Reykjavik

From Reykjavik, travel over the Mosfellsheidi heath to the dramatic Thingvellir National Park, which is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical, cultural and geological significance. The Park straddles the mid-Atlantic ridge and is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. These plates are constantly pulling the earth’s crust in opposite directions causing rifts which add to the unusual and impressive landscape. It's also the site of Iceland's first parliament over 1000 years ago.

Continue into the fertile farmlands of the south to see the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, otherwise known as ‘The Golden Waterfall’. As you stand and admire the beauty of this waterfall you can hear its raw power as the water gushes down the rock face.

Nearby is the fascinating geothermal area of Geysir, with its abundance of hot springs, mud pools, fumaroles and other geothermal phenomena. There’ll be a stop to see the amazing Geysir Strokkur, a fountain geyser which shoots up a 75-foot-high column of hot water every few minutes.

Stop at a local hotel for a delicious Icelandic lunch, before beginning the scenic return journey. En route there will be a comfort stop at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant. Those who are interested can visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition which provides a state-of-the-art look at how geothermal energy is harnessed in a sustainable manner in Iceland.

Across the lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula, lying in a distinctly ‘extra-terrestrial’ landscape is the Blue Lagoon. A stop here will allow you to view this fascinating natural wonder. Its blue colour, the steam and the 13-foot-high lava wall surrounding the pool, create a unique atmosphere.

Continue to the fishing town of Hafnarfjordur, where you will pass the impressive carved wooden exterior of the Fjorukrain Viking Village.

As you travel back to the capital, enjoy a leisurely overview of Reykjavik, before stopping at The Pearl. Originally built for hot water storage in the 1930’s The Pearl is now an elegant revolving dome with splendid views over the city from the viewing platform.

As you travel through dramatic volcanic landscape to the Blue Lagoon, your knowledgeable guide will explain all about the history and science surrounding this famous natural geothermal spa.

The Blue Lagoon is a large pool of hot water which is rich in minerals like silica, algae and sulphur. As you enter the water you’ll feel your stress melt away as your body absorbs the heat and healing powers of the water.

Around the Lagoon silica mud can be found in wooden boxes so you can apply it to your face and body. This pure white geothermal mud deep cleanses, exfoliates and naturally strengthens the skin's barrier function. It brings out your inner glow and gives you a vital energy boost and smooth complexion.

After your rejuvenation, you may wish to visit the café or browse the shop for souvenirs and view their range of skin care products.

On the return journey, you’ll hear about the history and culture of Reykjavik before passing through the busy city centre en route to the pier.

Reykjavik revels in its reputation of being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. This panoramic tour will allow you to observe a little of Iceland’s geological phenomena, hear tales of Viking settlers, enjoy the varied landscapes, and learn something of the countries historical and cultural origins.

Visit the impressive volcanic craters of the Heidmork conservation area, and enjoy a stop at The Pearl, a remarkable and unique building, built in 1988. On Oskjuhlid hill, above the huge tanks in which natural hot water is stored for heating the city, a glass dome has been constructed. The Pearl’s viewing platform is a perfect place for panoramic photos.

Your panoramic drive will head towards the Laugardalur or ‘warm water valley’, passing the city’s main sports and recreation area, with its outdoor geothermal swimming pool. You will also have a chance to see the famous Höfdi House, where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986.

Head towards the charming old quarter of Reykjavík with its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets. Passing the city lake, Tjörnin, you’ll skirt the university complex and head towards the old harbour area to enjoy a short photo stop.

Super 4x4s are the result of decades of technical innovation and evolution, and feature the biggest available legal road tyres in the world. Expert drivers will take you to places magically created by the power of volcanoes, ice and time.

Shortly after leaving Reykjavík, drive along the pipeline road to the Frakkastígur Mountain pass. The pass offers you panoramic views over Lake Þingvallavatn, active volcano Hengill, and the geothermal powerplant of Nesjavellir and its surroundings – truly breathtaking scenery.

From Nesjavellir take the gravel road along Lake Thingvallavatn, driving along the lush farmlands of the south. The landscape and scenery changes until you reach an area of birch trees at Thrastarlundur. Take a short comfort stop in this beautiful spot before continuing the adventure.

