an intimate basis today. The glacier hike lasts around 3–4 hours and, depending on the group, we can take it easy exploring the base of the glacier in crampons or venture higher to experience everything the glacier has to offer towards the ice fall. Hiking on this less travelled section of the glacier and traversing countless ice formations like crevasses (cracks), moulins (holes) & seracs (ice sculptures) — is something you are sure to never forget. To learn more about what the glacier hike entails, you can check out our Glacier Hike Guide here.
Where do we stay?
We love staying at Skálakot Manor Hotel and Hotel UMI or any hotels on the south coast that lend itself to be conveniently located for the reminder of the itinerary. Additionally, there are a number of incredible private villas in this area that are incredible to stay at.
Day 3 | Volcanic Westman Islands
After breakfast, we are headed to Landeyjahöfn Harbour to take the short ferry ride to the volcanic chain of islands known as the Westman Islands. The main island of the archipelago, Heimaey, was almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973, resulting in a full town evacuation.
We’ll start our island visit with a 1-hour RIB boat ride. The scenic and fun boat tour takes you inside sea caves, and around the small islands scattered around Heimaey, which are otherwise inaccessible. If you are lucky, you may even get close to the array of wildlife around the islands, like whales and puffins, while hopefully catching a glimpse of the newest of the Westman Islands, the pristine UNESCO Heritage Site Surtsey. It is spectacular to see the islands from this angle. During summer, the Westman Islands is one of the best places in Iceland to view the cute Atlantic puffins, with millions calling these islands home for the season.
After all this, we should have a pretty good appetite for a delicious lunch at one of our favourite restaurants on the islands. Their menu is inspired by what is available locally, giving the ingredients a modern twist to many of Iceland’s favourite dishes. Depending on fitness levels and time, we then hike to the top of the still-warm volcano at Eldfell. Here, your guide will share all they know about the eruption that destroyed hundreds of homes and lasted for months, making it the “Pompeii of the North”. From here, you can see the lava and new section of the island that was created in 1973, with the island increasing in size by over 20% from all the new lava. In the late afternoon, we take the ferry back to the mainland and return to our south Iceland accommodation for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Where do we stay?
We stay another night at Skálakot Manor Hotel and Hotel UMI or any number of south coast hotels or private villas.
Day 4 | Exploring the Golden Circle
Today, we embark on a journey through the iconic Golden Circle, beginning with the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, carving its path through Hvítá’s white waters. Next, marvel at the geothermal wonders of Strokkur and Geysir, surrounded by vibrant landscapes, steam vents, and bubbling hot springs.
Our culinary adventure continues at the Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse, where a sumptuous, all-inclusive lunch awaits amid the lush greenhouse setting. Indulge in the famed tomato soup, Icelandic delicacies, and homemade treats, all crafted with the freshest ingredients.
Our exploration culminates at the UNESCO Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park, renowned for its historical, cultural, and geological significance. Witness the remarkable divergence of tectonic plates, a phenomenon found nowhere else above water. As the day draws to a close, choose between a rejuvenating retreat at the Blue Lagoon or further exploration of Reykjavík’s charms, ensuring a memorable conclusion to our adventures.
Where do we stay?
Tonight, the choice is yours: journey onward to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a luxurious stay at the 4-star Silica Lagoon or the 5-star The Retreat. Alternatively, opt for an evening of exploration in Reykjavík, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Iceland’s capital city.
Iceland World Heritage Sites Tour Highlights
|
OPERATES |
DURATION 4 days, 3 nights exclusive of arrival & departure days |
MINIMUM AGE 10-years old (glacier hike) This can be modified |
| LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Moderate (glacier hike) This can be modified |
STARTING POINT |
END POINT |
| Inclusions • Accommodation with breakfast all mornings • Activities as listed in the proposed itinerary • Private transportation with Wi-Fi • Led by one of our guides for the duration of the tour |
Exclusions • International flights • Meals unless otherwise specified |
Accommodation options for your 4-day Iceland tour
Premium: Primarily 4-star hotels, offering high-quality amenities and services, comfortable and stylish rooms, and excellent locations with easy access to attractions.
Luxury: Combination of 4-star and 5-star hotels and lodges, providing superior amenities and exceptional service, elegant and spacious rooms, and often feature on-site fine dining and wellness facilities.
Exclusive accommodation & private lodges: Exclusively 5-star hotels and private lodges, offering unmatched luxury and personalised service, luxurious suites and private accommodations, with top-tier amenities including private pools, spas, and gourmet dining options.
Experience the magic of Iceland’s World Heritage Sites up close and start planning your private South of Iceland adventure today with Hidden Iceland. Our travel experts are here to tailor every detail to your dream itinerary.
Ready to make this 4 day Iceland tour your dream trip?
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