Day 1. Arrival
Transfer to Reykjavík is on your own. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers. If you are arriving early, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavik, the largest municipality in Iceland.
Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm).
Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
Dinner on your own.
Day 2. Þingvellir National Park - Golden Waterfalls - Geysir geothermal area
The first day begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Here you can see the dramatic continental drift between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates. An hour’s drive away, the popular Geysir geothermal area awaits. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes, but you’ll also witness several other boiling pools and hot springs.
Then you will head onwards to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”).
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Þingvellir National Park – the site of the world's first parliament and a true gem of nature, where tectonic plates meet and Iceland's largest lake has its home
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Geysir – a geothermal wonder, home to sulphurous bubbling pools, hot springs and geysers that erupt high into the air every few minutes
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Gullfoss – one of Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls
• Dinner and an overnight stay in the
Hella area
Day 3. Hvolsvöllur - Town of Vík - Dyrhólaey nature reserve - Kirkjubæjarklaustur town
Start the day by driving along the highway, making a stop at two impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head to the black sand beaches to enjoy the far-reaching views from Dyrholaey headland, where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest (puffins generally seen between May and mid-August. Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains created by flowing water from nearby glaciers. The day ends after passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the world’s largest recorded single lava flow in the last 10.000 years.
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Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss – two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls
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Dyrhólaey – the southern headland where puffins nest in their thousands
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Vík – Iceland's southernmost village set in picturesque and peaceful surroundings
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Mýrdalssandur plains – which run below the dramatic Katla volcano
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Eldhraun lava field - an enormous expanse of lava created by one of the biggest eruptions in history
• Dinner and two nights in
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Day 4. Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell
The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the country´s highest peak. The highlight of the day will surely be surely Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Continuing on your way, pass by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull, visiting at least one of them. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajökull National Park.
• The stunning landscape on the way to
Vatnajokull – the largest glacier in Europe
• Views of
Öræfajökull volcano and Hvannadalshnjúkur – Iceland's highest peak
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Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon – one of Iceland's most popular natural treasures, featuring stunning icebergs that float in the freezing blue water (a boat tour around the lagoon is an optional extra)
• Dinner and overnight stay in
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Day 5. Landmannalaugar Highland Paradise
It’s finally time to leave the asphalt behind and meander along the Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, an astonishing area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains. The surreal beauty of the uninhabited interior reveals deep valleys and sculptured mountains, many formed in volcanic eruptions under glaciers during the Ice Age.
After a nice walk (optional) enjoy a relaxing swim in a warm brook created by the convergence of hot and cold springs.
• The
Fjallabaksleið track leads you to
Landmannalaugar – one of Iceland's most popular and breath-taking areas of natural beauty
• You will experience a stunning volcanic landscape of valleys and mountains – featuring amazing colours, rhyolite mountains and moss covered scenery
• Experience the area's rich geothermal activity first-hand by bathing in a
natural hot spring
• Dinner and an overnight stay in the
Þjórsárdalur area.
Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure! The views will be amazing!
Day 6. Sprengisandur Highland Route
Today, wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting Iceland´s north and south. With only rough tracks and un-bridged glacial rivers, your group will rely on your experienced driver to navigate the rugged passage between the glaciers. This is a true taste of Iceland‘s wild side—bumpy roads and driving through rivers are a part of the experience! (Note: If Sprengisandur is closed due to road conditions, your group will take the Kjolur highland route instead.)
• The
Sprengisandur track takes you through a vast desert of black sand between the North and the South
• Experience the rugged heart of Icelandic nature – including glacial rivers and off-road tracks – as you make your way past magnificent glaciers
• Dinner and first of two overnight stays in the
Lake Mývatn area
Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure! The views will be amazing!
Day 7. Lake Mývatn – Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi Canyon – Tjörnes
Today you will visit the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park, as well as Lake Myvatn. Travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland and paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most visually bizarre attractions in the region include the colorful boiling mud pits of Hverarond and the still-warm lava fields of Krafla volcano, teeming with lava flows, fissures and explosion craters. The journey continues to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the awe-inspiring Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the impressive 100 meter (328 feet) high walls of the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. Drive around the Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. In the afternoon drive to the town of Husavik where you have the option to experience the hot spring bath named GeoSea.
