2026 – Iceland

afstravelers on July 5, 2026

August 9-16, 2026

Chasing Iceland's Solar Eclipse

in the Land of Fire & Ice

Once in a lifetime wonders – glaciers, geysers and the great eclipse.

Join us in the land of the midnight sun! For the first time in 600 years, Iceland will be in the path of totality for this rare celestial event.

Mark your calendars and set a course for summer in Iceland on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences a total solar eclipse. For the first time in 600 years, Iceland will be in the path of totality for this rare celestial event, and we have secured spots for you to have a front-row seat!

Even on a normal summer’s day, it’s easy to get lost in Iceland’s spectacular, otherworldly beauty. This is a place where the magical light under the midnight sun allows you to maximize your chance to enjoy nature shaped by stunning glaciers and volcanoes with untouched, scenic beauty. But on August 12, 2026, Iceland is the best place on earth to witness a total solar eclipse. Occurring between the tips of the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this is the only place on the globe offering a complete blockage of the sun’s light by the moon. Sun watchers from across the globe will be flocking here for this, and our guides will help us pick the ideal location to experience the full splendor of this mind-blowing event.

And if that alone is not enough, we’ll fill our sun-drenched days with spectacular sights like incredible waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, gleaming ice caps, dramatic fields, and a lunar-like lava landscape.

Enjoy thrills on both land and sea! Everyone loves our monster-sized Super Jeeps—highly modified vehicles with gigantic tires and incredible suspension systems to take us across Iceland’s unique terrain. We’ll enjoy a whale safari cruise filled with fascinating wildlife, including dolphins, puffins, and the rarest sea birds. The iconic Golden Circle day trip takes us to all the best Icelandic sites. Experience a thrilling lava show, and of course, the famous Blue Lagoon. And we’ll indulge in a foodie tour through Reykjavík and Icelandic dinners. So much fun packed in, but there’s some free time to enhance your visit with activities like zodiac rib boats in the harbor, riding the short Icelandic horses, or even snorkeling the Silfra Fissure.

If you have always dreamed of visiting Iceland or are eager to return, circle your dates for this one. We’ve sent dozens of groups to Iceland in the winter. Now we get to experience the summer vibe that comes alive with festive activities! We’ll start in Reykjavik and head south to those black sand beaches you’ve heard about. Iceland’s raw beauty is going to hit you hard, and this Nordic nation’s spirit? Untamed, for sure. Get ready for an adventure that’ll leave you with memories you can’t shake. This trip’s got it all, but that solar eclipse? It’s the cherry on the cake. Join us for six nights as we chase waterfalls, hike on volcanoes, and soak in geothermal pools.

Iceland is expected to be 2026’s top travel destination! We’ve had to keep this small because we had to get ahead of the growing awareness over the timing of the eclipse. This trip simply can’t be repeated because it truly is a once-in-your-lifetime event.

Trip Itinerary

August 9

Fly USA to Reykjavik

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 moreT

August 10

Arrival in Reykjavik

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)

August 11

Whale Watching / Reykjavik Foodie Scene

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.

At 5 PM 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

August 12

Eclipse Day

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

August 13

Golden Circle – Waterfalls, Greenhouses and Geysirs

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) Please note our charming hotel is nestled in a delightfully remote area. To serve guests best, and to prepare fresh food, the chef will need to know our dinner choices. Carol will get all this with details a month out.

August 14

Off-road Super Jeep fun and Lava Show

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

August 15

Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik sights

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

This day today is free to get the last activities before our air departure

August 16

Reykjavik

Have breakfast (included) at the hotel. 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.

Overnight

Hotel Name and Link

Hotel Descriptive Copy

Trip Tips

Iceland’s Solar Eclipse Travel Trip Tips 2026

Prepare to be thrilled by an astronomical wonder.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addenda will be posted here.

Trip Tips: Your Go-To Resource for Travel Questions

Trip Tips has all the answers to your travel questions. Please make sure to read this information thoroughly—updates and additional notes will always be posted here.

Payment Deadlines

50% of the balance payment due: April 8
Final payment due: May 8

Making Payments

We use WeTravel to manage payments and information. With WeTravel, you can pay via electronic check at no extra charge—just follow the prompts. Prefer to pay by credit card? There’s a processing fee at checkout. As a small business, these steps help us keep trip prices down.

You can also pay by check—without mailing it! Write your check to AFS, take a photo, and text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll process your payment, fee-free.

Meet your Gracious Tour Leader – Carol Huntington.

Carol is a true travel pro, having led over 40 AFS trips since 2007 and visited 125+ countries across all 7 continents. She’s known for her enthusiasm, her genuine love of people, and her calm, can-do attitude. Carol’s recent “break”? A 13-country adventure—just a taste of her passion for travel.

