On this tour we like to make the most of the opportunities Iceland offers in different seasons:
From late September to April, chase the elusive Northern Lights painting the sky with vivid swirls of color. During winter, we’ll swap out the glacier hiking for a natural ice cave visit. On our way through East Iceland, we might spot some reindeer roaming around in their natural habitat.
Day 01: Arrival Day – Reykjavík City Sightseeing
Arrival Reykjavik, meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Reykjavík City Sightseeing
Building your own exciting itinerary from the possibilities on offer in the City of Reykjavík is easy!
Walking Laugavegur and Skólavorðustígur is a great way to capture the essence of Reykjavík, both are amazing shopping streets. Browse in shops, often the tiniest places sell the more unusual items, relax in a charming café then wander some more. You will come across local crafts, the iconic tall white Hallgrímskirkja church, its design is inspired by Svartifoss waterfall at Skaftafell. For a grandstand view over the city go to the top of the tower, it is well worth it!
There are a few fabulous museums, covering everything from history and the building of the Icelandic nation at the National Museum to photography at the Reyjavík Museum of Photography, or Icelandic culture at the Culture House. If you love art, there are quite a few galleries including the National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum and Kjarvalstaðir.
Rekjavík’s thermal swimming pools are open early and into the evening. The largest open air pool, Laugardalslaug, has great hot tubs where you can relax with the locals and tourists. All year round outdoor bathing is very big in Iceland! There are a few other pools close to the city center, all have hot tubs.
Day 03: Golden Circle And South Coast
We visit Þingvellir National Park, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site with huge geological, historical and cultural significance. The historic Icelandic Parliament was founded here in 930 CE/AD, called the Alþing, this is the oldest still existing democratic parliament in the world. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continue to move apart, runs right through Þingvellir. You will see the rugged plate-edge of the gorge, this must have been a really dramatic backdrop to the ancient parliamentary sessions! Your next stop is at the Geysir geothermally active area, home to Great Geysir, the famous spouting hot spring which gave us the English word ‘geyser’. You will witness Strokkur, the most active hot spring in recent times, blasting powerful torrents of superheated water every 5 to 10 minutes. Steaming fumaroles and hot springs can also be seen around the area. The final Golden Circle attraction before we head along the south coast is the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. Gullfoss means ‘Golden Falls’, you will see golden-toned mists rising around the waterfall as the mighty Hvítá river crashes through two drops of 11 m and 21 m. Hvítá means ‘White River’, this raging glacial torrent originates at Langjökull, the second biggest glacier in Iceland.
Day 04: Vík – Skaftafell – Glacier Lagoon – Höfn
Our first stop today is at Reynisfjara black sand beach. A walk along the beach will bring you to the extremely impressive and unusual basalt column cave. You will also see the troll-like and atmospheric Reynisdrangar peaks rising just off-shore. Now to the glaciers!
We travel through some extraordinary landscapes and other-worldly scenery on the way to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. You will see views of the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier, home to one of the most feared volcanoes of all, the notorious Katla. You will also see another great fire maestro, Eyjafjalljökull. Our journey will take us over the Eldhraun lava field to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis in the midst of black volcanic sand areas. Skaftafell is quite sheltered with flourishing vegetation and birch forests.
Our specialist glacier guide will lead you on a three-hour glacier hike, giving you the opportunity to explore a stunning glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. You will learn all about this sensational blue/white ice world.
From November to March, we explore Vatnajökull’s crystal ice caves instead of the glacier hike. Each winter, new ice caves form and freeze through the heart of the glacier. Walk through with your guide to see ice caps from a whole new angle!
We continue with the theme of ice, onwards to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, action scenes from James Bond and other movies have made this the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Feast your eyes on the jaw-droppingly beautiful iceberg filled lagoon and visit the fabulous Diamond Beach. This coal-black beach glitters with shimmering blue/white icebergs washed ashore by the tide, these opalescent forms are extraordinary shapes. You will feel as though you have stepped through a magic doorway into a mystical ice realm with magic landscapes.
Day 05: East Fjords – Djúpivogur – Egilsstaðir
Today we head to Iceland´s sensational East Fjords. You will travel the narrow roads which thread their way between the mountains and the ocean, passing through the very remote peninsular of Hvalnes. Continuing onwards you will see the really dramatic and contrasting scenery around Lón, the Þvottárskriður landslides and Álftafjarðar, a really beautiful fjord.
We’ll stop at Djúpivogur, a small traditional fishing village. The friendly village community is known for its eco-conscious and welcoming ways. Take a look at Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay), a splendid outdoor sculpture.
At our next stop we’ll enjoy an exhilarating three-hour hike to Hengifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland (128 m). Then marvel at the towering Litlanesfoss Waterfall framed by giant hexagonal basalt columns. You’ll pass by a sensational gorge where ash layers left by ancient volcanic eruptions can be clearly seen.
Our final stop is at the Iceland Wilderness Center or Óbyggðasetrið. Named the “best museum in the whole world” by Cosmopolitan Magazine, the center museum exhibit tells the history of the past inhabitants. The center is run by historian Arna, and Icelandic movie set designer Denni, who designed every detail of the building in the original 19th-century style. We’ll enjoy refreshments of coffee/tea and waffles during our visit.
