Grand Tour of Iceland

1 - Arrive in Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Your private guides will whisk you away for a few hours to soak in the restorative silky smooth waters of the world renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Alternatively, you could explore the Reykjanes peninsula to experience that ‘Land’s End’ feeling, visit the village of Grindavik and the Gunnuhver hot springs.

Day 2 - The Golden Circle

Explore the ever-popular Golden Circle, taking in the incredible Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park where The Alping (first parliament) convened and Geyser & Strokkur sprouting hot springs.

Additional excursions:

• snorkelling in Silfra (between tectonic plates/trenches)
• snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier
• horse riding amidst beautiful scenery

Day 3 - Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

Discover the wonders of the south coast including the epic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the black sand beach  of Reynisfjara (key filming location for Game of Thrones). Visit the cape of Dyrholey and later hike alongside the picturesque glacial valley of Svinafellsjokull or if you’re feeling adventurous hike the glacier itself.

Day 4 - Glacier Lagoon

Head to the infamous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Go for a leisurely walk along the lagoon, looking out for inquisitive seals and explore a blue ice cave within Vatnajokull. Entering this ancient frozen world offers an experience like no other.

Additional excursions:

• boat ride amongst icebergs on the lagoon

Day 5 - The Valley of The Gods

Experience one of Iceland’s most beautiful areas, Thorsmork. The scenery here is simply breathtaking. Climb onboard a  super jeep (akin to a monster truck) so you can ford glacial rivers and take the backroads that are impassable for all other vehicles. One of the day’s highlights will be seeing the aftermath of the 2010 Eyjallajokull eruption.

Day 6 - Lava Caves & 'Into The Glacier'

Enjoy the drive along the scenic coastal road as you head towards Hraunfossar falls ( 900m series of mini waterfalls) and Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful) hot spring. explore one of Iceland’s most impressive lava tube caves, Vidglimur, or go for a  trip ‘Into the (Lanjokull) Glacier’ and discover this extraordinary glacier cave.

Day 7 - The Mystical West Coast

A trip along the mystical coastline of the Snaefellsness peninsula is in order. Famed for its outstanding beauty, otherworldly connections, folk stories and geological history. Not only will your guide fill you in on these wonderful myths and true stories (something I love and that you would never find out on your own) but they will point out and explain the unique geological features. Walk through the lava fields between Arnarstapi & Hellnar taking in The Londrangar sea stacks and Dritvik Beach or get off the beaten track entirely and explore the more secretive spots.  The crowning glory is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself so you could tackle this glacier accompanied by your guide. The possibilities for a day of exploration and adventure are endless.

Day 8 - Mt Kirkufell & The Shark Museum

Head back along the north side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, stopping off at one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks Mt Kirkjufell and the surrounding waterfalls for a photo opportunity and to spend some time in this magical spot. Visit the shark museum and taste some fermented shark (from accidental catches in fishing nets) washed down with Brennivin. You will stop in the picturesque village of Stykkisholmur for lunch and a nice walk. Return to Reykjavik that afternoon and spend some time exploring or just relaxing at Sundhollin swimming baths & hot pools as the locals do.

Day 9 - The North

Fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri (the capital of the North). You will drive along the spectacular coastline of Eyjafjord and visit a farm and farmer’s café, a heritage museum and various other cultural and scenic experiences. Your afternoon will be free to explore Akureyri at your leisure. Spend 2 nights in this area.

Day 10 - Lake Myvatn Area

The Lake Myvatn area is brimming with natural wonders and you could easily spend 2 or 3 days here. You will visit one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, Godafoss (waterfall of the gods). Next you can visit Skutustadagigar, a collection of pseudo craters by the lake, Dimmuborgir lava field, Hverfjall (pyroclastic volcano) crater, the Grotgja fissure and Namaskard hot springs (yet another filming location for GOT). When you are feeling a little tired you can visit the Myvatn Nature Baths and soak your weary muscles in these geothermal baths. If you wanted to spend another day here or as an alternative you could go whale watching in the fjords!

Day 11 - Fly Home

This morning you will fly back to Reykjavik from Akureyri and you will be transferred to Keflavik to catch your flight home. It’s farewell to Iceland (for now)!