Your Itinerary
Halló and welcome to Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of any sovereign nation on earth! Despite being one of the smallest ‘big’ cities in the world, Iceland’s capital sure does pack quite the punch. It’s situated on the country’s southwest coast on the Seltjarnar Peninsula and is bordered on the other side by spectacularly imposing mountain ranges. Reykjavík is a city of alluring contrasts, perfectly blending aspects of the surrounding nature with a sophisticated cosmopolitan, yet small-town vibe. The city’s name derives from an Old Norse dialect translating to ‘smoky bay’, inspired by the steam that rises from its hot springs.
We don’t want you to miss a single moment of your Icelandic adventure, so we recommend that you arrive at your starting destination by 4:00pm.
Tonight, we’ll watch a performance of ‘How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes’. This punchy show blends education with comedy, and will teach us about the Icelandic people, their attitudes and about their everyday life. Get ready to learn, laugh and embrace your inner Icelander!
Boasting a rich history rooted in Viking heritage, Reykjavík is a totally unique city. Established as a trading post by Norse settlers in around 870 AD, the settlement evolved gradually until it became an official trading town in 1786. Reykjavík’s true transformation into a modern city happened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whereby the city has seen constant development to this day. Despite this, it still retains much of its ancient roots and charm.
We begin our day with a tour of the city, including a visit to the iconic Perlan Wonders of Iceland Museum. A collection celebrating nature like no other, we’ll explore several exhibits such as the Northern Lights Show in the Planetarium, the Volcano Show, the Ice Cave and a visit to the Observation Deck.
In the early afternoon, we will make our way to the beautiful Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa perched on the coast of the Kopavogur Peninsula. Take your time here to relax in the lagoon and breathe in the refreshing ocean air. Embrace the natural warmth of the water and immerse yourself in the calming energy while you soak in the stunning views.
Tonight, we’ll meet our fellow travellers and tour director for a wonderful welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavík’s harbour area. This gorgeous old harbour is the beating heart of the capital. Historically a hub for fisheries and trade, nowadays the area is more popularly known as a departure point for whale watching and Northern Lights tours. Soak up the seaside atmosphere as we tuck into a hearty Icelandic dish.
Day 3 - Reykjavík – Snæfellsnes – Arnarstapi
Farewelling the beauty of Reykjavík this morning, we’ll make our way to Reykholt, a tiny village that was once considered the intellectual centre of Iceland as it was home to one of the most important schools in the country. We’ll also travel through Barnafoss and the nearby Hraunfossar, two beautiful waterfalls that pour into the river Hvítá. Steeped in the legends of old folklore, Barnafoss’ bright blue waters gush over the landscape, while Hraunfossar is made up of a series of trickling streams that flow out of a lava-forged field.
We continue on to Ytri Tunga Beach, standing out as one of the only beaches in Iceland to have golden sand instead of black sand! Here, we’ll get the chance to watch the resident Harbour and Grey Seals frolic and bask on rocks along the shoreline.
A photo stop at the iconic Black Church of Budir is our next location, before arriving at Arnarstapi Beach and taking in the beautiful coastal views from the cliff viewpoint.
We’ll then travel to the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, located at the foot of Mt. Stapafell, where we will settle into our accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 4 - Arnarstapi – Stykkishólmur – Sauðárkrókur
After breakfast, we’ll depart Arnarstapi and head towards the fascinating Ólafsvíkurkirkja Church, the first ‘modern’ Church in Iceland. Constructed entirely of trianglular pieces, admire the quirky geometric architecture before we continue on to Kirkjufell Mountain. At an elevation of 1519 feet above sea level, this towering landmark features a beautiful and distinct-shaped peak that spirals into the clouds above it. Considered by the locals as one of the most beautiful mountains on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this striking natural spectacle even featured in the popular fantasy TV series, Game of Thrones.
We then embark on a boat tour in search of Iceland’s orange-beaked icon, the Atlantic Puffin. As we take to the water, we’ll get a taste for the nation’s beautiful fjord scenery as we sail around the Breiðafjörður's Islands. Winding through the shallow bay, we’ll get close to the cliffs of one of the main nesting sites – perfect for puffin spotting!
