The scenery of the south is simply stunning no
matter what the season. You’ll see some of
the island’s best-known waterfalls, historic
Thingvellir, geysers and hot springs, mighty
glaciers and icecaps. You’ll also have the
opportunity to explore further afield and
gain a true sense of what Iceland has to
offer.First-time visitors to Iceland are
always keen to see the ‘Golden Circle’
region which encompasses three of the
island’s best-known natural features –
Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. However,
on this week-long itinerary you’ll also get
to see two more of the breathtaking
waterfalls this country is famed for –
Seljalandsfoss and the mighty Skogafoss.
Travel further east for a visit to
Skaftafell National Park – a short hike
to Svartifoss is recommended, the waterfall
backed by basalt columns, then onwards to
the awesome glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon.
Here you can sail to the edge of the glacier
front (summer), amongst an iceberg studded
lake. At Vik, take a walk along the black
sand beach and view the distinctive and
much-photographed coastline.
Day 1: Following arrival at
Keflavik Airport in Iceland, pick up your
car rental and drive to the Selfoss area for
a two night stay.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring
Thingvellir National Park (Almannagja, Hofdi),
Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered
Gullfoss.
Day 3: Travel along the south
coast past impressive waterfalls,
Myrdalsjokull icecap and the moss clad
Eldhraun lava field and head to
Kirkjubaejarklaustur. However, an
adventurous alternative route for 4WD high
clearance vehicles can be taken north of the
icecap (July to September). Overnight in the
Kirkjubaejarklauster area.
Day 4: Spend the day hiking in the
Skaftafell national park or explore further
east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at
Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across
onto the beach, to hopefully catch sight of
icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea.
Overnight in the Skaftafell area.
Day 5: On the drive west, back
along the south coast, stop off at the
stunning cliffs and beaches of Vik where the
summer wildflowers are wonderful. Continue
west by Myrdalsjokull Glacier, past two
major waterfalls (Skogafoss and
Seljalandsfoss) and visit Njal’s Saga
country at Hvolsvollur en route to
Reykjavik. Return your car this evening and
check in to your hotel in the city centre
for two nights.
If you have a 4WD high clearance vehicle,
take an optional detour to beautiful
Thorsmork and see a glacial lagoon and other
impressive scenery.
Day 6: The day is free to explore
Iceland’s fascinating capital city,
Reykjavik. Shop famous Laugavegur Street and
visit several of the museums and art
galleries. Visit Hallgrimskirkja church that
towers over the city. Take a great photo of
the city from the top of the church tower or
from the observation deck at the Perlan!
Enjoy dinner at one of the many incredible
restaurants and take in the pure energy of
Reykjavik nightlife.
Day 7: Check out of your
accommodation and join the transfer to the
Blue Lagoon and Keflavik Airport. Soak in
the geothermal mineral waters of the famous
Blue Lagoon, a perfect solution for what to
do on your last day in Reykjavik and a great
way to go home feeling relaxed and
revitalized. Onwards transfer to the airport
for your flight home.
