Day 1: Golden Circle and South Coast

Rise early this morning and meet at the central meeting location where your guide will meet you.  The first day of this round trip is mostly focused on exploring the attractions of the famous Golden Circle.

 

Start with a visit to the historic Thingvellir National Park, recognised for its historical and geological significance. Continue to the Geysir hot spring area and watch as the Strokkur hot spring erupts. The mighty Gullfoss waterfall is the final Golden Circle attraction where you can see the dreamy golden-hued mist rising frm the spray as the Hvítá (the White River) pours down from Langjökull (the Long Glacier) roaring through the rugged canyon.

 

On the way to your accommodation, stop  by Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is a very unusual waterfall because it is possible to walk behind the cascade, giving a unique vantage point.

 

No meals included. 

Day 2: Vík - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon - Höfn

Today you will explore the atmospheric Reynisfjara black sand beach with the glorious Reynisdrangar peaks and visit the basalt column cave. Then it is over to the glaciers!

Pass the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which houses one of the most famous and feared volcanoes beneath its ice, the capricious Katla. With good visibility you will get a glimpse of the great fire maestro! Witness the results of previous volcanic eruptions as the group drives across the Eldhraun lava field to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Skaftafell is a true oasis, with green birch forests and lush vegetation, a verdant jewel in the midst of the rough black sand desert.

 Take a three-hour glacier hike in the company of a experienced glacier guide, on an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Next on the agenda is the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Gaze in wonder at the magical iceberg filled lagoon and see the famous Diamond Beach, its coal black sands peppered with the glittering crystal, blue/white icebergs which have been washed ashore. You will feel you are in a film scene, and in a way you will be – footage of James Bond and other movies has been shot here. Your accommodation for the night will be at a guesthouse in the Höfn area, known as the lobster capital of Iceland.

 

Breakfast included.

Day 3: East Fjords - Djúpivogur - Egilsstaðir

Today you will explore the East Fjords of Iceland.

 

Continue threading your way along the coastline, driving some narrow roads around Hvalnes, a very beautiful and remote peninsula, and the stretch around the Þvottárskriður landslides between Lóns and Álftafjarðar.

 

Stop at Djúpivogur, a traditional small fishing village which is also home to a fine outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík (meaning The Eggs of Merry Bay). There is then an invigorating hike to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second highest waterfall (128 m), you will also see the towering Litlanesfoss waterfall, the cascade is framed by giant hexagonal basalt columns. The hike takes about three hours in total. You will see a beautiful gorge where the layers from volcanic eruptions in ancient times can be seen in the colorful rock face. Following the hike, travel to Egilsstaðir where you will spend the night.

 

Breakfast included.

Day 4: Dettifoss - Mývatn - Goðafoss - Akureyri

From Egilsstaðir, drive over the wilderness around Möðrudalur, the highest farm in Iceland for generations and now the highest inhabited place and restaurant, at 469 m. You will stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the voluminous flow is truly awesome! You will then explore the mystical landscapes around the lake at Mývatn – from here it just gets more surreal – head to the steaming lunar landscapes of the Námaskarð geothermal area. See boiling hot springs, steaming fumaroles and technicolor bubbling mud pots. The wonders continue when you visit the Hverfjall Crater and the amazing Dimmuborgir formations, known as the Dark Castles!

The next stop is at Mývatn Nature Baths, in Icelandic these are called Jarðbóðin because the hot water comes straight up out of the earth. Bathe in the mineral rich alkaline water (36 – 40 C), the entrance fee can be added when booking or paid on site. For those do not wish to bathe, there is the option to stroll around and enjoy the exceptional views or relax in the cafeteria, there is a sun terrace for fine days! The wide and dreamy crescent shaped waterfall, Goðafoss, is the last stop of the day before you journey to Eyjafjörður, an outstandingly beautiful fjord with high mountains. Your accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel near Akureyri.

 

Breakfast included.

Day 5: Whale watching in Dalvík - Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi - Bifröst

Start the day in an exciting way with a whale watching boat and sea angling tour from Dalvík, a fishing village near Akureyri. Dalvík is known for being one of the best places to spot whales in Iceland, especially if you want to see more than one type of whale and other ocean wildlife. During the 3-hour boat trip you can expect to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and sometimes even a majestic blue whale. Whales are spotted on 98% of tours. You will also get the chance to try your luck at sea angling, and a taste of the freshest fish imaginable.

 

 

Breakfast included.

Day 6: Borgarfjörður - Reykholt - Hraunfossar - Hvalfjörður - Reykjavík

On the final day you will find youtself in West Iceland – an area which Lonely Planet voted as one of the best destinations in 2016.

 

Your day will begin with a short hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater. On a clear day there are fabulous views over the lava field and the whole area. Borgarfjörður has many splendid sights and the focus will be on these today. Stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the legendary waterfall, Barnafoss, (the Children´s Waterfall), and the Hraunfossar cascade, the atmospheric very low and wide falls where the water emerges, literally straight out of the lava field.

 

Next on the agenda is the historic and picturesque site of Reykholt, home to Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, lawyer, politician, poet and the author of some Icelandic Sagas. See Snorralaug, Snorri´s pool, dabble your fingers and feel the temperature of the water in the place where Snorri is likely to have bathed! Drive around scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), on your way to back Reykjavík.

 

Optional Blue Lagoon extension: After arriving at your chosen drop-off location you will have time for dinner. You will be picked up for your Lagoon transfer at 7.30pm, spend some time in the famous Blue Lagoon and will be dropped-off at your pick up location again.

 

Breakfast included.

 

*Accommodation is subject to change due to availability. 

What's included?

• International & internal airfares
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
• Optional Blue Lagoon extension
  
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfers**
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included

Packing Recommendations

• Hiking poles, torch/headlights, binoculars, pocket knife, water bottles, day backpacks
• Plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes, and for battery storage
• Memory cards or reserve batteries for your camera
  
• Sun protection and toiletries