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Iceland Ring Road and Greenland

Tour Itinerary

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You may explore Iceland’s capital city on your own if time allows.

 

  • Reykjavik
  • Shared or Private Transfer
  • Optional: If you arrive early in the morning, a good idea would is to visit Blue Lagoon on your way from the airport to the hotel. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa famous for its stunning blue waters, abundant with minerals like sulfur and silica. Located in a lava field between the airport and Reykjavik, it offers visitors a unique blend of relaxation and breathtaking natural beauty. The water ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), and is heated by geothermal energy. Rugged lava landscapes adorn the lagoon, strikingly contrasting the vibrant milky blue water. Due to a high demand this option has to be booked in advance.

In the morning, meet your driver guide, who will travel with you for six days and show you Iceland's most famous natural wonders and historical sites.

You will embark on a clockwise journey along the enchanting Ring Road that encircles Iceland. Today, our path leads us south and east, tracing the picturesque landscape as we drive towards Akureyri.

On our way we stop to learn about Thingvellir National Park, a place of prominent historical and geographical significance, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Iceland’s first parliament was founded here in 930AD, making it the oldest running parliament in the world. The landmark is also a georlogical wonder where two tectonic plates are drifting apart which can be proved by numerous cracks and rock fractions in the area. You will see the divide between two continents at this remarkable location.

Depending on the schedule, it is possible to take an easy hike through the greenish lava field to Grábrók volcano crater.

Further north, depending on the season, visit Glaumbær Farm and Museum, where you will see one of Iceland's most beautiful turf houses.

We will continue along a scenic fjordscape and over picturesque mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. 

  • Breakfast
  • Akureyri
  • 415km / 258m
  • Optional: Continue to Husafell, where you will join an exciting adventure, "Into the Glacier." The tour offers a glimpse into the raw nature of Langjokull Glacier, the second-largest in Iceland, the untouched beauty of its white slopes, and ice tunnels leading into the glacier's heart. Modified glacier vehicles allow us to explore the glacier environment and enjoy the view from the top of the ice cap.

In the morning, explore Akureyri, the second-largest city in Iceland and is often referred to as its northern capital. It is located in the picturesque  Eyjafjörður fjord, and is popular for its vibrant cultural life, charming architecture and diverse cuisine. Of special interest are the Akureyri Botanical Gardens and Akureyri Church with a  striking design and beautiful stained-glass windows.

In the afternoon, we drive to Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls. Goðafoss means the "Waterfall of the Gods." It is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) wide and 12 meters (39 feet) high. Falling water creates a mighty cascade as the Skjálfandafljót River flows over it. Various observation points offer amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Our next stop is Lake Mývatn, a geological wonderland of strange lava formations, pseudo craters, and rich birdlife.

Optional: In the evening, relax in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths, offering fantastic views of the area.

From September to mid-April, there is a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

  • Breakfast
  • Lake Myvatn Area
  • 120km / 75mi
  • Optional: Myvatn Nature Baths. Relax in the milky blue water and soak up the scenery surrounding the lagoon.
  • Breakfast
  • Eastfjords
  • 250km / 155mi

In the morning, explore the fascinating Dimmuborgir lava fields near Lake Myvatn. In Icelandic, Dimmuborgir means "dark cities" and refers to the eerie cosmic landscape formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Towering cliffs, rock formations, and lava pillars create an exciting labyrinth. Dimmuborgir is also an excellent spot for photographing the eerie atmosphere of Iceland's volcanic landscape. 

Námaskarð is yet another unique place that we will explore today. It is known for its geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits, making it a captivating site for all visitors.

We continue our drive east and stop for overnight in the Eastfjords.

Travel along the southern part of the Vatnajökull glacier and Europe's second-largest national park. You can see Iceland's highest mountains and Europe's largest glacier here.

In the afternoon, continue  along the south road while enjoying many natural wonders. Drive across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, and pass impressive mountainous cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers. 

We finally reach another Icelandic wonder: the South Coast and Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its black sand created from volcanic lava, massive basalt columns, and dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April.

 

  • Breakfast
  • Vik Area
  • 380km / 235mi

Today we continue to explore the classical Golden Circle and area around.

In the small village of Skógar, there is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, Skógafoss, which is 60 meters high. Nearby, a high and narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall plunges over the mountain. There is a trail behind the waterfall, so get ready to get wet.

In Friðheimar, you learn about the Icelandic horses and visit a geothermal greenhouse.  Then we watch the steam rising above the Geysir geothermal fields, which are dotted with many hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant. Instead, there is a potent Strokkur, “the Churn,” which erupts every  5-10 minutes. Next, we drive to the double waterfall Gullfoss, which translates as “the golden falls.” It tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and creates a spectacular water show.

