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Reykjavík
This essential tour of the country will show you all the wonders Iceland has to offer. From the black beaches to the white glaciers, the freezing cold icebergs to the steaming hot geothermal areas… Between sea and mountain, desert and fjord, volcanoes and green pastures, lakes and rivers, you will discover the incredibly wide range of panoramas of this “one of a kind” island. A land so raw that the great Jules Verne imagined it was even possible to start a “journey to the center of the earth” in Iceland. From the Snæfellsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glacial volcanoes and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to the smokey lava of the Krafla volcano, the explosive geysers to the mighty waterfalls, you might not see the center of the earth, but you will experience some of the most diverse and incredible landscapes.
Trip possible from May to September
Regions visited during this trip to Iceland : Reykjavik & The Golden Circle | Highlands & The North | Snaefellsnes | South Coast | East
N.B.: This trip to Iceland is an individual tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our Iceland specialist advisors.
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Arrival at Keflavik international airport and rental car pick up. The first evening is spent at your leisure in the northernmost capital of the world. Option: If you have an early morning arrival, there is a possibility to go whale watching in Reykjavik, or visit the Blue Lagoon. (Not included)
Distance travelled: 50km – 1h
Staying overnight in Reykjavík.
Departure for the golden circle: Discover the oceanic rift at Thingvellir, the geyser Strokkur at Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall where the HvÍta river has created an impressive canyon. Approaching Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, drive south of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice-covered volcanoes and stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Further down the road, stroll along the black sandy beaches and cliffs of the south coast.
Distance travelled: 300 km approx. 5hrs
Staying overnight in Vík area.
4X4 option (in summer only): Take an extra day to discover the ever-changing landscapes of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the lava fields around the Hekla volcano, the picture-perfect and colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar and the impressive Eldgjá canyon. Bathe in a natural hot spring in Landmannalaugar
Head eastward until the Skaftafell National Park. Numerous hikes are possible in the park, one of which leads you to the Svartifoss waterfall and its beautiful basalt columns, over-looking gigantic glaciers and endless plains. Further east, discover Jökulsárlón’s glacial lagoon and its Greenland-like landscapes complete with icebergs.
Distance travelled: 280 km approx. 5hrs
Staying overnight in Hofn area.
4X4 alternative (in summer only): Take an extra day to discover Laki and its amazing lunar landscapes sculpted during the biggest eruption since Iceland was settled.
From one fjord to the next, discover the wild landscapes shaped by the glaciers of the last ice-age, the seals of Lónsvík, the swans of Álftafjördur (depending on the season), the rocks and minerals museum of Petra at Stödvarfjördur, and the charming harbor of Djúpivogur.
Distance travelled: 260 km approx. 5hrs
Overnight in Egilsstadir area.
After crossing the desert-like landscapes of the northeast highlands, discover the powerful Dettifoss waterfall and further away, the astonishing Ásbyrgi canyon. In Mývatn, home to some of the most surprising and interesting geological and geothermal manifestations in Iceland, a large variety of bird life and odd lava formations … Here, you have the opportunity to relax in an outdoor geothermal pool.
Distance travelled: 300 km approx. 5hrs
Staying overnight in the Mývatn region.
4X4 alternative (in summer only): Add an extra day or two to your trip and explore the regions of Snæfell, Kverkfjöll and Askja volcanoes. You’ll be in the heart of the volcanic highlands, north of Vatnajökull icecap.
Take your time to discover the surroundings of Lake Myvatn: Pseudocraters, explosion craters, recent lava flows and cauldrons of boiling mud. Continue driving west, stopping at the famous Godafoss falls before entering the city of Akureyri, the “capital of the north,” before finally arriving in the region of the Skagafjördur fjord. If time permits, visit the Glaumbær folk museum, situated on a renovated 19th century farm.
Distance travelled: 220 km approx. 4hrs
Staying overnight in the Skagafjördur region.
4X4 alternative (in summer only): Beyond the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall, explore the highlands north of the Hofsjökull glacier and bathe in the Laugafell natural hot spring.
Today you are off to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Along the way, there’s the possibility to make a detour to the coast of the Vatnsnes peninsula to observe the seal colonies and enjoy its peaceful shoreline.
Distance travelled: 280 km approx. 5hrs
Staying overnight in Stykkishólmur area.
