Iceland Grand Discovery

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 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 the Hveragerdi area. 

World-Renowned National Park – Bubbling Geysers – Golden Waterfall

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament and a real gem natural scenery. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Overnight stay in the Fludir area.

Southern waterfalls-  Black sand beaches- Bird Cliff – Vast Lava Field

Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as Skogafoss waterfall, Myrdalsjokull glacier, the bird cliffs of Dyrholaey* and the black sand beaches of Vik. Continue across the vast Eldhraun lava field to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is known for its fabulous trout fishing.

Overnight stay in southeast Iceland.

Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Spectacular Canyon- Crater Area – Historic Eruption Site

Enjoy the day exploring this little-known area. We recommend a hike in magnificent Fjadrargljufur, one of the most spectacular canyons in Iceland. If you are traveling in June, July, or August a longer detour to the volcanic Laki craters (Lakagigar) is a great option. The drive, for which you'll need a rental car category 5.0 or higher, takes you to the site of a catastrophic eruption in 1783-84, and includes beautiful sights such as Laki, the largest of the craters, which is 818 metres (2684 feet) high and affords a breathtaking view over the craters.

Overnight stay in southeast Iceland

Glacier-Rimmed Green Oasis – Glacial Lagoon – Europe‘s Largest Glacier

Today you will be in the area of Vatnajokull National Park, a vast area named after Europe‘s largest glacier. You will have many amazing views of this glacier as you head along your route. Visit the park’s awe-inspiring Skaftafell area, a green oasis which is set between glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the harbour town of Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight stay in the Hofn area.

Spectacular Fjord Views – Charming Fishing Villages – Ancient Rocks – Wilderness Center

Drive through the spectacular East Fjords region, past towering mountains and through charming fishing villages, to the fertile Egilsstadir area. On the way, it is possible to take a boat tour to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest in the summer (mid May to early August), or visit Petra's famous local stone and mineral collection at Stodvarfjordur.

In the Egilsstadir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstadur forest and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly sea monster. Visit the new Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. Here you can discover Iceland’s early history and highland nature in an interactive way.

Overnight stay in Egilsstadir area.

Artistic Fjord Villages -  Elfin Folklore – Amazing views of fjords and sky

Explore the quaint village of Seydisfjordur, where multi-coloured wooden houses are sheltered by a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbling waterfalls.  Also, explore Borgarfjordur Eystri, steeped in the folklore of elves. This area has excellent hiking paths, in different length and difficulty. Both villages are known for their friendly locals and rich artistic communities.

Overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area.

Vast highlands – Northern Vatnajokull National Park – Echo Rocks – Whale Watching Capital

Travel across the vast Modrudalsoraefi highlands, which are renowned for their stark beauty, to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Explore the many wonders of northern Vatnajokull National Park, such as the strange formations of Hljodaklettar (Echo Rocks) and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon. Continue along Tjornes peninsula at the edge of the Arctic Circle to the fishing village of Husavik. This town is known as the capital of whale watching for its excellent sightings. Perhaps you will enjoy a whale watching tour on a beautifully-restored oaken boat.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area.

Volcanic Wonders- Dark Citadels – Colorful Thermal areas – Nature Baths

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as the surreal dark citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area. Get closer to the region with guided tours on bikes or horseback. After a fun day, you might relax in the peaceful Myvatn Nature baths, a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Overnight stay in Lake Myvatn area

Iceland‘s Capital of the North

Spend the day driving from Lake Myvatn to the majestic Godafoss waterfall and onwards to explore Akureyri, the capital of the north. Explore the second largest town in Iceland, perhaps visiting the famous thermal swimming pool, the many museums, and the landmark church.  Activities are plentiful in the area, including horseback riding, hiking on local trails, a guided art gallery walk, fishing and whale watching.

Overnight stay in Akureyri area.

Beautiful Fjord Coastline – Herring Boom Town – Infinity Pool – Saga and Horse Heritage

Drive to Siglufjordur along the Troll Peninsula, one of Iceland´s most beautiful coastlines, where you’ll get a unique view towards the North Atlantic. In the charming town of Siglufjordur enjoy discovering the history of the town at the award-winning Herring Era Museum.  This fabulous museum accounts the days in the early 20th century that transformed a small fishing village into a boom town which radically transformed Iceland’s economy.

