Chasing Iceland’s Solar Eclipse
Fire, Ice, and a Total Eclipse of the Sun
August 9–16, 2026

Ready for something you’ll talk about forever? Block off your calendar for a summer adventure in Iceland, where you’ll experience a total solar eclipse in a place that already feels like another planet. For the first time in six centuries, Iceland lands in the path of totality, and we’ve secured you a front-row spot for this unreal show in the sky.

Even without a solar eclipse, Iceland is a feast for the senses—midnight sun lighting up wild glaciers, roaring volcanoes, and sweeping landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy movie. But on August 12, 2026, the real magic begins. The moon will completely block out the sun between the far reaches of the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, making Iceland the only place on earth to see the eclipse in all its glory. Sun chasers from around the world will be there, but our guides know the best hidden spots for an unforgettable view.

Of course, there’s plenty more to fill your days: think jaw-dropping waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, shining ice caps, wildflower fields, and those moody lava plains that make Iceland so legendary. This is the kind of trip where every day feels like you’ve landed on another world.

Includes: six nights' accommodations and one shared group airport transfer in and out to Keflavík Airport.  Guide services with AFS GTL. Whale watching, Food Lovers and Super Jeeps shared tours. Golden circle, Fridheimar Greenhouses, Lava Show, and entrance to the Blue Lagoon. Six breakfasts and two dinners.

Fly round-trip USA to Reykjavík. Land starts August 10 at 4 PM. Some may want to fly in early to explore on own. Air details will come in the trip tips. You could fly Delta, United or Icelandair from six USA cities. Icelandair also flies to 8 different countries now, so you may want to add a stopover visit enroute in Oslo, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Copenhagen, Paris and more.

Welcome to Iceland! We touch down at Keflavik Airport and based on a large group arrival, we’ll have one transfer to our hotel, Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels. This stunning hotel is located near the popular Laugardalur Botanical Garden and Zoo and is the perfect place t call home for the next three nights. Everyone loves the vibrant capital of Reykjavík that is urban cool with a small town vibe. Only 120,000 inhabitants but a whirlwind of large fun with great museums, cafés, theaters, swimming pools, Viking history and nightlife.

This evening, we’ll meet for a briefing with our Gracious trip leader about what adventures lie ahead before heading to our Welcome. Dinner at Sjavargrillið. Sjavargrillið is a favorite for anyone visiting Reykjavik and we’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner featuring the best of Icelandic seafood cuisine. Evenings are still light outside when all locals come out to play. Great pubs with live music. I recommend you visit the incredible Perlon, a nature museum unlike any other. They have a great café and bar open until 9 PM. see www.perlon.is

Overnight at Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels (3 nights)               D (means included meal)

Fuel up with breakfast for a big day ahead! First up: a half-day whale watching adventure! We take to the sea in search of the minke whales, humpbacks, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins who call the waters around Iceland home. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the skies for some of Iceland's epic birdlife like the whimsical puffin. This is such a unique environment, and we’ll experience it first-hand.

Once back ashore, we’ll dive into Reykjavik's foodie scene with a 3-hour Food Lovers tour. This isn't just about eating; it's about experiencing the real flavors of Iceland and getting a feel for the city. We'll hit up Reykjavik's oldest restaurant, chill at a gastropub, and sample a ton of local dishes. Think hearty lamb soup, the iconic Icelandic lamb hot dog, creamy lobster soup, and a delicious Skyr dessert. Plus, we'll get insider tips on where to eat, drink, and have fun for the rest of our time in Reykjavik. Our evening is free to explore some of those options.

Overnight at Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels (3 nights)                 B/L

Grab some breakfast at the hotel and get ready for something incredible! Today's all about the total eclipse of the sun! This is the first total eclipse to be visible from Reykjavík since June 17, 1433! Picture this - you're standing under the midnight sun, but the sun completely disappears for a surreal moment. Iceland is the closest point of maximum eclipse. The sparse population reduces light pollution to enhance our viewing experience.

