Iceland Inspiration: Ring of Nature’s Marvels with Emily Manternach

Welcome to Iceland — a land where fire meets ice and nature reigns supreme!
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport and begin your unforgettable adventure. Today, you’ll journey along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a dramatic region shaped by volcanic forces and brimming with geological wonders. This UNESCO Global Geopark offers a striking introduction to Iceland’s wild side. Be sure to stop at Krýsuvík, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pots create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. You can also visit the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visibly pull apart — a rare sight only possible in a place like Iceland. Your destination is Seltún Geothermal Area, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, features geothermal activity with steam vents, mud pools, and mineral deposits. Visitors can follow marked paths to explore the area safely. Seltún offers a chance to experience Iceland's geothermal energy and is a notable stop for those exploring the natural features of the Reykjanes Peninsula Spend the evening soaking in the geothermal ambiance and get ready for the adventures ahead.

Overnight in Hveragerdi

Today, set out to explore some of the most iconic natural wonders along Iceland’s southern coast. Begin with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a magical waterfall where you can walk behind the cascading veil of water for an unforgettable perspective. Nearby, discover the thunderous Skógafoss, plunging 60 meters in a perfect curtain of mist and spray. Make your way to Dyrhólaey, a striking black lava promontory where a massive rock arch rises above the Atlantic Ocean. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and keep an eye out for nesting seabirds — including the beloved puffins, who flock here during summer. (Please note: Dyrhólaey is typically closed during nesting season, from mid-May to late June.)

Overnight in the Vik Area

This museum is dedicated to one of the most fascinating features in Iceland’s unique topography: the world of molten lava, which has played a crucial role in the Land of Fire and Ice. Learn all about volcanic and tectonic forces and how they have shaped Iceland. The LAVA Center uses technology to exhibit various geological features. One example includes the earthquake simulator, which will make your experience even more exciting! The lava experience is divided into different exhibitions, including the volcanic corridor, which details the eruptions which have taken place in Iceland since 1900 and their effects, the geology globe, which shows how the tectonic plates beneath Earth’s surface move, the magma and molten rock exhibition, which demonstrates how pressure beneath the Earth’s surface creates volcanoes, and how the convection currents heat and cool the molten rock. You will also discover an earthquake alert service that monitors seismic activity and allows scientists to predict when the next earthquake will strike. All of the exhibitions are completely interactive, ensuring that it is educational and engaging for people of all ages. Included: Entrance fee to the Lava Centre and volcano film.

Today, prepare for an unforgettable adventure to Skaftafell, a breathtaking part of Vatnajökull National Park and one of Europe’s largest protected areas. Nestled between glaciers and black-sand plains, Skaftafell is a paradise for nature lovers, offering dramatic alpine scenery and a variety of excellent hiking trails — from glacier tongues to hidden waterfalls tucked into moss-covered cliffs. Continue your journey to witness the dazzling beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland’s crown jewels and a true natural wonder. Located just off Route 1, about 370 km east of Reykjavík, this surreal lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Watch in awe as massive blue-white icebergs drift across the icy waters, some eventually carried out to sea — only to be washed ashore again on the nearby Diamond Beach, where they sparkle like gemstones on the black volcanic sands. The lagoon is Iceland’s deepest lake, reaching depths of up to 250 meters, and its shimmering, ever-changing beauty is a haunting reminder of the island’s evolving landscape. After soaking in the glacial magic, return to the charming coastal village of Vík for the evening.

Overnight in the Vik Area

This easy glacier walk will take you to see the incredible Svinafellsjokull glacier tongue. Svinafellsjokull is a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull icecap — one of the largest glaciers in Europe. The Svinafellsjokull glacier tongue is quite unique as it offers everything glaciers are known for, without needing to travel great distances. With this tour you will through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, making your way between the ice ridges and deep crevasses of the glacier. Discover the unique ice formations and sculptures as you make your way through the labyrinth of ice.  Start your walk at the bottom of the glacier-carved valley, where your guide will describe the unique features left by the Falljökull and Virkisjökull Glaciers and their surroundings. As you arrive at the edge of the glacier, your guide will assist you with crampons and give you a short lesson about the use of the equipment along with a safety talk. You will explore the lower part of the glacier with many opportunities for snapping photos and Q&As along the way, to your vantage point surrounded by the breathtaking landscape. The Glacier Wonders trip will give you approximately one hour on the glacier.