Visit the hot spring community of Hveragerdi, before re-boarding the vehicles to head off the beaten track on a trail known as ‘The Thousand Waters’, where you will wind your way through numerous rivers, mud banks and streams. From here it’s back to the tarmac as you head back to Reykjavík.

Enjoy an exciting 3-hour-long boat trip searching for whales. The potential for whale watching in Iceland is excellent, with so many species of whales (Blue, Fin, Humpbacks, Minke and Sei whales). About half of the 36 whale species which live in European waters can be seen in Icelandic waters. No 2 trips are ever the same and consequently there is always a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

On board, there is a comfortable dining room with a bar. There is also seating on the boat’s deck for those who want to enjoy close proximity to the spectacular Icelandic nature.

The prime period for whale watching in Iceland is the late spring to early autumn months (May - September).

A drive through Hafnarfjordur town, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow, will take you to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of Iceland’s deepest lakes. Arriving at the geothermal fields of Krysuvik, witness the powerful jets of steam from deep below the earth’s crust and the multi-coloured pools of boiling mud.

Continue across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes and through the fishing village of Grindavik. Close by is the Blue Lagoon, crowned by clouds of vapour and surrounded by lava. A stop will be made to view this popular attraction before enjoying traditional local refreshments of tea or coffee, Icelandic pastries and flat bread served with smoked lamb.

After refreshments, you’ll visit the Viking World Museum which houses an exhibition containing artefacts, maps, models and audio-visual displays telling the story of the Viking expansion across the North Atlantic. There is also a full-scale replica of a Viking long ship. In the year 2000, this ship called ‘Islendingur’ (The Icelander) was sailed by shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson to America to commemorate the 1,000 year anniversary of the Viking discovery of North America.

On leaving the Museum, you’ll travel through the mossy lava fields before arriving back in Reykjavik.

Your great adventure begins at the pier as you board your larger than life modified Super Truck. Head first to the UNESCO site of Thingvellir where you will make a stop before heading to Iceland's majestic hinterland along the dramatic ‘Cold Valley’.

The next step of your journey will be onto the ice cap and into the white world of Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull – ‘The Long Glacier’. Here your expert driver will take your Super Truck adventure to the next level as he takes you on a once in a lifetime journey over the ice and snow.

Following this amazing experience you will head back to the woodlands of Húsafell where you will stop for lunch. Continue to the nearby waterfalls of Hraunfoss and Barnafoss - two of Iceland's most picturesque. Your return to Reykjavik takes you through the Hvalfjordur tunnel, along the coastline and back to the pier.

Despite erupting 2,000 years ago, Hengill Volcano is still very active – this is evident by the numerous natural hot springs, steam vents and fumaroles that dot the surrounding landscape. Hengill produces impressive amounts of energy by way of hydro and geothermal power – both of which are utilised to provide plentiful supplies of hot water and electricity. A visit will be made at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant visitor centre to learn about geosciences, geothermal technology, the environment and the history of the area.

Further on you will see the town of Hveragerði, which is located on top of an old magma chamber. Take a scenic drive passing by the town’s trademark greenhouses, before stopping for a short walk around the local geothermal area. Refreshments will be served in the locality including hot spring bread baked by traditional underground methods, together with Icelandic butter and a variety of accompaniments.

Continuing on towards the UNESCO site of Thingvellir National Park, you will literally travel from one continent to another as you cross the neovolcanic rift zone that slices through Iceland. Pass Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, to a viewpoint where you will see countless hot springs continuously spraying their sulphur rich deposits over amazing scenery, before returning through a lunar-like landscape of volcanic phenomena and other geological wonders.

On this panoramic tour you will observe Iceland’s varied landscapes, hear tales of Viking settlers and learn of the historical and cultural origins.

Visit the impressive volcanic craters of the Heidmork conservation area before arriving at The Pearl. This remarkable and unique building consists of a glass observation dome sat on top of several huge water tanks. The tanks store natural hot water which is used to heat the city. Enjoy a stroll around the glass dome for panoramic views.

Your panoramic drive will head towards the Laugardalur or ‘warm water valley’, passing the city’s main sports and recreation area, with its outdoor geothermal swimming pool. You will also see the famous Höfdi House, where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986.

Head towards the charming old quarter of Reykjavík with its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets. Passing the city lake, Tjörnin, you’ll head towards the old harbour area to enjoy a short photo stop.