Iceland Full Circle

Travel west along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord and the town of Borgarnes. Easy hike on Grábrók volcano crater in the middle of a greenish lava field. Further north visit Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s most beautiful turf house farms and folk museums. Continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until you reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Distance travelled: 415km/258 miles

In the morning explore the town of Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. From April-October there are optional whale watching tours available from 09:00-12:00. In the afternoon travel to Goðafoss – the waterfalls of the Gods. Then explore Lake Mývatn, known as a geological wonderland and for its abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. End the afternoon relaxing in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths with a fantastic view over the whole area. There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April. Distance travelled: 120km/75 miles

In the morning walk in the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. In the afternoon, visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Head through the uninhabited highlands and moon-like surrounding to East Iceland. From June to August the tour includes a detour to the powerful waterfall Dettifoss. Distance travelled: 250km/155 miles

Today admire the dramatic fjord landscape and the small picturesque fishing villages spotted along the rugged coastline. In the afternoon continue onwards catching a glimpse of Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Distance travelled: 260km/161 miles

Start the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and explore the extraordinary site where you might see seals swimming in arctic waters. From May through September, a boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program. Just across the street, you can walk on the so-called Diamond Beach, where large icebergs get stranded. Travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and get a glimpse at Europe’s second-largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier. In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits you as you head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show where you get to witness and feel the heat from molten lava! Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vik. In the small village of Skogar, there is Skogafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. An exciting trail goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet! There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April. Distance travelled: 380km/235 miles

A day of classics! Start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as you arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn” which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls“, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers in summer and winter. Travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you return to Reykjavík, you will be taken for a short city tour to show highlights of the world’s northernmost capital. Northern Lights: From mid-September to mid-April optional Northern Lights evening tours can be booked at the lobby of your hotel, should weather conditions be favourable. Distance travelled: 160km/99 miles

Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for your flight home.