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Lake Mývatn – a geological and bird-watching paradise, featuring the Hverarond mud pits and the lava fields of Krafla, with its dramatic fissures and craters
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Dettifoss – the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the breath-taking
Jokulsargljufur canyon
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Ásbyrgi National Park - a horseshoe-shaped canyon full of amazing vegetation
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Húsavík and the
Tjörnes peninsula – the northernmost point of your trip
• Dinner and overnight stay in the
Lake Mývatn area
Day 8. Askja Caldera
Today, you will be visiting the Askja caldera (a sunken crater) located in Vatnajokull National Park’s Odadahraun desert area. Askja’s geographic isolation and otherworldly terrain are reasons why NASA leaders used it as a training site for astronauts who went on moon missions in the 1960s and 1970s. Your route will pass by the spectacular table-shaped mountain of Herdubreid. View the vast Askja caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption during the last Ice Age. You will also take a walk to see the mountain-ringed Lake Askja and the crater called Víti. Standing at the edge of Viti crater and viewing its vast size and the brilliantly turquoise water is an amazing experience. During the day you will also visit Drekagil, the Dragon Valley.
• View of the mountain
Herdubreid - Iceland’s Queen of Mountains
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Lake Askja - formed by a powerful 19th century volcanic eruption.
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Viti - “the gate to Hell”, an imposing crater
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Drekagil - famous for its strangely shaped lava formations.
• Dinner and overnight stay in the
Lake Mývatn area
Note: Today some of the roads will be bumpy since you’re on highland wilderness tracks, but it’s all part of the adventure! The views will be amazing!
Day 9. Along the Arctic Coast Way
Today, your route takes you along the Arctic Coast Way, Iceland’s first scenic byway. The route takes you alongside the beautiful coastline and tranquil villages, a contrast to the rugged majesty of the highlands you’ve enjoyed the last few days.
Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. (The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,) Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colourful and charming town. Some activities might include a visit to the delightful botanical garden, a swim in the local geothermal pool, or perhaps enjoying the culture, art and fine food of the Listagil artists‘ district. Travel on the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi), where steep mountains meet the vast Arctic Ocean. You will also enjoy the views of tiny and colorful fishing villages cradled in the magnificent setting. One of these villages is Siglufjordur, site of an interesting 20th century herring “gold rush.” Today the town is known for its outdoor recreation such as summer hiking and winter skiing. The route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This fjord also holds many historical sites from the classic Viking-age Sagas.
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Goðafoss – one of Iceland's most popular waterfalls
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Akureyri - Iceland's second largest city, which offers endless cultural and relaxation activities, from the geothermal pool to the many galleries, shops and restaurants
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Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi) - where the rugged rocks indeed look like frozen trolls.
• The
Skagafjörður area – famous for its horse breeding and connections to the Sagas, with great scenery for an inspiring walk
• Dinner and overnight stay in the
Laugarbakki area
Day 10. Vatnsnes Peninsula - Hvammstangi – Eiriksstadir
Your journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 feet) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. You might even see seals resting close to the beach. In the afternoon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir. This was the original homestead of Erik the Red and the birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson. These men are two of the most legendary Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who will demonstrate the lifestyle from 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.
• A drive through picturesque farmland and across
Laxardalsheiði heath
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Eiríksstaðir - the home of the Erik the Red and birthplace of Leif Eiriksson, Eiríksstaðir offers the chance to experience the crafts and lifestyle of Viking times.
• Dinner and an overnight stay in
Snæfellsnes area
Day 11. Snæfellsjökull National Park
Today is spent exploring the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park‘s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbour village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rock in stacked formations and take a walk along the unique hiking trail linking the settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Afterwards the journey leads back to Reykjavik, where the tour ends.
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Snæfellsjökull glacier – a magnificent glacier covering a dormant volcano
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Kirkjufell - one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland
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Djúpalonssandur beach - a peaceful walk along the pebbled coastline
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Arnarstapi – a charming harbour village famous for its dramatic basalt rock formations
• A inspiring hike along the track between Arnarstapi and
Hellnar
• A drive back to Reykjavík and time to reflect on everything you've seen and experienced on this incredible Icelandic nature tour.
• Dinner on your own. Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 12. Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning departure flight.
Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to book a transfer for you. We recommend departing your hotel no later than three hours before your international flight.
The price depends on your selection.