YEAR-ROUND TOUR: See the best of Iceland on this 6-day group tour which follows the country's famous Ring Road, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Take in the highlights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Admire the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, enjoy a whale-watching cruise at Dalvik and visit the northern city of Akureyrui.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
The Golden Circle
Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Our Icelandic adventure begins as we depart Reykjavik - you will be collected from a designated central pick up point at 08:00. Today we visit the most important sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Take in Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the mighty Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes or so. Then it's on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls.
Travelling south, we stop at two other waterfalls - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Enjoy a walk behind the cascades before we head to Reynisfjara for a stroll on the back lava beach here. Then it's on to Kirkjubajarklaustur near the village of Vik. Our rural hotel is a great base for spotting the Northern Lights if you are visiting in the winter months from September to April.
Please note that we strongly recommend arriving in Reykjavik the day before your tour starts.
Overnight: Kirkjubajarklaustur
Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hofn. Today's activity will depend on when you are travelling. Winter departures will explore an ice cave, whilst summer departures will enjoy a guided glacier hike at Skaftafell, a national park.
Then we visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, characterized by icebergs that have calved from the nearby Vatnajokull Glacier. Arriving in Hofn, the dark nights are once again perfect for spotting the Northern Lights in winter.
Overnight: Hofn | Breakfast
The Eastern Fjords
Hofn - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the pretty riverside town of Egilsstadir. On the way, we visit the fishing village of Djupivogur and enjoy a scenic hike to Hengifoss, the second-highest waterfall in the country. We also see Litlanesfoss waterfall, where hexagonal basalt columns frame the cascade, and we finish the day at the Vok Baths looking over beautiful Lake Urridavatn.
Overnight: Egilsstadir | Breakfast
Godafoss & Akureyri
Egilsstadir - Akureyri. This morning we visit Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland. Then we stop at the mud pools of the Namskard Geothermal Area with its steamy puddles, sulfur-scented steam, and moon-like landscapes.
Continuing to Dimmuborgir, in the Lake Myvatn area. Here we can see the towering "dark cities" made from lava, rumoured to be home to deadly trolls and elves in Icelandic folklore. There's also time to visit Godafoss waterfall before we arrive at Akureyri in the north of Iceland. The town is home to 17,000 people and boasts panoramic views over the Eyjafjordur fjord. You'll have time to head out and explore independently.
Overnight: Akureyri | Breakfast
Whale Watching
Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel. You can also try some fishing if you fancy, with a chance to taste what you catch!
After the cruise, we drive along the Trollaskagi Peninsula, taking in quaint fishing hamlets and agricultural areas. Arriving in Laugarbakki, winter travellers will have another chance to look for the Northern Lights in the evening.
Overnight: Laugarbakki | Breakfast
Return to Reykjavik
Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.
We'll arrive in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00 when your tour will come to an end.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adventure Hotel Geirland, Kirkjubajarklaustur
Adventure Hotel Geirland is set just outside the quiet village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. All rooms offer tea/coffee facilities and views of the surrounding mountain ridge. Some of Geirland’s cosy rooms are set in individual cottages in the garden. Free Wi-Fi and a TV are available in the main building. Guests can enjoy an onsite restaurant and bar. Lunch packs can be made on request. Skaftafell National Park is 60 minutes’ drive from Adventure Hotel Geirland.
Hotel Hofn, Hofn
Located in Hofn on the south eastern coast of Iceland, this charming hotel boasts beautiful views of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Its modern, ensuite guestrooms benefit from free WiFi and luxury organic toiletries made in Iceland. The a la carte restaurant serves local specialties such as langoustine, which the fishing village of Hofn is famous for, as well as plenty of vegetarian dishes. During the summer, guests can dine out on the terrace and enjoy a drink or two during happy hour.
Hotel Valaskjalf, Egilsstadir
Hotel Valaskjalf is located in the town of Egilsstadir in East Iceland, on the banks of the River Lagarfljot and close to the Hallormsstadur forest. Guest rooms are comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and free wi-fi access. The on site restaurant has strong influences from Mediterranean countries, offering authentic Italian pizzas and the bar has happy hour every day from 4-6pm.
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, Akureyri
Opened in 2011, Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a tastefully decorated hotel with magnificent views of the city. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with bright and airy rooms and excellent facilities. A delicious array of meals are served at the onsite restaurant - choose form local and international cuisine including Artic Char, Lamb Shank or Wild Goose from Eyjafjordur! The hotel is located just a short drive from the Hlidarfjall ski resort.
Hotel Laugerbakki, Laugarbakki
In Midfjordur, midway between Reykjavik and Akureyri, is Hótel Laugarbakki. Stay close to one of Iceland’s best salmon rivers and the natural hot springs, which heat up the entire community. All guest rooms have private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV and a desk. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Hótel Laugarbakki also features a restaurant, gym and hot tubs making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the countryside.
At a Glance
