Highlights in the north range from Europe's most powerful waterfall Dettifoss to the magnificent Lake Myvatn. In the south there is the famous hotspring area of Geysir and the Queen of Iceland's waterfalls Gullfoss. We visit the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. There is approximately 2 hours of hiking per day. Good walking shoes and waterproof clothing are required. Accommodation is provided in moderate hotels with private facilities. The hotels used on this tour are often "summer hotels", used most of the year as boarding schools or country hotels which are simple and clean.
DAY 1: Arrive Iceland
Arrival to Keflavik airport and transfer to downtown Reykjavik. Day free to do optional city tour. One overnight in a variety of accommodation from budget guesthouses, moderate and superior hotels all the way to luxury properties. Please ask for transfer and accommodation rates at the time of booking.
DAY 2: Thingvellir-Geysir
Pick-up at your hotel between 0915-0945. The tour starts with a visit to the historic sites of the first Icelandic Parliament at Thingvellir National Park. Then we continue to Gullfoss which is known in Iceland as the “Golden Falls” spanned in sunshine by a beautiful rainbow. Nearby is the fascinating geothermal area of Geysir. The most active geyser is Strokkur, “the Churn”, which can spout up to seventy feet every five to seven minutes. From there we travel to Hella where we stay for two nights.
DAY 3: Landmannalaugar
A detour into the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, a jewel in the icelandic landscapes. The surrounding rhyolite mountains have the feel of another planet, ranging in colours from beige to red and from blue to black. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath in a pool of warm spring water.
DAY 4: Hella-Sprengisandur-Thingeyjarsysla
Today we drive north via the highland desert Sprengisandur with its views of the distant ice-caps Vatnajokull and Hofsjokull. We visit the majestic waterfalls Aldeyjarfoss and Godafoss. We stay up north for the next three nights.
DAY 5: Dettifoss-Tjornes
We visit the high sea cliffs of Tjornes peninsula, rich in bird life. Then to Hljodaklettar, a place with strange rock formations. We visit the canyon of Asbyrgi before arriving at Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss. We also visit the hot springs at Namaskard before we head for our accommodation.
DAY 6: Husavik Whale Watching-Lake Myvatn
Today we board our boat for a 3 hour Whale watching tour, weather permitting. Then a short drive to Lake Myvatn, a unique area that features strange lava formations, attractive bays, pseudo craters and thousands of birds. We stroll through the lava field of Dimmuborgir, ending with a walk up to the rim of the ash crater Hverfjall. We relax at the Nature Baths before heading to our accommodation.
DAY 7: Thingeyjarsysla-Akureyri-Reykjavik
Today we return south through Akureyri, the capital of the north. We travel over the Oxnadalur mountain pass and on through the ever changing countryside to Skagafjordur where we will have an introduction to the Icelandic horse. We also visit Glaumbaer folk museum before returning to Reykjavík.
DAY 8: Depart Iceland
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Keflavik airport for your onward flight.
Optional tours:
Reykjavik City Sightseeing
Relaxing Blue Lagoon (on day of arrival or departure combined with transfer)
