Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavik
Upon arrival Flybus transfer to your hotel. For an additional fee you can make a stop at the Blue Lagoon before heading to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of the charming Icelandic capital. Overnight Reykjavik. Hotel Klettur or similar.

Day 2 Reykjavik-Golden Circle-Hella
Breakfast at your hotel. 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 boiling pools and hot springs. Next you will take part in a reforestation program, located in the Haukadalur Valley. Help plant a total of five trees, which not only allows you to leave your mark in Iceland but also for your tour group to reduce your carbon footprint. Then it’s onward to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”). Dinner and overnight stay in the Hella area.

Day 3 Hella-Vik-Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Breakfast at your hotel. 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 until mid-August. Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash out wash plains. 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. Dinner and overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur area for the next two nights. Hotel Kria or similar.

Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur-Vatnajokull-Jokulsarlon-Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Breakfast at your hotel. The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, and the country’s highest peak of Hvannadalshnjukur. The highlight of the day is surely the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Enjoy a Zodiac boat tour among the icebergs. You will also view the much-photographed Diamond Beach area, where glittering shards of ice rest on a black sand beach. Continue on your way, passing by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajokull National Park. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area. Hotel Kria or similar.

Day 5 Kirkjubaejarklaustur-Landmannalaugar-Thjorsardalur
Breakfast at your hotel. It’s finally time to leave the asphalt behind and meander along the Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, an astonishing area surrounded by colorful 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. Dinner and overnight stay in the Thjorsardalur area. Highland Hotel or similar.

Day 6 Thjorsardalur-Lake Myvatn
Breakfast at your hotel. It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior traveling along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting the 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. (Note: If Sprengisandur is closed, you will take the Kjolur highland route instead.) Dinner and overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area for the next 2 nights. Narfastadir Hotel or similar.

Day 7 Lake Myvatn-Dettifoss-Husavik-Lake Myvatn
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit the northern part of the 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 the 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. Dinner and overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area. Narfastadir Hotel or similar.

Day 8 Lake Myvatn-Godafoss-Akureyri-Laugarbakki
Breakfast at your hotel. Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colorful 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 atmospheric Listagil neighborhood dedicated to culture, art and fine food. The route then continues to the Skagafjordur district, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This area also boasts many historical sites from the classic Sagas. Tonight, horseback riding on a purebred Viking horse might be an appealing option, as would be an invigorating walk in the picturesque surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area. Daeli i Vididalur Guesthouse or similar.

Day 9 Laugarbakki-West Iceland
Breakfast at your hotel. The journey continues around the Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 ft) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. You might even see seals resting close to the beach. In the after-noon, drive through rolling farmlands and across the Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir. This was the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who demonstrate the lifestyle from 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge. Dinner and overnight stay in West Iceland. North Star Hotel Olafsvik or Hotel Vogur or similar.

Day 10 West Iceland-Reykjavik
Breakfast at your hotel. Today is spent exploring the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsnes National Park. Undoubtedly the crowning jewel is the Snaefellsjokull Glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of the Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rock in stacked formations and take a unique walk along the hiking trail linking the settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Afterwards drive back to Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own. Hotel Klettur or similar.

Day 11 Reykjavik-End of Tour
After breakfast Flybus transfer to the airport. For an additional fee you can make a stop at the Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport. You may extend your stay in Reykjavik or continue to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

Additional nights in Reykjavik are available.

Maximum group size 24 passengers

Optional excursions to be purchased on the tour directly-prices subject to change

Evening horse riding tour in the north-1-1.5 hours $85 per person
Day 10: Tour to Blue Lagoon- Flexible time and prices
GeoSea Geothermal Baths-$55 per person

Please note that good trekking shoes/hiking shoes are important on this tour.

Some wilderness interior roads during the trip are unpaved with bumpy driving conditions. it’s all part of the authentic adventure and fun of exploring the highlands.

We also suggest bringing a mosquito/fly head net for use on Day 7, as there can be harmless midges around Lake Myvatn. It’s not required, but some visitors have found it more comfortable