7 Days / 6 Nights: Complete Iceland

DAY 1 | THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík. First, we will head out to explore the famous Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park where Icelanders founded their parliament in the year 930 A.D., the oldest parliament in the world. The Circle includes Geysir Hot Springs and Gullfoss waterfall.

Next, we will drive to the beautiful South Coast. Our first stop is at Seljalandsfoss, a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don't view this one from a distance – the walking path will take you directly behind the waterfall itself.

Next, we will stop at the scenic Skógafoss, where the water crashes down over sea cliffs that marked the coastline of Iceland long ago. Watch out for rainbows – the incredible spray from this waterfall makes it an ideal spot to catch one or even two at a time!

The final stop of the day is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the home of the famous Reynisdrangar peaks, rumoured to be the figures of two trolls caught in the sun and turned to stone, and a basalt column cave. After that, we will make our way to a country hotel near the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where we will rest for the night. 

Accommodation: 3* Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur on bed-and-breakfast basis           

DAY 2 | THE SOUTH COAST

The journey continues along the South Coast in the direction of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. At Skaftafell, another of Iceland´s three national parks, we will take a 3-hour glacier hike on one of Vatnajökull outlet glaciers, led by one of our skilled glacier guides. After that bracing experience, we will explore a little further Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where we can expect to see floating icebergs and the occasional frolicking seal. Beside the glacier lake, we will find another black sand crystal beach, which is usually filled with clear icebergs that have floated back to shore. 

Accommodation: 3* Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur on bed-and-breakfast basis           

DAY 3 | EAST FJORDS

The scenery continues as we follow the coastline of the East Fjords. We stop at Djúpivogur, a small and remote fishing village. North Atlantic waves wash over its black sandy beaches, and birdlife is everywhere. In the summer, most of Iceland's birds nest here, and locals joke there are probably more birds than people. With just a few hundred residents, the village is known for being welcoming and eco-friendly.

We will stop at Egilsstaðir, a picturesque town on the banks of the Lagarfljót River. Later, we'll head to an interactive historical centre where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horse riding. You can explore exhibits showcasing life in the rugged highlands. During your stay, admission to the museum is free. Upon arrival, you'll cross an old wooden bridge to step into history, with accommodation provided in charming historic buildings. Enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients, and after your adventures, relax in the hot spring spa.

After settling into your accommodations, in winter, take your chances to scout out the shimmering Northern Lights.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Valaskjalf or similar

Overnight in Valaskjalf on bed-and-breakfast basis    

DAY 4 |STUDLAGIL CANYON - LAKE MYVATN- AKUREYRI

Today is packed with the breathtaking beauty of North Iceland. Our journey from the east into the north takes us through wild, remote landscapes, starting with the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon. We travel from roaring glacial rivers to the geothermal area of Námaskarð, near Lake Mývatn. The ground here bubbles with boiling mud pools in red, yellow, and orange from mineral deposits.

As an optional extra, we offer a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the "Blue Lagoon of the North." These natural hot springs are fed by geothermal waters drawn from 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) below the surface. The warm, mineral-rich water is perfect for a relaxing soak, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of northern Iceland.

We continue to the Dimmuborgir lava formations, also known as the "dark cities. Our next stop is the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." As we approach, you’ll hear the powerful rush of water cascading over the cliffs, creating a constant roar.

We will stay at a country hotel in Akureyri, the second-largest city in Iceland. In winter, the clear skies around Akureyri make for great hunting for the Northern Lights. 

Accommodation: 3* Berjaya Akureyri Hotel or similar

Overnight in Akureyri on bed-and-breakfast basis           

DAY 5 | WHALE WATCHING FROM DALVIK-SIGLUFJÖRÐUR-TRÖLLASKAGI

We will start the day by exploring the town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Then, we will drive to the neighbouring town of Dalvík where we go for a 3-hour whale-watching tour in Eyjafjörður fjord. Take this opportunity to enjoy the wonders of sea life, including humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and the occasional blue whale! If fishing interests you, give sea angling a try and taste whatever you catch.

Next, we will travel the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, which will take us through a couple of fishing hamlets before we stop in the cosy village of Siglufjörður. Thereafter, we will head to West Iceland, where we will spend the night in a hotel in Laugarbakki, a small village.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Laugarbakki or similar

Overnight in Laugarbakki on bed-and-breakfast basis           

DAY 6 | WEST ICELAND 

Today, we will focus on the area around Borgarfjörður in West Iceland. Lonely Planet voted this area one of the best travel destinations.

Our first stop is Grábrók, a volcano crater. We will take a short hike to the top, where, in good visibility, there are spectacular views over the lava fields and landscapes stretching way into the distance.

Then, we head to the town of Reykholt, an important place in Icelandic history, particularly in medieval times. We will show you Snorralaug, the hot spring pool named after Snorri Sturluson, the late 12th-century scholar, lawyer, historian, and saga writer. Stand by the pool where Snorri is reputed to have bathed and contemplate the threads of Icelandic history woven together.

Your next stop will be very different! We'll visit the Deildartunguhver hot spring. This Borgarfjörður jewel is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, supplying most of the hot water utilized in the area.

We will also see the Hraunfossar waterfall, where the ice-cold water pours out of the lava in thousands of creeks. Onwards to a very different nearby waterfall, Barnafoss. The name of this beautiful waterfall means 'Children's Falls,' and your guide will tell you all about the legend behind it! Another fun stop today is at the Sturlureykir horse farm.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Borgarnes or similar

Overnight in Borgarnes on bed-and-breakfast basis      

DAY 7 | SNAEFELLSNES

Today, your guide will pick you up around 8am. You'll spend a whole day exploring the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, its craggy cliffs, black pebble beaches, seabirds, and glacier mountains. This region is called “Iceland in miniature” for a reason! Stop at the charming seaside village of Arnarstapi, where you'll have the chance to visit the natural Miðgjá rock arch and then the 19th-century Búðakirkja church.

For lunch, we'll stop at the village of Hellnar (food and drink not included).

Next, we head into Snæfellsnes National Park, where we will have the chance to stroll around the moss-covered lava landscapes and admire views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Onwards to the magnificent black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, framed by crazily shaped cliffs. On the way back to Reykjavík, you will be driven through legendary scenery. Your next stop will be at Kirkjufell.

In the evening, after a week of sensational sights and exciting adventures, we will drop you off in Reykjavík. We return to the city at around 8pm and will drop you off at your original pick-up location or any of your choice.