Around Iceland Express

Pick up from your hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavik between 08:30 - 09:00, then drive north through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel to Borgarnes before continuing to Skagafjörður, known as the heartland of the Icelandic horse and the only region in Iceland where horses outnumber people. En route, we visit the Glaumbær Museum, a traditional turf farmhouse offering insight into rural life and cultural heritage. We cross the Öxnadalsheiði plateau, surrounded by mountains, and arrive in Akureyri, often called the capital of North Iceland.

In the evening, you can choose to unwind at the Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa set in woodland - an optional visit at additional cost. Overnight in Akureyri.

We depart Akureyri to explore the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn, known for its rich birdlife and geothermal activity. Our first stop is Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods - admired for its beauty and history. We continue to the Dimmuborgir lava formations, then walk among the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, unique remnants of ancient eruptions. We visit Grjótagjá lava cave with its naturally heated spring before moving on to the steaming fields of Námaskarð, where bubbling mud pools and fumaroles create a dramatic scene.

In the afternoon, we head east, pausing at Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. We then cross the remote Möðrudalsöræfi highlands. We arrive in Egilsstaðir for an overnight stay.

Leaving Egilsstaðir, we follow the winding roads of the East Fjords - a sweep of narrow inlets, steep mountainsides and quiet fishing villages. This region is known for its clear lakes, traditional farms and Iceland’s only wild reindeer, which roam freely. Summer here is often bright and settled, while winter can bring a veil of atmospheric fog.

In the afternoon, you can opt for a Glacier Jeep Adventure on Vatnajökull, a 3–4 hour excursion by super jeep with time to walk on the snow and enjoy sweeping mountain views. This optional tour is at additional cost and requires a minimum of four participants.

We continue to Höfn for the night, a small fishing town noted for its lobster cuisine and scenic harbour

We travel along Iceland’s southeast coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where we join an amphibious boat tour among icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull. Nearby, Diamond Beach glistens with ice scattered across black volcanic sand. We continue through Vatnajökull National Park, passing Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak at 2,119 metres, then cross the vast Eldhraun lava field and the black glacial plains of Mýrdalssandur.

In Vík, we visit Reynisfjara’s famous black sand, renowned for its basalt columns, powerful Atlantic waves and puffins in summer. We admire the Dyrhólaey sea arch and end the day at two south coast highlights: Skógafoss, a waterfall 60 metres high, and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water for a unique perspective (waterproof clothing recommended). Overnight in the Selfoss area.

We dedicate our final day to the world-famous Golden Circle. We begin at Gullfoss, a majestic two-tier cascade plunging into a rugged canyon, then continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area to see bubbling hot springs and Strokkur erupt every few minutes. Our last major stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart and where the historic Althingi Parliament was established in AD 930. From Þingvellir, we return to Reykjavík.

In the afternoon, you can choose an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon at extra cost. This includes return transfer, entrance, a silica mud mask, towel use, and one drink - a relaxing way to end five days of exploring Iceland.