Iceland Explorer
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Reykjavik to the serene fjords of the north, the geothermal wonders of Myvatn, and the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, you'll witness the power of Europe's most potent waterfall, explore ancient Viking settlements, and marvel at the beauty of Iceland's largest ice cap. With a blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and historical intrigue, this tour promises an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Included
Breakfasts are mainly continental style, lunches will be taken in cafes or restaurants, or even service station cafes depending on our location. The main meal of the day is usually local fish or lamb specialities, plus European standards such as pasta and chicken. Vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for, but may get a little less variety in the meals provided. It is still common practice for restaurants receiving big groups to offer a restricted menu. Our leader will do their best to ensure as much choice as possible.
Please advise us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
We use a comfortable van or bus, ruggedly built to Icelandic standards and able to cope with most types of terrain, including fording glacial rivers. Airport transfers are on the FlyBus service.
This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses. Hotels are generally of a three-star standard and selected for their location and good levels of service. Guesthouses are often family-run, offering a warm welcome and traditional Icelandic hospitality. All properties offer en suite rooms and a buffet breakfast.
Reykjavik: Hótel Klettur
Hvolsvöllur: Hótel Fljótshlið or Hótel Drangshlíð
Höfn: Guesthouse Gerði
Egilsstaðir: Hótel Valaskjálf or Hótel Hallormsstaður
Myvatn: Sel Hótel or Hótel Laxá
Akureyri: Hótel Norðurland or Hótel KEA Akureyri
Laugarbakki: Hótel Laugarbakki
Snæfellsbær: Langaholt Guesthouse or Kast Guesthouse
The accommodation on this trip consists of twin rooms, although single rooms are also available. While we prebook all accommodation according to the itinerary, as space is limited, we may move to alternative accommodation according to availability. A limited number of single rooms are available, at a supplement on a first come, first served basis. Please contact your sales representative for details.
This is a small-group guided holiday. The group is usually between six and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.
Volcanoes, waterfalls and geysers
Fishing villages and puffins
24hr daylight in summer, chance for Northern Lights in winter
Destinations
Stykkishólmsbær
Reykjavik
AkureyriMap
Attractions
Bárður Saga Snæfellsás Statue
Eyjafjallajökull Info Point
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Hverfell
Thingvellir National Park
Reykjavík's City Hall
Jökulsárlón
Kirkjufell
Skútustaðagígar
Goðafoss
Eiríksstaðir - Viking Longhouse
Strokkur
Lóndrangar
Kvernufoss
Hallgrímskirkja
Búðakirkja
Grjótagjá
Reynisdrangar
Dyrhólaey lighthouse
Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint
Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access
Gullfoss
Garður Old Lighthouse
SeyðisfjarðarkirkjaDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
- More
- Reykjavík's City Hall
- Hallgrímskirkja
- Garður Old Lighthouse
- More
Begin your Icelandic adventure in Reykjavik, the world's most northerly city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon. In the city, explore the modern architecture of the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrímskirkja Church. In the evening, gather at the hotel for a welcome briefing, followed by a group dinner. Overnight at Hótel Klettur (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Reykjavik - Thingvellir - Gullfoss
- Reykjavik
- More
- Thingvellir National Park
- Strokkur
- Gullfoss
- More
Today, we journey inland to Thingvellir, home to the world's first democratic parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness the continental drift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and explore the area's waterfalls and fissures. We then visit the famous Strokkur geyser and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. Overnight at Hótel Fljótshlíð or Hótel Drangshlíð (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Gullfoss - Eyjafjallajökull - Skógafoss - Vik - Vatnajökull
- Vik
- More
- Eyjafjallajökull Info Point
- Skógafoss
- Jökulsárlón
- Kvernufoss
- Reynisdrangar
- Dyrhólaey lighthouse
- More
Today, we head east to the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Ice Cap. We visit the stunning waterfalls of Skógafoss and Kvernufoss, before reaching the green valley of Myrdalur and the southernmost point in Iceland, Dyrhólaey. We continue to Vik to see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, then cross the Mýrdalssandur and Skeiðarársandur flood plains to Vatnajökull National Park and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Overnight at Guesthouse Gerði (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Vatnajökull - Egilsstadir
Day 4: Vatnajökull - Egilsstadir
- Seyðisfjarðarkirkja
- More
Today is a day of scenic driving as we travel through fjord country. This stunning mountain region has been sculpted by glaciers and volcanic activity. We pass through a few farms in each fjord and witness the rich birdlife. We continue to the town of Egilsstadir. Overnight at Hótel Valaskjálf or Hótel Hallormsstaður (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Egilsstadir - Jokuldalur - Möðrudalur - Myvatn
Day 5: Egilsstadir - Jokuldalur - Möðrudalur - Myvatn
- Skútustaðagígar
- Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint
- Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access
- More
Today, we head inland and west, passing through the starkly contrasting desert scenery of the northeast highlands. We visit the beautiful Studlagil Canyon and the highest inhabited farm in Iceland, Möðrudalur. We then drive to the enormous Dettifoss waterfall and the Námafjall geothermal area before reaching Lake Myvatn. Overnight at Sel Hótel or Hótel Laxá (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Myvatn - Akureyri
- Akureyri
- More
- Hverfell
- Goðafoss
- Grjótagjá
- More
We spend the morning around Lake Myvatn, exploring the lava towers of Dimmuborgir and the huge circular crater of Mount Hverfjall. We also visit the hot-spring cave of Grjótagjá before heading to the Godafoss waterfall en route to Akureyri. The afternoon is free for you to explore Akureyri, the biggest town outside the capital. Overnight at Hótel Norðurland or Hótel KEA Akureyri (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Akureyri - Hofsos - Víðidalur
- Akureyri
- More
We leave Akureyri and drive around the Troll Peninsula via traditional fishing villages. We stop at the magnificent outdoor swimming pool at the village of Hofsos, with time for an optional quick dip. We then arrive in the Víðidalur valley and make a short stop at beautiful waterfalls in Kolugljúfur canyon. Overnight at Hótel Laugarbakki (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Víðidalur - Stykkishólmur - Snæfellsnes
- Stykkishólmsbær
- More
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Eiríksstaðir - Viking Longhouse
- More
Today, we drive west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, we visit a reconstructed Viking house at Eiríksstaðir, once home to Erik the Red and his son Leif Erikson. We then head to the village of Stykkishólmur and pass through fishing villages on the peninsula to one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Kirkjufell. Overnight at Langaholt Guesthouse or Kast Guesthouse (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Snæfellsnes - Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
- More
- Bárður Saga Snæfellsás Statue
- Snæfellsjökull National Park
- Vatnshellir Cave
- Búðakirkja
- More
We explore the exposed coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, recently designated a national park. We visit the old church at Budir, the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi, the rocks of Djúpalónssandur, and old shipwrecks in black basaltic sand. We learn about the old cod-fishing methods, while the Snæfellsjökull volcano towers above us. Finally, we return to our hotel in Reykjavik. Overnight at Hótel Klettur (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Departure from Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
- More
Our trip ends in Reykjavik after breakfast. You can catch a Flybus transfer to the airport to catch your return flight. Alternatively, if you'd like a bit longer to explore this invigorating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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