Discover a new perspective on captivating Iceland on this spectacular summer tour. See the natural wonders the country has to offer as you journey through fjords, natural parks, and picturesque coastlines. Be inspired and surprised by the lush greenery on display as you are exposed to the best of the Golden Circle and beyond. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with locals as you visit the Beljandi Microbrewery to sample some beers– a truly authentic Icelandic experience.
DAY 1 Reykjavik
Your tour commences with an optional arrival transfer to your hotel. Your first opportunity to explore Reykjavik will leave you with a memorable impression of the most northerly capital in the world. Gather this evening for a Welcome Meeting.
Stay at: Fosshotel Reykjavik (4 star) or similar
Meals included: None
DAY 2 Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Hveragardi
Start your day with a short city sightseeing tour of Reykjavik, before heading to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century and where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. See the natural wonders of Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall” and the nearby Geysir hot spring area where you will see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes. The day ends in Hveragerdi, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. The locals have made clever use of underground hot springs to provide heat for homes, as well as greenhouses that grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Stay at: Hotel Ork (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 3 Hveragardi - Thjorsardalur Valley – Skogar – Dyrholaey - Vik
Explore the enchanting Thjorsardalur Valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches before arriving in Iceland’s southernmost town, Vik.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.
Stay at: Hotel Vik (3 star), Katla Hotel KEA (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 4 Vik - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hofn
Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull. Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the icebergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Continue to Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Dinner is on your own to enjoy the nice selection of restaurants and cafes. Perhaps try the local speciality langoustines (Norway lobsters)!
Optional Tours: 30minute Boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon
Stay at: Hotel Hofn (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Hofn - East Fjords - Egilsstadir
A day of scenic wonder awaits as you drive through Almannaskard Pass to Iceland's East Fjord region. Explore the striking scenery of towering mountains, dramatic sea cliffs and charming villages. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik where you will stop to visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town, as well as see how great beer is made. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.
Stay at: Hotel Hallormsstadur (3 star), Valaskjalf Hotel (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 Egilsstadir - Lake Myvatn
Start your day by exploring the vast emptiness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi as you head to Lake Myvatn. The Lake Myvatn area is a microcosm of all of Iceland's natural wonders, from bubbling mud pools and geothermal caves to powerful waterfalls, craters, and a diverse birdlife. Highlights of the day include Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe's most powerful, and the Namaskard Pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours.
Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, which look as if they were built by fantasy creatures and legend has it that elves live here.
Stay at: Laxa Hotel (3 star), Berjaya Myvatn Iceland (4 star), Sel Hotel Myvatn (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 7 Lake Myvatn - Akureyri
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall, one of North Iceland's most important symbols. Afterwards, head to Akureyri, Iceland's colourful northern city with its charming buildings and beautiful views of the Eyjafjordur Fjord.
Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure exploring this lively cultural city. We recommend you check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” Perhaps stroll around the streets, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious locally sourced food. Another option is the botanical garden, which is open year-round. Tonight, enjoy the variety of restaurants that Akureyri has on offer.
Optional Tours: 3 Hours Whale Watching from Akureyri and Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Stay at: Berjaya Iceland Hotel Akureyri (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Akureyri - Skagafjordur - Borgarfjordur
Leave Akureyri as you drive along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula, with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. Arrive in Siglufjordur, located on the beautiful fjord of the same name, and admire some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
Icelanders consider the Skagafjordur area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.
Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region recognised for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colours and discover the interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Stay at: Hotel Hamar (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 9 Borgarfjordur - Snaefellsjokull National Park - Reykjavik
Today you will explore 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. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbour village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. Then, visit Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, where you’ll learn about “hakarl,” the cured shark meat speciality that Icelanders have enjoyed since Viking times.
At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik where you bid farewell to your guide at your hotel.
Stay at: Fosshotel Reykjavik (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10 Reykjavik
Your tour concludes with an optional departure transfer for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast