Iceland : National Parks and Natural Wonders

Please note: this itinerary can also be operated in reverse.

Day 1 Reykjavik fly from the UK to Keflavik, transfer to the city and overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Day 2 Reykjavik-Myvatn transfer on your own (5-10 mins taxi ride, payable locally) to Reykjavik City Airport for midday flight to Akureyri*, then collect rental vehicle at the airport. Explore this quaint northern town located almost at the head of Eyjafjordur then drive to Myvatn, making a detour at picturesque Godafoss for a photo stop. Spend two nights at friendly Hotel Reykjahlid overlooking Lake Myvatn.

Day 3 Myvatn experience the geothermal and volcanic wonders of Myvatn and its surrounds: mud pools, craters, surreal lava formations, the lake with its prolific bird life and the Nature Baths (the north's answer to the Blue Lagoon).

Day 4 Myvatn-Egilsstadir visit the Jokulsa Canyon National Park and explore its gorges and waterfalls, including a possible visit to the immense waterfall Dettifoss (NB: due to road conditions in summer 2009, we recommend only 4WD vehicles take the road to Dettifoss, although a new road is scheduled to open in summer 2010). Then cross a moody desert landscape and head east to Egilsstadir. Check in at Hotel Herad for an overnight stay.

Day 5 Egilsstadir-Breiddalur Valley perhaps head off to Mjoifjordur, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the stunning East Fjords, before continuing south through yet more striking scenery to overnight at Hotel Stadarborg.

Day 6 Breiddalur Valley-Hofn one eye-catching view follows another on the journey south through the fjords to Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull. Travel around the base of the icecap, in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift - this is Jokulsarlon. Take a boat trip (at additional cost) and head over to the beach to watch as they drift out to sea. Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.

Day 7 Hofn-Kirkjubaejarklaustur go hiking in Skaftafell for stunning views over the south coast and of glacier tongues. Also discover Svartifoss, a striking little waterfall backed by basalt columns, hidden away from view until you are almost upon it. Drive past the turf church at Nupsstadir before reaching the little village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Overnight at Hotel Klaustur.

Day 8 Kirkjubaejarklaustur-Hveragerdi journey along the south coast, visit the fascinating Skogar Folk Museum and the thundering falls, Skogafoss. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Spend two nights at Hotel Ork in Hveragerdi.

Day 9 Hveragerdi enjoy the three great attractions of the Golden Circle: the geothermal area at Geysir, the two-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and historic Thingvellir, Iceland’s third national park.

Day 10 Hveragerdi-Keflavik drive back to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle at the airport and catch the flight back to the UK.

Please note if travelling in April or September it is recommended that you opt for a 4WD vehicle (minimum category D). This itinerary can also be booked in reverse (ie. driving from Reykjavik to Akureyri before a flight back to Reykjavik).