Nordic Utopia- Iceland

The energy is palpable on this magical island, where astonishing natural phenomena inspire the welcoming, creative locals and draw an increasing number of visitors in search of splendour. Below we are pleased to share a sample itinerary of this Nordic utopia. 
 

Day 1: On arrival at Keflavik Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver and transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk.

Overnight: Hótel Skuggi

Day 2: This morning you and your fellow travellers will be picked up by your guide. The first leg of our journey takes you around the Golden Circle, a popular route containing some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland. Starting at the UNSESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, we will see the site of the ancient assembly grounds as well as the visible rift where two tectonic plates are slowly separating. We will also visit the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser spouts hot water every few minutes. The last stop in this area will be at the Friðheimar farm, where we’ll get to taste geothermally-grown tomatoes from their greenhouse.

Overnight: Hotel Selfoss

Day 3: You will start the day at the fairy tale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the misty cascade on a footpath. Further along at the Volcano Visitor Centre at the Þorvaldseyri farm, browse the exhibit about the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption and its impact on the local residents. Next is a stop to the magnificent Skógafoss waterfall and the Skógar folk museum that displays interesting artefacts from Iceland’s old farming and fishing days. The last stop today is at the black volcanic beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Here we will be able to see the spectacular rock arch and bird nesting cliffs of Dyrhólaey and the Reynisdrangar basalt columns rising out of the ocean.

Overnight: Hotel Laki

Day 4: Today’s drive takes you to some of Iceland’s most photogenic attractions, including a visit to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland’s largest glacier. Here you have the option of hiking to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, which drops over a wide cliff of basalt columns that resemble organ pipes. After lunch, the journey continues to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you will sail among the floating icebergs on a guided boat tour. Afterwards we will begin driving along the majestic East Fjords on our way to your next accommodation.

Overnight: Bláfell

Day 5: Today’s scenery in East Iceland includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. After reaching North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Next we will explore the natural beauty of Lake Mývatn and its lunar landscapes with visits to the Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. This is a great day for geology enthusiasts! Our journey ends in the seaside village of Húsavík, known locally as “Europe’s Whale Watching Capital”.

Overnight: Húsavík Cape hotel

Day 6: Start the day by driving to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Here you will visit the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, which according to legend was formed by a footprint from the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse. In the afternoon, you will return to Húsavík, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can relax and stroll around the harbour or perhaps join one of the excellent whale watching tours (optional). Dinner will also be on your own this evening in the village.

Day 7: Leaving the Húsavík area today, your first highlight of the journey is Goðafoss, “The Waterfall of the Gods”. You will then make your way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you will take a stroll through the town centre that is always full of life during summer. After lunch you will have some free time to explore on your own for a while, and then will continue onwards through the tranquil farmlands of Skagafjörður on your way to our next accommodation.

Overnight: Hofsstaðir

Day 8: Today your drive takes you down through West Iceland, with a few stops at some lesser-known attractions along the way. On return to Reykjavik, you will be dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Fosshótel Lind

Day 9: Airport transfer by bus with an optional stop at the Blue lagoon

Included in your vacation:

• Meet and greet transfer from Keflavík airport

• Accommodation for 8 nights in comfort hotels and includes breakfast 

• 5 evening dinners

• Professional English-speaking guidance from day 2 to day 8

• Transportation in a high-quality van with free Wi-Fi from day 2 to day 8

• Entrance to Friðheimar Farm

• Entrance to Skógar Folk Museum

• Entrance to the Volcano Centre at Þorvaldseyri

• Boat tour at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

• Group information meeting with your tour guide on Day 1

• Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport on departure