Overview
Set off on a journey across a landscape of windswept plateaus, steaming geothermal hotspots, immense glaciers, and sweeping fjords. Iceland offers breathtaking beauty and unforgettable adventures all along the way—go whitewater rafting on the Hvítá River, whale watching in Húsavík, and walk across ancient ice of Svínafellsjökull.
Days: 10
Best time to visit: March-October
Ideal for: Active Couples and Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Reykjavik & the Blue Lagoon
Arrive and settle into your hotel in Reykjavik this morning, and then enjoy an afternoon soaking in the geothermal seawater of the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by a moonscape of craggy rock, the powdery-blue waters of this scintillating spa are justifiably one of Iceland’s top attractions. The mineral-rich water is 100-110°F year-round, and there are saunas and steam rooms to top off the experience. Back in downtown Reykjavik, there are shops, bars, and restaurants galore, and an inviting waterfront with parks and pedestrian paths.
Day 2 – Thingvellir National Park & Hvítá River Rafting
Pick up your rental car in the morning and begin your journey along the classic Golden Circle, home to some of southern Iceland’s most iconic sights. Start the day with a hike along the beautiful rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, and then head to the geysers of Haukadalur geothermal area. Stop at Gullfoss waterfall and then embark on a 3-hour rafting excursion on the Hvítá River, a perfect mix of scenic canyons and thrilling rapids, before driving to Hvolsvöllur for the night.
Day 3 – Volcanoes & Beaches
Get an early start to the day with a walk behind the misty curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a visit to the nearly 200-foot-tall Skógafoss waterfall down the road. Take a stroll on the black, volcanic beach of Vík and see its towering cliffs and unique rock formations, and then drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a majestic canyon carved by the Fjaðrá River. Walk along the eastern rim for stunning views over the green-cloaked cliffs and pristine river. Spend the night near Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Day 4 – Skaftafell Glacier Walk
Today, explore the trails and waterfalls of the Skaftafell National Park, part of the massive Vatnajökull National Park. Enjoy a 2-hour walk with professional guides along the icy ridges and crevasses of the Svínafellsjökull glacier, starting at the serene, ice-filled Jökulsárlón lagoon. After your hike, you can take a boat ride in the lagoon to get up close with the water-smoothed, azure blocks of ice that regularly calve off the glacier. End the day in the coastal town of Höfn.
Day 5 – Fjords & Fishing Villages
Get on the road after an early breakfast and drive north along the coast before cutting inland to Lake Mývatn. The road winds along spectacular fjords between small fishing villages, through moss-coated boulder fields, and grassy tundra. Arriving in the afternoon at Lake Mývatn, explore the Krafla volcano, the crater of Hverfell, or the crater formations of Skútustaðir. End the day with a soak in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths.
Day 6 – Húsavík Whale Watching
Today, drive north to Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland, for a 3-hour tour in a traditional oak boat. The most commonly seen whales are minke, blue, humpback, fin, sperm and orca, along with white-beaked dolphins. After your tour, drive back to Lake Mývatn through Jökulsárgljúfur, taking time to visit Ásbyrgi canyon and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall on the way.
Day 7 – Akureyri & Skagafjörður
Spend the morning exploring the unique landscapes around Lake Mývatn, like the multi-hued Námaskarð pass and Grjótagjá cave, and then head to Akureyri. Along the way, visit Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Have lunch and take a stroll along the charming streets of downtown Akureyri, and then drive to Skagafjörður. Take a detour to explore the mountains and cliffs of Tröllaskagi before arriving at your accomodations in the Skagafjörður area.
Day 8 – Horseback Riding in Skagafjörður
Explore the Skagafjörður valley on a guided, 2-hour tour on horseback, winding your way through meadows along the Svartá River. After the tour, head to Snæfellsnes peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. On the way, you’ll see the innumerable hills of Vatnsdalshólar and Þingeyrarkirkja, one of only a handful of stone churches in the country. Stop in the fishing village of Stykkishólmur for hilltop views over the sea and surrounding mountains before settling into your guesthouse.
Day 9 – Snæfellsjökull National Park & Reykjavik
Head out to the tip of the peninsula this morning to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, a unique landscape of glaciers, lush valleys, and lava fields, bursting with birdlife. Visit Dritvík Cove, the Lóndrangar and Arnarstapi cliffs, and a scattering of small coastal villages. Take a stroll on the black volcanic beach of Djúpalónssandur, go horseback riding, hiking, or enjoy a boat-cruise in the summer months. After a full day of exploring, drive south to Reykjavik.
Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to Keflavik for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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