South Iceland Summer Express - 3 days

South Iceland Summer Express - 3 days

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3 Days From

$1915

$1436

South Iceland Summer Express - 3 days

3 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland

Visiting: Reykjavik, Seljalandsfoss

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2423/SICE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1915 $1436 Operator discount: -$479 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a breathtaking 3-day journey through South Iceland with the Summer Express tour. Begin your adventure in Reykjavik, heading to the Westman Islands to explore Heimaey, a town reborn from volcanic ashes. Marvel at the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and experience the unique Vik lava show. Discover the enchanting black sands of Reynisfjara beach and the traditional charm of Skogar Folk Museum. Opt for a thrilling glacier hike on Solheimajokull or relax in the natural geothermal streams of Landmannalaugar's colorful rhyolite mountains. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at Hotel Stracta in Hella, with opportunities to unwind in hot tubs under the Northern Lights. Guided by an English-speaking expert, travel in modern coaches with Wi-Fi, and savor included meals as you immerse yourself in Iceland's stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Conclude your tour back in Reykjavik, enriched by the wonders of Icelandic nature.

Highlights

  • Westman Islands - Explore the island of Heimaey, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973.

  • Seljalandsfoss - Marvel at the thundering waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and enjoy a walk behind one of the falls.

  • Vik - Experience the heat of lava and admire the power of nature at the Vik lava show, the only example of a lava show in the world.

  • Landmannalaugar - Hike amongst the colourful rhyolite mountains and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.

  • Solheimajokull glacier - See one of Iceland's most famous glaciers and opt to join a hike out onto this sheet of ice.

  • Reynisfjara - Walk along the black lava beach and spot impressive rock formations and basalt columns.

  • Hjalparfoss - Visit the beautiful waterfall before returning to Reykjavik.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Reykjavik

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Location: Reykjavik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta

Reykjavik - The Westman Islands - Hella. Welcome to Iceland! Departing from Reykjavik at 8am this morning we head southeast to the coast, where we board a ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. In 1973, half of the island's settlements were destroyed by a volcanic eruption, triggering a huge evacuation effort. Amazingly, only one person was killed during the eruption, and residents managed to save the harbour from destruction by continuously pouring cold seawater on the lava to direct it away from this important infrastructure. We'll take a bus and walking tour of the island, including a visit to the "Pompeii of the North", a volcanic excavation project. We'll also have the chance to walk up the volcano crater.





As well as the 4,500 residents who still live on Heimaey, approximately 8 million puffins make the island their summer home, and you'll be able to see these beautiful birds by the hundred. Many other migratory species also visit the Westman Islands in summer to feed and breed, so who knows which species you may spot! You'll have plenty of time to explore Heimaey town and its surrounding areas independently before we return to the mainland and head to our overnight accommodation in Hella.





Please note: If you would like to book pre-tour accommodation in Reykjavik, then we would be happy to arrange this for you on request.

Day 2: Seljalandsfoss

Location: Seljalandsfoss

Accommodation Name: Hotel Stracta

Hella - Seljalandsfoss. Today we experience the true forces of nature which make Iceland so special. Our morning starts with the plunging Seljalandsfoss waterfall, there's a path that winds its way directly behind Seljalandsfoss, which we will walk along and feel the spray from the waterfall.





On our way to the village of Vik we attend the famous lava show, when a volcanic eruption is re-enacted on a small scale. You'll see lava flowing along the ice, and feel the immense heat radiating from it. We then travel to the black lava beach of Reynisfjara. Our walk along the beach will allow us to spot yet more of Iceland's birdlife, as well as impressive rock formations and basalt columns.





In the afternoon, we visit Skogar where we'll see the traditional turf houses of the Skogar Folk Museum and be mesmerised by the sightings of the thundering skogafoss waterfall, reaching over 60 meters high, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Alternatively you can join an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier It's an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. Price per person: ISK 23.000.

Day 3: Reykjavik

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Location: Reykjavik

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hella - Landmannalaugar - Reykjavik. Leaving our hotel in Hella for the final time, we drive along the unpaved road to Landmannalaugar. These incredible mountains were formed by rhyolite lava, which is of a different sort to many volcanic formations. The effect is a series of "rainbow" mountains, with lots of interspersing colours, including reds, yellows, and browns. Sizzling sulfur springs are still visible and steamy vapour rises from the land. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the area and there is free time to explore and take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.





We'll stop to see the beautiful Hjalparfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik where our tour comes to an end. A Flybus Shuttle transfer will take you to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-star hotel

  • Escorted by an English-speaking guide/driver-guide

    The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or driver-guide.

  • Transportation in modern coaches

    Transportation is provided in modern coaches, with free Wi-Fi and return transport in a highland vehicle to Landmannalaugar.

  • Return ferry trip to the Westman Islands

    The tour includes a return ferry trip to the Westman Islands.

  • Walking tour of the Village of Heimaey

    A walking tour of the Village of Heimaey is included in the itinerary.

  • Entrance to the Vik lava show

    Entrance to the Vik lava show is included in the tour.

  • Entrance to the Skogar Folk Museum

    The tour includes entrance to the Skogar Folk Museum.

  • Tour operated with trusted partner

    This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and Visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Arrival and departure transfers

    Transfers for arrival and departure are not included in the tour.

  • Tips for your guide

    Tips for your guide are not included and are an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation

In the sleepy village of Hella, Stracta Hotel offers fantastic modern accommodation in a great location. Guest rooms are designed in a Nordic style with bright interiors and comfortable beds. Guests can enjoy meals at the Restaurant Gardur on the second floor - affording stunning views of the beautiful countryside around.

Age Policy

Strictly 12 yrs+

Mode of Transport

Transportation is provided in modern coaches with free Wi-Fi, and includes return transport in a highland vehicle to Landmannalaugar. The tour also features a return ferry trip to the Westman Islands, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey throughout.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the tour?

    During the tour, especially on the Westman Islands, you can expect to see a large number of puffins, as approximately 8 million of them make the island their summer home. Additionally, many other migratory bird species visit the islands in summer to feed and breed.

  • Is there an opportunity to experience geothermal activity during the tour?

    Yes, on the third day of the tour, you will visit Landmannalaugar, where you can see sizzling sulfur springs and have the opportunity to take a dip in a natural geothermal stream.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Vik lava show, where a volcanic eruption is re-enacted on a small scale, allowing you to see lava flowing and feel its heat. Additionally, you will have the chance to walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and explore the 'Pompeii of the North' on Heimaey Island.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, on the second day, there is an optional glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier, which is an informative and easy walk through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. The price for this activity is ISK 23,000 per person.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes two nights at the Stracta Hotel in Hella, which offers modern accommodation with Nordic-style guest rooms. The hotel features a restaurant with stunning countryside views and hot tubs where guests can relax in the evening.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Wednesday - Friday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Saturday - Monday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Saturday - Monday

Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Saturday - Monday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Saturday - Monday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$1915 $1436

Operator discount: -$479

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.