Iceland Group Overland Tour
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Iceland. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the country's diverse natural beauty, from the vibrant capital city of Reykjavík to the remote Westfjords. Explore the majestic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, marvel at the Látrabjarg Sea Cliffs, and witness the power of Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Discover the charm of small fishing villages, the thrill of whale watching in Húsavík, and the awe-inspiring sight of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Experience the geothermal wonders of Geysir and the historic significance of Þingvellir National Park. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, designed to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Iceland's unique beauty.
Included
Services of your tour leader and driver
Transportation in custom built overland truck
Diesel, mechanics, repairs and any other costs relating to the vehicles
Use of our own group cook tent, seating and cooking equipment
15 breakfasts & 15 evening meals
All accommodation costs (100% camping)
National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle
Local transportation costs (if required)
1 driver/guide is supplied and one cook is supplied on this tour.
Eating well is a very important factor on our tours and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being so we always strive to prepare healthy, wholesome and plentiful meals.
15 breakfasts and 15 evening meals are provided during this tour and will be prepared from our own kitchen on the truck. For lunch we usually stop at a supermarket or a restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare too. Lunch is at your own expense.
When it comes to shopping and cooking we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will shop for and prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once a week (depending on numbers).
Fresh food is generally available daily so we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do also cater for vegetarians but we cannot cater for fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater for individual likes and dislikes.
Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.
All our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group's food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.
vegetarian, meat
We will be travelling in a custom-built Madventure overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 26 people.
Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.
Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.
Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.
There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.
We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.
Our vehicles are also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large cook tent to keep us dry on those rainy days.
Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the campsites we stay at.
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.
You will spend 100% of your time on this tour in your tent camping.
We use designated campsites with amenities every night on this tour so you will have shower facilities and ablutions available daily.
From past experience we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule try and choose a good quality, lightweight, compact, waterproof & windproof tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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- Reykjavík Escape
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Welcome to Iceland! Our adventure begins at the Reykjavík Campsite, where we'll have a pre-departure meeting at 18:00. Arrive early to explore Reykjavík, a city brimming with vibrant culture, historic buildings, and lively pubs. After the meeting, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at the campsite, providing a great opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. We'll spend our first night camping under the Icelandic sky.
Day 2 – Day 2: Reykjavík to Stykkishólmur via Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Stykkishólmsbær
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- Ólafsvíkurkirkja
- Bjarnarfoss
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
- Súgandisey Island Lighthouse
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We depart Reykjavík early in the morning and head north to the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, dominated by the colossal Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Our journey takes us to the fascinating sights at Arnarstapi, the small fishing port of Ólafsvík for lunch, and the dramatic Kirkjufell Mountain. We'll also explore the otherworldly lava fields at Berserkjahraun and learn about Greenland Sharks at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. Our day ends in the charming town of Stykkishólmur, where we'll camp for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Stykkishólmur to Breiðavík via Westfjords
- Stykkishólmsbær
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Today, we journey along the dramatic coastal scenery to reach the remote Westfjords and the Látrabjarg Sea Cliffs, Europe's most westerly point. Home to millions of sea-birds, including the iconic Atlantic Puffins, this is a birdwatcher's paradise. We'll camp near the puffin nesting cliffs, close to the serene Breiðavík beach, where the brave can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4 – Day 4: Breiðavík to Ísafjörður via Westfjords
- Ísafjörður
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Our day begins with a visit to the famous Gardar BA64 shipwreck, Iceland's oldest steel ship. We then spend the rest of the day exploring the remote and beautiful Westfjords, a region off the beaten track and home to picturesque fishing villages. We'll also visit Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. Our day ends at a campsite near Ísafjörður, the charming capital of the Westfjords.
Day 5 – Day 5: Ísafjörður to Húnavellir via Westfjords Coastline
- Hólmavík
- Ísafjörður
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Today, we continue our journey around the dramatic Westfjords coastline, stopping for lunch in Hólmavík, a small village famous for its Witchcraft Museum. We end the day camping in the grounds of a country hotel in Húnavellir, near Blönduós, where you can unwind with a dip in a thermal pool.
Day 6 – Day 6: Húnavellir to Akureyri via Tröllaskagi Peninsula
- Akureyri
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- Akureyri Museum
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We start the day by travelling around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, one of Iceland's most picturesque drives, offering dramatic coastal and mountain scenery. By lunchtime, we arrive in Akureyri, Iceland's 'capital of the north'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's museums and gardens, or relax in the old town with locally brewed craft beer and some of Iceland's best cuisine. We'll camp close to Akureyri for the night.