Day 06: Dettifoss – Mývatn – Godafoss – Akureyri
Today we will explore North Iceland. Our journey from Egilsstaðir will take us through the wilderness area around Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited place in Iceland at 469 m, this farming community now hosts the highest coffee house in the land.
Our first destination is Dettifoss waterfall, these falls have the most powerful flow rate in Europe. Believe us, this roaring torrent is truly awesome – you really will feel humbled by the power of Icelandic nature. Your next attraction, the mystical landscapes around Lake Mývatn, has an altogether different character.
The scenery will keep getting more surreal! We are heading to the steaming lunar landscapes and bubbling technicolor mud pots at the Námaskarð geothermal area. The steaming fumaroles and sizzling hot springs waft clouds of steam across these other-worldly vistas. There are more extraordinary scenes to come when we take you to see the Hverfjall crater and the unbelievable Dimmuborgir lava formations, known as the Dark Castles!
Now for some relaxation! Mývatn Nature Baths, the Icelandic name for these baths is Jarðbóðin – unsurprisingly, the hot water comes straight up out of the earth. Bathe in the mineral-rich alkaline water (36 – 40 C), the entrance fee can be paid when booking or on site. Bathing is an optional extra activity but we highly recommend you book it beforehand to reserve your spot! Otherwise, you could take a stroll to enjoy the wonderful views and take a break in the cafeteria. Goðafoss, a dreamy crescent-shaped waterfall, is our last stop before we continue to Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, rimmed by high mountains.
Day 07: Whale Watching In Dalvík – Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi – Laugarbakki
Sometimes we can fit in a short stop at the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Our journey will always take us through this beautiful little town in the midst of the mountains close to the apex of the mesmerizing Eyjafjörður Fjord (the Island Fjord). We are heading for the absolutely charming and still traditional fishing town of Dalvík, with its busy working harbor and fabulous views over Eyjafjörður and Hrísey Island.
The dramatic high mountains, home to some of the best ski slopes in Iceland will be at your back. Your three-hour whale watching boat trip starts at Dalvík harbor. You will skim over Eyjafjörður, going in whichever direction is best to see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and occasionally even blue whales.
These tours are really successful when it comes to spotting whales, they are seen on 98% of tours. You are surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of Eyjafjörður, the longest Fjord in Iceland, every view is totally spectacular. You will get the opportunity to try sea angling, as soon as we come ashore that fish is cooked and you can taste the most amazingly fresh fish.
For a small extra fee, you can upgrade your whale watching tour from a regular boat to a speedboat or RHIB boat (between April and October), which allows you to travel faster and get even more closer to the whales!
Next on the agenda is a drive to Siglufjörður, a beautiful fishing village with an incredible history. This town was overtaken by a Klondike-like gold rush atmosphere in the early 20th century when the tiny and isolated community became known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic.
Traveling around Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula) you will see stunning ocean scenery and incredibly steep mountains. Your visit to Siglufjörður will give you a fabulous insight into how life was lived in tiny and isolated Icelandic villages. On the way to your hotel for the night, you will pass through the farming heartland of Iceland, this is also a big horse farming area.
Day 08: Borgarfjörður – Reykholt – Hraunfossar – Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík
The final day of your 7 day trip around Iceland will be focused on the delights of West Iceland – Lonely Planet voted this area as one of their best destinations in 2016. Your first stop of the day is at Grábrók, a volcano crater surrounded by lunar-like lava. Your guide will lead you on a short hike to view the crater from the top – there are magnificent views over the whole area. We will enjoy the fabulous and extremely diverse sights of Borgarfjörður today. Stops are made at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, you will also see the incredible Hraunfossar cascade, these wide falls are composed of thousands of tiny rivulets which tumble out of the lava field – a truly incredible sight! Then there is Barnafoss waterfall, the name means ‘the Children´s Falls’ a rather tragic folklore tale is associated with the naming of this particular waterfall.
Now for some history and the gentle landscapes around Reykholt, home to the famous Icelandic saga writer, historian, lawyer, and poet, Snorri Sturluson. You will see the pool where Snorri is reputed to have bathed, Snorralaug. Nowadays, this pool is still filled with naturally warm water. Our drive back to Reykjavík will take us around, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), a really scenic fjord. We should arrive back in the city at approximately 5 – 6 pm. You are dropped off at Reykjavik Hotel.
Day 09: Final Day – Reykjavik
Departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Reykjavik | 02 | Grand Hótel Reykjavík |
| Kirkjubaejarklaustur | 01 | Magma Hotel |
| Höfn | 01 | Miðsker 1 |
| Egilsstaðir | 02 | Ekra Cottages |
| Akureyri | 01 | Dalsgerði |
| Reykjavik | 01 | Grand Hótel Reykjavík |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 08 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Local English-speaking guide
– Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier
– Hike at Egilsstaðir.
– Whale watching at Dalvík.
– Crystal Ice Cave Tour (November-March)
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Entrance fees to monuments as per mentioned in the program.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.