Stop by Hofsos is which is home to the Grof church and a beautiful infinity pool which gives a unique optical illusion. Visit the Holar bishopric, one of Iceland’s foremost historical areas, where you can visit the picturesque 18th century Holar Cathedral which houses artefacts from Iceland’s Catholic era (15th & 16th centuries). Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and many sites from Icelandic Saga History, before driving to Hrutafjordur. A recommended stop along the way is Vatnsdalsholar, a cluster of hills found in Vatnsdalur valley. Vatnsdalur is an area renowned as the home of a famous female Viking chieftain. It is also the haunting setting for the famous historical novel by Hannah Kent, Burial Rites, which describes the last execution in Iceland in the 19th century. 

Overnight stay in Varmahlid/Laugarbakki area.

Icelandic Witchcraft Museum – Isolated Beauty- Spine of the West Fjords

Drive along the low hills of Hrutafjordur Fjord towards jagged mountains that rise straight from the sea in the area of Holmavik and Drangsnes. For centuries, this was one of the most isolated regions in Iceland. It is a region of remote and spectacular beauty. Here you can enjoy the peace and solitude that is rare in so many places. Strandir is literally the spine of the Westfjords, a place of spiky fjords and majestic crags. In ancient times, the inhabitants were reputed to have knowledge of magic. You can find out about these traditions at the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik town.

Overnight in the Holmavik area.

Capital of the Westfjords - Rich Birdlife – Island in Harmony with Nature

Make your away along the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, which boasts a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. This town has some of the oldest buildings in the country, many beautifully-restored. Enjoy a guided walking tour through back streets and history. Take a ferry to the island community of Vigor, where locals practice the sustainable tradition of eider duck farming. This is also the only place in Iceland with a traditional wind mill. If you enjoy activities, Isafjordur is well known for its sea kayaking in the glassy fjord waters.

Overnight in Isafjordur.

Friendly towns – traditional and modern fishing heritage

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighbouring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri.  Sudureyri offers a friendly and informative walking tour focused on the town’s eco-friendly fishing. Along the route you can sample gourmet and traditional fish delicacies. Discover older fishing traditions at the Osvor traditional fishing camp, a restored 19th century area where locals fished at sea using simple wooden rowboats.  In the evening, try the fresh seafood at one of the excellent local restaurants. 

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Multi-tiered waterfall – Europe‘s Westernmost point- Amazing bird cliff

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful West Fjords. A stop at the stunning Dynjandi waterfall is recommended. This waterfall is actually a collection of seven waterfalls layered on top of each other. Visit Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. Continue your journey to the south of the Westfjords where one of Iceland’s first settlers homesteaded during the Viking age. 

Overnight in the southern part of the Westfjords.

Ferry Ride across a Bay of a Thousand Islands

Sail with the ferry Baldur across beautiful Breidafjordur Bay, with its countless islands and rich birdlife.(Please note the ferry cost is not included in the package price.) You’ll pass by the island of Flatey and its timber buildings on the way to the charming village of Stykkisholmur for an overnight stay. You might recognize the town from movies such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Pawn Sacrifice. The Museum of Water – featured in author Rebecca Solnit’s memoir The Faraway Nearby- is a popular place for visitors with its unique architecture.

Overnight in Stykkisholmur.

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages Hellissandur and Grundarfjordur. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi, as well as the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. Explore the history-rich Borgarfjordur area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring area.  Delve into Icelandic Saga folklore with a visit to Reykholt, the home of Medieval chieftain, poet and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. 

Overnight in Borgarfjordur

Glacial Beauty - Viking Saga Hero - Highest Waterfall in Iceland

A unique experience in the Borgarfjordur area is the chance to go into the very heart of a glacier with an Into the Glacier experience. Tours depart from Husafell village. Take a ride in a monster-sized vehicle up the sides of Langjokull Glacier and into a glacial ice tunnel.  Here you can learn about glaciers and how they formed in a setting with a great focus on environmental conservation and education. Borgarfjordur town is located near the homestead of a famous Viking saga hero, Egill Skallagrimsson. You can learn more about him and the first Viking settlers in Iceland at the Settlement Museum in the town of Borgarnes. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord, a scenic fjord where you might stop to visit Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland.  Then continue 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 your arrival day. *

**Please note that the package price is based on 18x24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 19 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 18 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer.