Iceland : Around Iceland

2210 km (approx)

Day 1 Reykjavik fly from the UK to Keflavik. Transfer to Reykjavik and overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Day 2 Reykjavik-Grundarfjordur collect rental vehicle and drive north to the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Check in at Hotel Framnes in the fishing village of Grundarfjordur for two nights.

Day 3 Grundarfjordur at leisure to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its snow-capped volcano, sandy beaches, lava flows, stunning coastline and amazing bird colonies. With jaw-dropping scenery like this, no wonder it was here that Jules Verne focused his story 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'!

Day 4 Grundarfjordur-Akureyi head north east to the charming town of Akureyri on the shores of the glistening Eyjafjordur, for an overnight stay at Hotel Harpa or its sister hotel Nordurland, located at the foot of the cathedral steps. Take an optional Arctic Circle flight (available during the summer, bookable locally), or take the local ferry to Grimsey, a tiny island located on the line of the Arctic Circle (prebookable - contact us). 

Day 5 Akureyi-Lake Myvatn visit the beautiful Godafoss waterfall and then head for Lake Myvatn and explore the area's curious volcanic features – perhaps take a dip in the milky waters of the Nature Baths (entrance payable locally), visit the quirky Cow Shed café or hike at Dimmuborgir. Spend two nights at Hotel Sel Myvatn overlooking the lake with its myriad of birdlife.

Day 6 Lake Myvatn drive to the mudpools at Namaskard, then continue to the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi Gorge, on to Jokulsa Canyon and (if you have a 4WD vehicle) to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Note: a new road is planned for summer 2011 to Dettifoss; unless this is completed, the current road is at present unsuitable for non-4WD vehicles.

Day 7 Lake Myvatn-Seydisfjordur spend a leisurely day heading east crossing the highland desert and visit the delightful farm at Modrudalur with its turf buildings and charming cafe.  Continuing along Road 1 (Iceland's ring road) explore the beautiful east fjords. Drive an elevated route from Egilsstadir following the sweeping road down to Seydisfjordur; check in at Hotel Aldan for 2 nights.

Day 8 Seydisfjordur another day travelling around this stunning area, with plenty of photo opportunities. Time to relax and enjoy the sights.

Day 9 Seydisfjordur-Djupavogur head south enjoying the fjord scenery and coastal route, with its beaches and birdlife. Overnight by the water at Hotel Framtid in the picturesque setting of Djupivogur.

Day 10 Djupivogur-Skaftafell continuing south, take an optional icecap and snowmobile tour on Vatnajokull glacier, or enjoy a boat cruise around the icebergs on the brilliant Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon (all prebookable - contact us). Be sure to cross over the road from the lagoon and take a look at the blue-hued icebergs as they drift out to sea or are washed ashore on the black sand beach. Take a scenic drive past the glaciers and spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.

Day 11 Skaftafell explore Skaftafell National Park - with wonderful views of glaciers and waterfalls, including the stunning Svartifoss with its impressive basalt columns. This is a hiker's paradise.

Day 12 Skaftafell-Hveragerdi travel along the south coast past the bird cliffs of Dyrholaey, impressive Skogafoss and its charming museum, Seljalandsfoss and other amazing waterfalls. Next two nights at Hotel Ork in the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi.

Day 13 Hveragerdi explore the Golden Circle route: Thingvellir National Park with its lake of the same name, the ancient assembly site and Law Rock, which is also known for its flora and geological features. Visit Gullfoss, the hot springs and geysers at Geysir and, if time, historic Skalholt church.

Day 14 Hveragerdi-Reykjavik drive along the craggy coast to the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit the hot springs and fumaroles in Krisuvik, the cliffs at Grindavik and opt for a dip in the Blue Lagoon (entrance fee applicable - payable in advance if preferred), before driving to Reykjavik. Return rental vehicle and check in at Hotel Cabin for the night.

Day 15 depart Keflavik transfer to Keflavik for return flight to UK.

Please note: Tailor made itineraries - should you wish to follow a similar route around Iceland with a different timescale (perhaps adding an extra night, changing overnight location/s, or concentrating on a certain area), please contact our team to discuss your travel plans. We will be happy to tailor an itinerary to suit you.