Iceland Discovery

Read some great comments from Margaret and Keith that travelled on this tour in the summer of 2007.

Types of car recommended: No. 3 (Intermedium) and higher.

Day 1
Arrival and overnight in Reykjavik (transfer from international airport not included)

Day 2
Drive to Þingvellir national park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the border of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to the famous hot springs at Geysir and the mighty waterfall Gullfoss.

Optional: Whitewater rafting in the Geyser area, ATV-quad biking in Haukadalur.

Day 3
Drive along the spectacular south coast, viewing highlights such as skógafoss waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Dyrhólaey* and the black sands of Vík. Continue across Eldhraun lava field to the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Another option is to drive the beautiful mountain track Fjallabaksleið, through Landmannalaugar nature reserve (4WD needed, track open from mid-June).

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May til June 23rd

Day 4
Visit the spectacular Skaftafell National Park nestling between glaciers and with many hiking possibilities. Onwards to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and to the harbour town of Höfn.

Optional: Boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon.

Day 5
Through the spectacular East Fjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstaðir area. On the way it is possible to take a boat tour to Papey island where thousands of puffins nest in summer or visit the famous stone collection of Petra at stöðvarfjörður.

Optional: Jeep tour to Vatnajökull glacier, boat tour to Papey island, visit to Petra's stone collection.

Day 6
Across the Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark beauty to Dettifoss, the mightiest waterfall in Europe. Explore the many wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park such as the strange formations of Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon. On to Tjörnes peninsula and Húsavík.

Optional: Whale watching tour from Húsavík.

Please note that we can not guarantee accommodation with private facilities in the West Fjords.

Day 7
Spend the day exploring the many natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area. Visit highlights such as Dimmuborgir, the pseudocraters of skútustaðir, the colourful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcano. Drive to akureyri, the capital of the North.

Day 8
Explore the fascinating town of Akureyri in the morning. Continue via the fertile valley of Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding, to Hrútafjörður area.

Optional: Whitewater rafting in Skagafjörður, horse riding in Skagafjörður, Glaumbær museum.

Day 9
Drive to Hólmavík, across steingrímsfjarðarheiði to the spectacular region of the West Fjords, the oldest part of Iceland. Drive the numerous uninhabited fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp with beautiful coastlines teeming with seals and bird life. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the area.

Optional: Witchcraft museum at Hólmavík

Day 10
Explore the town of Ísafjörður and its surroundings such as the neighboring towns of Bolungarvík and Suðureyri. Optional: Boat tour to the Vigur island, Kayak tour in Ísafjörður, natural history museum of Bolungarvík.

Day 11
Drive from Ísafjörður through the beautiful West Fjords. A stop at the waterfall Dynjandi is recommended and driving to Látrabjarg cliffs. In summer the 444 m high sea cliffs are occupied by millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. Onwards to Flókalundur area.

Day 12
Sail with the ferry Baldur across the Breiðafjörður bay with its countless islands and rich bird life to the charming village of stykkishólmur. Continue to Hellissandur passing the fishing villages Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík.

Day 13
Explore the countless natural wonders of snæfellsnes peninsula such as the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur and arnarstapi sea cliffs before continuing to the Borgarfjörður area and via Hvalfjörður fjord to Reykjavík.

Optional: Whale watching tour from Ólafsvík to look for the blue whale, the world's largest mammal, snow scooter tour on Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Day 14
Departure (transfer not included).

Facts about Iceland, practical information, major attractions and flights to Iceland.

Driving in Iceland