Iceland Landscapes

Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International airport and explore Reykjanes peninsula or head to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak (the Blue Lagoon must be reserved in advance; we are happy to help you with booking an entrance time).  Recently recognized by UNESCO as an internationally significant Geopark, Reykjanes Peninsula has over 50 interesting geological features that you can explore.  Those who enjoy history might want to visit the Viking World exhibit, which includes the famous Islendingur Viking longboat replica that sailed between Iceland and North America in the year 2000.

Overnight in Grindavik.

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore

Breakfast at your hotel.  Today's highlights include the geologically and historically significant Thingvellir National Park, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, and the completely unique Geysir hot spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vik, and Myrdalsjokull glacier.

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

Overnight in the Vik area.

Lava Fields - Europe's Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier

Breakfast at your hotel.  Drive through the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the site of a medieval convent. Explore Skaftafell, a green oasis nestled below the great Vatnajokull glacier. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajokull National Park, the largest of its type in Western Europe. Continue across black sand plains created by glacial activity, Stop at the amazing Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, a filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters. Then head onwards to the charming harbour town, Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in the Hornafjordur area.

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

Breakfast at your hotel.  Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages. On the way you have the 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 in Stodvarfjordur.

Overnight in East Iceland.

Highland Desert - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall – Magnificent Canyon - Whale Watching Town

Breakfast at your hotel.  Travel across the Modrudalsoraefi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards the north-eastern gateway of Vatnajokull National Park.  In the park you will see Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. You‘ll also visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi. Drive onwards from the park to Tjornes peninsula and the friendly fishing port of Husavik.  This town is known as Iceland‘s whale-watching capital, and you might opt to take a whale watching tour in a beautiful oak boat.

Overnight in Northeast Iceland.

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

Breakfast at your hotel.  Explore the highlights of the Lake Myvatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colourful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard, and the Krafla volcanic area. Drive to Godafoss waterfall en route to Akureyri, the charming “capital “of northern Iceland.  Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur renowned for horse breeding and Viking Saga history. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbaer a great example of old Icelandic turf manor architecture.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland

Viking Fortress – Basalt stack - Scenic Fjord

Breakfast at your hotel.  Continue to the bay of Hunafloi and explore Iceland‘s north-west.  Some interesting sites include Borgarvirki, a columnar basalt fortress used in Viking-age battles, and the remarkably-shaped Hvitserkur crag jutting straight out from the sea near Vatsnes Peninsula. On your way back to Reykjavik, cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau into the Borgarfjordur area.  Here you can see the unique lava falls, Hraunfossar.  Return to Reykjavik in the evening.

If you have a 4WD vehicle, another option is to travel across the barren Kjolur highland road (unpaved mountain track open from mid-June through August), passing through the geothermal wilderness oasis at Hveravellir before entering into South Iceland and driving to Reykjavik.

Breakfast at your hotel.  Drive back to Keflavik International Airport we recommend departing your hotel no later than three hours before your flight departs.