Travel Detail

Arrival at Reykjavík Airport, followed by a shuttle transfer dropping you off at your hotel or at the nearest accessible stop. Check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country. Ingolfur Arnarson, the first Icelandic settler, built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik is today. The city owes its name, "Bay of Smoke", to the steam jets that could be seen rising from hot springs in the region and which probably impressed the first European settlers. Around 6 pm, you will meet with your guide and your group in the lobby of the hotel to learn more about the tour. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Reykjavik.

Following breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. After a short city sightseeing of Reykjavik, you will head 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. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!

Afterwards you will visit Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall", where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

During the day you’ll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. 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.

Your day will end 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. Dinner and overnight in the Hveragerdi area. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you will explore the enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birchwoods, 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; this area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.

Afterwards, you will drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore and will stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Then, you will continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town. Dinner and overnight in the Vik area. (Breakfast - Dinner)

After having breakfast at your hotel, 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. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. 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.

After, visit 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). You will spend the night in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. This city is well known for its local specialty: The langoustines (Norway lobsters) - Free time for dinner. (Breakfast)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive from Hofn through the Almannaskard pass, stopping en route to admire the majestic coastline. Continuation northward to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords; this is one of Iceland’s oldest regions. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. You will stop at Breiddalsvik where you will visit Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of their wonderful beer. Arrival in Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary monster. This area is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine. Dinner and overnight in the Egilsstadir area. (Breakfast-Dinner)

In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the breathtaking Studlagil panoramic stop, offering stunning views along the way. You will then drive through the highland desert of Modrudalsoraefi, where NASA trained its astronauts for moon landing in the 1960s. Heading toward the Lake Myvatn area, you will stop at Dettifoss, Europe's largest and most powerful waterfall. Continuation onward to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours before exploring the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. Dinner and overnight in the lake Myvatn area. (Breakfast-Dinner)

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will visit some sites in the Myvatn area, followed by the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland's most important symbols. You will also learn how this waterfall got its interesting name. Afterwards, you’ll head to Akureyri, the colourful "northern capital of Iceland". You will visit the town with its charming buildings and beautiful views of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. Check-in at your hotel in Akureyri, you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure where you can browse some art galleries, discover the botanical garden, stop at a cafe or pubs for delicious locally sourced food.  Dinner at leisure and overnight in Northwest Iceland. (Breakfast)

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive through scenic valleys framed by beautiful mountains as you head into the Skagafjordur area, considered by Icelanders to be one of the country's finest places in Iceland 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 that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and its Viking history. 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. Before heading to Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more beauty and an interesting yet touching legend associated with it. Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarfjordur area. (Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast, 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. Prepare for a cultural adventure as you explore the renowned Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. This extraordinary museum provides a deep dive into the time-honored Icelandic tradition of preserving shark meat, known as 'Hákarl.' Gain insight into the unique process of preparing this Icelandic delicacy. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. Once you reach the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik. Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own. (Breakfast)

After your final breakfast in Iceland, you will be transferred from your hotel to the central bus station in Reykjavik. Then, you will board an airport shuttle to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)