Discover the wild coastline of this peninsula under the ever-present Snæfellsjökull volcano, the site that inspired Jules Verne for the beginning of his classic novel: Journey to the center of the earth. Coves and cliffs alternate along the shore and are the homes of Black-legged Kittiwake Gulls and of Arctic Terns. You can also choose to discover the reefs of Djupalonssandur or the lava flow at Budahraun. There’s also the rocky out crops with its colonies of seagulls and guillemots on the Arnarstapi and Hellnar cliffs.
Distance travelled: 200 km approx. 4hrs
Staying overnight in Borgarnes area.
4X4 option (in summer only): Drive up to the edge of Snæfellsjökull glacier and gaze over the sandy shores of Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Back to Reykjavik through the Reykholt valley where you will find the Deildartunguhver hot springs. Discover the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and head back to the capital by the impressive Hvalfjördur fjord. Drive back towards Reykjavik to relax and enjoy your last night in Iceland
Distance travelled: 200 km approx. 4hrs
Staying overnight in Reykjavik.
4X4 option (in summer only): Take the Kaldidalur road along the Langjökull glacier on your way to the Thingvellir National Park
Return your rental car at Keflavik airport and enjoy your flight home.
Distance travelled: 50 km approx. 1 hr
Option: If your departure is in the afternoon or the evening, there is a possibility to visit Reykjanes peninsula and the Blue Lagoon. (Not included)
Surfing the Artic waves
Of course it is possible, come surf the cold Arctic waves !
Discover one of the most surprising activities to do in Iceland!
This 8 hours excursion starts with a visit of the wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula before jumping onto your surfboard ! To surf the best waves in the best conditions, keep an ear out to the precious local advices, they always love to share their tips for this unique experience!
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Sleep in an ice cave
Do you long to experience the deep cold? Well put on your crampons and helmet, grab your ice pick and traverse a glacier to explore an ice cave that will also be your accommodation for the night.
The exact location is confidential, but we can tell you that it is located 25 km from the Skaftafell region.
Once you have arrived at the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s time to meet your equipment! Helmets, crampons and ice picks will make sure you are properly prepared! Enter the ice cave and be amazed by the many focal points as you discover the various shades of blue created by the varied density of the ice.
After a local Icelandic diner, set out your sleeping bag and enjoy your night under the glacier. What an adventure!
This activity is available from mid-December to mid-March.
Note: This activity is not recommended for families and seniors.
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Sleeping in a yurt in Iceland
Thinking of sleeping in a yurt in Iceland? Well, it may seem unbelievable, but yes it is possible!
Make your trip to Iceland unforgettable spending a night in a yurt!
Embark on a zodiac tour to be able to reach a small isolated island in the middle of a glacier river (south Iceland).
You will find several yurts there. It’s time to reconnect with the nature and enjoy every second of this experience : it all starts off by turning your phone off, taking the fishing nets out of the water and season the fresh salmon for tonight’s bbq.
After stargazing and perhaps get the chance to see northern lights, slip under your sheepskin cover in your yurt for a lovely night..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Watching the midnight sun beyond the Arctic Circle
Experience one of the most unique events in Iceland : the midnight sun.
Hop on a ferry in Akureyri, and sale to the island of Grimsey, straddling the Arctic Circle. During summer solstice, (approx. 20 – 22.st of June ) the sun remains constantly above the horizon for 24 hours.
Meet Atlantic puffins and more than 12 other different species before settling in your guesthouse to enjoy a local meal. Shortly after it will be time to find a perfect spot for the spectacular scene: enjoy the endless sun of Grímsey..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
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Blue Lagoon Day Tour
Spend a relaxing time in the Blue Lagoon
During your stay in Iceland you cannot miss a bath in this fountain of youth whose presence we owe to the island’s geothermal activity. Located about 50km from Reykjavik, you can spend a few relaxing hours there, or even the whole day! Open air baths in the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters and temperatures around 40°C (104°F) are an unforgettable experience.
Golden Circle Tour
A day to discover the “Golden Circle!”
This tour allows you to explore Iceland’s most iconic sites, only 100 km from Reykjavik, and to get your first look at the country’s untamed interior.
Meeting point: at your hotel at 8:30
Departure time: 09:00
Length of tour: 8 hours
Return: at 17:00 to your hotel