Iceland Complete
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Keflavik airport. Transfers to Reykjavik are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
Early this evening there will be an informational meeting at the hotel with your guide. You’ll learn more about the tour and meet other tour participants.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or 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 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.
Fosshótel Reykjavík
National Park with Geological Wonders – Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls
After breakfast, meet your guide in hotel lobby. After a quick tour of Reykjavik, head to Iceland's largest lake, Lake Thingvallavatn, and Thingvellir National Park. In the 10th century, the world's oldest still-running parliamentary government was set up at this UNESCO site. It is also where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet. You will be able to walk between two continents, which is a unique experience.
The next stop on your trip is Gullfoss, also known as the "Golden Waterfall." From different walking paths, you can get great photos of this beautiful double-tiered cascade. You'll also go to the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as many other hot springs and boiling mud pools.
During the day, you'll get a look at how people live in Iceland. Visit an Icelandic family farm where geothermal energy is used to grow tomatoes in an organic way. Visit the greenhouse and try a sweet Icelandic tomato from the farm.
The day ends in Hveragerdi, a nice town in an area with a lot of hot springs. The people who live there have found clever ways to use underground hot springs to heat their homes and grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables in greenhouses.
Breakfast / Dinner- Hótel Örk
205 km / 127 miles
Volcanic Valley – Waterfall Duo – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.
Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town.
*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.
Breakfast / Dinner- 295 km / 183 miles
- 295 km / 183 miles
Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier Glacier - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.
Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Dinner is on your own. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters).
- Breakfast
- Hótel Höfn
- 285 km / 177 miles
Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Local Microbrewery
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made.
The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Hótel Hallormsstaður
- 260 km / 162 miles
Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Wonderland
As we travel to Lake Myvatn, we drive through the Modrudalsoraefi plateau. It is a vast, empty, and hauntingly beautiful highland desert area. On our way, we pass by the historic Modrusalsoraefi at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland. Then, stop at Dettifoss, the biggest and strongest waterfall in Europe. We keep going until we reach the Namaskard Pass, with its boiling mud pools of beautiful colors. Being here feels like we're on another planet, or something out of a dream!
Walk along the fake craters at Skutustadir and look inside Grjotagja, a cave with hot springs below it. Check out the strange lava shapes at Dimmuborgir, resembling creatures from a fairy tale. It is believed that elves live here, so be kind when you visit. You'll see why the strange area of Myvatn has become so famous as a place to film movies.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Laxá Hotel
255 km / 158 miles
“Waterfall of the Gods” – Iceland’s Colorful Northern “Capital”
Breakfast at your hotel. Start your day’s adventure with visiting sites in the Myvatn area. Next, head to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. You will also learn how the waterfall got its interesting name.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. Though small in size, Akureyri has a lively cultural scene.
The rest of the day is open for you to explore Akureyri. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street here, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. Akureyri also has a nice variety of restaurants, so you’ll enjoy the chance to dine out tonight.
- Breakfast / Dinner
Berjaya Iceland Hotel Akureyri
85 km / 53 miles
Viking Horse Demonstration – Europe’s Largest Hot Spring – Picturesque Waterfalls
Drive through scenic valleys framed by dramatic mountains as you head into the Skagafjörður region. Icelanders consider the Skagafjörður area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.
Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjörður, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, were brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colours. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
- Breakfast / Dinner
- Hótel Hamar
- 415 km / 258 miles
Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.
One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.
During the day, your group will visit Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, where you’ll learn about “hakarl,” the cured shark meat specialty that Icelanders have enjoyed since Viking time. You can even try some for yourself (if you dare).
At the end of the afternoon, your motor coach heads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
- Breakfast
- Fosshotel Reyjkjavik
- 405 km / 252 miles
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. 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!
- Breakfast
Customer reviews
I would like to thank you for the well-organized trip to Iceland and give a few impressions on the tour.
We are so happy we did this tour . Had absolutely great time! During 8 days we covered a lot of essential Icelandic sights, National Park, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, enjoyed fantastic scenery and hot springs (Blue Lagoon being a highlight). Besides, we learned so much about Iceland, its history and geology and culture. I was awed by the sight of the glacier. It was the largest I've ever seen. The scenery was amazing! The meals everywhere where good standard, hotels simple but with good service and delicious local food.
Additionally, I have to say that all was very well organized. Our guide was very professional and with a good sense of humor. The 8 days spent in Iceland seemed like 2-3 days and we were sorry to fly back home. This was our first trip to Iceland but definitely not the last one. I hope Nordic Saga Tours will offer us again something as exciting as this tour .
Kerstin Bonn, Germany
Thank you so much for your help in arranging such an unforgettable experience. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and family.
Kind regards,
Jane and Salim G
We were impressed by your speed of work as we booked this tour last minute. All the information we received from you was beneficial.
The tour was well managed and very informative, and we enjoyed its all aspects. Blue Lagoon made quite an impression on us as well as other fantastic places we visited. We made tons of terrific photos to remind us of this unforgettable trip.
Best wishes
Denise
We have just returned from our 8 day trip to Iceland. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The landscapes in all the locations we traveled were amazing. We loved the walking trips, tasted bread baked in the thermal steam beds, enjoyed the remarkable beauty of the fjords and freshly caught seafood. Bathing in the Blue Lagoon was a fantastic experience. Our tour guide, Ina was highly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor which gave extra colors to our journey. The hotels and the food were very good. We have plenty of reasons to return to Iceland.
Regards
Elena Torsten
I want to thank Dora for her exceptional service.
Hotels were clean and comfortable although Hotel Drangshlio while clean was not quite up to the standards of the other hotels we visited.
