Embark on a captivating journey around Iceland, exploring its rich history and breathtaking natural wonders. Witness waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, fishing villages, and more on this comprehensive tour.
Welcome to Iceland
Reykjavik - Arrive in Iceland and travel independently from the airport to your hotel in Reykjavík (or opt for a transfer).
Travel to Akureyri
Skagafjordur - Drive past Skagafjörður, a deep fjord and valley, renowned as one of Iceland’s most prosperous agricultural regions. It features extensive dairy and sheep farming, along with the district’s famous horse breeding. Skagafjörður is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people.
Akureyri - Continue over the highland plateau of Öxnadalsheidi to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.
Overnight stay in Akureyri.
Lake Mývatn Area
Lake Myvatn - Focus on the stunning area around Lake Mývatn, a shallow lake in a region of active volcanism with high biological activity.
Godafoss - Starting from Akureyri, the drive to Mývatn takes about an hour and a half. Along the way, stop at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a breathtaking cascade with historical significance.
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations - Explore the unique volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Castles.” These formations, created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Skutustadir - Stroll around the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar. These formations, created by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands, resemble volcanic craters but are not true volcanoes.
Grjotagja Cave - Visit Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a thermal spring inside. The cave is a popular spot for travelers seeking a unique and serene experience. The warm, clear water in the cave was once a favored bathing spot, although it’s less accessible now due to temperature fluctuations caused by volcanic activity. Grjótagjá also gained fame as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit for both nature lovers and fans of the show.
Námaskarð - Stop by the geothermal area at Námaskarð, where bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles create an otherworldly landscape.
Dettifoss Waterfall - On the way to Egilsstaðir in the eastern part of Iceland, stop by Dettifoss Waterfall, reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls. Then cross Möðrudalsöræfi highland desert through Jökuldalur to Egilsstaðir.
East Fjords
East Region - From Egilsstaðir, drive through the Eastfjords to Höfn í Hornafirði. This part of the country has many narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs. In most of the fjords, find small and attractive fishing villages. Visitors often overlook this part of the country despite its fantastic scenery, remote fishing villages, sparkling lakes, and traditional farms. The region boasts the sunniest weather in the county in summer, but in winter, it is often mystically hidden by a dense fog. The area is known for its wildlife, especially for being the only part of the country where herds of wild reindeer live. Initially, locals brought them to Iceland for farming, but the industry was never profitable, and the experiment was abandoned. The reindeer are still there and have roamed free since.
Hofn - Overnight stay in the town of Höfn í Hornafirði.
Vatnajökull & South Shore
Jokulsarlon - Leave Höfn to drive along the southeast coast of Iceland. The first stop is at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where an amphibian boat tour awaits. The Lagoon developed around 60 years ago with a continuous process of calving and falling icebergs from the glacier tongue Breiðamerkurjökull. These icebergs come in two shades: milky white and bright blue, an interplay of light and ice crystals.
Below the Lagoon, the sparkling shards and orbs of ice wash up on the shore of Breiðamerkursandur, causing it to be called Diamond Beach in English.
Diamond Beach Jokulsarlon - Below the Lagoon, the sparkling shards and orbs of ice wash up on the shore of Breiðamerkursandur, causing it to be called Diamond Beach in English.
Skaftafell - Continue further along the Vatnajökull National Park. Stop at Skaftafell, a beautiful green oasis at the root of the glacier Öræfajökull, where Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, is located (2119 m).
Reynisfjara Beach - Pass by the village of Vík and visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its colony of puffins, unusual geological formations, and smashing tidal waves. Be careful not to step too close as the waves can be dangerous.
Dyrholaey - From Reynisfjara, view the impressive promontory Dyrhólaey where the sea has carved an enormous hole through the rock.
Skogafoss - Next, stop at Skógafoss, a majestic waterfall located on the Skógá River in Iceland, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and constant mist that creates vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Surrounded by lush greenery and steep cliffs, it stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic natural landmarks.
Seljalandsfoss - At Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, walk behind the waterfall but dress well, as the water mist behind the waterfall can make you wet.
Golden Circle
Gullfoss Waterfall - Tour the renowned Golden Circle. Start with a visit to the majestic Gullfoss, often referred to as the “Golden Falls,” a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall situated in the canyon of the Hvítá River in Iceland. Renowned for its sheer power and beauty, Gullfoss plunges dramatically into a rugged gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.
Geysir - Then head to the Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir hot spring from which all other geysers take their name. Geysir is no longer active, but another hot spring, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.
Thingvellir National Park - Next, visit the National Park at Þingvellir, where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart and create a rift valley. The ancient Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established at Þingvellir in 930. Now residing in Reykjavík, it is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world. Þingvellir is, consequently, a sacred place for Icelanders.
Reykjavik - From Þingvellir, drive on to the hotel in Reykjavik.
Good-bye Iceland
Keflavik - Individual transfer on your own from the hotel in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.
- Amphibian Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Bus tour as per the itinerary
- Breakfast
- Visit to Glaumbær Folk Museum
- Accommodation with private bathroom for 6 nights
- Expert guidance from a professional local guide
- Airport transfers on first and last day
- Afternoon Whale Watching from Reykjavík Harbour (with transfer to/from hotel) (extra option)
- Bathing at the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri (extra option)
This is our classic tour, an exploration of Iceland’s renowned landmarks that provides a glimpse into the nation’s rich history and geography.
Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll witness breathtaking natural wonders, including waterfalls, Europe’s largest glacier, the mesmerizing glacier lagoon, a powerful geyser erupting, picturesque fishing villages, and the birdlife paradise of Mývatn.
This comprehensive journey guarantees a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into the diverse and awe-inspiring attractions that define Iceland’s extraordinary landscape.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
