Enticing Iceland Circle

Upon arrival in Iceland, take the airport bus to your Reykjavik hotel. Much of the day is at your leisure to explore the capital of Iceland. Reykjavík is a city that is always growing and adding unique shops, world-class restaurants, and attractions that bring the beauty of Icelandic nature into the city. Early this evening there will be an informational meeting at the hotel with your tour guide. You’ll learn more about the tour and meet other tour participants. Overnight in Reykjavik

There will be a short introductory tour around Reykjavík city this morning, before heading out on your journey around Iceland. You will travel the famous Golden Circle route, seeing Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, UNESCO heritage site Thingvellir National Park, the “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss and the hot springs and geyser area of Geysir Strokkur. During the day you’ll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farm’s sweet Icelandic tomatoes. Dinner and Overnight in Golden Circle area

Explore enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, with a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones. Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, each with its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey (note: closed during bird nesting season, mid-May to 6/25) and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town. Overnight in Vik area

We’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the park’s Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty, with views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, a beautiful glacial “tongue” slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull. Onward to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 591 foot deep lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea. Continue to the fishing port of Hofn, in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Overnight in Hofn area

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm, such as the tiny village of Breiddalsvik, where the group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. Overnight in Egilsstadir area

Explore the empty vastness of the hauntingly beautiful highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area in the northeast. Visit fantastical Studlagil, an impressive canyon made of basalt columns that seem to resemble organ pipes. A viewing platform near the canyon lets you enjoy the canyon’s unique features. Studlagil is one of Iceland’s largest basalt formations. Stop at impressive Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors – can feel like we are visiting another planet! Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. You’ll definitely see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location. Dinner and Overnight in Lake Myvatn area

After visiting Myvatn area sites, stop at the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afterwards visit Akureyri, the northern “capital“ of Iceland, a town with charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. Though small in size, Akureyri has a lively cultural scene. The rest of the day is open for you to explore Akureyri. There is the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon,” where one can browse art galleries, friendly cafes or pubs for locally sourced food. Several museums are worth a visit. The botanical garden is open year-round – many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants.
Optional Tours offered: Whale Watching from Akureyri, or visit Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa. Overnight in Akureyri

Head across North Iceland. In Skagafjordur, enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region recognized for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery, plus its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the brilliantly colored Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Overnight in Borgarfjordur area

Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In Snæfellsjokull National Park, Snaefellsjokull glacier covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. You’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. During the day, your group will visit Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, and learn about “hakarl,” the cured shark meat specialty that Icelanders have enjoyed since Viking time. You can even try some for yourself! At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavík

Your morning is at leisure before taking the airport bus to the airport. You also have the option to depart Reykjavík a bit earlier and visit the Blue Lagoon independently, and head to the airport from there. Fly back to the US – or extend your stay in Iceland!