Day 1 – Arriving in Iceland
After landing at Keflavík Airport, use your voucher to board a bus heading across the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Once in there, you’ll check into your hotel near the downtown area. If you wish, you can explore the capital a little before bed.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- Reykjavík
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 – Volcano Hike in South Iceland
Close to your hotel is the Reykjavík Central Bus Station. There, you will meet your guide, who will take you out of the city and into the wild countryside for today’s trekking adventure. You’ll start in South Iceland, with a hike to the roots of the Hekla Volcano. You’ll end the day at a mountain hut in the area. Your guide will cook a nice dinner before you retire for the night.
Hiking Information:
- Time: 3-4 Hours
- Distance: approximately 10 km (6 miles)
- Altitude: 135 -175 m (443 – 574 feet)
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 3 – Mt. Hekla
After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore the western side of Mt. Hekla. Today will see your first river crossing as you cut across the river Rangá. You will continue past hills of palagonite rocks until you reach the base of Mt. Hekla. You will spend the night surrounded by lunar-like landscapes.
Hiking Information:
- Time: 6-8 Hours
- Distance: approximately 22 km (14 miles)
- Altitude: 175 – 320 m (574 – 1050 feet)
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 4 – The Icelandic Highlands
The landscapes will begin to soften as you move away from Mt. Hekla. Lava fields will make way for verdant lands with green, mossy hills, mountains, and lakes. You’ve now entered the mountain range of Kerlingarfjöll in the Icelandic Highlands. You’ll seek shelter in a camp near Mt. Loðmundur. In the evening, your guide will cook a delicious meal and tell you stories and legends from this mystical place.
Hiking Information:
- Time: 6-7 Hours
- Distance: approximately 17 km (11 miles)
- Altitude: 320 – 590 m (1050 – 1940 feet)
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 5 – Landmannalaugar Region
Your trek today will take you through the geothermal region of Landmannalaugar. The area is known for its many natural pools in which weary travelers can unwind after days of trekking. After a dip in the warm river that winds through the area, you’ll hop aboard a 4X4 vehicle, which will take you back to Reykjavík, where you will spend the night.
Hiking Information:
- Time: 6-7 Hours
- Distance: approximately 17 km (11 miles)
- Altitude: 590 – 700 m (1050 – 2297 feet)
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day.
Day 6 – The Golden Circle
Now that you have explored the Highland Region of Iceland, it is time to discover what wonders lie along the Ring Road. After breakfast, you will hop into your rental car and head out of the city. Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, is on your agenda today. You will end the day at accommodations in or near Hvolsvöllur town on the South Coast of 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.
- 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 7 – Iceland’s South Coast
Your exploration of the Ring Road continues, and today, you’ll explore stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons found along the coast of southern Iceland. You’ll end the day at accommodations under Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
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.
- 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 8 – The Remote East Iceland
Today, you’ll drive the winding roads of Iceland’s eastern fjords. However, before leaving South Iceland behind, stop at the Stokksnes Peninsula to snap a photograph of the beautiful Mt. Vestrahorn and the surrounding black sand beach. You’ll spend the night in or near Egilsstaðir town.
Highlights:
- Stokksnes Peninsula & Mt. Vestrahorn
- Hallormsstaðaskógur Forrest
- 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 9 – The Diamond Circle
On this day, you’ll explore the Diamond Circle sightseeing route. Start the day by heading North, stopping at Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, before exploring the stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon, Ásbyrgi. Then, it is off to the charming town of Húsavík, known as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of Europe.’
Highlights:
- Dettifoss 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 10 – Lake Mývatn
The area around Lake Mývatn was created in a series of volcanic eruptions some 2,300 years ago. Today, lava fields, pseudocraters, and geothermal regions dominate the landscape. After breakfast, head out and explore this fascinating region. At the end of the day, make your way to North Iceland’s largest town, Akureyri.
Highlights:
- Námaskarð Geothermal Area
- 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 11 – The Troll Peninsula
Now, it’s time to leave Akureyri behind to explore what else the northern part of this island has to offer. Tröllaskagi — or the Troll Peninsula — is a mountainous region known for its beautiful nature and charismatic towns. At the end of the day, head West, where you’ll find the town of Blönduós. Here, you will spend the night.
Highlights:
- Siglufjörður Town
- Hofsós Village
- Hvítserkur Rock
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 12 – The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today, you’ll make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a 90 km (55 mi) stretch of land known as ‘Iceland in miniature’ because of the diverse attractions found there. Lava fields, black pebble beaches, waterfalls, and mountains all lie under the watchful eye of Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Highlights:
- Mt. Kirkjufell
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
- Lóndrangar Rocks
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 13 – The Wonders of West Iceland
Now it is time to head back to the city, but not without discovering what wonders West Iceland has in store for you. This region has many hidden gems, such as Gerðuberg Cliffs, the historical Reykholt village, and the stunning waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
- 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 14 – Departure
Sadly, it is time to bid farewell to this land of ice and fire. You’ve had quite an adventure these past two weeks, and we hope you’ve had a fantastic time. When it is time to leave, you’ll head back out on the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the airport, where you will drop off the car before check-in.
Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
- 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.
- 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.
