Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland
You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport. After collecting your bags, pick up your rental car and head towards Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. On your way to the city, you’ll drive through the lava field of the Reykjanes Peninsula. If you are not too tired after your flight, you can explore this volcanic wonderland further, and perhaps visit the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, you can head straight to Reykjavík to rest up for your adventures on the road tomorrow.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- Hafnarfjörður Town
- 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 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Now, it is time to leave the city behind and explore the wild nature of Iceland. Today, you’ll be visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This relatively small area is packed with diverse attractions such as black pebble beaches, charming towns, and photogenic mountains. At the end of the day, head to your accommodations in the region. If the skies are clear of clouds tonight, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing over Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Búðakirkja Church
- Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach
- Kirkjufell Mountain
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day
Day 3 – Golden Circle
Now it is time to visit the three famed sites of Iceland’s Golden Circle route: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. Þingvellir is the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy, located on a tectonic plate boundary. From there, visit Geysir Geothermal Area and see the geyser Strokkur erupt before heading to the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Overnight in the area.
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 4 – South Iceland
Your first stop on the South Coast is Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This is a high and narrow cascade which falls over a large cave. From Seljalandsfoss, it is a short drive to another waterfall, Skógafoss, which is vastly different but equally impressive. Your next stop is Reynisfjara. The roaring waves of the N-Atlantic ocean come crashing upon the jet-black sand of this stunning beach. You’ll spend the night in or near Vík Village.
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 5 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Now, it is time to head further East. From Vík, head towards Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. En route, you will pass Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This forested area is a hiker’s paradise filled with many treks and trails. You will then arrive at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs, float on a serene, blue lake. Close by is a black sand beach known as the Diamond Beach. Spend the night in the area.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- 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.
Day 6 – Back to Reykjavík
Now, it is time to head back to Reykjavík, but not before having a few adventures first. On your way, you could explore some of the attractions you saw yesterday further or discover some new ones, such as the historic Skálholt area or Heiðmörk Park. The latter of which serves as a perfect spot to look for Northern Lights spotting if the conditions are favorable.
Highlights:
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
- Eldhraun Lava Field
- Eyjafallajökull Glacier
- Heiðmörk Park
Optional Activities
- 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 7 – Free Day in Reykjavík
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore the vibrant and wonderful Reykjavík. A walk down Laugavegur shopping street is a must when visiting this city. It is filled with charming shops, cafés, museums, galleries, and friendly faces. If you’re unsure of what to do, contact your travel advisor. They’ll be more than happy to suggest and book activities and adventures.
Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Tjörnin Lake
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
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 8 – Departure
Today is your last day, but if your flight leaves in the afternoon or at night, you’ll have some time for a few last adventures before you go. You can explore Reykjavík further, explore the surrounding countryside, or take a dip in the luxurious Blue Lagoon. Once at the airport, drop off your car at the service desk, take one last look at the wild lava fields of Iceland, and board your plane. Have a great flight home!
Highlights:
- Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
- City Hall
- Parliament House
- Sun Voyager Sculpture
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.
