Your Iceland tour begins in the charming Arctic capital city of Reykjavík. The day is yours to explore as you wish, creating your itinerary from the myriad of streets and cafes that compose the city. Walk the famous streets of Laugavegur and Skólavorðustígur, browse local boutiques, tour museums, and visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. Start or end your day with a dip in Reykjavík’s thermal swimming pools.

Return to your included hotel in Reykjavik for a restful evening before tomorrow’s adventures.

Please contact us if you prefer to arrange a guided tour of Reykjavík today.

Please be ready at the specified pick-up location in Reykjavik at 8:00 a.m. The pick-up process will take up to 30 minutes, and there might be a short wait, depending on your location within Reykjavik. Today, it is primarily focused on exploring the renowned Golden Circle attractions.

The journey begins with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological and historical significance. It was here that the Icelanders established their historic Parliament, Alþingið, in 930 CE, making it one of the earliest democratic governments in the world. The Law Speaker had an awe-inspiring platform, with the mighty rift valley cliff as a backdrop. The Þingvellir area lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continue to drift apart, gradually widening the rift valley.

Next on the itinerary is the Geysir hot spring area, where you can witness the Strokkur hot spring erupting with impressive jets of hot water and steam every few minutes. You can also see bubbling fumaroles in this fascinating geothermal region. Geysir originates from the English word 'geyser,' which was adopted to describe this natural phenomenon.

The final attraction on the Golden Circle tour is the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Witness the enchanting golden-hued mist as the Hvítá (White River) cascades down from Langjökull (Long Glacier), roaring through the rugged canyon. Gullfoss is a two-stage waterfall with a drop of 32 meters.

As you go to your country hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, take some time to see two stunning waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss differs from other waterfalls because you can walk behind it and get a unique perspective. You should also stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, where you can take a quick walk and explore an impressive basalt-column cave. You can also see the Reynisdrangar peaks, located just off-shore and look like trolls, creating a unique atmosphere.

*from September through April, you have the opportunity to venture out with your guide to search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, provided the forecast is favorable.*

Travel through extraordinary landscapes to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Witness the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier, home to the feared Katla volcano and Eyjafjalljökull—a journey over the Eldhraun lava field to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis in black volcanic sand areas.

An experienced glacier guide leads you on a three-hour hike to explore Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Learn about this sensational blue/white ice world.

From October to April, explore Vatnajökull's crystal ice caves instead of hiking. Each winter, new ice caves form within the glacier. Walk through with your guide to see ice caps from a new angle!

Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, famous from movies. See the beautiful iceberg-filled lagoon and visit Diamond Beach. This beach shines with blue/white icebergs washed ashore by the tide. Feel like stepping into a magical ice realm.

Rest after your big day in the evening at a comfortable accommodation near Hofn.

*From September to April, guests can have the chance to venture out from the guesthouse at night to chase the captivating Northern Lights.*

The minimum age requirement for a Glacier Hike is eight years old.

Today, you're heading to Iceland's stunning East Fjords. Travel on narrow roads between mountains and ocean, passing the remote Hvalnes peninsula. Admire dramatic landscapes around Lón, Þvottárskriður landslides, and Álftafjarðar fjord.

Stop at Djúpivogur, a quaint fishing village known for its eco-friendly community. See Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay), an outdoor sculpture.

Next, visit the Wilderness Center to experience Iceland's natural heritage, folklore, and traditions. Explore the on-site museum and delve into the Icelandic people's rich history and survival in the land of fire and ice, from the Vikings to the rural farmers. After exploring the exhibits and taking in the beautiful surroundings, unwind and soak in the complimentary hot pots, soaking pools designed and built in the same manner as in the time of the Vikings, utilizing the geothermal power of the earth the center is situated on—a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.

Following the soothing baths, the journey resumes as you head to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, where you can find comfort and relaxation at your hotel for the night.

On this day, explore the northern part of the country. From Egilsstaðir, drive to Stuðlagil Canyon, renowned for its captivating basalt rock formations. The route takes you through the wilderness around Möðrudalur, historically the highest farm in Iceland and now the highest inhabited place and restaurant, at an elevation of 469 meters. A visit to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, is also on the itinerary, showcasing its truly impressive and voluminous flow.

The exploration then continues to the mystical landscapes surrounding Mývatn Lake. From there, venture into the surreal steaming lunar terrains of the Námaskarð geothermal area, where boiling hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and vibrantly colored bubbling mud pots create a wondrous sight. More natural marvels await at the Hverfjall crater and the fantastic Dimmuborgir formations, known as the Dark Castles.

The day's final stop is the vast and enchanting crescent-shaped Goðafoss waterfall before making your way to Eyjafjörður, a stunningly beautiful fjord adorned with towering mountains.

For accommodation, spend the night at a country hotel in Akureyri. You can also explore the charming fishing town in the north, and guides will assist you in finding Northern Lights viewing areas near the hotel from November to March.

Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to make a brief stop at Akureyri, known as the Capital of the North. The journey passes through the captivating landscapes along Eyjafjörður (the Island Fjord) en route to the charming fishing town of Dalvík.

The whale-watching boat excursion departs from the traditional working harbor. During the 3-hour trip, you can anticipate sightings of humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and occasionally the majestic blue whale appearing in the bay. If you are lucky, you might glimpse these magnificent creatures.

After the boat trip, head to Siglufjörður, a picturesque fishing village with a rich history. In the early 20th century, it was the center of a gold rush atmosphere when the remote community became the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic. Traveling around Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), witness some of Iceland's most breathtaking coastal scenery and ski areas. The charming small villages on this peninsula offer insight into the lifestyle of remote Icelandic communities. The drive proceeds through thriving agricultural regions before reaching Laugarbakki.

Stay at a small hotel in or near Laugarbakki for the night's accommodation.

On the final day of your trip around Iceland, explore the delights of West Iceland, a region esteemed by Lonely Planet as one of the best destinations in 2016. Your journey begins at Grábrók, a volcano crater surrounded by lava resembling the moon's surface. Led by your guide, take a brief hike to behold panoramic views of the area from the crater's summit. The day's itinerary includes a visit to Borgarfjörður, where you encounter Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and the astonishing Hraunfossar cascade, where innumerable rivulets emerge from the lava field, creating a remarkable spectacle. Additionally, discover Barnafoss waterfall, named after a tragic folklore tale.

The next destination is Reykholt, a historic and picturesque site known as the home of Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, lawyer, politician, poet, and author of several Icelandic Sagas. Have the opportunity to see Snorralaug, Snorri's pool, and even feel the water temperature, as it is believed to be where Snorri likely bathed. The journey back to Reykjavik will take you around the scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord). The estimated arrival time in the city is around 5 to 6 p.m., dropped off at a hotel in Reykjavik.

With an extra day in Reykjavík, you can have the opportunity to explore more of Iceland's captivating capital. Tick off the remaining items on your Reykjavík bucket list, with various options available. One possibility is to wander along the cycling and walking paths that meander along the coastline and throughout the city. The coastal views are breathtaking, especially in areas like Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær, easily accessible by Strætó buses or at Grasagarðurinn, the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens. You can also explore the historical site where Reykjavík women once did their laundry in hot spring pools. These gardens are conveniently located near Laugardalslaug, Iceland's largest swimming pool. Alternatively, you can continue shopping, relax in cafés or restaurants, visit additional museums or galleries, or even squeeze in one final adventure activity tour. The choice is entirely yours to make!

Depart on the flight of your choice today, or opt to extend your adventure. Let your trip planner know if a hotel night is needed tonight to extend your stay.