Classic Itinerary
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where you are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. If you arrive early, you may store your bags at our conveniently located hotel while you explore this compact, walkable city on your own. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, with an orientation to all the adventures that lie ahead in this geological wonderland.
Explore Iceland's south coast en route to Vik, an area known for its volcanic black sand beaches and countless waterfalls. We are in the region affected by the powerful 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano, an event brought to life at the Lava Center, which features interactive exhibits depicting the colossal natural forces that have created Iceland over tens of millions of years. Our knowledge of Iceland's dynamic geology is enhanced as we learn about the eruptions and lava flows, rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make the island a showcase of volcanism. The center introduces us to the UNESCO Katla Global Geopark plus Iceland's elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.
Continuing along the south coast, we stop at several thundering waterfalls, including powerful Skogafoss and Kvernufoss. Another famous highlight is Reynisdrangar Rocks, a trio of columnar basalt sea stacks. Legend holds that they were formed after two trolls were out fishing in a three-masted ship. When the trolls did not return to their cave before sunrise, they and their vessel turned into needles of stone, since trolls cannot tolerate daylight. Here, we'll have a chance to walk on the famous black sand beach and admire the columnar basalt formations before continuing to the exciting Lava Show in Vik, followed by dinner at the restaurant on site. The Lava Show, renowned for its educational value, recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 2000°F, then pouring the molten rock it into a room at close range where guests can watch it flow, hear it sizzle and feel the incredible heat. After dinner, continue to our nearby hotel to spend the night.