Itinerary:
DAY 1 REYKJAVIK
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Stay at: Hotel Klettur (3 star)
DAY 2 REYKJAVIK – THINGVELLIR – BORGARNES
Explore Iceland’s classic highlights on a journey around the famous Golden Circle. Marvel at the iconic “Golden Falls” of Gulfoss and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir where you will see Strokkur (The Churn), a geyser which erupts at regular intervals with its white column of boiling water reaching as high as 30m. Continue to Thingvellir National Park where the North American and European tectonic plates meet, then travel along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to Borgarnes where you will overnight. (B, D)
Stay at Icelandair Hotel Hamar (3 star)
DAY 3 BORGARNES – PATREKSFJÖRÐUR
Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. Here you will see the rugged mountain range, lava fields, volcanic craters, sandy beaches and high cliffs. Afterwards board a ferry to Brjánslækur and with a final drive to Breiðafjörður Bay, with an opportunity for magnificent views of the countless islands of the West Fjords. (B, D)
Stay at Fosshotel West Fjords (3 star)
DAY 4 PATREKSFJÖRÐUR / REMOTE WEST FJORDS REGION
Spend the day in the remote and sparsely populated regions of the West Fjords. Visit Látrabjarg the western most point of Iceland and Europe where you may see puffins during summer. Also, if weather permits, you will drive to the endless red sand beach of Rauðisandur. (B, D)
DAY 5 PATREKSFJÖRÐUR - BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR BAY
Travel over mountains and along scenic fjords to reach the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall, with its seven levels of plunging water. Continue over the mountain pass along roads less travelled to reach tonight’s accommodation located in the remote Breiðafjörður Bay area. (B, D)
Stay at Vogur Country Lodge, Breiðafjörður Bay area (3 star)
DAY 6 BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR BAY – AKUREYRI
This morning travel off-the-beaten-path and head north with a stop at a local farm for lunch and a horse show to learn about the unique qualities of Iceland's special breed. (B, L, D)
Stay at Hotel Kea (4 star)
DAY 7 AKUREYRI / SIGLUFJÖRÐUR
On a full day excursion to Iceland’s northernmost town, Siglufjörður, you will see spectacular fjord landscapes, small fishing villages and stop at a deserted valley that even most Icelanders have not seen. In Siglufjörður, visit the Herring Museum and enjoy beer tasting at Kaldi, a local micro-brewery. The rest of the day is at leisure. Return to Akureyri in the late afternoon. (B, D)
DAY 8 AKUREYRI – LAKE MÝVATN
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall followed by a walk in the mysterious lava field Dimmuborgir. Explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð, and then spend the afternoon relaxing with a soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths. (B, D)
Stay at Hotel Laxá (3star)
DAY 9 LAKE MÝVATN – EAST ICELAND
This morning visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. You will then travel to the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland to explore the northernmost fjord and visit the isolated village of Bakkagerði at Borgarfjörður-Eystri. This charming place still functions as a traditional Icelandic fishing village, relying on small boat fishing. (B, D)
Stay at Country Guesthouse Alfheimar
DAY 10 EAST ICELAND – VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK
Admire the dramatic fjord landscape and the tiny fishing villages of the East Fjords as you travel to Vatnajökull, Europe's biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Near the town of Höfn, stop for a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, considered one of the highlights on tour around Iceland. (B, D)
Stay at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park (3 star)
DAY 11 VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK – REYKJAVIK
Further explore Vatnajökull National Park which covers 14% of Iceland. Visit the region of Skaftafell that is nestled below Iceland's highest mountain and the second biggest stratovolcano in Europe. Arrive this afternoon in Reykjavik for check in at your hotel followed by this evening farewell dinner. (B, D)
Stay at Hotel Klettur (3 star)
DAY 12 REYKJAVIK
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)
Inclusions: 3 & 4 star hotel, charming guesthouses and farm accommodation, Meals as specified, Fully escorted in ENGLISH ONLY, Guided tours: Golden Circle, Siglufjörður, Námaskarð, Lake Mývatn, Bakkagerði and Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon boat trip, West fjords ferry: Stykkishólmur – Brjánslækur, Transportation by air-conditioned coach, FLYBUS shuttle arrival and departure transfers (first and last day only)
Note that most double rooms in Iceland are actually twin bedded rooms. Triple room on request.
