Iceland Circle

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, a colourful area filled with interesting geological sites and perfect for photo opportunities.  This route takes you along dramatic coastlines and towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi.   This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” 

If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Important:  Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Massive Waterfalls – Black Sand Beach

Today is full of photo opportunities with the chance to enjoy both the Golden Circle and the South Shore!  Visit Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a place of great geological and historical interest. Then take in the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot-spring area. Head along the rich farmlands of south coast, passing by famous volcanoes such as Eyjafjallajokull and Hekla.   Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, each with its own unique character. 

Overnight in the Vik area.

Thundering Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches – Vast Lava Fields- Volcanic GeoPark

Today you will be in the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark area, a wonderland of active volcanoes, black sand beaches, glittering glaciers and moss-covered lava flows.  This area is a treat to photograph, and you’ll enjoy the special chance to spend more time exploring these unusual landscapes.   Visit Dyrholaey* a rocky headland where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (puffins are in Iceland usually between mid-May and early August).  Feel the power of thundering waves on black sand beaches.  Discover the magnificent Fjadrargljufur, an oddly-shaped canyon formed during the Ice Age.    Kirkjubaejarklaustur village is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent.  Nearby natural sites connected to convent history include Systrastapi (Sisters’ Rock) and Systrafoss (Sisters’ Waterfalls).  

If you enjoy outdoor adventure, you might opt for snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier, ATV biking on black sand beaches or taking an adventurous SuperJeep off-road trip in the wilderness near Katla Volcano.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.

Overnight in the Vik area

Glacier-Ringed Oasis - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier

Today leave yourself plenty time to enjoy glacial vistas from all angles.  You will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. Visit the park´s Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajokull glacier. There are many excellent hiking trails here, including a trail that leads to the basalt-framed Svartifoss falls.  Skaftafell is also an excellent place to take a guided glacier hike.  Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon.  Today you might also opt to experience amazing photography opportunities of light and shadow, sea and black sand dunes at Vestrahorn, where a 454 meter (1489 foot) mountain overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. 

Overnight in the Hofn area.

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline – Intriguing Stone Collection

Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages,  a perfect setting for photography.    The East Fjords have some of Iceland’s geologically oldest landscapes and amazing views of fjord and sea.   Djupivogur, the gateway to the East Fjords, is ideal for hiking on the coast.  As you travel, you might option of taking a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (May – early August), or visiting  Petra's famous collection of local stones and minerals at Stodvarfjordur.    Faskrudsfjordur is a pretty town with an interesting historical connection to France and an ideal place to visit on your way to Egilsstadir, the region’s largest town.

Overnight in Egilsstadir area.

Highland Desert - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall - Glacier Carved Gorge - Whale Watching

Today you will get a taste of Iceland‘s highlands when you travel across Modrudalsoraefi. This vast area is renowned for stark, untouched beauty.  Visit Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall.  Travel through the wilderness beauty of northern Vatnajokull National Park, visiting the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi.   Drive around the ancient, fossil-rich Tjornes peninsula, where you can enjoy excellent views of the sea.  Visit Husavik, a colourful fishing village known for its excellent whale watching excursions, before heading to the renowned Myvatn Nature reserve. 

Overnight in Myvatn area.

Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal & Volcanic Activity - Rich Birdlife - Waterfall "Of the Gods"- The Capital of North Iceland

Explore the surreal, photogenic highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical Dimmuborgir volcanic formations, the Skutustadir pseudo craters, and the colourful sulphurous Namaskard slopes.  Drive to Godafoss waterfall en route to Akureyri, a charming town set in Eyjafjordur fjord.  Continue over the Oxnadalur pass to the historical Skagafjordir region, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history. You might visit the old turf-roof manor at Glaumbaer, a great example of Icelandic architecture from the last few centuries. Continue your journey through the farmlands and scenic coastline on the way to Saelingsdalur valley, an area rich in Viking Saga history and legends of elves.

Overnight in Laugar in Saelingsdal area.

Coastal Villages - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife - Volcanic Crater - Picturesque Fjord

Circle around the legendary Snaefellsjokull peninsula, home to Snaefellsjokull National Park. Visit Stykkisholmur, a town overlooking a bay filled with thousands of islands.  Here it is possible to take a boat tour in the bay.  Pass by small fishing villages and Kirkjufjall, Iceland‘s most photographed mountain Don't miss the striking columnar basalt rock formations teeming with birdlife at Arnarstapi.  Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur.  Crowning the peninsula is the mysterious Snaefellsjokull, a glacier capped volcano.  Pass by Eldborg, a crater where you can hike to the top.  Drive through the scenic Borgarfjordur region on your way to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on you arrival day.

**Please note that the package price is based on 8 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 9 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 8 day rental is up and use our FlyBus departure transfer.