Day 1: Arrival
Overnight stay in Reykjavík (transfer from Keflavík Airport is not included, but can be bought seperately. We recommend our Airport Express Shuttle service.
See www.airportexpress.is).
Day 2: Geysir – Gullfoss – Skógar – Dyrhólaey - Vík
Exploding Geysers - Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore
Start the day with a short city sightseeing of Reykjavík. From Reykjavík head through the village of Hveragerði to explore Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall’, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, and numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to Dyrhólaey* nature reserve. Continue to the village of Vík.
Overnight in the Vík area.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May til June 23rd
Day 3: Vík - Skaftafell National Park - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Höfn
Lava Fields - Europe’s Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe’s Largest Glacier
Cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the earth, before reaching the small town Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over Skeiðarársandur sands to Skaftafell National Park. Continue to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Throughout the day we are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier.
Overnight in the Höfn area.
Day 4: Höfn - East Fjords - Egilsstaðir
Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection
Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass, stop and admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Explore Petra’s renowned collection of local stones and minerals.
Overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn Area
Highland Desert - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal & Volcanic Activity - Rich Birdlife - Protected Salmon River
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, heading to the Lake Mývatn area. Visit Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and Laxá salmon river. One of Mývatn area’s claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on Earth, with very diverse birdlife in general.
Overnight in the Mývatn area.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn Area - Akureyri
Waterfall “Of the Gods”- Folk Museum – Iceland’s Second Largest City
Travel towards the bustling northern port of Akureyri making a stop at the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall and the old turf farm Laufás. Akureyri has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
Overnight in the Akureyri area.
Day 7: Skagafjörður - Borgarnes
Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Unique Viking Horse with Demonstration
Majestic mountains and narrow passes lead to Skagafjörður for an introduction of the unique Icelandic horse that has a special fifth gait - the tölt. Towards the village of Blönduós built on both sides of the river Blanda with Hrútey Island a protected nature reserve located in this popular salmon river. Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau through Borgarfjörður to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.
Overnight in Borgarnes area.
Day 8: Borgarfjörður - Þingvellir - Reykjavík
Europe’s Largest Hot Spring - Picturesque Waterfalls - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)
Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world. A stop will be made to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, before continuing over the breathtaking Kaldidalur mountain pass. The journey continues to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, and Þingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament held outdoors.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 9: Departure