The Icelandic Circle and Northern Lights 9 days

• Flybus Transfer upon arrival to your accommodation in Reykjavík
• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Admission for Northern Lights Center
• Rental car including VAT, unlimited milage and CDW
• Two authorized drivers
• WiFi included with the rental car
• Detailed Itinerary
• Road map with the route and accommodation marked in
• 24/7 Emergency Services
• Flybus transfer to Keflavik international airport
• How to drive in Iceland Booklet
• Taxes, Service fee and VAT

• Optional Activities
• Fuel

Day 1. Arrival - Reykjavík City

Following your arrival at the airport, you will take a comfortable bus ride, with Wi-Fi Internet connection on board, to your accommodation in Reykjavik or to a nearby drop off point.

You have the option of upgrading to a private door-to-door airport transfer. You can also receive and return the rental car at the airport if you prefer that.

Enjoy the rest of the day in Reykjavik, which offers a great variety of things to do. Included is a visit to the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik where you can learn about the Northern lights and how to take good photographs of them, which might come in handy if you get to see them on your tour. See iconic buildings including the Perlan (the Pearl), the Alþingishúsið (where the Icelandic parliament is housed), and Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you don't have time to shop on Laugarvegur Street, don't worry; you can do that when you return from your adventure.

Included:
Admission to the Northern lights Center

Highlights:
Gamla Höfnin (The Old Harbour)
Harpa Concert Hall
Perlan
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Laugavegur Shoppping Streat

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

Optional Extras:
Private Airport Transfers
Reykjavik City Card

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Day 2. The scenic South Shore and Waterfalls

Pick up your car in the morning and start your Iceland circle trip with exploring the scenic South Coast. Visit the charming town of Hveragerði with its natural steaming vents and greenhouses. Continue east passing Selfoss town and stop at the elegant Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall if the trail is not covered in snow or ice. Your next stop is the impressive Skógafoss waterfall. Legend has it that the cave behind the waterfall contains a hidden treasure put there long ago by one of Iceland´s first inhabitants. Visit the Skógasafn museum that is located only a short distance from the waterfall. Visit the Dyrhólaey Nature reserve and see the massive promontory. Be careful when walking around and don´t get too close to cliff edges. Next stop at the black lava beaches and basalt columns at Reynisdrangar before you continue to the enchanting town of Vík. In the evening check out the weather forecast and if it looks good, head out for search of the northern lights.

Highlights:
Hveragerði Town
Selfoss Town
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Vík Town

Optional Extra:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
LAVA Centre

Driving Distance:
200 kilometers

Overnight:
Vík area

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Day 3. Black lava Beaches, Skaftafell National Park and the Glacier Lagoon

From Vík continue east over the floodplains of Mýrdalssandur to the quiet town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. From Kirkjubæjarklaustur head to Skaftafell located at the foot of Europe´s largest glacier – Vatnajökull. Skaftafell is very beautiful area with many hiking trails and tranquil natural beauty. The visitor’s center at the park is open all year round and can advise you on hiking trails. If weather and trail conditions allow, we highly recommend you to walk up to Iceland´s most picturesque waterfall – Svartifoss. From Skaftafell head to the astonishing Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where huge ice blocks, broken off from them glacier float in the deep blue lagoon. You might even be lucky and see some seals swimming in the ice cold lagoon. Continue to Höfn for overnight stay. The town is famous for its lobster and seafood, so make sure to try some. If the weather conditions allow, take a look outside and check out for northern lights.

Highlights:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier
Svartifoss Waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Höfn Town

Driving Distance:
290 kilometers

Overnight:
Höfn area

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Day 4. The East Fjords - Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest - Lake Lagarfljót - Egilsstaðir Town

From Höfn continue to the peaceful East Fjords and enjoy the breath taking view of the fjords. After a morning of fjord scenery continue to Egilsstaðir town, located by Lake Lagarfljót which is said to be the home of Icelandic Loch Ness. The „lake worm“ is a huge creature, only seen in rare occasions, so be sure to have your eyes open and camera ready if it decides to show up. The lake is up to 130 meters deep, so there is plenty of space for the worm to hide. Continue along the lakeside to Hallormsstaður village which is surrounded by the lush Hallormsstaðaskógur Forrest. After you have explored Hallormsstaður village return back to Egilsstaðir town and in the evening, once again, head for the hunt of Aurora Borealis, if the weather conditions are appropriate.

Highlights:
Egilsstaðir Town
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forrest
Lake Lagarfljót

Driving Distance:
275 kilometers

Overnight:
Egilsstaðir

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Day 5. Lake Mývatn Area

From Egilsstaðir continue to Lake Mývatn. Numerous interesting sites are found in the area of Lake Mývatn, including mud pools at Námafjall, volcanoes such as Krafla and mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Spend the day exploring the breath taking scenery of Mývatn area and don´t forget to visit the Nature Baths at Mývatn, where you can soak in mineral rich waters and relax after driving and sightseeing all day. You might get lucky and have northern lights dance above your head while you bathe in the Nature Baths.