Shaking out our sea legs and returning to land, we journey towards Sauðárkrókur, stopping for a stretch at the Glaumbær Farm and Museum. During our photo stop, we’ll be able to marvel at the traditional ‘turf houses’ built by Icelanders for hundreds of years into the 20th century.
In the evening, we will arrive in the village of Sauðárkrókur, where we will check in to our hotel for the night.
Day 5 - Sauðárkrókur – Goðafoss Waterfall – Myvatn
Horses are intrinsic to the culture of Iceland. Here, they are known for their smaller but stocky build, thick, fluffy coats and their ability to navigate rough terrain.
Special Experience
Discover Langhus Horse Farm, an Icelandic family-owned farm where we’ll learn about traditional practices while enjoying local snacks.
Nestled in the rolling countryside, taste some regional treats and take photos with these beautiful creatures as we experience life on a working family horse farm.
Following our morning marvelling at the beautiful horses and learning from some friendly Icelandic locals, we’ll continue on to Akureyri via the stunning Siglufjörður. Considered to be the capital of the north with a population of just under 20,000 residents, Akureyri is situated at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and boasts quaint streets, cosy cafes and brightly painted houses. Renowned for its vibrant culture and thriving arts scene, in the centre of the city you’ll find the Akureyri Church with beautiful stained-glass windows portraying scenes from Icelandic Christian history – totally worth the visit!
We’ll enjoy some free time in this beautiful city to explore at our own pace, before continuing on to our next stop, the mythical Goðafoss Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall has to be seen to be believed. Goðafoss cascades over a curved edge spanning over 30 metres in width and falls 12 metres deep into a bright blue pool at the bottom.
An early start to the day and a short walk will see us reaching the beautiful Dettifoss Waterfall found in Vatnajökull National Park. Said to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, Dettifoss Waterfall is 100 metres wide and is 45 metres tall! It’s also referred to by some as the ‘The Beast’ in comparison to ‘The Beauty’ that is Goðafoss, due to its power rather than appearance. We’ll then make a photo stop at Ásbyrgi Canyon before setting off on an exciting whale watching cruise.
Special Experience
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching cruise in Húsavík, aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship.
Húsavík has built a reputation as the whale watching capital of Iceland, a total marine lover’s paradise. Here we’ll get the chance to spot minke whales, breaching humpbacks and playful dolphins – and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a killer whale or fin whale.
Special Experience
Sink into the healing powers of the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths, taking part in a custom deeply ingrained in Iceland’s cultural fabric.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
This world-class geothermal bath is heated from the ground and is packed with minerals, revitalising the skin. The geothermal seawater promotes muscle relaxation and stimulates circulation within the body, leaving you feeling totally rejuvenated. One dip here and you’ll never want to leave!
Day 7 - Myvatn – East Fjords
Our first stop of the day is at Lake Mývatn, a beautiful series of connected lakes with many small islands littered throughout the water. Here we’ll also see the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, before continuing on to Dimmuborgir to walk through the fascinating Lava Field, and Námaskarð to witness the mythical geothermal landscape.
Next, we’ll drive to the Krafla Power Station, observing the structures that harness the abundance of geothermal energy in the region, before some free time for lunch in the highest situated farm in Iceland.
In the early afternoon, we’ll reach renowned Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations. Located in the Jökuldalur Valley, Stuðlagil Canyon was completely submerged under the river Jökla, until the water levels dropped several years ago, revealing the incredible canyon. From our viewpoint we’ll also be able to see the bright Stuðlafoss Waterfall, a cascading waterfall that flows down from the moss-covered basalt columns. The views here are simply otherworldly!
We continue on to Egilsstaðir for a short coffee stop. Home to reindeer and a scenic combination of mountains, lakes and forests, the town serves as the gateway to the East Fjords, where we will later arrive and settle into our accommodation for the night.
Day 8 - Eastfjords – Skaftafell National Park
We begin our morning with a visit to Djúpivogur, a lovely little town that is home to around 600 residents. The seaside village is surrounded by stunning mountains and has a rich cultural heritage as a critical trading post for the eastern region of Iceland. We’ll then make our way to Höfn, a charming fishing town where we’ll have some free time for lunch.
Next, we will stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon, admiring the shimmering icebergs that break off from the glacier and drift onto the black sands of Diamond Beach along the way. In Jökulsárlón, we’ll embark on an exciting Amphibian boat trip on Glacier Lagoon, getting the chance to marvel at stunning 1,000-year-old icebergs. If we’re lucky, we may get the opportunity to spot playful marine life!
