Classic Iceland Highlights - 8 day tour

Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Kirkjubajarklaustur. The day begins with a pick-up at 8:00am (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Our first day is a thrilling mix of contrasts as we embark on the Golden Circle tour and start exploring the South Coast. We’ll begin our adventure at the historic Thingvellir National Park, a place where the drama of Viking history intertwines with Iceland’s geothermal marvels. Next, we’ll be enchanted by the geothermal wonderland of Haukadalur, home to the explosive Strokkur and the legendary Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide.

Prepare to be mesmerised by Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, where cascading waters create a stunning spectacle with various viewpoints that reveal its grandeur. Our journey then takes us to the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where we can walk behind the thundering curtain of water, and its powerful companion, Skogafoss. As we continue along the South Coast, we’ll pass majestic glaciers and volcanoes before arriving at Reynisfjara black sand beach. Here, the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks rise from the ocean, strong waves crash against the shore, and a lava cave carved into a tuff mountain adds to the beach’s otherworldly allure.

We’ll spend the night in a cosy country hotel near Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a charming village nestled in southern Iceland. If travelling in winter, Keep your eyes peeled for the dazzling Northern Lights.

Please note: This tour is modular, meaning it is made up of different excursions and activities. You will have different guides and will be joined by different groups for different sections of the itinerary. All of the tour inclusions remain the same.
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Kirkjubajarklaustur - Skaftafell - Hof (or similar). Today, we continue our journey along the Ring Road, venturing further east into the breathtaking Skaftafell and Vatnajokull National Park. In Skaftafell and Vatnajokull, we’ll be treated to awe-inspiring sights, including Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, the enchanting Svinafellsjokull and Falljokull outlet glaciers, and the extraordinary Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Our adventure kicks into high gear as we embark on a hike on one of Vatnajokull’s majestic glacier outlets, led by a certified glacier guide. Fully equipped with the necessary gear, we’ll traverse this icy wonderland, navigating crevasses and moulins that plunge to the glacier’s base, and marvelling at the stunning vistas all around us. Our guides are passionate about this natural playground and eager to share their knowledge, so don’t hesitate to ask questions!

After this exhilarating experience, we’ll cool down by taking in the serene beauty of a glacier lagoon. We’ll watch in awe as multi-coloured icebergs drift quietly in the vast lagoon just off the Ring Road. Strolling along the beach, we’ll have the perfect opportunity to admire these icebergs from different angles. These icebergs break off from the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier and eventually rest on the pitch-black sands of Breidarmerkursandur. When they catch the sunlight, they sparkle like diamonds, earning this spot the name Diamond Beach—a must-see alongside Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon!

Please note in the evening, we’ll unwind at our comfortable accommodation in Hof or a similar small town in Iceland's South East.
Overnight: Hof  |  Breakfast

Hof - Djupivogur - Egilsstadir. Today, we embark on an exciting journey through Iceland's captivating Eastfjords. Our route will continue to follow the magnificent Vatnajokull National Park, offering us spectacular views right from the start. As the road begins to twist and turn, the mountains draw nearer, towering over us as we delve deeper into the Eastfjords.

Our first stop is Djupivogur, a remote fishing village where the North Atlantic waves crash against black sandy beaches, and a rich variety of birdlife thrives. With a population of just over 1,100, Djupivogur is a place where the wildlife far outnumbers the people, and the community is renowned for its warm welcome and strong commitment to eco-friendly living.

We reach the enchanting town of Egilsstadir, where the mystical Lagarfljot River winds its way through the landscape, rumoured to be home to the legendary “Icelandic Loch Ness Monster.” we are staying at the Wilderness Center, a historic hub nestled in the wilderness. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in authentic Icelandic life, exploring exhibitions on highland living and Icelandic history at the museum, free to enjoy during our stay. After a day filled with adventure, we’ll relax in the warm pool at the bathing house and unwind in charming historic buildings while savouring local cuisine.
Overnight: Egilsstadir  |  Breakfast

Egilsstadir - Dimmuborgir - Lake Myvatn - Akureyri. Leaving the Reindeer Kingdom of the East, we journey into the Icelandic Horse Paradise of the North. Our day begins with a scenic drive from the quaint town of Egilsstadir to the spellbinding Studlagil Canyon, where some of the world's most enchanting basalt rock formations await.

We then venture to the surreal Namaskard geothermal area, a vivid landscape of colourful mud pools and fumaroles, where clouds of steam and hot gases create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. We press on to Dimmuborgir, the 'dark cities' of Iceland. Here, towering lava formations rise like fairytale giants, formed when the roof of a massive lava tube collapsed. Standing amidst Dimmuborgir is a truly unforgettable experience, often described as one of the most awe-inspiring in Iceland.

