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Iceland: A Grand Eclipse Adventure
Iceland
8 Days
From $8595
Hiking, viewing of the solar eclipse, a day of horseback riding, and culture
Iceland: A Grand Eclipse Adventure
Iceland
8 Days
From $8595
Hiking, viewing of the solar eclipse, a day of horseback riding, and culture
Trip Overview
Chase the Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice
Every few centuries, the stars align—and Iceland finds itself beneath the path of a total solar eclipse. In 2026, you’ll have the rare chance to witness this celestial event surrounded by one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Our journey begins in Reykjavik, where urban creativity meets Nordic charm, before we head into the wild southwest. Over eight days, we’ll explore Iceland’s greatest hits: glaciers, geysers, black sand beaches, and steaming lava fields. We’ll ride Icelandic horses, walk on ice, sail through iceberg-dotted lagoons, and soak in geothermal springs—all while keeping your eyes on the skies.
The main event? A front-row seat to the total eclipse, set against a backdrop of volcanic peaks and endless sky. It’s a moment most will never experience—and one you’ll never forget. Between adventures, we’ll unwind in comfortable, stylish accommodations, enjoy fresh Nordic cuisine, and take time to reflect on Iceland’s raw beauty and powerful natural forces. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey where epic landscapes meet celestial wonder.
Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Catch an unforgettable view of a rare total solar eclipse against Iceland’s epic landscape
- No camping required—enjoy the comfort of hotels every night
- Experience nearly constant daylight just below the Arctic Circle at midsummer
- Relax like the locals in geothermal hot springs at Sky Lagoon
- Savor gourmet meals prepared fresh each day
- Stay in charming small towns with a rich fishing heritage dating back centuries
- Sail through the breathtaking beauty of a glacial lagoon
Inclusions
- A local guide and an AGC guide depending on group size
- 7 nights double occupancy lodging
- All meals from dinner the first day to breakfast on the last, except for one dinner in Reykjavik on Day 6
- Sky Lagoon entrance fees
- All transportation (private bus, ferry, private boat) within Iceland
- Lava Show in Vik
- All entrance fees and activities as described in the itinerary
Not included: Transportation to/from Reykjavik (KEF), meals excluded from the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and Travel Insurance.
Trip Info
This adventure is designed for active women in good physical condition who are eager to experience the rare total solar eclipse in Iceland. It’s perfect for those who want to combine hiking and sightseeing off the beaten path, exploring glaciers and natural wonders, and immersing themselves in Iceland’s rich history and local culture—all while enjoying the country’s delicious cuisine. A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes. These trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity on hilly terrain.
Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5
Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.
This multi-sport trip is a combination of adventurous activity with learning about history and culture. You can expect hiking, horseback riding, hot springs soaking, and a leisurely sail in a protected lagoon. All activities are at an easy to moderate level and suitable for both those with and without experience.
Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.
No camping required! Rewind and relax from your adventure filled days in comfortable and luxurious hotels. While in Reykjavik, we will be staying in a centrally located hotel, with ensuite bathrooms. While traveling the countryside, we will be staying in smaller, locally run hotels with ensuite bathrooms.
Ready to picture yourself on this adventure?
Download the detailed trip summary for a closer look — daily highlights, travel notes, and everything you need to know before you go. It’s the perfect way to dream, plan, and share with a friend!
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Welcome to Iceland! You’ll arrive in Reykjavik at your convenience today. Flights from North America often land in the early morning, so you may have some free time before we gather. Our adventure officially begins at 5:00 PM at our Reykjavik hotel. After a warm welcome and introductions, we’ll head out for our first dinner together. This will be a great opportunity to meet everyone and sample some delicious Icelandic dishes!
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Skuggi Hotel (or similar), Reykjavik
Daily Activities: Welcome Dinner
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Skuggi Hotel (or similar), Reykjavik
Daily Activities: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
After a peaceful night’s sleep, we’ll kick off the day by shaking off any lingering jet lag with a visit to the renowned Sky Lagoon! This oceanside hot spring offers spectacular ocean views, providing the perfect place to relax and refresh. Once we've had our fill of soothing waters, we’ll head back to Reykjavik to explore the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. Next, we’ll enjoy stunning vistas from Perlan, a fascinating science and cultural center built on top of hot water storage tanks, and check out other exciting landmarks like the brand-new city hall. It’s going to be a day packed with adventure and amazing sights!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Skuggi Hotel (or similar), Reykjavik
Daily Activities: Hot Springs, Explore Reykjavik
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Skuggi Hotel (or similar), Reykjavik
Daily Activities: Hot Springs, Explore Reykjavik
DAY 3
Today, we leave Reykjavik behind and head into the stunning Icelandic countryside for the next three nights. Our journey begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of Iceland’s Parliament from 930 to 1798. Thingvellir is also one of the rare places on Earth where you can witness the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, most clearly seen at Almannagja (Everyman’s Gorge).
