On this 7 night escorted tour explore all the classic sights along Iceland’s ring road and with an expert guide discover this country’s rich history, dramatic landscapes and stunning nature. Travel in the summer and marvel at the midnight sun or join during the winter months and go in search of the elusive northern lights.
This tour is designed to include the highlights of Iceland and to maximise the chances of seeing the elusive northern lights for those travelling between September and early April.
Unlike other escorted tours we offer in Iceland this trip is not a small group tour and on rare occasions, could exceed 30 passengers. All departures however are guaranteed and there are no minimum numbers. The holiday is designed to give the visitor the maximum coverage of Iceland in the shortest possible time, and hence the itinerary will be rather busy.
Itinerary
After checking in to your hotel explore Reykjavik independently and enjoy dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants that the capital has to offer.
Travel west along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord and the town of Borgarnes. Easy hike on Grábrók volcano crater in the middle of a greenish lava field. Further north visit Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s most beautiful turf house farms and folk museums. Continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until you reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.
Distance travelled: 415km/258 miles
In the morning explore the town of Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. From April-October there are optional whale watching tours available from 09:00-12:00.
In the afternoon travel to Goðafoss – the waterfalls of the Gods. Then explore Lake Mývatn, known as a geological wonderland and for its abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. End the afternoon relaxing in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths with a fantastic view over the whole area.
There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April.
Distance travelled: 120km/75 miles
Myvatn Nature Baths
In the morning walk in the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. In the afternoon, visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Head through the uninhabited highlands and moon-like surrounding to East Iceland. From June to August the tour includes a detour to the powerful waterfall Dettifoss.
Distance travelled: 250km/155 miles
Today to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords and, on the route, visit an attractive stone and mineral collection. Then, in the afternoon, see Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier visible all over Southeast Iceland. You will end the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, exploring the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in the arctic waters. A boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program from May through September. You can walk on the black sandy beach (The Diamond Beach) where large icebergs get stranded.
Distance travelled: 260km/161 miles
Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and get a glimpse at Europe’s second-largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe’s largest glacier.
In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us as you head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show where you get to witness and feel the heat from molten lava! Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar, there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. An exciting trail goes behind the fall – if you are prepared to get wet!
There is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening from mid-September to mid-April.
Distance travelled: 380km/235 miles
A day of classics! Start the day at Friðheimar, where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its special qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as you arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur “the Churn” which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls“, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers in summer and winter. Travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you return to Reykjavík, you will be taken for a short city tour to show highlights of the world’s northernmost capital.
Northern Lights: From mid-September to mid-April optional Northern Lights evening tours can be booked at the lobby of your hotel, should weather conditions be favourable.
Distance travelled: 160km/99 miles
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for your flight home.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Transport throughout and airport transfers
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Services of driver and guide (Days 2-7)
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Entry to Myvatn Nature baths
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Entry to Lava & Volcano Centre
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Visit to Icelandic horse stables and geothermal greenhouse
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Winter only: 2 guided northern lights searches on hotel grounds
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2130 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Year Round
Group Size
This escorted group requires a minimum of 5 participants in order to operate, and will have a maximum of 30.
Note: on occasion tours may operate with less than the minimum number of participants specified above (or exceed the maximum number indicated) – please refer to our booking conditions for more details
Private departures
Please contact us for a private departure on any date suitable for you. This itinerary can be tailor made to fit your requirements and group size.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
Shooting stars with northern lights
Sea turtles snorkelled with
Departure & price guide
From prices are per person in a room with private facilities.
Private departures
Please contact us for a private departure on any date suitable for you. This itinerary can be tailor made to fit your requirements and group size.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.