Iceland : Journey to the Centre of the Earth

1200 km (approx)

Day 1 Reykjavik fly from the UK to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Reykjavik-Kirkjubaejarklaustur collect vehicle then head east over Hellisheidi, past the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi to two of Iceland’s best known waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Visit the Skogar Museum or drive to Reynishverfi and stroll along a volcanic sand beach, backed by impressive basalt columns. Cross the eerie, moss-clad lava field Eldhraun, the biggest lava field in Iceland formed in 1783 after the Laki eruption and stay near Kirkjubaejarklaustur for 2 nights. Be sure to take a walk up to the nearby lake of Systravatn, view the delightful waterfall Systrafoss and the eroded basalt columns of Kirkjugolfid.

Day 3 Kirkjubaejarklaustur drive east to Skaftafell, nestled between glacier tongues at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain and largest icecap, Vatnajokull. Take a short walk, depending on the weather, to either the tip of the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue, or Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall framed by basalt columns. Visit the stunning glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon.

Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur-Fludir make your way back along the south coast past Myrdalsjokull and Dyrholaey with its spectacular rock arch. Visit the Thjorsadalur Valley, including the reconstructed farm at Stong, which dates from the Viking period, and finally Mount Hekla. Spend two nights here in the south.

Day 5 Fludir a day to explore three of Iceland’s best-known natural wonders: the Geysir hot springs area, mighty Gullfoss and, depending on road conditions, Thingvellir National Park for a walk around the ancient assembly site.

Day 6 Fludir-Snaefellsnes head north to Borgarfjordur and Hraunfossar and view a waterfall that emerges from under a lava flow to cascade into a glacial river. Visit nearby Reykholt and Iceland’s largest hot spring Deildartunguhver. Spend two nights in Snaefellsnes.

Day 7 Snaefellsnes explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.

Day 8 Snaefellsnes-Keflavik drive back towards Reykjavik*, taking a detour to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in its soothing geothermal waters (entrance fee applicable), before dropping off the vehicle at Keflavik and taking the evening flight home.

*Please note that it is possible to add further nights to this itinerary. For the winter months in particular you may wish to add a night in Reykjavik (or close to the Blue Lagoon and the airport) at the end of your stay to allow for a more relaxing drive back to the airport after your stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Please contact our team for a tailor-made quotation.