Iceland North & South

Reykjavik - Kirkjubajarklaustur. Our Icelandic adventure begins as we depart Reykjavik - you will be collected from a designated central pick up point at 08:00. Today we visit the most important sites along Iceland's Golden Circle route. Take in Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the mighty Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes or so. Then it's on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls.

Travelling south, we stop at two other waterfalls - Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Enjoy a walk behind the cascades before we head to Vik, Iceland's southernmost village to see its baclk sand beaches and pretty church. Stop at Reynisfjara for a stroll on the back lava beach here. Then it's on to Kirkjubajarklaustur. Our rural hotel is a great base for spotting the Northern Lights if you are visiting in the winter months from September to April.

Please note that we strongly recommend arriving in Reykjavik the day before your tour starts.

Kirkjubajarklaustur - Hof. Today, our journey will lead us across the Eldhraun lava field. Eldhraun, translating to 'fire lava', was formed by a mighty flow of fire-red glowing magma. Today's activity will depend on when you are travelling. Winter departures will explore an ice cave, whilst summer departures will enjoy a guided glacier hike at Skaftafell, in Vatnajökull National Park.

Then we visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, characterized by icebergs that have calved from the nearby Vatnajokull Glacier and see the famous Diamond Beach, its coal-black sands peppered with the glittering icebergs which have been washed ashore. Arriving in Hof, the dark nights are once again perfect for spotting the Northern Lights in winter.

Hof - Egilsstadir. Heading away from Iceland's traditional tourist path, we journey along the coastline of the Eastern Fjords to the pretty riverside town of Egilsstadir. On the way, we visit the fishing village of Djupivogur, home to a fine outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík (meaning The Eggs of Merry Bay). Our journey continues east, where we hope to spot some reindeer, we will stop to watch them from a safe distance if we do.

Afterward, we will spend the rest of the day in a live history center that offers optional hiking, biking, horse riding activities, exhibitions & hot spring spa. Located halfway between Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Lake Lagarfljót, the Wilderness Center is an authentic Icelandic experience.

Egilsstadir - Akureyri. This morning we drive to Studlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations before we explore the mystical landscapes around Lake Mývatn, a designated nature reserve with lava fields and volcanic craters. There is the option to soak in the famous geothermal spa Myvatn Nature Baths.

Then we stop at the mud pools of the Namskard Geothermal Area with its steamy puddles, sulfur-scented steam, and moon-like landscapes. Continuing to the Dimmuborgir formations, known as ''Dark Castles'' rumoured to be home to deadly trolls and elves in Icelandic folklore.

Our last stop is at Godafoss waterfall before we arrive at Akureyri in the north of Iceland. The town is home to 17,000 people and boasts panoramic views over the Eyjafjordur fjord. You'll have time to head out and explore independently.

Akureyri - Laugarbakki. Today we hope to get up close to some of the giants of the natural world. Iceland is well known for the diversity of whales and dolphins that inhabit its waters. Our three-hour whale-watching cruise departs from the fishing town of Dalvik, and we hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and perhaps even a blue whale - though the species to spot will depend on the time of year you travel.

After departing from Dalvík, we make our way to the village of Siglufjordur, the northernmost town in Iceland. Few places boast a harbour as stunning as this one. The town features charming, brightly painted corrugated iron houses and well-preserved wooden buildings. In the early 20th century, Siglufjordur became the herring capital, attracting workers from across Iceland to its bustling industry.

As we head toward our accommodation for the night, we pass through Skagafjordur, a picturesque fjord dotted with islands, including Drangey. This island, with its steep sea cliffs, is the remnant of a 700,000-year-old volcano. According to Grettir's Saga, the outlaw Grettir sought refuge on Drangey with his brother Illugi and his slave Glaumur. The island is home to various seabirds, including puffins. We will spend the night at accommodations near Laugarbakki.

Laugarbakki - Reykjavik. We make our return journey to Reykjavik today, beginning our day with a short hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater with fabulous views over the lava field and the whole area on a clear day. There are numerous stops along our route through Borgarfjordur, Iceland's western region. These include the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the legendary Barnafoss waterfall. We also see the Hraunfossar cascade, the low and wide falls where the water emerges straight from the lava field. There's also a stop in picturesque Reykholt before we arrive back in the capital.

We'll arrive in Reykjavik between 17:00 - 18:00 when your tour will come to an end.