Wilderness Highlands & Highlights

Arrival at Keflavik airport. We would be glad to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time. When you arrive in Iceland, you might enjoy stopping at the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport to Reykjavik. Again, we’ll be happy to arrange a transfer for you and entrance to the Blue Lagoon.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers many restaurants and coffee houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00 p.m.), and early check-in is not guaranteed. However, most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you cannot check in early. 

Overnight in Reykjavik.

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel. The first stop on our tour is the national park known as Thingvellir, which was home to the world's first parliament. The tremendous continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates also occurs here. Your tour guide will share fascinating information about memorable historical occurrences at Thingvellir.

Drive about an hour to the well-known Geysir geothermal area. There are several more boiling pools and hot springs in addition to Strokkur, the most active geyser, which shoots water several meters into the air every few minutes.

Continue to Gullfoss (known as "Golden Falls"), Iceland's stunning two-stage waterfall. You may enjoy fantastic views of the waterfall from various angles thanks to the easily accessible walkways.

Overnight stay in the Hella area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day by traveling down the highway and stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two magnificent waterfalls.

To experience the expansive vistas from Dyrholaey Headland, where hundreds of puffins and other marine birds nest, walk to the black sand beaches (puffins seen between May and mid-August).

Before passing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains produced by flowing water from neighboring glaciers, take time to see the charming settlement of Vik.

After traversing the enormous Eldhraun lava field, the most significant single lava flows documented in the previous 10,000 years, your day ends at the hotel.a

Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today we explore the Vatnajokull National Park area, the biggest national park in Western Europe.The day begins with a journey through the picturesque countryside toward Vatnajokull, Europe's biggest glacier. The tallest peak in the nation, Hvannadalshnjukur, will also be visible to you.

The Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon lagoons, where enormous icebergs dance around in frigid seawater, will undoubtedly be the day's highlight. Take a Zodiac cruise among the icebergs of Fjallsarlon Lagoon to witness this breathtaking spectacle up close.

You will also see the famous Diamond Beach region, where glistening ice fragments lie on a black sand beach. Then, continue traveling while passing by several Vatnajokull outflow glaciers. Along the way, you'll see stunning views of Skaftafell, a paradise in Vatnajokull National Park with a glacier-topped peak.

Overnight Kirkjubaejarklaustur area (breakfast, dinner)

It's time to leave the asphalt and travel down the picturesque, arduous Fjallabaksleid interior track to Landmannalaugar, a breathtaking location encircled by colorful rhyolite mountains. Deep valleys and sculpted mountains may be seen in the interior's surreal grandeur, many of which were created by volcanic eruptions beneath glaciers during the Ice Age.

Enjoy a soothing soak in the warm brook formed by the convergence of hot and cold springs after a pleasant stroll around the nature reserve (optional). An actual Icelandic experience!

Because you're traveling on highland wilderness paths today, some of the roads will be rough, but that's all part of the fun! There will be some stunning views today!

Overnight in the Thjorsardalur Valley area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, wilderness adventure awaits! It's time to travel across the center of Iceland to the north. Along the Sprengisandur highland route's black sands, uncover the unexplored secrets of Iceland's desert interior. You will rely on your skilled driver to guide you through the treacherous journey between the glaciers because there are only unpaved roads and unbridged glacial rivers. An authentic flavor of Iceland's wild side can be found here. You'll learn more about the mythology and ghost stories associated with this route. One of the most well-known folk tunes in the nation was even inspired by it! 

Your group will travel the Kjolur highland route if Sprengisandur is closed due to poor road conditions. Because you're traveling on highland wilderness paths today, some of the roads will be rough, but that's all part of the fun! There will be some stunning views today!

Overnight stay in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you will explore Lake Myvatn and the northern region of Vatnajokull National Park. First, we visit the breathtaking Lake Myvatn region, a geological marvel and a birdwatcher's heaven.

