Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, take a Flybus shuttle from Keflavik Airport to your accommodation. If time permits, enjoy exploring Iceland’s capital city at your own pace.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 50km
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT: Fosshotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik or similar
Day 2: Reykjavik ~ Borgarnes – Golden Circle
Today you will meet your guide at 9am before starting your tour to the infamous Golden Circle. First up is a visit to a geothermal greenhouse, where you’ll see how Icelanders grow tomatoes using natural heat. Right next door, we meet the unique Icelandic horses, giving you the perfect opportunity for a photo and to learn about their special traits and history.
We then visit Gullfoss, the stunning double-tiered “Golden Falls,” before heading to the geothermal area of Geysir. Here, you’ll witness Strokkur erupting spectacularly, shooting water up to 25 metres every few minutes. Finally, we stop at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historic location of the Viking Parliament. This area sits on the tectonic plate boundary between North America and Europe, creating dramatic fissures, ponds, and rivers. Don’t miss the incredible Almannagjá rift – a must-see highlight of this natural wonder.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 300km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Hamar, Borgarnes or similar
Day 3: Borgarnes ~ Patreksfjörður – Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Ferry trip to West Fjords
Today, we explore the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which stretches out from Iceland’s rugged west coast. A dramatic mountain range runs its length, topped by the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier – a cone-shaped stratovolcano standing 1,446 metres high. As we travel through lava fields and along the coastline, there will be plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. At Snæfellsnes National Park, we’ll see an incredible mix of volcanic craters, lava flows, glaciers, fjords, and sandy beaches. For those feeling adventurous, don’t miss the chance to explore the Vatnshellir lava cave. You’ll head 35 metres underground and venture about 200 metres into a fascinating lava tube, bringing to life the famous journey from Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
In the afternoon, we board the Baldur car ferry in Stykkishólmur for a scenic trip to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. The 2.5-hour journey takes us across Breiðafjörður Bay, passing the picturesque island of Flatey, which is only inhabited during summer. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the bay’s countless tiny islands and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to wrap up the day before arriving in the magical Westfjords.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 290km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Fosshotel Westfjords, Patreksfjörður or similar
Day 4: Patreksfjörður – Iceland
Today, we follow the coastline and make a stop at the Hnjótur Folk and Transport Museum, a small yet fascinating collection showcasing local history. From there, we travel through a remote and sparsely populated area to reach the stunning bird cliffs of Látrabjarg. These cliffs are not only the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe but also home to millions of seabirds. Between mid-May and mid-August, you can spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, and more. A walk up to the top of the cliffs offers breathtaking views and the chance to get surprisingly close to the birds. Even if you’re not a bird enthusiast, the puffins’ quirky behaviour and the sheer number of birds make this an unforgettable experience.
If weather and road conditions permit, we’ll continue to Rauðisandur Beach, famous for its endless stretch of red sand – 10 kilometres long, to be exact. The colours of the sand shift throughout the day, changing with the light, tides, and weather. It’s a peaceful, untouched spot where seabirds and seals thrive, creating a serene atmosphere like nowhere else. Take a moment to soak up the tranquillity or capture the ever-changing hues of red, orange, and yellow in a photo. It’s the perfect way to unwind after exploring Iceland’s wild western edge.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 150km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Fosshotel Westfjords, Patreksfjörður or similar
Day 5: Patreksfjörður ~ Hvammstangi – Beautiful West Fjords
Today, we journey through the stunning West Fjords, travelling over mountains and along the shores of scenic fjords. Our first major stop is the majestic Arnarfjörður, a fjord surrounded by towering mountains. At its base, we discover Dynjandi waterfall, one of Iceland’s most spectacular sights. With its seven tiers of cascading water, Dynjandi is often called the country’s most beautiful waterfall. The walk up to the waterfall offers incredible views, allowing you to experience its power and beauty up close.
From there, we continue along the less-travelled southern coastline of the West Fjords. This remote route is marked by dramatic cliffs, narrow coastal plains, and deep, carved-out bays, making it a truly unforgettable drive. In the afternoon, we visit Erpsstaðir, a family-run dairy farm renowned for its fresh and delicious ice cream. Here, you can see how their dairy products are made and taste ice cream with unique local flavours, straight from the farm. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy a sweet treat after a day of exploring the raw beauty of the West Fjords.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 440km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Laugarbakki, Hvammstangi or similar
Day 6: Hvammstangi ~ Akureyri – Heading North
Today, we head off the beaten track to explore the Vatnsnes Peninsula, a remote and scenic area in northern Iceland. Our first stop is the fishing village of Hvammstangi, known as the “seal capital of Iceland.” From there, we follow a gravel road along the coastline to Hvítserkur, a striking 15-metre-high rock formation rising from the sea. According to local legend, Hvítserkur was once a troll turned to stone when caught by the morning sun. The rock is home to nesting seabirds like fulmars and gulls, making it a great spot for photos.
Next, we visit Kolugljúfur Canyon, where waterfalls tumble dramatically into a deep, rugged gorge. The viewing platform offers an incredible perspective, as the river’s calm waters suddenly plunge into a series of cascading falls – a sight that’s sure to take your breath away. Further along, we stop at Víðimýri to see one of Iceland’s few remaining turf churches. Built in 1834, it features traditional turf walls and timber gables, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s architectural past. Finally, we continue over a scenic mountain road to Akureyri, the vibrant capital of North Iceland, where we settle in for a two-night stay.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 290km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Sæluhús Studio Apartments, Akureyri or similar
Day 7: Akureyri – Iceland
We start the day with breakfast in the beautiful botanical garden of Akureyri, surrounded by colourful flowers and mountain views. Afterwards, we head out on a 2–3-hour whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, located just below the Arctic Circle. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and seabirds as you enjoy the stunning fjord scenery. For a bit of fun, you can try your hand at sea angling towards the end of the tour – a great way to experience Iceland’s fishing traditions.
