Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland
On your first day in Iceland, you will pick up your rental vehicle and make your way across the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the capital city, Reykjavík. After finding your accommodation, explore this world’s northernmost capital. We recommend that you take a stroll in the downtown area and visit the beautiful Hallgrímskirkja Church, walk down Laugavegur Shopping Street, and see the multi-colored facade of Harpa Concert Hall.
Highlights:
- Reykjavík
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
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 – The Mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Today, it is time to leave the city behind and head to the beautiful wintry countryside of West Iceland. Your destination is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a 90-km stretch of land filled with fantastic attractions. Explore the black church of Búðarkirkja, Djúpalónssandur Beach, and the majestic Mt. Kirkjufell before heading to Borgarnes Town, where you’ll spend the night.
Highlights:
- Búðakirkja Church
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day
Day 3 – West Iceland’s Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Today, you’ll explore the wonders of West Iceland. Cross snowy farmlands on your way to one of the most historical sites in the country, Reykholt. From there, head to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two vastly different but equally beautiful waterfalls. Continue on to Deildartunguhver Hot Spring before returning to Borgarnes for the night. Remember to check the skies for signs of the northern lights before bed.
Highlights:
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Hraunfossar Waterfall
- Barnafoss Waterfall
- Reykholt Historical Site
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.
- Víðgelmir 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.
Day 4 – The Famous Golden Circle
Now it’s time to explore the famous Golden Circle. You’ll start at Þingvellir National Park, the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy and home to tectonic boundaries. From there, you’ll see the bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area. Lastly, you’ll visit the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. At the end of the day, you’ll head to your accommodation in or near Hvolsvöllur Town in South Iceland.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
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.
- 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.
- 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 5 – Super Jeep Tour to Thorsmork Valley
Today is a day of adventure! You will head out into the uninhabited Highland region of Iceland. A guide will pick you up in a super jeep, a large 4×4 vehicle customized to drive up the rough and rugged terrain of the Highlands. Once in Þórsmörk, you’ll explore the valley on foot, seeing glaciers and frozen rivers. At the end of the day, the guide will drop you off back at Hvolsvöllur.
Highlights:
- Icelandic Highlands
- Þórsmörk Valley
- Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
- Gígjökull Glacier
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day
Day 6 – South Coast Waterfalls, Glaciers & Beaches
On this day, you will explore the beauty of Iceland’s southern coastline. The Ring Road hugs the shore for a few miles, and you’ll see majestic glaciers in the North and the wild Atlantic Ocean to the South. You’ll stop at two stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the charming town of Vík before retiring at your accommodations in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vík Village
Optional Activities
- Sólheimajökull 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.
- Sólheimajökull 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 7 – Vatnajokull National Park
On today’s journey, you’ll drive to Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Outdoor enthusiasts can stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a hike amongst the trees and black sands. You’ll then drive under the mighty Vatnajökull until you reach the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Spend another night at Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Vatnajökull Glacier
Optional Activities
- Skaftafell 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.
- Ice Caving in Vatnajökull Glacier: Explore a natural cave in Europe’s largest glacier. Included is a tour with a certified glacier guide and all necessary glacier gear, such as crampons and helmets.
Day 8 – Hidden Gems of the South Coast
Return to Reykjavík along the Ring Road. If you wish, you can stop at any of the sites you’ve explored in the previous days. Alternatively, you can explore some lesser-known spots on the south coast. These include Hjörleifshöfði Cape, also known as “Yoda Cave,” Kerið Crater Lake, and the charming town of Selfoss. Before reaching Reykjavík, check the skies for signs of the northern lights.
Highlights:
- Hjörleifshöfði Cape
- Selfoss Town
- Kerið Crater Lake
- Faxi Waterfall
Optional Activities
- ATV tour on Black Beach: Drive across black sand beaches, glacial streams, and rugged hills to the DC3 Plane Crash on this thrilling Quad Bike Tour from South Iceland’s Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
- Secret Lagoon: Unwind in the warm, geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. The natural hot springs are located only a short distance from Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, providing a relaxing respite for weary travelers.
Day 9 – Exploring Reykjavik
Today, you’ll explore the wonders of the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík. In the downtown area, you’ll find countless shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. There are also many museums and galleries, as well as a swimming pool. A short drive away is a plethora of natural attractions. Should you need inspiration on what to do today, you can always contact your local, personal travel advisor.
Highlights:
- Reykjavík’s Downtown District
- Laugardalur Valley
- Rauðhólar Hills
- Sun Voyager
Optional Activities
- Helicopter Tour over Reykjavík: Get a birds-eye view of the city. Included is a helicopter ride over Reykjavík and a landing on a nearby mountain.
- 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.
- 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 10 – Departure
On your last day in Iceland, you’ll bid farewell to this extraordinary country. If you have an afternoon or an evening flight, you can explore the city a little before you journey across the lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula to the airport. Alternatively, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon and arrive relaxed and rejuvenated for your flight back home.
Highlights:
- Old Harbour
- Tjörnin Lake
- City Hall
- Reykjanes Peninsula
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.
