Embark on a breathtaking journey through the most iconic natural wonders of Iceland, from thundering waterfalls and glittering glaciers to otherworldly lava fields and black sand beaches. This 9-day adventure takes you along the famous Golden Circle, through the rugged Eastfjords, and into the heart of Vatnajökull National Park.
Witness the magic of the northern lights, explore charming coastal villages, and soak in geothermal lagoons. With expert-guided tours, stunning scenery at every turn, and a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, this itinerary offers an unforgettable exploration of Iceland’s dramatic beauty.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1: Arrive in Iceland |
| Day 2: The Golden Circle and The South Shore |
| Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell area) |
| Day 4: The Eastfjords |
| Day 5: Lake Mývatn Area |
| Day 6: Akureyri and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula |
| Day 7: Skagafjörður and Borgarnes |
| Day 8: Borgarfjörður, Þingvellir, and Reykjavík |
| Day 9: Farewell to Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice |
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
Arrival at Keflavík International Airport. Upon arrival, you will travel to Reykjavík.
If you arrive earlier in the day, consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests.
Day 2: The Golden Circle and The South Shore
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby. Start your adventure by visiting the fascinating Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre. Here, you will get an exceptional introduction to the northern lights, how they are formed, and the folklore surrounding them. You’ll also get tips about how to capture the northern lights on film.
In the afternoon, you will continue to the Golden Circle natural wonders, where you will explore the Gullfoss waterfall, a magnificent sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. You will then continue on to the geothermal fields of Geysir, with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring (and other geysers).
Afterward, your adventure will continue along the south shore, stopping to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Following that, you will head to the village of Vík, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
If weather conditions are right, your guide will take you on a hunt for the northern lights on foot in the area outside your hotel.
Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell area)
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will visit the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, which is named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe!
Explore the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of magnificent natural beauty dominated by several impressive glaciers. Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (make sure your camera is loaded and ready!)
Nearby is the majestic splendor of Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Dinner and overnight will be in Southeast Iceland or in the Höfn area.
Day 4: The Eastfjords
After breakfast at your hotel, get ready to enjoy some amazing views today! Drive through Almannaskarð Pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline.
Your adventures will continue to an area of towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that forms the magnificent Eastfjords. Keep your camera ready and be on the lookout for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months.
Along the journey, you will pass through villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiðdalsvík. Here, you’ll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery and sample some of the beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town.
Drive on to Egilsstaðir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. Egilsstaðir is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine, and you will surely enjoy some of it at dinner.
Dinner and overnight in the Eastfjords area.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn Area
After breakfast at your hotel, explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Mývatn area.
Along the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Afterward, continue onwards to Námaskarð 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 feel the same way. It’s such a surreal experience! Please note: The visit to Dettifoss waterfall depends on weather and road conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Continue your exploration journey on to the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir and the Laxá Salmon River. You will probably see why this area, especially during the wintertime, has been so popular for movie makers.
Dinner and your overnight stay will be in the Mývatn area.
Mývatn Nature Baths- Relax in an azure geothermal lagoon in a peaceful wilderness setting. Duration: Flexible time. Included: Bathing fee and towel. Not Included: Swimsuit (rentals available).
Day 6: Akureyri and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula
After breakfast at your hotel, you will start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. The name means “Dark Citadels” in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though they were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here.
Visit the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland. Afterward, drive to Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjörður fjord.
After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjörður and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with magnificent views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. Enjoy a stop in Siglufjörður, a town set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
Visit Siglufjörður’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century when Siglufjörður transformed into a frontier-like boom town thanks to a large migration of herring. It will transport you back to that exciting time.
Afterward, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjörður, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding.
Dinner and overnight in Northwest Iceland.
Day 7: Skagafjörður and Borgarnes
After breakfast at your hotel, today you will enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tölt. Icelandic horses are very important to the country’s history. These gentle horses are known as the Icelandic people’s most faithful servants.
Continue onward towards the village of Blönduós, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdæla Saga.
Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau, which takes you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjörður, a region that is gaining international recognition for its diverse landscapes and Viking history.
Your dinner and overnight stay will be in the Borgarnes area.
Day 8: Borgarfjörður, Þingvellir, and Reykjavík
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have the opportunity to visit some of West Iceland’s beautiful natural wonders. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a brilliant blue color.
Continue your exploration through the scenic and mountain-rimmed Hvalfjörður fjord to Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, and Þingvellir 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!
Afterward, head to Reykjavík for a last night in the colorful capital city. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Day 9: Farewell to Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight.
If you’re ready to start planning your next trip to Iceland, contact us today.