With so much to discover and explore, this comprehensive tour highlights natural wonders, majestic landscapes and unique character. The classic, circle route provides an ideal mix of culture and nature, with the opportunity to see the best that Iceland has to offer. For another Escorted, circle tour of Iceland see our Iceland Exploration tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 Reykjavík Arrival
Coach transfer from Keflavík Airport to your hotel or nearest bus stop in Reykjavík. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore this fascinating, far Northern city. The city centre is only small and is characterised by eclectic, colourful houses, good shopping and dining. Having established itself as a haven for food lovers, numerous restaurants take advantage of an abundance of local seafood, meat and game. There are also many wonderful museums including the National Museum, Reykjavík 871+2 Settlement Museum and National Gallery. Evening welcome meeting with your tour escort and fellow travellers.
Day 2 Reykjavík - Þingvellir National Park - Geysir - Gullfoss
After a brief introduction to Reykjavík, head to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Þingvellir National Park. Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur. Visit an Icelandic farm and greenhouse where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. The day ends in Hveragerði, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. Overnight in the Hveragerði area.
Day 3 Þjórsárdalur Valley - Skógar - Skógafoss - Vík
Explore enchanting Þjórsárdalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Continue to Dyrhólaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. (*Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25 June). Overnight in the Vík area, Iceland’s southernmost town.
Day 4 Vatnajökull National Park - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Höfn
Today we continue our journey east to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area within huge Vatnajökull National Park, to stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, the birth place of icebergs. Throughout the day you will enjoy magnificent views of mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, which dominates south eastern Iceland. Nearby is Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea. Overnight in the Höfn area.
Optional that can be pre-booked: Amphibian boat on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 40min.
Day 5 Höfn – East Fjords – Egilsstaðir
Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass with a stop to admire Iceland's majestic coastline. Continue alongside towering mountains which plunge vertically into the sea and form the magnificent East Fjords. Also pass through coastal fjord villages en route to Egilsstaðir area. Visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the beer. Overnight in the Eastfjords area.
Optional that can be pre-booked: afternoon visit to Vök baths. Includes bus drop-off. Excludes taxi transfer from Vök baths back to hotel. Flexible duration.
Day 6 Lake Mývatn Area
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, heading towards the Lake Mývatn area. Panoramic stop at Stuðlagil. Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Walk along the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and peek into Grjótagjá, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Overnight in the Mývatn area.
Day 7 Lake Mývatn Area - Akureyri
Morning visit to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Akureyri, the colourful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður fjord.
Optionals that can be pre-booked (transfers not included):
Whale Watching tour from Akureyri 3hrs
Forest Lagoon entry and towel rental, flexible duration
Day 8 Akureyri - Borgarnes
Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed today. Then cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau taking you into West Iceland. Pass through Borgarfjörður and walk up to the top of Grábrók crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.
Day 9 Borgarfjörður - Snæfellsjökull National Park - Reykjavík
Today explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snæfellsjökull National Park. Visit Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. See Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djúpalónssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. Your journey leads back to Reykjavík. Farewell your guide and fellow travellers at your hotel. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Day 10 Reykjavík Departure
Coach transfer from your hotel or nearest bus stop to Keflavík Airport where your tour arrangements end.
2024 Regular Group Size (maximum 36 persons) departures:
07 May
11 June
02, 16, 30 July
20 August
17 September
2024 Small Group Size (maximum 16 persons) departures:
30 April
21 May
04, 18, 25 June
09, 23 July
06, 13, 27 August
10, 24 September
Notes:
Pre and post nights can be added in Reykjavík - please enquire
