9D8N ICELAND | Around Iceland & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Upon arrival, you will head to the coach park outside the airport where your transport will be waiting for you. You will enjoy a comfortable ride to your hotel in Reykjavik.

Optional to add a trip to the Blue Lagoon .

You will be picked up from Reykjavík, and from there, set out to explore the countryside, heading towards the well-known Golden Circle

We will start our unforgettable adventure with Thingvellir National Park, which is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site located southwest of Iceland.

North  American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet there, creating a unique  geological environment. The two plates are drifting apart. Thingvellir  is also home to some of the world's most active geysers and hot springs  resulting from the heat generated by the friction between the two plates. Combining these two plates has made Iceland one of Earth's most  geologically active places.

Viking history in Thingvellir National  Park is a fascinating topic to explore. Located in Iceland, Thingvellir  National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of  the most important sites in Viking history. The park was established in  1930 and is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations.  Thingvellir is a great place to explore Viking history. Visitors can  explore the archaeological sites, take in the park's natural beauty, and  learn more about the history of the Icelandic people. The park is also a  great place to take in the beauty of Iceland, with its stunning  landscapes and unique wildlife.

After visiting the park, we will go to Haukadalur Geothermal Area, where we will find a Hot Spring Strokkur, which erupts every five to ten minutes, creating amazing photo opportunities and the famous Great Geysir - the geyser that has named all geysers in the world, however, has been dormant since the early 2000s.

The  intense volcanic activity beneath the surface of the Earth creates  geysers in Iceland. The heat from the magma below the surface causes  water to become superheated and pressurized. When the pressure becomes  too great, the water is forced up through the Earth's surface and erupts  in a geyser. The eruption is usually accompanied by steam, boiling  water, and sometimes mud and rocks. The geyser's eruption can last  anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the size  and strength of the eruption.

To end our Golden Circle most magnificently, we will go to Gullfoss.  Gullfoss is one of the most iconic and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.  Located in the Hvítá river canyon in southwest Iceland, Gullfoss is a  spectacular double waterfall that cascades down into a deep canyon. The  waterfall is 32 meters (105 feet) high and has a width of about 20  meters (65 feet).

Today, Gullfoss is an extremely popular tourist  destination. The first thing that strikes visitors to Gullfoss is its  sheer power. The Langjökull glacier feeds the waterfall, and the  resulting volume of water is immense. Visitors can take in the stunning  views of the waterfall from the viewing platform at the top of the  canyon or take a short walk down to the bottom of the canyon for a  closer look. The area also has several trails, allowing visitors to  explore the surrounding area and take in the beautiful scenery.

On the third day you will head to the South Coast - home of glaciers.

Today, we will start the day with Seljalandsfoss - a  stunningly beautiful waterfall in south Iceland. It is one of the most  popular tourist attractions in the country, and it is easy to see why.  Seljalandsfoss is unique in that it is possible to walk behind the  waterfall, which creates a truly magical experience. The waterfall is  located in the Seljalands River, which is a tributary of the mighty  glacial river, the Markarfljot. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters (197  feet) high and is part of the Seljalandsfoss-Gljufrabui area, which is a  protected nature reserve. The area has been protected since 1987 and is  home to various flora and fauna.

Seljalandsfoss is a must-see for  anyone visiting Iceland. Its breathtaking beauty and unique features  make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.  Whether visitors seek a peaceful escape or an adventure, Seljalandsfoss  will surely provide an unforgettable experience.

Moving on further east, we will find yet another waterfall - Skógafoss.  It is a powerful waterfall with a width of 25 meters and a height of 60  meters. It is one of Iceland's most visited tourist attractions.

Skógafoss  is also one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and is a must-see  for any traveler. The area around the waterfall is very photogenic,  with lush green fields and a stunning view of the nearby mountains. A  well-marked hiking trail leads to the top of the waterfall, where  visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the area. In addition to its  natural beauty, Skógafoss also has a rich history. The area has been  inhabited since the 9th century, and the waterfall is considered a  sacred site for the Vikings. The waterfall is also said to be the hiding  place of a chest filled with gold and other treasures.

We will drive towards the glaciers.  Glaciers are an important part of Iceland's landscape, covering 11% of  the country. They are also one of the most visited attractions in  Iceland, with tourists coming from all over the world to experience the  beauty of these massive ice formations. Iceland is home to many  glaciers, with the largest being Vatnajökull, which covers 8% of the  country. This glacier is the largest in Europe and is home to many of  Iceland's most popular attractions, such as the Jökulsárlón glacier  lagoon and the Svínafellsjökull glacier.

Glaciers form when snow  accumulates over time and compresses into large ice masses. This process  can take thousands of years, and the glaciers in Iceland are some of  the oldest in the world. As the glaciers move, they carve out deep  valleys and create stunning landscapes. Glaciers are also important for  Iceland's environment. They provide a source of fresh water for the  country, and their presence helps to regulate the climate. Glaciers also  act as a buffer against the effects of global warming, as they absorb  some of the heat from the sun.

Iceland's glaciers are an  important part of the country's landscape, and they are an important  part of its culture and history. They are a source of adventure,  research, and inspiration and a reminder of nature's beauty.

Get ready to experience something a few have experienced -  a Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull!  We will meet a certified glacier guide who will give us all glacier  equipment, provide all safety equipment, and take us to the top of a  glacier!

Before going on a glacier hike in Iceland, it is  important to be prepared. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is  important to dress appropriately for the conditions. Layering is key, as  temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the  location of the glacier. Wearing sturdy footwear with good grip is also  important, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Safety is also a  key factor when glacier hiking, as it is home to crevasses, avalanches,  and falling ice. However, our glacier guide will provide valuable  insight into the terrain and help ensure a safe and enjoyable  experience.

(Please note that a glacier hike might happen on Day 4 on Vatnajökull glacier, depending on the availability of the glacier  guide).

Next, we are going to the famous Reynisfjara.  Reynisfjara is a black sand beach located along the southern coast of  Iceland. It is the most popular beach in the country and has been  featured in several films and television shows. The black sand beach in  Reynisfjara is black because of the volcanic activity in the area. The  black sand is created by lava that has cooled and hardened. The beach is  also known for its dramatic basalt columns, which were formed by the  erosion of the nearby Reynisfjall mountain.

The basalt columns  were also formed by a volcanic eruption that took place over a million  years ago. The molten lava cooled and contracted, forming vertical  cracks in the rock. The lava then continued to cool and contract,  creating polygonal columns. The sea erodes the columns over time,  creating the unique and beautiful landscape that is seen today.

This  beautiful place is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including  seabirds, seals, and even the occasional whale. With its stunning  scenery and various activities, Reynisfjara is an unforgettable  destination.

The final stop of the day will be Vík í Mýrdal -  a small village located on the south coast of Iceland. Iceland's  southernmost village is renowned for its black sand beaches and dramatic  coastal cliffs. The village is home to a few hundred people and is a  popular stop for tourists as it is located in one of the most volcanic  areas in Iceland - only 26 km away from Katla Volcano - an active  volcano who has had several major eruptions throughout its history. The  most recent major eruption occurred in 1918, when the volcano erupted  for three weeks, sending ash up to 10 km (6 miles) into the air.

In  the event of a volcanic eruption in the area, all people are asked to  go to Vík's church, located at the top of the hill. Before leaving their  homes, everyone is asked to fill out a form and indicate on a window  facing the street how many people live there and how many have already  evacuated. This will help the police ensure that everyone is out of the  houses.

We will spend our night close to Vík.

Today,  we will leave our hotel at 8am and start our adventure to the east of  Iceland - surrounded by majestic glaciers, dramatic mountains, and  unforgettable views.

Our first stop is Skaftafell for a photo stop of the largest glacier in Europe - Vatnajökull, by the remains of the bridge that got swept away by a glacial flood in 1996.

Skeiðará  Bridge s one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, as it is a  reminder of the country's past, and it is a symbol of the strength and  resilience of the Icelandic people. The bridge was built in the early  20th century and spans the Skeiðará River, connecting the eastern and  western sides of the river.

The next stop of the journey is the astonishing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can see large icebergs drift calmly towards the ocean. (During the summer you will go on a boat ride on the lagoon)

Jökulsárlón  Glacier Lagoon is a glacial lake located in southeastern Iceland. It is  the deepest lake in Iceland and one of the largest in Europe. The  lagoon is fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, part of the Vatnajökull  glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. The lagoon is a popular tourist  attraction, with visitors coming to see the floating icebergs, seals,  and the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Jökulsárlón  Glacier Lagoon was formed in 1933 when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier  began to retreat. The glacier has retreated more than 3 kilometers since  then, creating the lagoon and its surrounding wetlands. The lagoon is  now over 1 kilometer wide and 284 meters deep. The lagoon is also a  popular destination for photographers and filmmakers, who come to  capture the stunning beauty of the lagoon and its surrounding landscape.  The lagoon has been featured in many films, including James Bond’s Die  Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.

Two minutes from Jökulsárlón, we will find a stunningly beautiful Diamond Beach,  where large chunks of glittering blue ice scatter across the black sand  beach. The ice results from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier,  which is part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier.

The beach is a  popular destination for tourists and photographers alike, as the ice  chunks provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for photos. The beach is  also home to various wildlife, including seals, seabirds, and even  reindeer.

From October to April: Get ready to visit Crystal Blue Ice Cave - one of Iceland's largest and most popular ice caves! The ice cave is  so far away that we cannot reach it by foot or car. So, we will take a Super jeep to get to the ice cave with a glacier guide who will ensure our safety.

Crystal  Blue Ice Cave in Iceland is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that has  captivated visitors worldwide and is a must-see for anyone visiting  Iceland. Located in the Vatnajökull National Park, the cave is formed by  glacier melting and is filled with stunning blue ice. The cave is  illuminated by the sunlight that streams in from the entrance, creating a  magical atmosphere.

The cave is a popular destination for  photographers, as the ice formations and the blue ice make for some  stunning photos. The tour will take visitors through the chamber and  other areas of the cave (please note that an ice cave is always  changing).
(Please note that we might visit another Ice Cave, depending on weather and season).

From May- September: Get ready to visit Katla Volcano Ice Cave, covered with volcanic ash. Jump  into a Super jeep and explore the mighty Dragon Glass caves of ash and  ice. To get there, you'll take a ride into the highlands on our 4x4  Super jeep as you admire the majestic mountains and fields of moss. As  you absorb the sweeping views of the mountains, glaciers, and black  volcanic deserts of the Mýrdalssandur flood plains, your guide will  share the fascinating stories, tales, and extraordinary geology  connected to this beautiful area in the South of Iceland.

Dates may vary depending on the accessibility of the ice cave

We will spend our night in a hotel nearby.

We will spend our fifth day in the East Fjords of Iceland, relax in  hot springs, enjoy the beautiful Icelandic life, and make amazing  memories! Here, we can also find amazing and rare wildlife, fjords, and  high mountain ridges.

Icelandic history appears in the peaceful fishing villages you pass along the way, as fishing has always been a big part of  Icelandic culture. If we have time, we will pass by some of these  villages.

Let's make our adventure even more exciting! We have two amazing activities that will make the rest of the day unforgettable!

• Optional Extra Activity: Horseback Riding in the East (an optional activity that must be selected during checkout).

Saddle  up, everyone! We're going on an adventure to explore the stunning  landscapes of the Icelandic Wilderness on our very own horses!

We  will meet a Riding Instructor who will teach us how to ride an Icelandic  horse! Each person will get his/her own horse and off we ride into the  Icelandic Wilderness to explore the beautiful landscapes.

Icelandic Horses are unique because they are the only horse breed in the  world with five gaits, including the ''tölt'', a four-beat lateral  ambling gait. This gait is unique and is not found in any other horse  breed worldwide. Additionally, Iceland horses are known for their  sure-footedness and hardiness, which allows them to traverse difficult  terrain and survive harsh climates. They are also known for their  intelligence and friendly personalities, making them ideal companions  for leisure and work.

There is no need to have previous experience  in horse riding. Please note that this activity is unsuitable for  people weighing over 120 kg or in poor physical condition.

We will travel a bit more north, where we will find luxurious hot springs!

• Optional Extra Activity: Entrance to VÖK Baths (an optional activity that needs to be selected during checkout).

VÖK  Baths is a luxury spa and a unique geothermal area located in the east  of Iceland. Experience the age-old Icelandic tradition of bathing in a  natural geothermal pool. Vök Baths is located on the bank of Urriðavatn  lake, only a few minutes from the town of Egilsstaðir.

At Vök  Baths you will find, floating geothermal pools with infinity view, two  on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an  in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro.

We will spend our night in a hotel nearby.

We will spend our 6th day exploring the wildest parts of Iceland.

