Iceland Encompassed - 12 days
Iceland Encompassed - 12 days
Iceland Encompassed - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Patreksfjörður, Akureyri, Borgarfjörður Eystri, Vik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2576/IENC
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 20
Age range:
8-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with the "Iceland Encompassed" tour. Begin your journey in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital, before exploring the iconic Golden Circle, where you'll witness the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal wonders of Geysir. Discover the rugged beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the West Fjords, with highlights including the mystical Snæfellsjokull glacier and the stunning Dynjandi waterfall. Immerse yourself in Iceland's natural wonders with visits to three national parks, including Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. Relax in the geothermal Vok Baths, sail among icebergs in Jokulsárlón, and enjoy whale watching in Eyjafjorður. Experience Icelandic culture with visits to local museums and farms, and capture unforgettable moments with Icelandic horses and abundant wildlife. With comfortable 3-star accommodations and delicious meals included, this small group tour offers an unforgettable Icelandic experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at the airport you will take the Flybus shuttle from KeflavÃk International airport to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2: Borgarnes
Location: Borgarnes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Reykjavik - Gulfoss - Borgarnes. Get ready to explore the beauty that Iceland has to offer! Today, we uncover classic highlights as we embark on Iceland's famous Golden Circle Route. Starting with a visit to a geothermal greenhouse, we will watch how Icelanders grow tomatoes. Afterwards, learn about the unique history of the Icelandic horse, and be sure to take plenty of selfies.
Then, explore Gulfoss, home to the beautiful double "Golden Falls," and walk through the active geothermal area of Geysir, where Strokkur "the churn" spouts hot water up to 25 metres (70 feet) every five to seven minutes.
Next stop is an ancient Viking Parliament area, Þingvellir National Park. The UNESCO World heritage site is situated on a tectonic plate boundary where North America and Europe are slowly tearing apart from each other. This has resulted in plains scarred by fissures, ponds, and rivers, including the great rift Almannagjá.
Day 3: Borgarnes
Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Borgarnes - Snæfellsnes - Patreksfjörður. Today, we will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland’s West Coast. A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 1,446-meter Snæfellsjökull glacier, a mystical cone-shaped stratovolcano. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, so don't be shy!
As we travel through the Snæfellsnes National Park, make sure to check out the natural wonders encapsulating the area. From lava flows to volcanic craters, to an ice cap, glaciated peaks and fjords, to sandy beaches and high cliffs along the landscape.
If you've ever read Jules Verne's science-fiction classic, "The Journey to the Center of the Earth," get ready to join the adventure. The National Park visit will culminate with a trip to the interior of the Earth, under the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The lava cave tour will take us 35 metres underground, and a whopping 200 metres into the lava tube called Vatnshellier.
The afternoon will conclude with a car ferry Baldur from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur in the West Fjords. The scenic 2.5-hour journey will take us over Breiðafjörður Bay, passing the island of Flatey, which is inhabited only during the summertime. If the weather permits, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay’s countless isles as well as the glacier Snæfellsjökull.
Day 4: Patreksfjörður
Location: Patreksfjörður
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Patreksfjörður. Today we follow along the coastline. Our first stop will be the Folk and Transport Museum in Hnjótur. Afterwards, we continue to the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, passing through a remote and sparsely populated region along the way.
Látrabjarg is home to the most abundant seabird cliff and is the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. Embrace the wildlife as we walk through the wilderness to the top of the highest bird cliff. You may spot an array of Nordic birds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes and more.
If weather and road conditions allow, we will then travel to the breathtaking red sand at the tranquil Rauðisandur beach. The magnificent hues of the sand differ depending on daylight, tides, and weather. It is also home to countless seabirds, but if we're lucky we may even spot a seal!
