Iceland Expedition: Venturing Across the Untouched Highlands
Join Explora for a unique adventure to the dazzling Land of Fire and Ice on an intimate eight-day expedition deep into this Nordic island nation’s uninhabited southern Highlands. Led by an experienced team of guides, discover challenging and rarely experienced routes, stunning regions that include the verdant Thorsmork river Valley and multi-colored Landmannalaugar, and a multitude of wonders from craggy volcanic peaks and breathtaking glaciers to thundering waterfalls and ice-blue lagoons. Enjoy a fully supported journey, complete with expert guidance, every meal and stays in countryside lodges and iconic Reykjavik hotels.
8-day trips (group size 8)
Fixed Departures 2026 (Jul-Sep) or arrange a private trip
Itinerary-in-Brief
Beginning and ending in Reykjavik, this exclusive, 8-day Iceland expedition delves deep into the country’s interior to visit destinations such as Eyjafjallajökull, Fjallabak, Southern Highlands, Vatnajökull, Langisjór, and Landmannalaugar. Days are lively with multiple hikes and overland explorations through regions of stark beauty, alive with volcanoes, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and more. Nights are restful, with accommodation at small boutique hotels and countryside guest houses.
This exciting route designed for those with a moderate level of physical fitness promises rare access to stunning landscapes and an unforgettable adventure in a truly untamed corner of the world.
Iceland’s geology results from the constant interplay between fire and ice. This island, spanning 103,000 km² (about the size of Kentucky or Portugal), sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, leading to spectacular phenomena like volcanic eruptions, rift valleys, and geothermal activity. In fact, the word “geyser” originates from Icelandic, referencing the geysers’ hot springs. Among its most striking landscapes are Eyjafjallajökull, Southern Fjallabak, and Vatnajökull.
Eyjafjallajökull is a glacier and volcano in southern Iceland, globally renowned for its 2010 eruption, which halted air traffic across Europe due to volcanic ash. This volcano is connected to the magma chamber of nearby Katla, showcasing the region’s geological complexity. When Eyjafjallajökull erupts, it triggers phenomena such as jökulhlaups—sudden glacial floods caused by volcanic heat melting large ice masses.
In southern Iceland, Southern Fjallabak is a mountainous volcanic region famed for its vibrant and unique landscapes. In Landmannalaugar, rhyolite mountains and geothermal systems create a colorful and contrasting environment. Volcanic calderas like Torfajökull evidence past and present volcanic activity.
Iceland hosts approximately 11 major glaciers, covering about 11,400 km². Among the most notable are Vatnajökull, Hofsjökull, Langjökull, and Mýrdalsjökull. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, covers 14% of Iceland’s surface and contains subglacial volcanoes like Grímsvötn.
Iceland’s waterfalls are one of the country’s most iconic symbols, formed by the interaction of glaciers, rivers, and volcanic activity. These waterfalls, varying in size and shape, stand out not only for their majesty but also for their cultural, historical, and geological significance.
* Contact us for dates, full itinerary, rates and bookings. (explora)