In the afternoon, we travel through spectacular fjord landscapes to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town. Located on the dramatic Tröllaskagi Peninsula, this small town was once the herring capital of the North Atlantic. Along the way, we pass remote fishing villages and a beautiful, deserted valley that few visitors – or even locals – have seen. In Siglufjörður, we visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum, the largest maritime museum in Iceland. Here, you’ll learn about the herring boom that shaped the region and even get to taste herring paired with Brennivín, Icelandic schnapps. It’s the perfect way to end a day exploring this charming and historically rich corner of northern Iceland.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 170km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Sæluhús Studio Apartments, Akureyri or similar
Day 8: Akureyri ~ Eskifjörður – Volcanic Lava Wonders and Geothermal bathing
Today, we start by visiting Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a stunning cascade steeped in history. From there, we continue to Lake Mývatn, a region famous for its rich birdlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Here, we explore unique features like the pseudo-craters, the mystical lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and the impressive Hverfjall tephra cone. We also visit Námaskarð, a geothermal area filled with hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling mud pools – a true display of Iceland’s volcanic activity.
Next, we head to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The round-trip walk takes around 40–60 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the waterfall’s raw power. From there, we continue our journey east through a dramatic, uninhabited highland landscape surrounded by bare mountains. Our day ends with a relaxing stop at Vök Baths, a unique geothermal floating pool set in Lake Urriðavatn. Here, you can soak in the soothing hot water while taking in the peaceful lake views – the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Iceland’s volcanic wonders.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 370km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Eskifjörður, Eskifjörður or similar
Day 9: Eskifjörður ~ Höfn – East Fjords
Today, we start by visiting Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a stunning cascade steeped in history. From there, we continue to Lake Mývatn, a region famous for its rich birdlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Here, we explore unique features like the pseudo-craters, the mystical lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and the impressive Hverfjall tephra cone. We also visit Námaskarð, a geothermal area filled with hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling mud pools – a true display of Iceland’s volcanic activity.
Next, we head to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The round-trip walk takes around 40–60 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the waterfall’s raw power. From there, we continue our journey east through a dramatic, uninhabited highland landscape surrounded by bare mountains. Our day ends with a relaxing stop at Vök Baths, a unique geothermal floating pool set in Lake Urriðavatn. Here, you can soak in the soothing hot water while taking in the peaceful lake views – the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Iceland’s volcanic wonders.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 370km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Eskifjörður, Eskifjörður or similar
Day 9: Eskifjörður ~ Höfn – East Fjords
Today, we journey through the breathtaking East Fjords, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and small fishing villages tucked away at the end of winding coastal roads. The peaceful fjords, with their steep cliffs and quiet beauty, are perfect for soaking in Iceland’s charm.
Our first stop is Petra’s Stone Collection, an incredible display of rocks, crystals, zeolites, and quartz. Petra, a local naturalist, spent nearly 80 years collecting these treasures from the East Fjords, creating one of Iceland’s most unique and personal exhibits. In the afternoon, we continue towards Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which dominates the landscape of Southeast Iceland. Its vast, icy expanse can be seen from miles away, offering a stunning final highlight to a day filled with natural beauty and unique discoveries.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 340km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Fosshotel Vatnajökull, Höfn or similar
Day 10: Höfn ~ Vik – Vatnajökull National Park, Glaciers & Glacier Lagoon
Today, we explore Vatnajökull National Park, which covers 14% of Iceland and is Europe’s second-largest national park. Our first stop is the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where we take a boat ride among floating icebergs. This incredible experience is often a highlight of any visit to Iceland. Nearby, we visit Diamond Beach, a black sand shoreline where chunks of ice glisten like jewels under the sun – a truly magical sight.
We then continue to Skaftafell, a beautiful region nestled beneath Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak and Europe’s second-largest stratovolcano, standing 2,110 metres tall. Here, we walk close to one of the impressive glacial tongues that stretch down from the Vatnajökull ice cap, offering the perfect photo opportunity. Finally, we cross a vast sandy desert before arriving in the charming village of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town, where we settle in for the night.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 280km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Vík, Vík or similar
Day 11: Vik ~ Reykjavik – South Coast
Today, we travel along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, surrounded by the sea, rugged mountains, glaciers, and stunning waterfalls. Our first stop is Reynisfjara, a dramatic black lava beach with towering basalt columns and bird cliffs. We then visit Skógafoss, one of South Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Its powerful cascade creates a mist that often forms magical rainbows, making it perfect for photos and unforgettable memories.
Next, we explore the Skógar Folk Museum, where turf houses and traditional artefacts showcase Iceland’s history and rural heritage. From there, we head to Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall where you can follow a slippery path and walk behind the falls. Be sure to bring a raincoat and sturdy boots, as you’ll definitely get wet! Our final stop is the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Centre, where we learn about Iceland’s active volcanic landscape and watch an insightful documentary on past eruptions. In the evening, we return to Reykjavík for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the end of this incredible journey.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 210km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Fosshotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik or similar
Day 12: Depart Reykjavik
Enjoy a convenient, individual transfer by Flybus shuttle to Keflavik Airport. Relax as the shuttle transports you comfortably through the scenic landscapes on the way to the airport, ensuring you arrive in plenty of time for your departure. This hassle-free service is designed to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to reflect on your unforgettable Icelandic adventure as you head home.
DRIVING DISTANCE: 50km
MEALS: Breakfast