Day 5: Patreksfjörður
Location: Patreksfjörður
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Patreksfjörður - Hvammstangi. Today will take us on a journey over mountains and along the shores of scenic fjords, until we reach the Arnarfjörður fjord. Surrounded by high mountains, we venture to the bottom of the fjord and view the Dynjandi waterfall. Declared the country's most beautiful waterfall, it features seven levels of plunging water, making for a breathtaking view.
We continue over a mountain pass and then along the southern shores of the West Fjords. The route we take is stunning; characterized by sheer cliffs, deep cut bays, and narrow stretches of coastal lowland.
Our final stop of the day is Erpsstaðir, a family run dairy farm. Famous for their delicious ice cream and various dairy products, you will learn about the milk production world. The best part is when you get to sample their unique ice cream directly from the farm! Make sure to have a taste of the local seasonal flavours.
Day 6: Akureyri
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hvammstangi - Akureyri. Today's adventure will take us off the beaten track and around the Vatnses Peninsula. Passing through the fishing village of Hvammstangi, a gravel road will take us around the pensinsula to Hvitserkur.
Hvitserkur is a mass of igneous rock that sits along the seashore and measures at around 15 metres high. Legend has it that Hvitserkur is actually a petrified troll that forgot to retreat from the light, therefore turning to stone at sunrise.
Our journey continues to Kolugljúfur canyon, where we can watch waterfalls cascade into the deep, rugged gorge. Walk on the viewing platform, and gaze in awe as the calm river waters suddenly tumble onwards over the impressive falls.
We then continue further north, stopping at VÃðimýri to visit one of the few preserved turf churches in Iceland. The church was built in 1834 and has turf walls, but timber gables both back and front. We continue along a high mountain road to Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, where we stay for two nights.
Day 7: Akureyri
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Akureyri. Your day starts with breakfast in Akureyri's botanical gardens. After breakfast, enjoy a 2-3 hour long whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord - located right below the Arctic Circle. If you're feeling lucky, you can try your luck at sea angling.
In the afternoon, we will travel to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town, known as the herring capital of the North Atlantic and located on the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The journey along the way is particularly scenic, boasting spectacular fjord landscapes, and passing by quaint fishing villages. We will stop at a deserted valley, which is unseen even by most Icelanders.
Once in Siglufjörður, we will visit the Herring Era Museum, Iceland's largest maritime museum and the only Icelandic winner of the European Museum Awards. Be sure to taste the herring during our stay, best paired with Brennivin, Icelandic schnapps.
Day 8: Geological And Volcanic Lava Wonders
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Akureyri - Bakkagerði. Get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing, starting with Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods. We continue to Lake Mývatn, known for its abundant bird life and home to amazing volcanic lava landscapes. Here, we can spot pseudo craters, walk through the mysterious lava field of Dimmuborgir, see the tephra cone Hverfjall and explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð.
Then, we travel to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Located in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, the round-trip walk will take us around 40-60 minutes.
As we continue east, we will travel through bare, deserted landscape surrounded by mountains. Detouring through the uninhabited highlands of East Iceland, we will explore the northernmost fjord on the East Fjord mountain range.
The isolated village Bakkagerði at Borgarfjörður-Eystri has only 120 inhabitants; offering an end of the road location. This charming village is built snugly next to the steep mountainside and getting there is a dramatic but rewarding drive. We will settle here and unwind for the journey ahead.
Day 9: Borgarfjörður Eystri
Location: Borgarfjörður Eystri
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bakkagerði - Höfn. Venture across the twisty roads in the East Fjords, admiring the landscape and tiny fishing villages along the way. The first stop is at Vök baths, a geothermal floating pool. Located in Lake Urriðavatn, this is the perfect time for rest and relaxation. Soak in the hot water and enjoy the views from the surrounding lake.
Afterwards, get ready to visit Petra's fascinating rock collection. Petra was a local that collected all the interesting rocks she could find in the nearby Eastfjords. Now, almost 80 years later, the naturalist's collection of unique treasures includes rocks, crystals, zeolites, quarts and more, in a museum for all to enjoy.
