Compare Iceland Discovery by Intrepid Travel vs Iceland Complete by Indus Travels

Day 1 Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Reykjavik, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation. If you arrive early, why not head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century – when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled – to the present day. Or perhaps join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley

Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region, our overnight stop for the night.

Day 3 South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 25-metres wide with a 60-metre drop, this waterfall roars. You can feel its power up close with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs are washed onto the black sand. Your leader can help you book an optional walk on the mottled blue, grey and black face of one of the tongues of Europe's largest glaciers, the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. From Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon it is not far to our overnight stay, located on another lagoon that is sheltered by a black sandbar.

Day 4 East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley

Start the day by returning to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between jagged icebergs in an included boat tour. Then take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and quaint fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland, and drop by Egilsstadir, home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm. Continue along mountain roads into the highland to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 metres (1539 feet) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. Spend the evening on this unique farm, which is small but rich in history.

Day 5 Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 6 Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. Embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Look forward to an included home-cooked dinner this evening.

Day 7 Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik

Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life and other wonders of nature. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for late afternoon if you are here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking. Perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savoury schnapps.

Day 8 Reykjavik

Today is departure day and time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! Check out time is at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange with reception to store your luggage at the hotel. If you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Perhaps browse some of the city's great art galleries. If you feel like something more active, book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. Alternatively, while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Welcome to Iceland! We recommend booking the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers with us. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland. Check-in your hotel (most hotels begin check-in around 2:00 pm) Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland, built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smokey Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Start the day with a short city sightseeing of Reykjavik. From Reykjavik head through the village of Hveragerdi to explore Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall", and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, and numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey* nature reserve. Continue to the village of Vik. Dinner and overnight stay in the Vik area.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May until June 23rd

Breakfast at your hotel and continue your journey on the Ring Road. Cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the earth, before reaching the small town Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over Skeidararsandur sands to Skaftafell National Park. Continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Throughout the day, you are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier. Dinner and overnight stay in the Hofn area.

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stop and admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Explore Petra's renowned collection of local stones and minerals. Dinner and overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area.

Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, heading to the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, a stop at Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Onwards to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and Laxa salmonriver. One of Myvatn area's claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on Earth, with very diverse birdlife in general. Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area.

Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall and the old turf farm Laufas. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colourful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. The destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. The evening and dinner is on your own at one of the town´s restaurants. Siglufjordur is a very enjoyable and friendly town for an evening stroll. Overnight in Siglufjorour.

This morning visit Siglufjordur‘s award-winning Herring-Era Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a herring boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes lead to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait - the tolt. Continue towards the village of Blonduos built on both sides of the river Blanda. Hrutey Island, a protected nature reserve, sits within the centre of this popular Salmon River. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau through Borgarfjordur to the beautiful town of Borgarnes. Dinner and overnight stay in Borgarnes area.

Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world. A stop will be made to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, before continuing via Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world ‘s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.

Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to book it for you. We recommend departing your hotel no later than 3 hours before your international flight. If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.