For lunch, we’ll stop at a charming family-run geothermal greenhouse farm, where we’ll enjoy a meal made from fresh produce grown right on the farm. After lunch, we’ll head to Geysir, the birthplace of the geyser phenomenon, and watch the hot springs erupting in a spectacular display. Just a short 10-minute drive from there, we’ll visit Gullfoss, Iceland's famous Golden Falls, one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local ranch for a fascinating introduction to the Icelandic Viking horse, a unique breed brought to the island by early settlers in the 9th century. We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxed riding tour through beautiful landscapes, with views of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most renowned volcanoes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Stracta (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Horseback Riding
Travel Time: Driving (~2 hours)
For lunch, we’ll stop at a charming family-run geothermal greenhouse farm, where we’ll enjoy a meal made from fresh produce grown right on the farm. After lunch, we’ll head to Geysir, the birthplace of the geyser phenomenon, and watch the hot springs erupting in a spectacular display. Just a short 10-minute drive from there, we’ll visit Gullfoss, Iceland's famous Golden Falls, one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local ranch for a fascinating introduction to the Icelandic Viking horse, a unique breed brought to the island by early settlers in the 9th century. We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxed riding tour through beautiful landscapes, with views of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most renowned volcanoes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Stracta (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Horseback Riding
Travel Time: Driving (~2 hours)
DAY 4
This morning, we will pack a delicious picnic lunch and journey into the stunning highland nature reserve of Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most dramatic regions. Known for having the largest geothermal field in the country, Landmannalaugar’s beauty and diverse landscapes are shaped by Iceland’s active volcanic zone. The area is filled with breathtaking features, including vast ravines, steep rhyolite slopes, rocky cliffs, mountains with boiling hot springs, crystal-clear springs, lush valleys dotted with wildflowers, light-colored alluvial plains, and striking peaks displaying every color of the rainbow. Your guide will choose a hike suited to your interests and fitness level. In the afternoon, we’ll continue across the vast Eldhraun lava fields, remnants of one of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions from the 18th century. Later, we’ll check into our hotel in the remote southeast, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Laki (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Hiking
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Laki (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Hiking
DAY 5
Today, we’ll explore the stunning landscape beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Our adventure begins at the incredible Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea. This magical location, featured in two James Bond films, offers a chance to spot seals, eider ducks, and even witness glaciers calving into the crystal-clear turquoise waters. We’ll take a boat tour through the lagoon before heading to the nearby Diamond Beach, where large chunks of ice cover the black sand in a breathtaking contrast.
After our time at the lagoon, we’ll continue to Skaftafell National Park, where we’ll embark on a scenic hike through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Surrounded by waterfalls, glacier tongues, towering peaks, and vast black desert sands stretching to the sea, the views will be nothing short of spectacular.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Laki (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking, Boat Tour
After our time at the lagoon, we’ll continue to Skaftafell National Park, where we’ll embark on a scenic hike through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Surrounded by waterfalls, glacier tongues, towering peaks, and vast black desert sands stretching to the sea, the views will be nothing short of spectacular.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Laki (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking, Boat Tour
DAY 6
Today, we’ll explore the stunning south coast of Iceland, famous for its dramatic landscapes, including black-sand beaches and waterfalls. We’ll begin with a visit to the charming village of Vik, nestled within the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark and surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers, and expansive black sand beaches. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about Iceland's unique geology and the lava flows that shaped much of the land at the Lava Exhibit, followed by a thrilling Lava Show.
Afterward, we’ll visit the impressive Skogafoss waterfall and the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can even walk behind the cascading water. Our day will also include stops at towering cliffs teeming with puffins and seabirds, offering incredible views of the coastline.
Later, we’ll return to Reykjavik, where you’ll have the evening free to enjoy as you please. Whether you’d like to take a stroll around the city and dine at your leisure or relax and call it an early night, the choice is yours!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Skuggi (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Lava Show
Afterward, we’ll visit the impressive Skogafoss waterfall and the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can even walk behind the cascading water. Our day will also include stops at towering cliffs teeming with puffins and seabirds, offering incredible views of the coastline.
Later, we’ll return to Reykjavik, where you’ll have the evening free to enjoy as you please. Whether you’d like to take a stroll around the city and dine at your leisure or relax and call it an early night, the choice is yours!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Skuggi (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking, Lava Show
DAY 7
Today is the exciting day we’ll experience the total solar eclipse in Iceland! On this rare occasion, the path of totality will pass directly over Iceland, giving us an incredible opportunity to witness the moon completely blocking the sun, casting a shadow across the land. This total solar eclipse will last up to 2 minutes and 10 seconds in some areas, making it one of the longest solar eclipses of the century. To ensure we get the best view, we’re keeping the day open, giving us the flexibility to move around depending on cloud cover and weather. It’s going to be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Skuggi (or similar)
Daily Activities: Total Solar Eclipse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Skuggi (or similar)
Daily Activities: Total Solar Eclipse
DAY 8
You are free to leave anytime this morning. We'll arrange shuttles to the airport based on departure times.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Reviews
This trip is brand new — be among the very first to experience it with AGC!
Dates & Prices
| Year | Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
August 06 to August 13 |
Available |
$8995.00 |
Year
2026
Departure Date
August 06 to August 13, 2026
Availability
Available
Price
$8995.00
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
The total solar eclipse in Iceland will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from approximately 4:47 PM to 6:47 PM GMT. In Reykjavík, totality will last for about 1 minute, beginning around 5:48 PM GMT.
We will start in Reykjavík, but depending on cloud cover and weather conditions, we may travel westward to find the best possible viewing location. Since the eclipse occurs in the late afternoon, we’ll have time to adjust our plans for optimal visibility.
Yes! Regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection from the sun’s rays. Looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection—even through binoculars or cameras—can cause serious vision damage almost instantly. To safely view the eclipse, you must wear certified eclipse glasses. The only time it is safe to look at the eclipse without protection is during totality, when the moon fully covers the sun, and the sky turns dark. No need to worry - we’ve linked these glasses in the packing list!
Total solar eclipses are rare in Iceland. After 2026, the next total solar eclipse in Iceland will not occur until the year 2196, which is in 170 years!
The National Solar Observatory - Comprehensive information on the eclipse.
NASA's Eclipse Safety Website - Guidelines on safe eclipse viewing.
Arctic Adventures Blog - Additional insights and travel tips for experiencing the eclipse in Iceland.
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinners will be in restaurants with primarily set menus. If you are a vegetarian, you may want to pack additional protein rich snacks. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants.
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
Tofte, MN
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