Continue to the vibrant Hverarond boiling mud pits and the Krafla volcano's still-warm lava fields, which are rife with lava flows, fissures, and explosion craters. These are two of the area's most peculiar sights.

The trip continues to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, situated in the breathtaking Jokulsargljufur canyon. Discover the imposing 100-meter (328-foot) high cliffs of the Asbyrgi Canyon, fashioned like horseshoes. The canyon is said to be the footprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged magical horse of the Norse god Odinn. The northernmost point of your voyage is the Tjornes peninsula.

Drive to Husavik in the late afternoon if you want to take advantage of the optional geothermal saltwater baths at the GeoSea spa.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll be going to the Askja caldera, a submerged crater in the Odadahraun desert region of Vatnajokull National Park. Due to its remoteess and unearthly landscape, Askja was a training site for astronauts who embarked on moon missions in the 1960s and 1970s .

The stunning Herdubreid, Iceland's Queen of Mountains, with her magnificent table-shaped peak, will be visible throughout your path. See the sizable Askja caldera, created by a volcanic explosion during the last Ice Age. You'll also go to Lake Askja, surrounded by mountains and was created by a strong volcanic eruption in the 19th century. The same eruption also produced Viti, also known as "the doorway to Hell," an impressive crater. It is a remarkable sensation to stand at the crater's edge and observe its enormous size and the gorgeous turquoise water. You will also head to Drekagil during the day, known for its bizarrely shaped lava formations.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today we take the Arctic Coast Way, Iceland's first scenic byway. In contrast to the raw beauty of the highlands you have been enjoying the past several days, the route takes you along the lovely coastline and through peaceful communities.

One of the most stunning waterfalls in the nation, Godafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), is a great place to start your adventure.

Next, we will stop in Akureyri, the thriving "Capital of the North," and enjoy some free time to stroll around this vibrant and inviting city. A visit to the lovely botanical park and dining in the Listagil artists' quarter are just a few possible activities.

We continue to the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi), where the rocky terrain resembles frozen trolls. Be prepared with your camera for the spectacular sights where the vast Arctic Ocean meets rocky terrain. Additionally, you'll savor the views of the little, vibrant fishing towns nestled within the breathtaking scenery. One of these communities is Siglufjordur, the scene of a fascinating herring "gold rush" in the 20th century. The community is renowned for its outdoor activities, including summer hiking and winter skiing.

We drive further to the historic center of Icelandic horse breeding, Skagafjordur. Many historic locations from the well-known Viking-age Sagas can be found in this fjord.

Overnight in Laugarbakki (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel. The Arctic Coast Way emphasizes the fascinating and untamed treasures that border the Arctic Circle. One of them is the off-the-beaten-path Vatnsnes Peninsula. Here, the water and the sky appear to merge, and the views in the distance are breathtaking. The remarkable rock formation is known as Hvitserkur, 49-foot (15-meter) high cliff that protrudes directly into the ocean, and local seals rest on the beach.

The Viking Age residence at the Eric, the Red Museum, can be reached by driving over rolling fields and across Laxardalsheidi heath in the afternoon. This was Eric the Red's original homestead and the spot where his son Leifur Eiriksson was born. These two men are the most famous Vikings in history. Meet contemporary Vikings who will demonstrate crafts and pastimes from 1.000 years ago in a recreated grass-roofed home.

Overnight stay in the Snaefellsnes area (breakfast, diner)

Breakfast at your hotel. You will spend the day discovering the astounding variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The Snaefellsjokull glacier, located on top of a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD, is the park's jewel.

You'll also view Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most famous mountains. Take a stroll around the Djupalonssandur beach's distinctive pebbled seascape. Arnarstapi is a charming port village where you will see stunning basalt rocks stacked in unique forms and walk along the impressive hiking track connecting the two ancient settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

We return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. At your accommodation, say goodbye to your guide.

Overnight in Reykjavik (breakfast)

Breakfast at your hotel. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers. We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight.

We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!