Morning yoga followed by breakfast.

Then set course to Snæfellsnes, a volcanic peninsula that stretches out from the Icelandic west coast and is divided by a chain of mountains that lies from east to west. The peninsula is dominated by the majestic Volcano Snæfellsjökull. 

We head straight to the beautiful town of Stykkishólmur where we will go on the Viking Sushi Boat Trip on the Breidafjörður Bay at 11:00 am. On the boat tour we will see puffins and other sea birds and learn about the geology of the coast. 

From Stykkishólmur we drive along the north side of the peninsula with a stop at the famous Mt. Kirkjufell and possibly at Saxholl Crater. Just before reaching the accommodations for the night, we stop at Búðir black Church and golden beach to stretch or legs and get beautiful photographs. 

Your home for the next two nights is at a family run horse farm. Icelandic horses will be outside your window with the backdrop of the amazing Volcano Snæfellsjökull.  

Overnight at  Lýsuhóll for 2 nights. 

Meals (B)

Morning yoga followed by breakfast.

Today we go on a 2-hour horse riding tour along the beach from Lýsuhóll. You will pass through green pastures dotted with sheep. The waves will crash on the golden sand and the sound of calls of Arctic Terns and other seabirds can be heard. Participants with advanced riding experience can gallop on the beach with the guide. Others can enjoy the walk in nature.

Afternoon we will take a walk from the small town of Hellnar to Arnastapi admiring the ancient lava, mosses, and rock formations of the coastline. 

Early afternoon. Return guesthouse at Lýsuhóll.

Optional: Walk to the local mineral pool ($12 not included) and enjoy a hot soak before dinner or relax in your cottage before walking to Kast for dinner. 

Meals (B)

Morning yoga followed by breakfast. 

Then we say goodbye to the horses and the peninsula and head south back toward Reykjavik passing through the town of Borgarnes. Here, you can pick up supplies for a picnic lunch.

About 1.5 hours later we reach Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have a short hike along the fissures of the area and learn about the largest lake in Iceland, geology, and viking history. . 

In the afternoon we will go snorkelling (in a dry suit) in the clearest water in the world in Silfra Fissure. Here you can have your photo taken while touching the North American & Eurasian tectonic plates at the same time. 

Accommodation in Hotel Laugarvatn. Optional evening hot springs soak at Fontana on the lake.

Meals (B)

After our morning rituals of yoga then breakfast we take a short drive through the countryside to two of Iceland’s most famous natural treasures: the waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir hot spring area. As you drive toward the geothermal area, you will notice the smell of sulfur, rhyolite rocks, and various steam vents in the valley, these are all evidence of geothermal activity caused by the mantle plume that sits under Iceland on the mid-atlantic ridge. 

The first stop is the famous hot spring that is the namesake of all sprouting hot springs, and his neighbor, the reliable Strokkur geyser, spouts hot water up as high as 15 – 30 m, every 5 – 10 min. 

About 20 minutes from Geyser is the Gullfoss (or Golden Waterfall). Fed by meltwater from the Longjokull glacier, its water is milky with silt. It cascades over three tiers and if the sun is right, you will see rainbows. 

The geothermal activity also powers and heats homes and businesses in the area. We will stop for lunch at a greenhouse turned into a restaurant. One of the associates will take you on a guided tour explaining how the tomatoes are grown using renewable energy. After learning about the inner workings of the restaurant, the group will enjoy all-you-can-eat tomato soup and homemade bread. 

After lunch we take a 40 minute drive to the south coast. Before getting to our accommodations for the night, we stop at the beautiful waterfall Seljalandsfoss. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls and unique because you can walk behind it for 360 degree views. Bring your rain gear because you are going to get wet! 

Overnight at Cave Guesthouse on the south coast near Seljalandsfoss waterfall. (B,L) 

Today you will drive 3.5 hours across the south coast to the Skaftafell National Park. The drive is worth it because the landscape will change from green pastures with waterfalls to mountains overflowing with glaciers. 

There will be a few stops along the way, that your guide will want to share with you before you get to the Glacier Lagoon (Jökuslárlón). The lagoon is filled with icebergs!! We will walk along the shore and take photos and explore Diamond Beach where the bergy bits wash up. You will look for seals playing in the surf at the outlet of the lagoon. 

Lunch will be on your own at one of the various food trucks at the lagoon before you head out on an epic adventure to sea kayaking in the lagoon. Here you can get up-close to big icebergs and have better opportunities to see seals. 

Once you are back on shore, there will be laughs and stories about the fun time you had on the lagoon. You then have a 1.5 hour drive to your accommodations as you head back west. This would be a great time for a nap or journaling.

Accommodation in Eldhraun near Kirkjubæjarklaustur.(B) 

Morning yoga followed by breakfast. 

Today we can explore the gorgeous black beach of Reynisfjara admiring the power and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Your guide will tell you about the story of the Trolls that turned to stone. Look up for puffins nesting on the rocks. Participants can get lunch at the cafe. 

After lunch we visit the majestic waterfall Skógafoss. You have to see it to believe just how awe-inspiring it is!! Those who want to, can hike up the 300 steps to the top of the falls and walk with the guide along the Skoga river. There are 24 waterfalls to see, but time will limit how far you can get on this out and back trail. Enjoy each step. Look for sheep munching on the grass and terns nesting nearby.

Continue driving west toward Selfoss. Just past the town of Selfoss is your accommodation for the night at heading Hotel Kvika. Take advantage of the Hotel' Jacuzzis before and/or after dinner!

Meals (B)

Morning Yoga followed by breakfast. 

We drive to the small village of Stokkseyri where we will paddle on a sea kayak through narrow canals, down the river and out to the sea. While paddling on the protected bay of the sea we look for gray seals resting on kelp forest beds and rocks. 

Lunch at a Langoustine restaurant (little lobsters). Followed by a swim in the local heated pool.

From the town of Stokkseyri we travel about 1 hour to Reykjavik. Use this time to explore and shop for souvenirs before meeting up with your Trip Leader for one last dinner. Overnight at CenterHotel Skjaldbreið in Reykjavik.
Meals (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Keflavik airport for a return flight.  

On the way we will stop at the Blue Lagoon (Comfort Package) to have a relaxing 2-hour bath in its spa-like, milky hot water. Considered one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the geothermal water originates 6,000 feet below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi, to create electricity and hot water for nearby communities. On its way to the surface, the water picks up silica and minerals, before emerging at a soothing 38°C (100°F). Perfect for a relaxing and re-energizing bath. 

Airport drop off 1:30pm.

Meals(B) 

Note: If volcanic activity causes the Blue Lagoon to be closed, the group will go to Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. 

Emily is excited to return to Iceland for another adventure! She is a long-time teacher. For her first career chapter she was in a high school environmental science and biology classroom and now teaches yoga, outdoor education, teamwork and leadership. She is the Swiss-army knife of humans -- eager to shift into whatever role is needed while making joy a priority all along the way. 

Emily is eager to get back to Iceland to swim between the continental plates, linger under the endless waterfalls, wander below the basalt columns on the black sand beach, and take several dips in the geothermal pools. When she isn't traveling or planning trips, Emily runs a small community- and human-building business called Rural Remedy. At home, she wrangles two young kids and a husband, cooks fresh from scratch daily, and is always trying new ways to move and create connections.