Our journey continues around the picturesque Lake Myvatn towards Akureyri, with a stop at the stunning Godafoss Waterfall, known as the waterfall of the gods. Our final destination for the day is the renowned Myvatn Nature Baths. There's an optional Myvatn Nature Baths add-on which you can book with us or pay locally. Here, you can enjoy a therapeutic dip in the hot spring pools. The geothermally heated water in the baths is rich in minerals, alkaline, and soothing for the skin, with no additional chemicals like chlorine required. Then it's on to Akureyri for the night.

Please note: Road conditions in winter sometimes prevent us from reaching Studlagil Canyon. If it is not possible to visit, your tour guide will replace this excursion with another at their expert discretion!
Overnight: Akureyri  |  Breakfast

Akureyri - Dalvik - Siglufjordur - Laugarbakki. After a restful night in the charming Akureyri, we head to Dalvik, renowned for its spectacular whale watching tours. This is the place with the highest success rate and the most diverse marine life encounters in Iceland! We'll board a boat guided by seasoned experts to chase after whales, dolphins, and vibrant birdlife on a 3-hour cruise. Our guides are passionate about ensuring you get the very best out of this experience. Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises are common sights, while blue whales and seals occasionally make an appearance too.

Our journey then takes us along the Troll Peninsula, or Trollaskagi, offering views of charming farmsteads and quaint villages. We'll make a stop in the lively village of Siglufjordur, an important historical site in Iceland. In the early 20th century, this village was the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic, with a gold-rush atmosphere as people flocked to capitalise on the boom. While the herring shoals have long since vanished, the rich history and character of Siglufjordur remain beautifully preserved.

After capturing the picturesque beauty of Siglufjordur, we continue through Skagafjordur and Hunavatnssysla, regions famed for their vast, colourful fields of Icelandic horses. We spend the night in Laugarbakki, with further chances to spot the Northern Lights in winter.
Overnight: Laugarbakki  |  Breakfast

Laugarbakki - Borgarfjordur - Hraunfossar - Reykholt - Borgarnes. Today, we begin with a visit to one of Iceland’s hidden gems, the miraculous Grabrok Volcanic Crater. This lesser-known marvel offers a short hike to its summit, where you'll be rewarded with cinematic views that will leave you spellbound.

Next, we shift from volcanic power to geothermal wonders as we visit Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. This vibrant, rainbow-hued hot spring supplies over 90% of the area's hot water, showcasing Iceland's natural energy at its finest.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the mesmerizing Hraunfossar waterfalls, where icy glacial water cascades over a lava field, creating a stunning, otherworldly display. Nearby, the strikingly blue Barnafoss waterfall flows through a pitch-black lava pathway, offering a dramatic contrast.

Our final stop takes us to Reykholt, or Smoky Hill, a site of great historical significance. Here, we delve into the legacy of Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century scholar, poet, and historian whose writings, particularly the Snorra-Edda, provide an unparalleled glimpse into Viking life.

After a day filled with natural and historical wonders, we wind our way through the serene Borgarfjordur countryside, finally arriving at our hotel in the quaint town of Borgarnes.
Overnight: Borgarnes  |  Breakfast

Borgarnes - Snaefellsnes - Reykjavik. Today, we embark on an adventure across the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often dubbed "miniature Iceland" for good reason. This enchanting region encapsulates all of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. From a glacier-capped volcano encircled by rugged lava fields to some of the country’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, Snaefellsnes truly has it all.

Our journey takes us through serene countryside, where breathtaking mountain ranges and sweeping ocean vistas will accompany us throughout the day. We'll pause at two charming coastal fishing villages, Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where you'll discover a natural harbour, striking columnar rock formations, and hidden basalt caves. A stop at a cosy café offers a chance to enjoy lunch (not included) with a magnificent view of the coastline.

Next, we venture into Snaefellsnes National Park for a short hike through the moss-draped terrain, with the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier looming above us. This iconic glacier adds a magical touch to the already surreal landscape.

One of the peninsula's most peculiar sights also awaits us - the towering Londrangar sea stacks. Rising 75 and 61 metres (246 and 200 feet) high, these ancient volcanic plugs resemble a dark castle and are steeped in local folklore, believed to be the domain of elves.

Our next stop is the captivating Djupalonssandur beach, a black sand shoreline framed by fantastically shaped cliffs and lava formations. Here, you can explore the beach, test your strength with the traditional “lifting stones,” or marvel at the remains of the British trawler shipwreck.

As we head back to Reykjavik, we’ll stop at the iconic Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain. With its perfect symmetry and picturesque waterfalls, this mountain is one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, offering a scene straight out of a postcard. We then make our way back to Reykjavík, where we'll drop you off at your hotel in the capital area, bringing a day filled with awe-inspiring sights to a close.
Overnight: Reykjavik  |  Breakfast