Highlights:
Lake Mývatn
Dimmuborgir
Skútustaðagígar Craters
Hverfell Krater
Námaskarð Pass

Optional Extra:
Mývatn Nature Baths

Driving Distance:
210 kilometers

Overnight:
Mývatn area

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Day 6. Akureyri - The Capital of the North and Skagafjörður fjord

This is a rather easy day. From Lake Mývatn continue to Akureyri, the Capital of the North. On the way to Akureyri make sure to stop at Goðafoss waterfall (The waterfall of the Gods). There is a special story about the waterfall – a law speaker named Þorkell threw pagan gods into the waterfall. It took place in the year 1000 when Icelanders converted to Christianity. As you arrive at Akureyri consult the visitor’s centre for maps and information about this vibrant city which is always full of life and offers variety of things to do and see. From Akureyri head to Skagafjörður, an area which is well known for its horse breeding and horsemanship. If you want to get to know the friendly Icelandic horse and experience horse riding in Iceland, this is the perfect place to do so.

Higlights:
Goðafoss Waterfall
Akureyri Town

Optional Extra:

Driving Distance:
290 kilometers

Overnight:
Northwest area

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Day 7. West Iceland and Þingvellir National Park

Today you will head south from Skagafjörður and visit Deildartunguhver Hot Springs – Europe´s highest flowing hot springs with 180 litres emerging to the surface every second. From the hot springs head towards Langjökull glacier to breathtaking Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls. Make the waterfalls a turnaround point for you and head back to Borgarnes town, where you might want to visit historical Settlement Centre. After a stop at Borgarnes continue on to Þingvellir national park, an UNESCO World Heritage site. The Icelandic parliament was established there in 930. Continue to Laugarvatn area for overnight stay. Depending on the weather forecast head out for the hunt of Aurora Borealis or the northern lights.


Highlights:
Deildartunguhver Hot Sprig
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Borgarnes-Town
Þingvellir National Park

Optional Extra:
Krauma Baths

Driving Distance:
350 kilometers

Overnight:
Þingvellir/Laugarvatn area

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Day 8. Geysir geothermal Area - The Golden Waterfall - The Blue Lagoon

Today you will visit the great Geysir geothermal area and explore various hot springs and meet Strokkur – the most powerful geyser in Iceland and witness the magical show as the boiling hot water jets 15-20 meters into the sky every 8 minutes or so. Only a short distance from geyser area you will find Gullfoss, also known as The Golden waterfall – this majestic waterfall is one of the most impressive in Iceland. Head back to Reykjavík for shopping or sightseeing. You might want to visit the Blue Lagoon and relax in the warm water before returning the car.

Highlights:
Laugarvatn
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Kerið Crater
The Blue Lagoon

Driving Distance:
310 km

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

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Day 9. Departure

Transfer from your accommodation to the international airport in comfortable, Wi-Fi connected bus.

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This tour can be customized to your specifications and needs, so if you have any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to help you arrange the perfect Icelandic vacation.

*FAQ*

We are arriving very early. What is the check in time?
Check in time is usually between 14:00 - 16:00 for accommodation in Iceland. The only way to secure an early check in is to book the night before as well. However if a room is ready you should be able to check in early.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are clearly visible between September – March/April all around Iceland. The northern lights are only visible during winter due to the darkness and sightings are very weather dependent and clear skies are essential to see them. The prime conditions to see them are clear skies and away from the city lights.

Where to eat during the tour?
In the small towns around Iceland you will find restaurants, bakeries and cafes where you can get something to eat.

Are there any hidden charges?
There are no hidden charges or fees you should be aware of. Note that fuel and meals other than breakfast are not included.

What type of car is recommended?
In winter between mid September – mid April we recommend a 4x4 vehicle as there is a chance of some snow or ice on the road. The cars are equipped with good winter tires during winter.

Do I need an international driver’s license?
No you do not need an international drivers license but you need a valid driver’s licence, which you will have held for at least two years. Travellers from overseas will need a licence issued in their country of residence along with an English translation (where appropriate). Some form of picture Identity is required, e.g. Passport, ID card etc. A valid credit card is also required.

How far is it between gas stations?
Gas stations can be found in almost all towns around Iceland so running out of gas is not a likely scenario. However before going to the highland areas we recommend filling up the tank as there are no gas stations in the highlands.

Do hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi internet connection?
Most hotels and guesthouses in Iceland do provide free access to Wi-Fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses do charge a small fee for access to the internet.

How do I book and what is the process?
There are several factors that determine the tour price:
• Time of the year you plan on visiting
• Number of people travelling together
• Type of car Car Info (Only applicable with self drive trips)
• Accommodation type (we offer 2 categories of accommodation or you can choose mixture of both)
• Optional Activities (Various optional activities are available with each trip)

There is a special Price Calculator button with every self-drive tours and private guided tours where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation, car, number of people and your arrival date. The Price Calculator will calculate and display the price according to your specifications. This way you can see how different choices in car and accommodation types affect the price of the package.

Once you are confident about your trip selection proceed to press the book now tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the booking process.

We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 5 weeks prior to arrival.

Once a booking is made an automatic e-mail is sent informing you that the order has been placed and is currently being processed by the IcelandRoadtrip.com team. You will then be contacted with by one of our trusted travel agents with further details.

For more practical information please visit our Travel Guide