Day 1 – Arrival in Iceland
As your plane gets ready to land, you can see the vast lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula out of the window. Once you land, collect your bags and rental vehicle and drive across the volcanic landscape toward Reykjavík, where you will spend your first night. After checking into your hotel, feel free to explore this world’s northernmost capital.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon: Your experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, complimentary towel service, and your choice of a first drink.
- Sky Lagoon: Included is access to the Sky Lagoon, with the exquisite Skjól Ritual experience.
Day 2 – Discovering the Golden Circle
Your adventure on the road begins with a trip to the famous Golden Circle. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, where Viking settlers gathered to lay the law of the land. It is also a meeting point of two tectonic plates. From there, you’ll travel to the erupting geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area before seeing the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. After exploring the sites of the Golden Circle — perhaps with a detour to Kerið Crater Lake — head to your accommodation in the area.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Kerið Crater Lake
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling in Silfra: Swim between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkeling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up afterward.
- Horseback Riding: Get to know the Icelandic horse on a riding tour through the countryside. Icelandic horses are small, friendly, and very intelligent creatures, making this excursion perfect for both new and experienced riders. Riding helmets, boots, and rainwear are provided.
- Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling: Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience is needed; you only have to bring warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets, and balaclavas are included.
Day 3 – Adventures in South Iceland
On today’s journey, you’ll see glittering glaciers, silvery waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Start with a stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that you can walk behind. From there, head to another equally impressive waterfall, Skógafoss. Then, travel to the black sands of Reynisfjara before heading to Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll see Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Spend the night in the area.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Optional Activities
- Glacier Hiking: This glacier hike is fun and easy, requiring no prior experience. The tour provides an English-speaking glacier guide and supplies necessary safety gear such as a helmet, crampons, and an ice axe.
- Amphibian Boat Tour: Sail amongst the enormous icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This tour is especially suited for families with young children as well as photographers looking for a great shot of the ice. Included is a guided tour in English and the use of a lifevest.
- Zodiac Boat Tour: Get a front-row seat to see giant icebergs floating on a glacier lagoon. The small Zodiac boat can get close to the icebergs, giving you a unique perspective over the bergs. Includes the use of floatation overalls and lifejackets.
Day 4 -The Remote East Iceland
Today, you’ll travel the winding roads of East Iceland, enjoying the unspoiled nature and stopping at one or two of the charming villages found there. You’ll travel past the picturesque Mt. Vestrahorn on your way to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest. Make sure you check out Lake Lagarfljót; a terrible wyrm-monster is said to live there. Spend the night in or near Egilsstaðir Town.
Highlights:
- Mt. Vestrahorn
- Djúpivogur Town
- Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
- Egilsstaðir Town
Optional Activities
- Vök Nature Baths: Vök Nature Baths are surrounded by nothing but the untouched nature of East Iceland. The ticket includes entry to the baths and a tisane brewed from spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar.
Day 5 – Visiting Dettifoss, the Prometheus Waterfall
Today, you’ll head North and visit three attractions of the Diamond Circle. You will start by visiting the stunning Dettifoss Waterfall, made famous in the opening shot of the Ridley Scott movie Prometheus. Then, it is off to the beautiful canyon Ásbyrgi, believed by Vikings to have been created by Odin’s horse, Sleipnir, before exploring the charming town of Húsavík. You’ll spend the night in the area.
Highlights:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Selfoss Waterfall
- Ásbyrgi Canyon
- Húsavík Town
Optional Activities
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour: See the whales in their natural habitat. Admission includes a professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort. Also included is a second try in case there are no sightings.
- Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour: Hop aboard a boat and explore the diverse marine life around Iceland. You’ll search for both the mighty whales and the adorable puffins on this tour. This tour includes a specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from a local winemaker.
- GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths: Unwind and enjoy the stunning view at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths in the town of Húsavík. GeoSea limits the number of guests, allowing for a more peaceful and relaxing experience for those who visit.