Later in the day we return to Icelandic capital and take a Reakjavik sighseeing tour.

  • Breakfast
  • Reykjavik
  • 160 km / 100 miIn the
  • Optional: The Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering the Katla volcano is Iceland's fourth largest. This tour allows you to get to the top of a glacier. First, we take you up the mountain in a real glacier truck which takes about 1 hour each ways. Then, we get on snowmobiles and ride up the ice cap, where we can enjoy the scenery over south Iceland.

Today, we travel through the dramatic Eastfjords, tiny fishing villages, and natural landscapes as we proceed south toward Vatnajokull National Park.

In the afternoon, we reach Europe's largest Vatnajökull Glacier. We then stop at the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to photograph this extraordinary site, which features floating icebergs and seals swimming in the cold  Arctic waters.

Diamond Beach is located nearby and is famous for its black sand, which is made of volcanic lava,  and icebergs that wash ashore and resemble sparkling diamonds in the sun.

  • Breakfast
  • Hofn Area
  • 260km / 161mi
  • Optional: On a Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon boat tour, you can explore a larger lagoon area while sailing between huge icebergs. 

Early morning transfer to the airport to take an 8am non-stop flight to Ilulissat in Greenland.

As you fly over Greenland and descend into Ilulissat, breathtaking views will greet you. Upon your arrival in Ilulissat at 10:30 am local time, a comfortable shuttle bus will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.  

After you settle at the hotel,  meet your guide in the lobby for a 2-hour introductory Ilulissat City Walk. The guide will show you around the town and tell you about the history and traditions of Ilulissat and Greenland.

You will learn about Greenlandic culture and way of life 300 kilometers above the Arctic Circle. During your walk, you will stop in several places: the birthplace of famous explorer Knud Rasmussen, the old wooden Zion Church, and the fishermen in the harbor. 

Northern Lights Safari
When evenings are dark with no clouds, the breathtaking Northern Lights start their performance in the skies above Ilulissat. During this tour we will drive you away from the town and into the darkest areas outside the town where the darkness is most intense. Your guide will tell you everything about the nature of Aurora Borealis and share photography tips that will help you to take the best pictures. 

If the skies are not clear, the tour will be rescheduled to the next day when the weather is clear.  

  • Breakfast
  • Ilulissat

Iceberg sightseeing cruise is not to be missed on your Greenland tour.  During one year, more than 45 cubic kilometers of ice drift into the fjord, creating massive icebergs which can be over 100 meters high above the water surface and 100 meters wide in diameter.  The icebergs offer a breathtaking sight in any weather. Sunny skies bring out the shiny glitter, while clouds bring out blue shades, midnight sun creates a unique warm glow on the icebergs. The icebergs are a symbol of Greenland and sailing among them is an experience of a lifetime.

Whale sightseeing in Disko Bay is another fun activity for you to enjoy. The bay is famous for its icebergs, however, sometimes in summer, there are as many whales as icebergs. They make the bay their home,  sometimes close to people, other times in the ice fjord or up north at Arveprinsens Ejland. Disko Bay is home to a diverse range of whale species, with the humpback, minke, and fin whale being the most numerous. The humpback whale, in particular, is an unforgettable sight. Despite its massive weight of up to 30 tons and size of up to 18 meters , it is the best acrobat among the great whales. During breaching, it launches its whole body out of the water and strikes the surface with its tail and fins, is a thrilling spectacle. The bump on its back and its long white fins make it easy to recognize, adding to the fun of spotting one.
During the tour, we contact local fishermen in the bay by radio and get information about their location, which ensures excellent chances of seeing the whales!

In the evening, Northern Lights Hunt will be offered in case the wether was cloudy the day before.

  • Breakfast
  • Ilulissat

    On a boat tour, you can get relatively close to the glacier and observe the active calving. The blasts are enormous, and the sight of icebergs spilling into the water is a stunning experience. Sailing north along the coast from Ilulissat, we pass Bredebugt, the village Oqaatsut, and the extensive fjord system Paakitsoq, with many seals and whales. We then continue through Ataa Sound, surrounded by high, steep mountains, waterfalls, and birds.

    Upon arrival at Eqi Glacier, the ship spends a couple of hours at a suitable distance in full view of the glacier front so that you can observe the calving. The guide on board will talk about Eqip Sermia while you enjoy lunch amid magnificent surroundings, with plenty of opportunities to take photos. During this full-day adventure, you can immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy sailing in Greenland’s magnificent natural environment.

     

    • Breakfast / Lunch
    • Ilulissat

    After breakfast, check out and transfer to Ilulissat airport. Non-stop flight to Reykjavik. Upon landing in Reykjavik you will be transfered to the hotel for your last night in Iceland.

    • Breakfast
    • Reykjavik

    Transfer to the airport and departure.

    • Breakfast
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