Day 1
Make your way to Reykjavík, and check into your accommodation in the afternoon. Free day in Reykjavík.
Day 2
The day starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík. First, we will head out to explore the famous Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park where Icelanders founded their parliament in the year 930 A.D., the oldest parliament in the world. The Circle includes Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall. Next, we will drive to the beautiful South Coast. Our first stop is at Seljalandsfoss, a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don´t view this one from a distance – the walking path will take you directly behind the waterfall itself. Next, we will stop at the scenic Skógafoss, where the water crashes down over sea cliffs that marked the coastline of Iceland long ago. Watch out for rainbows – the incredible spray from this waterfall makes it an ideal spot to catch one or even two at a time! The final stop of the day is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the home of the famous Reynisdrangar peaks, rumored to be the figures of two trolls caught in the sun and turned to stone, and a basalt column cave. After that, we will make our way to a country hotel near the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where we will rest for the night.
Day 3
The journey continues along the South coast in the direction of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. At Skaftafell, another of Iceland´s three national parks, we will take a 3-hour glacier hike on one of Vatnajökull outlet glaciers, led by one of our skilled glacier guides. After that bracing experience, we will explore a little further Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where we can expect to see floating icebergs and the occasional frolicking seal. Beside the glacier lake, we will find another black sand crystal beach, which is usually filled with clear icebergs that have floated back to shore. For the evening, we will lay our heads in accommodations in the pleasant place in South East.
Day 4
Embark on a journey to the breathtaking Eastfjords, a region of dramatic landscapes, serene fjords, and quaint coastal villages. Explore the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur, known for its unique outdoor art and strong connection to nature.
Before reaching Djúpivogur, we'll make a brief stop in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, surrounded by legends of the mysterious Lagarfljót Worm.
The highlight of our day will be a visit to the Wilderness Center, a living museum offering a glimpse into Iceland's past. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region, and enjoy a traditional hot spring bath to relax and rejuvenate.
Day 5
TToday, we embark on a journey through North Iceland, a land of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders.
We'll start by exploring the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering basalt columns rise from the turquoise waters. Then, we'll venture to the mystical Námaskarð geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pools and steamy fumaroles.
Next, we'll discover the unique volcanic landscapes and abundant birdlife of Lake Mývatn. For those seeking relaxation, the Earth Lagoon (formally Mývatn Nature Baths) offer a chance to soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters.
We'll continue our journey to the otherworldly Dimmuborgir rock formations, and then witness the power of nature at the majestic Goðafoss waterfall.
Our final destination is the picturesque town of Akureyri, nestled on the shores of Eyjafjörður fjord. From September to April, you may have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Day 6
We will start the day by exploring the town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Then, we will drive to the neighboring town of Dalvík where we go for a 3-hour whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður fjord. Take this opportunity to enjoy the wonders of sea life, including humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and the occasional blue whale! If fishing interests you, give sea angling a try and taste whatever you catch. Next we will travel the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, which will take us through a couple of fishing hamlets before we stop in the cozy village of Siglufjörður. Thereafter, we will head to West Iceland, where we will spend the night in a hotel in a small college community.
Day 7
On this, our final day, we will find ourselves in West Iceland – an area which Lonely Planet voted as one of the best destinations in 2016. Borgarfjörður has many splendid sights and we will focus on these today. We 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! We will drive around scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), on our way to back Reykjavík. We expect to arrive in the city around 5 – 6 pm.
Day 8
Free day in Reykjavík.