Today, set off on a captivating drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the world’s first parliament, established in 930 AD. Situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this park offers not only extraordinary historical significance but also striking geological features — including vast lava fields, deep rift valleys, and Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn. From this storied land, continue your journey to the majestic Borgarfjörður region, steeped in saga legends and framed by natural beauty. Visit the historic site of Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson — the famed medieval writer and historian. Be awed by the cascading ribbons of Hraunfossar, where crystal-clear waters emerge from beneath a lava field, and just upstream, see the churning rapids of Barnafoss, shaped by folklore and fury. Cap off your day with a visit to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, where scalding geothermal water steams from the earth at astonishing rates. As you wind through Borgarfjörður’s dramatic valleys and rugged terrain, you’ll experience the deep cultural roots and epic landscapes that define the heart of West Iceland.

Overnight in Western Iceland

Uncover nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths of Krauma. The hot water originates from Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature, hot water is mixed with the cold water from Rauosgil, which originates in the glacier “Ok”, otherwise known as Okjokull. Ok was the smallest glacier in Iceland, and it is now the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier in August 2019. Krauma features five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas, and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace as you listen to soothing music. Bathing fee and rent of towel.

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning natural beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its incredible variety of landscapes. Begin your journey at the dramatic Arnarstapi sea cliffs, where basalt formations tower over the crashing Atlantic waves and seabirds nest in abundance. Then continue to the hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, a place steeped in maritime history and marked by the remains of a shipwrecked trawler. As you wind along the peninsula’s northern coast, pass through charming fishing villages surrounded by snow-capped mountains and tranquil fjords. In the picturesque town of Stykkishólmur, you’ll have the option to join a Breiðafjörður Bay boat tour (approx. 2 hours – not included). This unforgettable marine excursion offers a close-up look at Iceland’s vibrant sea life and bird colonies. A shellfish plough will be lowered into the bay, bringing up a treasure trove of ocean delicacies including scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, and more — some of which you may have the chance to taste fresh from the sea. Let the pristine wilderness and raw power of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula leave a lasting impression on your Icelandic adventure.

Overnight in Western Iceland

Begin your day with a scenic drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region defined by its dramatic volcanic terrain and otherworldly landscapes. Stop at Lake Kleifarvatn, a serene, deep lake set against a stark backdrop of black lava fields and rugged hills. Nearby lies the Krýsuvík Geothermal Area, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant mineral deposits paint the ground in surreal colors — an unforgettable reminder of Iceland’s volcanic heartbeat. Continue to the charming fishing village of Grindavík, where weathered boats line the harbor and the sea air is thick with the scent of salt and adventure. From there, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. Soak in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters surrounded by lava rock as steam rises into the air — the perfect way to relax your body and mind after your incredible journey. As the day winds down, make your way back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland, with time to reflect on the dramatic landscapes and unforgettable memories of your trip.

Overnight in Reykjavik

Perlan – Wonders of Iceland will give you deep insight into the unique nature of Iceland. In the summer of 2017, Perlan opened the glacier exhibition — the first part of the Icelandic Natural Wonders exhibition — where you can learn about the rich history of Iceland’s magnificent glaciers. You will also get the chance to experience walking through one of them (highly recommend)! The glacier exhibition will take place on two storeys, in one of Perlan’s six hot water tanks. It will illustrate the glaciers, describe their history and their future, and give visitors an incredible opportunity to travel through one of them. The Museum has developed a method to accurately replicate an ice cave dug through a glacier. Nothing like this has ever been seen anywhere else in the world. Traveling through the cave, visitors will learn about the glacier’s dangers, the secrets it keeps, and how the disappearance of these vast bodies of ice is leading to enormous change, both on the island itself and around the world.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.  Later in time transfer to the Reykjavik International Airport for your flight home.