2 Day South Coast VIP tour with optional glacier hike – Summer Version

After leaving Reykjavik we head straight for the impressive Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk right behind for the ultimate view, but the waterfalls do not stop there. Next is the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, which is a sight we are sure you will never forget. This 200ft fast flowing vertical waterfall can be enjoyed from afar or up close. On sunny days you might be treated to a rainbow appearing from the mist of the waterfall.

From here we drive on to Reynisfjara where we will look over this amazing Black Sand Beach and basalt columns. In the mid summer months you might get to spot some very cute puffins nesting in the cliffs overhead. Other times you are often treated to some intense crashing waves. For those of you who haven’t brought food with you, the Black Beach Restaurant is the ideal lunch spot to taste locally produced food.

After lunch we continue east, passing through the seaside village of Vík with its iconic church up on the hill, and on to explore Fjaðrárgljúfur (or alternative sites when the area is sometimes affected by weather – rare), where you can see the impressive forces of nature that have eroded this spectacular gorge. Driving further east, we pass the mighty Vatnajökull icecap and the spectacular Skaftafell National Park, where we will be dwarfed by Iceland’s highest mountains and most impressive glaciers.

We spend the night at the incredibly secluded and comfortable Lilja Guesthouse (or equivalent), resting up for another action packed day. We stay in their deluxe rooms. All the rooms are recently finished with modern fittings and private bathrooms. Dinner from the kitchen at Lilja Guesthouse is always delicious, with the kitchen taking advantage of the fresh, local Icelandic produce. With favourable conditions in the months when the nights are dark, the magical northern lights can be seen from the guesthouse.

Our second day starts with the delicious buffet breakfast (included) from Lilja Guesthouse. After breakfast we then go to one of our all time favourite locations in Iceland, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. We are always mesmerised by the giant icebergs floating around this incredible lagoon and by the washed up icebergs that glisten like crystals down at ‘Diamond Beach’. This is one beach trip that you definitely will not forget.

Optional Glacier Hike: A hike on one of our favourite outlet glaciers situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vatnajökull National Park. You will get up close and personal to the the astonishingly beautiful ice formations during our hike on the Falljökull glacier. We explore the glacier and take in the otherworldly views, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish including a fun superjeep ride along the valley leading to the glacier. This glacier hike is considered of moderate difficulty, with a moderate fitness and FULL mobility required, though is designed for first timers. You can expect to walk about six kilometers over uneven and ascending terrain.

Alternative to Glacier Hike: If you have concerns about the glacier hike, it is not mandatory for you to attend this part of the tour. While the others are on the hike (2.5 – 3 hours) your guide will split off with you and any other guests who aren’t doing the hike, to explore their favourite spots such as easier nature walks, great viewpoints and other parts of the Vatnajökull National Park.

PLEASE NOTE: Opting out of the glacier hike does not change the overall price of the tour. 

On our way back to Reykjavik we will stop off at your guides favourite spots and break for a late lunch / early dinner.  before arriving back in Reykjavik around 8:30pm.

The glacier hike on our scheduled trips are aimed for first timers. However, the ice can be steep and uneven in sections. If you struggle with walking for one hour at a good pace or don’t enjoy walking on uneven and sloped ground, then the glacier hike may not be for you. Thankfully, you can opt for more tranquil options on this tour. The steepest sections involve stair like features and slopes. You will be wearing crampons (spikes) on your feet and full mobility of your ankles and knees is necessary. The glacier hike on this tour is around 2.5 – 3 hours in total with around 1.5 hours spent on the glacier ice. The hike covers around 5 kilometres (approx. 2.5 miles). The hike requires a moderate fitness level AND full mobility.

Each guide on the trip will make the final decision at the time of the hike. If they refuse to let you on the ice, please know it is purely for the safety of not just you, but also for the rest of the group.

Your accommodation will be at the comfortable and modern Lilja Guesthouse (or similar).