In the afternoon we will visit Vatnajökull, Europe’s biggest glacier that is visible all-over Southeast Iceland.
Day 10: Vik
Location: Vik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Höfn - Vik. Day 10 begins with a visit to Vatnajökull National Park. Covering around 14% of Iceland's land mass, this is Europe's second largest national park in terms of area.
We will take a picturesque boat ride amongst floating icebergs on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. This is considered one of the biggest highlights on this tour!
Next, we walk along the black sands of Diamond Beach and explore the region of Skaftafell, nestled below Iceland's highest mountain. In fact, the 2.110-metre high Hvannadalshnúkur is the second biggest stratovolcano in Europe. There are lots of photo opportunities as we walk close to one of the many glacial tongues in the area.
Our last mission of the day is across a sandy desert, where we will reach the southernmost village in island, Vik. This is where we will be spending the night.
Day 11: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Vik - Reykjavik. Today is our last full day in Iceland together, so let's make the most of it! We'll begin by travelling along the beautiful South Coast of Iceland, between the sea, rugged mountains, glaciers and waterfalls.
We will spend time exploring the black lava beach, Reynisfjara, and bird cliffs, before stopping at the Skógafoss waterfall. The crashing water creates a mist that results in rainbows. This magical sensation adds to the sheer beauty of this stunning destination.
Afterwards, we visit Skógar Folk Museum which displays traditional turf houses and relics.
Later, we stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which has an encircled trail that will take you behind the waterfall! Make sure you bring a raincoat and some boots, as you will definitely get wet.
Finally, we visit the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Centre that focuses on geology and active volcanoes. Our visit includes a documentary film about volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
Our tour group will have one last hoorah with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital.
Day 12: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our Icelandic experience comes to an end with included FlyBus transfer to Keflavik Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels -
11 breakfasts and 10 three course dinners
Enjoy 11 breakfasts and 10 three-course dinners during your tour.
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11 nights 3 star accommodation
Stay in 3-star accommodation for 11 nights.
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Keflavik Airport arrival and departure transfer (FlyBus shuttle)
Transfers to and from Keflavik Airport via FlyBus shuttle are included.
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Whale watching tour in Eyjafjörður fjord
Participate in a whale watching tour in Eyjafjorður fjord.
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Vök Baths, including towel
Access to Vok Baths with a towel provided.
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Visits to three national parks
Explore three of Iceland's national parks during the tour.
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Ferry trip to the West Fjords
Enjoy a ferry trip to the West Fjords.
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Entrance to Folk and Transport Museum at Hnjótur
Visit the Folk and Transport Museum at Hnjótur.
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Farm visit
Experience a visit to a local farm.
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Visit to a geothermal greenhouse and horse stables
Tour a geothermal greenhouse and horse stables.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tips for your guide
Tips for your guide are not included and are an entirely personal gesture.
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Pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik before and after the tour is not included.
Age Policy
Child: 8 - 11.99yrs. Adult: 12 yrs+
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with heated coaches equipped with free Wi-Fi, and enjoy the convenience of FlyBus shuttle transfers to and from Keflavik Airport, as well as a scenic ferry trip to the West Fjords.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights of comfortable 3-star accommodation throughout your Icelandic adventure, ensuring a restful stay as you explore the stunning landscapes and attractions.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 10 three-course dinners.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 11 nights of 3-star accommodation.
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Is airport transfer included in the tour package?
Yes, Keflavik Airport arrival and departure transfers are included via the FlyBus shuttle.
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Will there be opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, you will have the chance to see sea-cliff birds, wild seals, and go whale-watching on Iceland's longest fjord.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi on board.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to small local museums, a farm visit, and a geothermal greenhouse and horse stables.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking Icelandic guide are included.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The sightseeing group may vary in size from 10 to 20 persons.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour?
International flights, visas, tips for your guide, and pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik are not included.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.