Day 7 – Day 7: Akureyri to Reykjahlíð via Lake Mývatn
- Akureyri
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- Mývatn
- Hverfell
- Skútustaðagígar
- Goðafoss
- Grjótagjá
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Just outside of Akureyri, we'll spend an hour at the impressive Goðafoss waterfall before continuing to Lake Mývatn, a gem of the northeast. Our journey includes stops at Skútustaðagígar craters, Dimmuborgir lava fields, Hverfjall volcano crater, and Grjótagjá lava caves. We end the day close to the shores of Lake Mývatn, where you have the option to relax at the Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North. We'll camp near the village of Reykjahlíð for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Reykjahlíð to Húsavík via Askja Caldera
Day 8: Reykjahlíð to Húsavík via Askja Caldera
- Húsavík Whale Museum
- Ystafell Transportation Museum
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Today is a free day to relax at Lake Mývatn or opt for a 4x4 journey into the Central Highlands to visit the spectacular Askja caldera and the nearby Viti crater for a geothermal swim. Alternatively, you can explore the charming fishing town of Húsavík, known for its Whale & Exploration Museum. We'll camp in Húsavík for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Húsavík and Surroundings
- Húsavík
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- Krafla
- Hverfell
- Ystafell Transportation Museum
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We start the day with a visit to the Hverir geothermal area, walking through a unique landscape of fumaroles and large mud pools. We then continue to the impressive Krafla caldera. In the afternoon, we return to Húsavík, where you have the option to join a whale watching boat tour or continue exploring the town. We'll camp in Húsavík for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Húsavík to Seyðisfjörður via Vatnajökull National Park
- Seydisfjordur
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- Vatnajökull National Park
- Seyðisfjarðarkirkja
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Today, we drive through the Vatnajökull National Park to visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the nearby Selfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, we continue to Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque town nestled at the end of a fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. Known for its rainbow street and 19th-century timber buildings, Seyðisfjörður is a step back in time. We'll camp in the heart of the town for the night.
Day 11 – Day 11: Seyðisfjörður to Höfn via Djúpivogur
- Höfn
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- Gufu waterfall
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We start the day with a visit to the beautiful Gufufoss waterfall before taking the scenic route through the mountains to reach the south coast. We'll stop for lunch in Djúpivogur, a pretty fishing village nestled on the side of a fjord. From here, we continue along Iceland's spectacular eastfjords, eventually reaching the iconic sight of Vestrahorn. We end the day in the town of Höfn, where we'll spend the night.
Day 12 – Day 12: Höfn to Skaftafell National Park via Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 12: Höfn to Skaftafell National Park via Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Jökulsárlón
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Today, we drive along the south coast, where we might spot wild reindeer before reaching the iconic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, you have the option to take a boat trip amongst the ancient icebergs and walk along Diamond Beach. Further along the coast, we encounter Hofskirkja, the last turf church ever built in Iceland. Our final destination today is Skaftafell National Park, where we'll camp for two nights.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Skaftafell National Park
Day 13: Exploring Skaftafell National Park
- Skaftafell
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Today is a great day to explore Skaftafell's many hiking trails that lead to incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains. The more adventurous can go glacier trekking, while others can relax and enjoy the magnificent view. We'll spend another night camping in Skaftafell National Park.
Day 14 – Day 14: Skaftafell National Park to Geysir via Vík
Day 14: Skaftafell National Park to Geysir via Vík
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skógafoss
- Black Sand Beach Vik
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From Skaftafell, we continue to the remote seaside village of Vík, where you can shop for some Icelandic souvenirs. We then head to the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the spectacular Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. We end the day at Geysir, where we'll camp for the night with a view over a steaming landscape.
Day 15 – Day 15: Geysir to Grindavík via Þingvellir National Park
- Grindavíkurbær
- Keflavík
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- 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption
- Great Geysir
- Thingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss
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We start the day with a visit to Gullfoss, Iceland's most iconic waterfall, before exploring the extraordinary landscape of the Geysir geothermal area. We then continue to Þingvellir National Park, a significant historic site where the world's first democratic parliament was established. We end the day in Grindavík, a beautiful fishing town, where we'll camp near the town centre. If the weather permits, we may visit the active Fagradalsfjall volcano in the evening.
Day 16 – Day 16: Grindavík to Reykjavík via Fagradalsfjall Volcano
- Grindavíkurbær
- Keflavík
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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- 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption
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On the final day of our tour, we visit the active Fagradalsfjall volcano, which has been erupting intermittently since early 2021. A short walk takes us to the steaming lava fields for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our tour ends upon arrival back in Reykjavík in the mid-afternoon. For those who wish to spend the night in Reykjavík, you're welcome to stay at the Reykjavík campsite where the tour officially ends. We usually have a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant close to the campsite.
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