Around Iceland

200016-W20

Up and down and all around – this program is a chance for you to explore the highlights of Iceland at your own pace. Get your driving hat on, and charge up your camera; this tour is one of our favourite itineraries!

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Mystical volcano and Snaefellsjokull glacier on the Snaefellsness Peninsula
  • Take a dip at the Myvatn Nature Baths
  • Drive along the East Fjords and its many fishing villages
  • Explore the Vatnajokull and Skaftafell National Parks
  • Ancient Viking Parliament area of Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit the multi-tiered “Golden Falls” and the geothermal area of Geysir
Details

Tour Code:
200016-W20

Itinerary
Open All
Day 1: Arrive Iceland

Following arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, transfer by Flybus via the BSI terminal to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Travel the full circle around Iceland and prepare for an overdose of sensational scenery. As each day unfolds, you’ll be amazed at the variety of experiences that this beautiful island can offer. And, exploring at a leisurely pace, you’ll have time to enjoy it all. This two week holiday lets you survey the stunning coastlines, breathtaking natural wonders, places of historical or cultural interest and some simply stunning countryside.

Worried about finding your way around? Don’t be! We’ll give you the best possible driving directions, written by Icelanders (translated into English, of course!), in addition to a GPS in the rental vehicle and a mobile phone, yours to keep.

Day 2: Reykjavik – Snaefellsness Peninsula

Pick up your rental vehicle this morning and head north to Borgarfjordur and Hraunfossar and view a waterfall that emerges from under a lava flow to cascade into a glacial river. Visit nearby Reykholt and Iceland’s largest hot spring Deildartunguhver. Spend two nights in Stykkisholmur.

Day 3: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visiting the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap. In summer, take an optional cruise on Breidafjordur Bay and seek out some of the amazing bird colonies on the peninsula.

Day 4: Snaefellsness Peninsula – Akureyri

Head north to charming town of Akureyri on the shores of Eyjafjordur, for an overnight stay. There is a lovely Botanic Garden in the city, a charming church, several museums and art galleries. Take in the many shops and restaurants.

Day 5: Akureyri and Lake Myvatn area

Visit beautiful Godafoss and then head for Myvatn and explore its strange volcanic features. Perhaps take a dip in the beautiful Myvatn Nature Baths, visit the Cow Shed café or hike at otherworldly Dimmuborgir. Spend two nights in this interesting area.

Day 6: Akureyri and Husavik area

Drive to Asbyrgi Gorge, Jokulsa Canyon and Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Take an optional whale watching cruise at Husavik.

Day 7: East Fjords

Spend a leisurely day heading east crossing the highland desert and explore the beautiful east fjords. Spend the night in Egilsstadir or Seydisfjordur.

Day 8: East Fjords – Hofn

Perhaps head off to Mjoifjordur, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the stunning East Fjords, before continuing south through yet more striking scenery. Overnight in Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull. You can also take an optional 4X4 tour on the glacier and maybe add on a snowmobile ride.

Day 9: Skaftafell area

One eye-catching view follows another on the journey around the base of the icecap, Vatnajokull in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift this is Jokulsarlon. In summer, take a boat trip amongst the icebergs and head over to the beach and watch as they drift out to sea. Stay two nights near Skaftafell.

Day 10: Skaftafell area

Explore Skaftafell National Park – wonderful views, glaciers and waterfalls including the stunning Svartifoss with its impressive basalt columns.

Day 11: Selfoss area

Travel along the south coast past the cliffs of Dyrholaey, Skogarfoss and its Folk Museum. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Two nights in the Selfoss area.

Day 12: Golden Circle

Enjoy the three great attractions of the “Golden Circle” the geothermal area at Geysir, the two-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and historic Thingvellir, Iceland’s third national park.

Day 13: Golden Circle – Reykjavik

Return to Reykjavik today and drop off your rental vehicle. 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 14: Farewell to Iceland

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. Onward transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included
  • One-way airport transfer Keflavik to Reykjavik
  • 2 nights Reykjavik moderate accommodation with breakfast
  • 11 nights Countryside moderate accommodation with breakfast
  • 12 day Economy vehicle rental, manual transmission, unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes, two registered drivers, a GPS and a mobile phone
  • One way airport transfer Reykjavik to Keflavik via the Blue Lagoon including entrance fee and towel rental
Not Included
  • Airfare to/from Iceland
  • Meals not specified
  • Optional tours
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Park entrance fees, where applicable
Tour Notes

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Map