With Carol, trips are about more than just seeing sights: she helps you make memories and encourages you to try new things. Ready for an adventure that just might change you? Carol will make it unforgettable.

Trip Preparation

Read the latest “Heading Abroad with AFS,” especially if you’re new to AFS.
Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return, with at least two blank visa pages. Take a photo or copy to store in the cloud. US embassies now accept digital copies if your passport is lost.
Download Mobile Passport to speed up US Customs—find it in your App Store.
Let your bank and credit card company know your travel dates so your cards aren’t blocked.
Every airline has different rules. Check your airline’s website before departure and always confirm your flight ahead of time.

Everyone stores travel info on their phone, but if you lose it, you’re out of luck. Always keep paper copies of key documents, including your airline tickets.

Visa Requirements

No visa required.

Fitness Level

Daily activities involve moderate walking. You should be able to walk a mile in 20 minutes. If you’re unsure about your fitness, text your name to 770-432-8225 to discuss. Know your limits—AFS trips are generally “soft adventures” but can be active, with walking (sometimes over uneven ground). As we age, we sometimes find activities more strenuous than expected, which can slow down the group.

If you prefer a less active trip, check out Eldertreks, which specializes in travel for older adults. We can’t be responsible if a trip exceeds your abilities. Please be considerate of the group’s experience.

Important Air Dates

Departure: August 9, land tour at
Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels
begins August 10
Return: August 16

Airline Information

AFS no longer usually offers group airfare, as most travelers prefer to book on their own. Group air requires a minimum of 16 people. Unless otherwise announced, please book your own flights.

Consider arriving a day early to avoid travel delays. Always download your airline’s app to manage bookings, check for delays, track your bags, and access your boarding pass. If you encounter flight issues, use your airline’s website “Contact Us” page, or reach out via text, social media, Skype, or their international phone number. Keep a digital copy of your ticket.

Premium credit cards can offer perks like lounge access, insurance, and more. For recommendations, visit www.tpg.com.

Business class fares can be pricey—$4,000–$9,000. For discounts, contact Alen ([email protected]), Ali ([email protected], 855-777-6336), or Britney ([email protected], 305-390-4132).

If booking your own airfare, we recommend Google Flights. Third-party sites like Expedia are easy for booking but difficult if problems arise. Book directly through the airline or use a travel agent. For help with economy tickets, email [email protected] with your dates, destination, passport name, and birthdate.

Direct Flights to Iceland

Several airlines now fly nonstop from the US to Keflavik (KEF):

Icelandair: Boston, New York (JFK, Newark, Stewart), Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Detroit
United: Newark and Chicago
Delta: Atlanta and other major hubs
Virgin Atlantic: Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines: Daily summer service from Seattle (starting May 28, 2026, through September)

Airport Transfers

We may offer a group airport pickup based on the majority’s arrival times (minimum 10 people). If you arrive at a different time, take a taxi or rideshare to the hotel. You can also use www.jayride.com or Welcome Pickups. Private meet-and-greet transfers are possible but expensive.

With travelers arriving and departing at different times, we can’t coordinate airport transfers for everyone. Transfers are your responsibility unless group air is arranged. Check your arrival airport’s website for transfer options (bus, taxi, Uber, etc.). Connect with fellow travelers on the group Facebook page to share transfer costs.

Reykjavík Lights Hotel doesn’t have its own shuttle, but getting there is easy. Shared bus services like Flybus and Airport Direct (Gray Line Iceland) connect with all flights. Flybus goes to BSÍ Bus Terminal downtown (about 45 minutes); Flybus+ offers a minibus transfer to your hotel for a small fee. Airport Direct can also drop you at your hotel (sometimes not directly, due to local rules). Book online and schedule pickup an hour after landing to allow for customs.

For more convenience or larger groups, private transfers are available (Airport Shuttle Iceland is one option). Prices start around €40 for shared rides and go up for private vehicles. Taxis are about €200. Uber does not operate in Iceland.

Group Meetup

On August 10, you’ll meet the group at the hotel for a briefing.

AUG 10 – Arrival in Reykjavik

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

Baggage

Pack light! Bring one carry-on and one medium suitcase (checked bag should not exceed 45 lbs). Use a bathroom scale to check weight. Apple AirTags are great for tracking your luggage. Leave space for souvenirs. Attach ID tags inside and outside your bags. Portable chargers must be packed in your carry-on, not checked bag.

Packing Tips

Check the weather a week before you leave—it’s usually mid-50s in August, with possible drizzle and plenty of daylight.

For Reykjavík in August, pack a waterproof jacket, a warm sweater or fleece, a couple of shirts (one long-sleeve, one short-sleeve), comfortable jeans or walking shoes, and thermal layers if you get cold easily. Don’t forget a lightweight hat, gloves, travel umbrella, sunglasses, swimsuit (for geothermal pools), reusable water bottle, toiletries, plug adapter, medications, and chargers.