From May - September, we visit Stuðlagil Canyon viewpoint. From  the viewpoint that juts over the canyon, you can see the blue-green  water and the basalt columns on the opposite side after just a 5-minute  walk down 239 metal steps.
However, it is important to note that accessing the river from this vantage point is impossible.

From May to September, we also visit Dettifoss, located in northern Iceland.
Dettifoss  is one of the most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls in Europe. It's  situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River and is surrounded by rugged,  volcanic terrain. The waterfall is 100 meters wide and drops 44 meters  into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The sheer force of the water crashing  down creates a deafening roar and a mist that can be seen from miles  away. Dettifoss is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure  seekers visiting Iceland.

The next stop is Lake Mývatn, and its beautiful surroundings.

Lake  Mývatn is a beautiful lake located in northern Iceland. It is a popular  tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and unique  geological features. The lake is surrounded by various volcanic  formations, lava fields, and other geological features, making it a  great spot for sightseeing and photography. The lake is also home to  various bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The lake  is also known for its abundant natural hot springs, making it a popular  spot for swimming and soaking.

A short drive away, we will find Námaskarð Pass,  a high-temperature geothermal area where the earth boils and gurgles.  Námaskarð Pass is a mountain pass located in the Highlands of Iceland.  It is situated between the glaciers of Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull and is  a popular tourist destination due to the orange and red landscapes in  the area. The whole land is orange due to the presence of sulfur in the  area, which gives the landscape its unique color. We will see colorful  hills, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and fumaroles during  our hike.

Dimmuborgir is our next stop, where we will find a field of peculiarly shaped lava  pillars that rise from the earth, and their formations may remind you of  trolls, elves, and other mythical creatures.

Dimmuborgir is a  volcanic area located in the north of Iceland. It is a fascinating  landscape of lava fields and caves, formed by volcanic eruptions over  2,000 years ago. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for  its unique rock formations, including the Hall of the Mountain King, an  area of large basalt columns. The area is also home to a wide variety of  wildlife, including Arctic foxes and ptarmigans, although they can not  always be seen. Dimmuborgir is a great place to explore and take in the  unique beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

We  will now explore Goðafoss - a breathtaking waterfall in the north of  Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country and  is a popular tourist destination. The name Goðafoss translates to  “waterfall of the gods,” and it is believed to have been named after the  conversion to Christianity in Iceland in the year 1000. The waterfall  is approximately 12 meters (40 feet) high and 30 meters (100 feet) wide,  making it one of the largest waterfalls in the country, which is also  known for its unique shape.

The waterfall was formed by a massive  glacial flood that occurred in the year 934. The flood was caused by a  volcanic eruption in the region, and the resulting glacial flood carved  out the horseshoe shape of the waterfall.

Akureyri is our next stop - the Capital of the North. You will have the whole  evening to explore the beautiful city. It is the second-largest urban  area in the country and is known for its stunning natural beauty and  vibrant culture. The town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and  fjords, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as  hiking and skiing. Akureyri has a vibrant nightlife, with various  restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Remember to look for the beautiful Northern Lights at night if the skies are clear before you return to your accommodation.

We will spend our night in Akureyri.

We will spend our 7th day with the most exciting activity of the whole journey! We will go Whale Watching!

In  the morning, after the included breakfast, we will pack our bags and go  straight to a small village called Hauganes, where we will get on a  boat and go into the North Atlantic Ocean to see Humpback Whales and more wonderful creatures swimming in the ocean.

We offer warm clothing.

Today,  we have a long way back to Reykjavík, passing by some beautiful places.  If we have time, we will make some extra stops to see the places, so  speak with the guide and let the guide know if there is a place you  would like to stop on the way. If we have time, we will definitely make a  stop.

We'll arrive back in Reykjavík around 8pm (depending on weather and road conditions).

On the morning of your tour, we will pick you up from your chosen bus stop or hotel in Reykjavík. We will then start our unforgettable adventure towards Snæfellsnes. As we travel to the  north, we will see mountains that were not previously there but had been  recently created – after hundreds of volcanoes erupted in the area.  When lava cools down, it sometimes creates extremely spectacular things  to nature.

Borgarnes
On the way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we will pass a wonderful  little town called Borgarnes. The journey to this place is absolutely  phenomenal – we will drive through a fjord and many scenic mountains.  Borgarnes was one of the first places Norwegian Vikings settled when  they arrived in Iceland.We might make a short stop for  some snacks and continue the drive more to the north – getting extremely  close to the Arctic Circle.