We will then enjoy a short hike to the impressive Svartifoss Waterfall, also known as Black Falls. Fed by the icy-cold meltwater from the Svinafellsjokull glacier, the water thunders down 20 metres onto a base of sharp rocks and has a unique backdrop of dark hexagonal rock columns.
Tonight, we’ll check in to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the Vatnajökull glacier, which covers eight percent of Iceland’s total landmass – lucky for us, it looms just behind our hotel!
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 9 - Skaftafell National Park – Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls – Hveragerði
After breakfast this morning, we’ll stop at Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a short walk on the lava field before setting off for Fjaðrárgljúfur, roughly translating to Feather River Canyon. Here, a river runs through the canyon centre and is surrounded by high grassy hills, creating a beautiful contrast. The walk to the canyon is roughly an hour, but the views that will greet are well worth it.
We continue on to the quaint village of Vík, a seaside town situated just south of the Katla Volcano. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to explore and grab a bite to eat for lunch, before stopping to enjoy the renowned Icelandic Lava Show. The only live lava show in the world, this unique experience recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 1100°C. We’ll get the exclusive opportunity to get close to real molten lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzle and bask in the incredible heat it produces.
Perhaps the most exciting part of our day, we’ll explore the Reynisfjara Black beach, the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls, with a drop of around 60 metres, and it’s also one of the most beautiful, with its water stream cascading over a lush cliff. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is arguably one of Iceland’s most impressive with its elegant stream of water plunging deep into a round dish at the entrance of a cave that has formed over centuries. It’s one of the few waterfalls in Iceland that you can actually walk behind!
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Today we discover some of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, a 300-kilometre loop that covers central Iceland.
Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, Iceland’s most important cultural landmark and where the world’s first parliament, The Althingi, was formed in 930AD. The parliament continued to meet here for more than 850 years and there are historical documents dating back to its earliest days. Assemblies lasted for two weeks a year in two areas of the park, the Lögberg (Law Rock), and the Lögrétta (Law Council). Today you can still see evidence of nearly 50 booths which were made from turf and stone. The park is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake and marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, resulting in some mesmerising faults and canyons, as well as rifts filled with crystal-clear water.
Special Experience
Visit a family-owned tomato farm that grows crops all-year-round, enjoying a taste of the delicious produce.
Discover a local greenhouse tomato farm and learn how they successfully grow tomatoes in this cold climate. While we are here, we will enjoy delicious tomato soup with freshly baked bread, made from the farm grown tomatoes.
We’ll also discover Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 10 minutes and with a spout of boiling water that can be as high as 30 metres.
Our last stop of the day is the incredible Gullfoss Waterfalls or ‘Golden Falls’. If the sun is shining you might see a rainbow in the mist clouds, making for a beautiful photo. Recognised as Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss is a double-tiered waterfall plunging around 31 metres into the Hvítá River below.
Day 11 - Hveragerði – Blue Lagoon – Keflavík
This morning we say goodbye to Hveragerði and make our way to Raufarhólshellir to tour the fascinating Lava Tunnel. This spectacular cave formed as a lava tube during the Leitahraun eruption that occurred around 5,200 years ago. The tunnel has an impressive total length of 1360 metres, with the main tunnel being 900 metres long. It can reach up to 30 metres wide and 10 metres high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland. Depending on local conditions, we’ll also get the chance to hike on the Lava Field.
Next we visit the Krýsuvík Geothermal Area, where a winding boardwalk takes us through steam vents in mud pools, hot springs and sulphur deposits. The colourful natural landscape gives the area an otherworldly effect.
In the early afternoon, our adventure takes us to the incredible Blue Lagoon, situated a little way out of town. This is perhaps one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas and is often a bucket-list item for travellers visiting the country. Named after the incredibly vibrant water colour, this geothermal spa is volcanically heated and contains minerals that encourages relaxation, nourishment and rejuvenation.
Before we reach our accommodation for the night, we’ll make a photo stop at the Bridge Between Continents and the Reykjanes Lighthouse.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious farewell dinner, reminiscing on all of the fun experiences we’ve shared and sights we’ve seen on tour.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the spectacular scenery of Iceland.
