USA Today calls it “volcano tourism.” No matter what you call it, visiting a world-famous volcano will surely be the highlight of your Iceland vacation. Here is a sample of tour operators ready to show you the sights:
• Iceland On Track’s South-Shore, Waterfalls and Glacier Tour explores the area around the Eyjafjallajökull active volcano eruption. If the weather permits you’ll see clouds rising from the eruption, in fact, you may even hear explosions and see the effects of the ash and lava flows on the countryside. The tour also heads to gorgeous Seljalandsfoss, where anyone can walk behind the waterfall, and includes hiking on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, driving on the incredible black beach on the way to Skogafoss waterfall, the great cliffs of Dyrholaey, and Reynisdrangar.
(For more information: http://www.icelandontrack.com/South-Shore-Waterfalls-and-Glacier.html)
• Iceland Excursions – The nine-hour Blue Ice tour (AH117) includes a four-hour guided hike to a frozen glacial tongue called Sólheimajökull, just a few miles from the volcano. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. The trip includes a beginner’s lesson in ice climbing, with all necessary equipment and instructions provided. (For more information: www.grayline.is).
• Nordic Tours is offering several day tours centered on viewing the volcano. The tours can be via helicopter, Super Jeep, mini bus or even snowmobile, getting travelers as close the action as they dare. (For information: http://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/volcano-tours/)
• Iceland Total is offering three night volcano vacations with guided or self-guided options for as long as the eruption remains active. (For more information: http://www.icelandtotal.com/vacation-packages/packages/item427981/Volcano_Vacation/)
• Reykjavik Excursions offers to take visitors to the eruption site via Super Jeep, helicopter, snowmobile or bus. Some of the tours combine bus rides with other vehicles. (For more information: http://www.re.is/DayTours/VolcanoDayTours/)
Caring about our planet, the environment and climate change caused by pollution comes naturally to us Icelanders. Apparel company 66ºNorth has joined forces with the Iceland Mountain Guides to run the successful “Reach the Top with 66º North” program. Over the years, several hundred people have climbed the highest peak (6,920-feet) in Iceland, located on Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. In addition to the sheer adventure, the trip serves as a forum to educate climbers on the issue of global warming and its effect on Iceland’s glaciers. Training begins in February and climbs are in late May and early June. (
They come right to your hotel in super big trucks capable of navigating remote corners of Langjokull, Snaefellsjokull and other Icelandic glaciers not for from Reykjavik. When you get there, off you go on snowmobiles, with guides leading the way. Snowmobile excursions are arranged by experienced agents who also provide all the warm gear needed.
When you think summer vacation, perhaps hats, gloves and life jackets may not be what immediately comes to mind. That’s because you haven’t experienced summer until you’ve done it Iceland style, under the midnight sun.
If scooters are a bit too slow for you, the newest ‘birds in the sky to join the puffins are “whirleybirds” – a fleet of helicopter tours by Nordurflug, Iceland’s leading helicopter service. There are over a half dozen tours that whisk you over the capital city, to the Blue Lagoon, even out to the Westman islands to fly over Surtsey, one of the world’s newest islands. If that’s not enough, you can even land on Langjokull glacier and carve out fresh ice cubes for your drinks or take a snowmobile tour. Prices start at about $280 per person. Tired of the same old “been there, done that” trip? Well it’s a safe bet you haven’t been to Iceland yet doing this. (For more information: 