Ytri Tunga Beach: Seal Colony
Our first stop in Snæfellsnes will be a heavenly place for animal lovers – a place where the wild seals live.Ytri-Tunga  is a sandy beach that has a little secret hidden away down by the sea,  behind the farmhouses… a seal colony! Seals love to spend their time on  the rocks of this beautiful beach. They are friendly and curious and  will climb up on the rocks for you to spot them from a distance.In  the old days seals used to be killed for food or for fashion, however  nowadays Icelanders see seals as a beautiful addition to the culture and  encourage visitors to come and visit them as well.

Búðir
Our next stop will be an old village located in the middle of  huge lava fields – Búðir. In the old times the village used to be called  Hraunhofn, which meant ‘“The Harbor of Lava” in Icelandic.Nowadays,  in the once thriving town, the only standing building is a tiny wooden  black church called Búðakirkja – better known as Black Church of Búdir.   Also a modern Hotel Búðir has been recently built.Búdakirkja was built in 1703 and is considered to be the most beautiful church in Iceland.The  reason to build this church in the middle of a lava field is quite  unique. Legends say that an elderly lady asked a man to hold an arrow  and spin in circles until he felt dizzy. After many spins, he shot the  arrow into the air. The location of where the arrow landed meant that  the location of the church had been decided.

Arnarstapi: Fishing Village
Our next stop is a small fishing village at the bottom of a mountain, with one of the most beautiful harbors in the country.This  tiny fishing village has picturesque coastal cliffs which derived from  glowing magma, hit by the wild waves of the Atlantic. Thousands of years  later, erosion has formed beautiful stone arches and a remarkable  marine geyser.We will visit the coastline as we share  some extremely fascinating stories about Bárður, the half-man  half-troll, and his stories in the area.Afterwards we will stop at a beautiful Gatklettur, also known as “Hellnar Arch”.Gatklettur is a beautiful naturally formed stone arch. Gatklettur is a spectacular place for photographers, and videographers.

Djúpalónssandur
Djúpalónssandur is a striking black sand beach on Iceland's  Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Its volcanic pebble shoreline, shipwreck  remains, and ancient lifting stones create a captivating and mysterious  atmosphere. Nearby Dritvík Cove offers breathtaking views and is a haven  for birdwatchers. Djúpalónssandur is a place where Iceland's coastal  beauty and rich history come together.

The beach derives its name  from the nearby fishing hamlet of Djúpalón, which was once a thriving  fishing community during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it  stands as a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into  Iceland's rich maritime heritage.

One of the most striking  features of Djúpalónssandur is its unique black pebble beach, formed  over centuries by the relentless force of the ocean waves. These smooth,  volcanic stones create a striking contrast against the crashing waves  and the rugged cliffs that surround the area.As you explore the  beach, you'll come across remnants of a shipwreck that serve as a  haunting reminder of the perils faced by fishermen in the past. The  rusted iron remains of the British trawler, Epine GY7, which ran aground  in 1948, now lie scattered along the shoreline, adding an air of  mystery and intrigue to the landscape.Another intriguing feature  of Djúpalónssandur is the four ancient lifting stones that were once  used to test the strength and agility of aspiring fishermen. Each stone  has a different weight, ranging from the "Amlóði" (useless) stone,  weighing a mere 23 kg, to the mighty "Hálfdrættingur" (weakling) stone,  weighing a hefty 154 kg. It is said that those who could not lift the  Hálfdrættingur stone were deemed unfit for the demanding life of a  fisherman.

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs
The Lóndrangar are a pair of gigantic (75-meter high) basalt  pinnacles, which are remains from a volcanic crater from ten of  thousands of years ago. They can be seen emerging over the entire  southern coastline. In the area we might find a huge variety of  seabirds, northern fulmars and Iceland’s beloved puffins.Icelanders  have been visiting this place ever since vikings settled in Iceland –  roughly 1200 years ago. However farmers do not farm here, because  Icelanders strongly believe that elves live in the area.

Kirkjufell
We will end our day with Kirkjufell - the most famous mountain  in Iceland, which was featured multiple times on Game of Thrones.Kirkjufell  is by far the most beautiful mountain in the Arctic, peaking at 463  meters. At the bottom of the mountain, you will find a lake which  reflects a perfect mirror image of Kirkjufell.

You will be picked up from the hotel and sent to the airport for your flight back home.