Journey to Akureyri – Unveiling the Charms of North Iceland

Borgarfjörður - Hotel or nearby bus stop pickup between 08:30-09:00.

Travel north through the Hvalfjörður tunnel to Borgarnes. Near Borgarnes, visit Grábrók Volcano, a volcanic fissure that erupted 3,000 years ago. Continue over the Holtavörðuheiði highland plateau to reach the flourishing farming region of northwest Iceland.

Skagafjordur - Pass by Skagafjörður, a deep fjord and valley, renowned for its prosperous agriculture, including dairy and sheep farming, and famous horse breeding. Skagafjörður is unique in Iceland for having more horses than people.

Glaumbaer Museum - Visit Glaumbær Museum, a historic turf farm offering insights into traditional Icelandic life. The museum features well-preserved turf houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing how Icelanders lived in harmony with their environment. Explore the restored farmhouse, furnished with period items, for an authentic experience of rural Icelandic life. The museum also provides insights into Icelandic history and culture, making it a captivating destination for those interested in the country’s heritage.

Akureyri - Travel over the Öxnadalsheidi highland plateau to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.

Overnight stay in Akureyri.

Lake Mývatn – Volcanic Wonders and Stunning Waterfalls

Lake Myvatn - Focus on the beautiful area around Lake Mývatn, a shallow lake in a volcanically active region with abundant biological activity.

Godafoss - From Akureyri, drive to Mývatn in about an hour and a half, stopping at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a breathtaking cascade with historical significance.

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations - Explore the unique volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Castles,” created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.

Skutustadir - Stroll around the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar, formed by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands, resembling volcanic craters but not true volcanoes.

Grjotagja Cave - Visit Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a thermal spring inside, offering a unique and serene experience. The warm, clear water was once a favored bathing spot, though less accessible now due to temperature changes from volcanic activity. Grjótagjá gained fame as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and fans of the show.

Námaskarð - Stop by the geothermal area at Námaskarð, where bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles create an otherworldly landscape.

Dettifoss Waterfall - En route to Egilsstaðir in eastern Iceland, visit Dettifoss Waterfall, reputed as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls. Cross Möðrudalsöræfi highland desert through Jökuldalur to Egilsstaðir.

The East Fjords – Picturesque Villages and Wild Reindeer

East Region - From Egilsstaðir, drive through the Eastfjords to Höfn í Hornafirði. This region features narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and charming fishing villages. Despite its stunning scenery, remote fishing villages, sparkling lakes, and traditional farms, this area is often overlooked. It boasts the sunniest weather in the country during summer, but in winter, it is often shrouded in dense fog. The area is known for its wildlife, particularly as the only part of the country where wild reindeer roam. Initially brought to Iceland for farming, the industry was abandoned, and the reindeer have roamed free since.

Djupivogur - After traveling through the beautiful East Fjords, arrive at Djúpivogur, a quaint coastal village celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere and artistic charm. It’s home to the unique outdoor sculpture Eggin í Gleðivík and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Hofn - Overnight stay in the town of Höfn í Hornafirði.

Höfn is a charming fishing town in southeast Iceland, known for its stunning views of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a gateway to glacier tours, hiking, and fresh local seafood, especially langoustines.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Iceland’s South Coast

Jokulsarlon - Depart Höfn to drive along Iceland’s southeast coast. The first stop is at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for an amphibian boat tour. The Lagoon formed around 60 years ago with a continuous process of calving and falling icebergs from the glacier tongue Breiðamerkurjökull. These icebergs appear in two shades: milky white and bright blue, an interplay of light and ice crystals.

Below the Lagoon, the sparkling shards and orbs of ice wash up on the shore of Breiðamerkursandur, earning it the name Diamond Beach in English.

Diamond Beach Jokulsarlon - Below the Lagoon, the sparkling shards and orbs of ice wash up on the shore of Breiðamerkursandur, earning it the name Diamond Beach in English.

Vatnajokull National Park - Continue through Vatnajökull National Park, passing Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak (2,119m), before traveling across the vast lava fields of Eldhraun and the black glacial plains of Mýrdalssandur.

Reynisfjara Beach - Pass by the village of Vík and visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its puffin colony, unusual geological formations, and powerful tidal waves. Exercise caution as the waves can be dangerous.

Dyrholaey - From Reynisfjara, view the impressive promontory Dyrhólaey, where the sea has carved an enormous hole through the rock.

Skogafoss - Stop at Skógafoss, a majestic waterfall on the Skógá River in Iceland, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and constant mist that creates vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Surrounded by lush greenery and steep cliffs, it stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic natural landmarks.

Seljalandsfoss - At Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, walk behind the waterfall but dress appropriately, as the water mist can make you wet.

The Golden Circle & Optional Blue Lagoon Experience

Gullfoss Waterfall - Tour the renowned Golden Circle, starting with a visit to the majestic Gullfoss, often called the “Golden Falls,” a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall in the canyon of the Hvítá River in Iceland. Renowned for its sheer power and beauty, Gullfoss plunges dramatically into a rugged gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors worldwide.

Geysir - Head to the Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir hot spring from which all other geysers take their name. Geysir is no longer active, but another hot spring, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.

Thingvellir National Park - Visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart, creating a rift valley. The ancient Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established at Þingvellir in 930. Now residing in Reykjavík, it is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world. Þingvellir is, consequently, a sacred place for Icelanders.

Reykjavik - Return to Reykjavík from Þingvellir for the final night.

• Amphibian Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• Visit to Glaumbær Folk Museum
• Breakfast at the hotels
• Small group tour in spacious vehicle with no restrictions on luggage allowance
• Accommodation with private bathroom for 4 nights
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby bus stop
• Expert guidance from a professional local guide

• Accommodation in Reykjavík
• Meals other than breakfast at the hotel

This is the classic tour, offering an exploration of Iceland’s famous landmarks that showcases the country’s rich history and geography.

Guided by experienced guides, participants will experience stunning natural wonders, such as waterfalls, Europe’s largest glacier, the enchanting glacier lagoon, a powerful geyser eruption, charming fishing villages, and the birdlife haven of Mývatn.

This extensive journey promises an engaging experience, providing insight into the diverse and breathtaking attractions that characterize Iceland’s remarkable landscape.

• No luggage limitation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.