Day 6 – The Lunar Landscapes of Lake Mývatn
After breakfast, you will explore the otherworldly area of Lake Mývatn. Here, you’ll find a stunning hot spring inside a cave, a natural maze of lava pillars, a geothermal region filled with steam vents and bubbling mud pools, and Lake Mývatn itself. At the end of the day, make your way to Akureyri, where you will spend the night. We recommend stopping at the stunning waterfall, Goðafoss, which is en route.
Highlights:
- Lake Mývatn
- Grjótagjá Cave
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
- Goðafoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- Mývatn Nature Baths: Unwind in geothermal water just South of the Arctic Circle. Your experience includes access to the Mývatn Nature Baths’ geothermal waters and steam room. Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase for those over 20 years of age.
Day 7 – North Iceland In-Depth
Today, you’ll explore the wonders of North Iceland in-depth by driving the mountainous Tröllaskagi peninsula. Here, you’ll find extraordinary views and charming fishing villages with an award-winning museum and a stunning infinity pool. At the end of the day, you’ll head to the town of Blönduós, where you will spend the night.
Highlights:
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula
- Siglufjörður Town
- Hofsós Town
- Hvítserkur Rock Stack
Optional Activities
- Akureyri Whale Watching Tour: See the whales in their natural habitat. Admission includes a professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort. Also included is a second try in case there are no sightings.
- Beer Spa: Soak in hops and yeast at the Beer Spa. Your experience includes a soak in a single or double tub, a beer draught at every tub for anybody over 20, and access to the outside hot tubs.
- Horseback Riding: Get to know the Icelandic horse on a riding tour through the countryside. Icelandic horses are small, friendly, and very intelligent creatures, making this excursion perfect for both new and experienced riders. Riding helmets, boots, and rainwear are provided.
Day 8 – The Wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Now, it is time to explore the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula where you’ll spend the night. Watching over your journey today is the mighty Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-topped volcano that is believed by many to be a great source of mystical energy. Desolate lava-strewn fields, tall mountains, and countless streams and waterfalls characterize the area, and you can take your time exploring them all.
Highlights:
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach
- Lóndrangar Rock Stacks
- Arnarstapi Village
Optional Activities
- Ólafsvík Whale Watching Tour: See the whales in their natural habitat. Admission includes a professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort.
- Viking Sushi Boat Tour: Travel around the countless islands found in Breiðafjörður Bay. Keep an eye out for birds such as fulmars and adorable puffins. The tour’s highlight is when the crew pulls up fishing nets and allows guests to try fresh scallops and sea urchins.
Day 9 – West Iceland Adventures
Now, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík. However, you will first explore the wonders of West Iceland before you reach the capital. You’ll see geometric cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Once back in Reykajvík, you’ll find the midnight sun keeping the city alive well into the night. So, make use of it and enjoy your last night in Iceland, exploring the capital’s active nightlife.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Reykholt Village
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Optional Activities
- Langjökull Ice Cave Tunnels: Step inside Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The man-made tunnels provide visitors with the unique opportunity to explore deep inside the heart of an ice cap. Included are a guided tour, transportation from the base camp up the glacier, and free wifi on the glacier shuttle.
- Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp.
- Inside the Volcano: Descend into the magma chamber of a 4,000-year-old volcano. To get to the volcano, you must be able to hike for 45-50 min on uneven surfaces. Admission includes all safety equipment and an Icelandic meat soup (vegetarian options available).
Day 10 – Goodbye to Iceland
Now, it is time to pack your bags and return to Keflavík Airport. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you will have some time to explore Reykjavík before you go. Alternatively, you can fit in an adventure or two before you leave, such as exploring a museum or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.
Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Einar Jónsson Museum & Garden
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Harpa Concert Hall
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon: Your experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, complimentary towel service, and your choice of a first drink.
- Sky Lagoon: Included is access to the Sky Lagoon, with the exquisite Skjól Ritual experience.
- FlyOver Iceland: FlyOver Iceland will allow you to virtually soar over Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, while special effects — including wind, mist, scent, and motion — help create the illusion of flight.
- Whales of Iceland: Whales of Iceland is the largest whale exhibition in Europe. The display features life-size models of 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters, as well as interactive information stands that help enhance the experience and educate visitors.