See “Packing 101” in Heading Abroad with AFS.

AFSers’ travel hacks: Pack a spare outfit in your carry-on, use Liquid IV for hydration, packing cubes, Downy wrinkle spray, an extra nylon bag for laundry, US dollars for tips, charged travel banks, and Global Entry.

Electricity

Bring a Type F adapter (2 or 3 prongs). You only need an adapter, not a converter, for phones and tablets. Double-check you’ve packed all cords and chargers before checkout. All hotels have hairdryers. For more info, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Money Matters

Bring about $200 in cash for tips, meals, and shopping. Exchange currency at the airport, bank, hotel, or ATM. Use airport or bank ATMs to avoid skimming scams. Shield your PIN. Bring new bills.

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted; Amex is not. Credit cards are safer than debit cards and many offer no foreign transaction fees. Always pay in local currency for the best rate.

$1 = 128 ISK (Icelandic Krona). Download an app to check exchange rates while shopping.

Gratuities

$90 is included in your invoice for daily distribution by your trip leader. This covers tips for guides, drivers, porters, and staff, based on industry standards. If service is exceptional, feel free to tip more. For group meals, please leave $2 for waitstaff.

Communication

Wi-Fi is available. Check with your phone provider for international plan rates. Using your carrier’s roaming plan is often the easiest and most affordable data option.

To contact home, use texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger over Wi-Fi. Keep your phone in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. Use VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi and avoid opening attachments or logging into sensitive accounts.

Remember: unless you’re on Wi-Fi, all phone usage—including WhatsApp and Skype—uses data and incurs roaming charges.

Safety

Your safety has always been our top priority. Our local teams monitor conditions at your destination and can access real-time updates. In an emergency, your guide is available to help.

Protect Your Data

Thieves can target your personal information. Change passwords often, check your devices’ security settings, and use a VPN to back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data before traveling.

Photography

Always ask before taking photos of locals. Share your best group photos on the AFS Private Facebook Group Page—shots with people, locals, children, animals, or iconic sites are especially welcome.

Useful Websites

For Reykjavík visitor information: visitreykjavik.is

Food in Iceland

Icelandic cuisine includes classics like Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa), Pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs), fresh fish, Skyr (a thick, high-protein dairy product), Rúgbrauð (rye bread), and desserts like Kleinur (twisted doughnuts).

Accommodations

Our itinerary includes links to each hotel; changes are rare.

Roommates

Single supplements are expensive and not always available. Save by sharing a room—most travelers are only in their rooms to sleep. If the group’s gender balance means someone must take a single room, we’ll offer it to everyone. If all decline, the extra cost will be split or you can find a friend or take a full refund. Costs vary.

Seasoned travelers often bring headsets to block noise. Remember: kindness goes a long way with roommates.

Free Time

For suggestions, ask our local guides—they know best. Many newer travelers try to pre-plan every detail, but often the best experiences are spontaneous. Our daily itineraries are full but there will be some free time. Use Google Maps to explore.

Extending Your Trip

We encourage adding days at the end of your trip, once you’re acclimated. If you add another country, you might find other AFSers on Facebook organizing their own extensions. Remember, AFS can’t take responsibility for independent travel arrangements. For personal trips, try services like Viator.

Private Facebook Group Page

The Private FB Group lets you connect with fellow travelers, share photos, and get updates. The link is in your WeTravel welcome letter. Always rely on Trip Tips and direct emails for official info—don’t depend solely on the FB group for updates.

Emergency Contacts

For emergencies, call or text AFS at 770-432-8225 or email here. More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2–3 weeks before departure.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. For coverage, visit www.insuremytrip.com. “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) policies offer more coverage, but cost more. No policy covers cancellation due to fear.

If you have preexisting conditions, purchase insurance within 15 days of your initial deposit for full coverage. You can adjust your plan later if needed (e.g., to add airfare). Insurance can be bought later, but coverage may be limited. We recommend TravelSafe or Allianz.

Purchase Travel Insurance Online

Click here to purchase travel insurance.

AFS Group Etiquette

Travel with an open mind, flexibility, and a sense of adventure. Unexpected changes can lead to the best experiences, so go with the flow. Respect local traditions and be curious about new cultures. Smile—kindness is universal. Our goal is to experience new places, make friends, take memorable photos, and return home with stories worth sharing.

Please note that AFS is politically nonpartisan. With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator: our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included. Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!

“The best spirit of an explorer requires the openness of a child.” – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Photo Galleries

Pricing

Deposit: $600
LAND PRICE: $4895 per person twin share

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. (Please note that 2 or 3 of the tours will be shared with other guests. Because of extremely high demand for the eclipse, all accommodations and services in Iceland are fully booked for August 2026, and no new reservations are being accepted. Other tours will remain private.)Not included: International air.