Day 1 – Arrival in Iceland
Your plane will land at Keflavík International Airport, located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field. Pick up your bags and your rental vehicle and make your way through this desolate landscape towards Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Once there, check into your hotel and explore the city if you are not too tired after your travels. A short distance from your accommodations is the downtown area with the famous Laugavegur Shopping Street and Harpa Concert Hall.
Highlights:
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Tjörnin Lake
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 – Golden Circle & South Iceland
Today, you’ll leave the city behind and head into the countryside. Your first stop will be the famous Golden Circle route, where you’ll visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. After you’ve completed the Golden Circle, drive the southern coastline towards Vík Village. En route, visit the stunning waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Spend the night in or near Vík Village.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
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 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Today, you’ll make your way to the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. En route, you’ll drive past Skaftafell Nature Reserve. A stop here is perfect for hikers and other nature enthusiasts who’d like to see where black sand meets green flora and a white glacier. At the lagoon, watch the icebergs float on a serene lake before retiring to your accommodations in the area.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
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.
- 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
Now it is time to explore the beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. You’ll drive winding roads with the glittering ocean on one side and jagged mountains on the other. Your destination today is the East’s largest town, Egilsstaðir. The drive is very scenic, and you will pass many charming towns and villages along the way. You will notice how considerably less crowded this part of Iceland is, providing you with a chance to experience the raw Icelandic nature in almost complete isolation.
Highlights:
- Djúpivogur Town
- Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
- Lake Lagarfljót
- 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 – The Volcanic Lake Mývatn Area
Today, you’ll explore the geothermal regions of northern Iceland. After breakfast, make your way to the Mývatn area, where you’ll see smoke billowing out of steam vents, bubbling mud pools, a hot spring inside a cave, and a labyrinth of lava. You will spend the night in the vibrant town of Akureyri, stopping at the beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall on the way there.
Highlights:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Lake Mývatn Area
- Húsavík Town
- 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.
- 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.
Day 6 – Exploring Akureyri & North Iceland
You’ll wake up in Akureyri, the largest settlement in North Iceland. You can start the day by exploring this charismatic town before making your way to the Troll Peninsula. There, you’ll find charming towns and villages worth a stop, such as Siglufjörður and Hofsós. You’ll spend the night in the Northwest region, near the town of Hvammstangi. En route, you can stop at the strange-looking rock stack Hvítserkur.
Highlights:
- Akureyri Town
- 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 7 – West Iceland
It is now time to head back to Reykjavík city, but not before having a few adventures in West Iceland first. Make your way through farmlands filled with sheep and horses toward the two stunning but vastly different waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Close by is Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, and the historic Reykholt Farm. Back in the city, you have the day to explore the vibrant downtown area or unwind in your hotel room.
Highlights:
- Hraunfossar Waterfalls
- Barnafoss Waterfall
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Reykholt Farm
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 8 – Departure
You’ve now encircled the whole Ring Road, so there is nothing left but to say ‘goodbye’ to Iceland and start planning your next trip to this land of Ice and Fire. If your flight leaves in the evening or afternoon, you will have some time to explore Reykjavík a little before you head to the airport. If you didn’t have time on your arrival day, you could also schedule a visit to the Blue Lagoon on this day. That way, you will arrive at Keflavík Airport feeling relaxed and rested.
Highlights:
- Parliament House
- 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.
