Iceland Complete

From: Reykjavik, Iceland
To: Reykjavik, Iceland

Discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to the birthplace of icebergs; Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.

*Based on a maximum of 16 passengers

Day 1 – Reykjavik

Arrive into Reykjavik and make your own way to the group hotel. We can arrange transfers for you or additional nights in Reykjavik if you would like to extend your time.

Overnight: Reykjavik (Fosshotel Reykjavik or similar)

Day 2 – Thingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide and start your Iceland adventure!

After a quick introductory of our home city of Reykjavik, head to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents!

Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. You’ll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.

During the day you’ll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes.

The day ends in Hveragerdi, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. The locals have made clever use of underground hot springs to provide heat for homes, as well as greenhouses that grow flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Overnight: Hveragerdi area (Hotel Ork or similar) (B, D)

Day 3 – Thjorsardalur Valley – Skogar – Dyrholaey – Vik

After breakfast, explore enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.

Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town.

Overnight: Vik area (Hotel Vik or similar) (B, D)

Day 4 – Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Hofn

Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.

Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.

Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Dinner is on your own. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters).

Overnight: Hofn area (Hotel Hofn or similar) (B)

Day 5 – Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made.

The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.

Overnight: Egilsstadir area (Hotel Hallormsstadur or similar) (B, D)

Day 6 – Lake Myvatn Area

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Visit fantastical Studlagil, an impressive canyon made of basalt columns that seem to resemble organ pipes. A viewing platform near the canyon lets you enjoy the canyon’s unique features. Studlagil is one of Iceland’s largest basalt formations. You can see how basalt columns like these influenced the design of Reykjavik’s Hallgrimskirkja church. Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!

Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit.

You’ll definitely see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location.

Overnight: Myvatn area (Laxa Hotel or similar) (B, D)

Day 7 – Lake Myvatn Area – Godafoss – Akureyri

Start your day’s adventure by visiting sites in the Mývatn area. Next, head to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afterwards, you’ll see Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. The rest of the day is open for you to explore Akureyri. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street here, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious, locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. Akureyri also has a nice variety of restaurants, so you’ll enjoy the chance to dine out tonight.

Overnight: Akureyri area (Berjaya Iceland Hotel Akureyri or similar) (B)

Day 8 – Skagafjordur – Borgarnes

Icelanders consider the Skagafjordur area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.

Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.

Overnight: Borgarfjordur area (Hotel Hamar or similar) (B, D)

Day 9 – Borgarfjordur – Snaefellsjokull National Park – Reykjavik

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.

One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.

During the day, your group will visit Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, where you’ll learn about “hakarl”, the cured shark meat specialty that Icelanders have enjoyed since Viking time.

At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.

Overnight: Reykjavik (Fosshotel Reykjavik or similar) (B)

Day 10 – Reyjavik

Your tour ends after breakfast and check out at the hotel. We are happy to assist with ongoing arrangements, please contact your Reservations Consultant.

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• 8 day guided coach tour as per itinerary
• Expert local English-speaking guide or driver-guide
• 9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and private facilities
• Visit to Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse
• Visit to Stöng Viking Longhouse
• Microbrewery visit and beer tasting in Breiðdalsvík
• Horse show in Skagafjörður
• Visit to the Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum
• Meals as per itinerary

Departure Dates

25 June – 4 July 2024

Pre-voyage tour before Greenland Odyssey (GOD002S), departing 6 July 2024 (2 night gap)

9 July – 18 July 2024

Post-voyage tour after Jewels of the Arctic (GRN043S), departing 23 June 2024 (2 night gap)

Pre-voyage tour before Arctic Complete (ACC008G), departing 20 July 2024 (2 night gap)

23 July – 1 August 2024

Post-voyage tour after Jewels of the Arctic (GRN044G), departing 7 July 2024 (2 night gap)

Prices quoted here are for a maximum of 16 passengers.

**Single traveller pricing available on request.

Contact us or your preferred travel advisor for a quote