We'll have a coach at our disposal for the entire day as we chase the perfect view. We must be flexible. Our guides will brief us on the days plan and also provide options if free time allows.

The eclipse will take place in mid-afternoon, and Reykjavik will experience more than 2 minutes of totality for this amazing celestial event. This early, it's tough to say where we will be directed for our viewing and exactly how long it'll take to get around. The weather and local directives will play a big role in where we go and what we do. Plus, with so many people coming to see the eclipse, the roads could be a bit crazy. But don't worry, the priority is making sure we have the best possible experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Our evening is free to enjoy Reykjavik and relive our solar eclipse experience.

Overnight at Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels (3 nights)             B

After breakfast, I prepare for an epic day of scenic wonders.   We head out for a full day of mind-blowing scenery on the legendary Golden Circle. This adventure offers Iceland's greatest hits album: stunning landscapes, geysers shooting 100' high that'll make you jump, and waterfalls that you’ll see nowhere else. Rugged Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland was founded, will take your breath away. We’ll visit the Geyser area, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, which plunges 200 feet deep into volcanic craters, as well as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Get your best Insta photos ever here.  Basically, it's an Icelandic must-do.

We'll also get to visit Fridheimar, a greenhouse where they grow veggies year-round, even in the middle of winter! Plus, all of Iceland is geothermically heated and we'll learn how they create a warm, sunny environment using geothermal heating. It's pretty amazing to see how they make it all work.

Tonight, we’ll cozy up and stay right next to the incredible Skogafoss waterfall, which is near the famous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. The hotel's right on the Ring Road, making it perfect for exploring South Iceland and hiking in the crazy landscapes shaped by fire and ice.

Overnight in Skogafoss Hotel (2 Nights)              B

We start our day with a 4-hour Hidden Mountain Super Jeep tour! These incredible GPS guided vehicles will take us off-roading across the rugged Icelandic terrain to explore the other worldly mountains around Vík. This unique experience is something that can only happen with these jeeps and local expert guides.

One of our adventures takes us down a road that used to be Route 1, until a flood (thanks, Katla volcano!) washed out the bridge. Along the way, we'll venture into the mountains, explore caves, learn about "force stones," and hike to a narrow canyon with a killer waterfall. We’ll need to dress warm and wear our hiking boots!

Then, get ready for the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík! This isn't just any show – it's a recreation of a volcano eruption, complete with molten lava (1100°C / 2000°F!) being poured into the showroom and over ice. It’s like actually being there as we see the lava flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the intense heat. It's an epic battle between fire and ice!

We’ll be back at the hotel in for a free evening.

Overnight at Skogafoss Hotel (2 nights)       B

After breakfast, we head back to Reykjavik, but not before a stop at Iceland’s world-renowned Blue Lagoon! This isn't just a hot spring; it's a geothermal wonderland. Created in 1976 by a nearby geothermal power plant. The waters of the Blue Lagoon are full of silica and minerals, and they emerge at a soothing 100°F (38°C). It's the perfect place to relax and recharge after all those adventures. Don't forget to slather on some of that silica mud – your skin will thank you!

In the afternoon, we'll arrive back in Reykjavik and take a City Tour of the sights and learn about Reykjavik’s rich history and culture dating back to the time of the Vikings. See the stunning architecture like Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harper Concert Hall, the colorful old town and the harbor.

It's time to toast our fellow travel lovers on a journey well done.  Our farewell dinner includes amazing fresh local seafood at the Fiskfélagið (Fish Company). Get ready for some amazing seafood!

Overnight at Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels                B/D

Today is free to participate in last-minute activities around Reykjavik before your evening flight departure.

Icelandic horseback riding? A zodiac tour of the harbor?

(An optional adventure to consider is a unique opportunity to snorkel between continents in the Sikfra fissure. The fissure is a glacier water-filled crevice formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Filtered by lava fields, the crystal-clear water reveals wonders you’ll see nowhere else. (See Viator $175)

In the evening, one common group airport transfer is included to board our flights back to the U.S.