Compare Iceland Discovery by Intrepid Travel vs Iceland North East Triangle by Nordika Travel

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.

Day 1: Welcome to Iceland

On your own transfer to Reykjavik, which we can make arrangements and book for you.  Depending on your arrival time you may want to visit The Blue Lagoon, which is on your way to your hotel (reservation is required/admission not included). Ask us to add this amazing stop to your trip.

Once you check into your hotel (most hotels begin check-in at 2pm), you are free to enjoy Reykjavik and dine on your own.

Day 2: Egilsstadir - East Iceland Mountains and Moors - Wilderness Center of Iceland

Legendary Lake - Secret Waterfall - Turf roofed mansion - Highland Wilderness Gateway

Breakfast at your hotel.  In the early morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel to check in at the domestic airport in Reykjavik.  Catch a  one-hour flight to Egilsstadir, the capital of the East.  If the skies are clear, then you will have amazing views during your flight of the dramatic mountains and glaciers of the highland interior.

Upon arrival at Egilsstadir, you will drive to Fljotsdalur Valley, which rich green forest boardering the legendary Lagarfljót lake.  According to local folklore, the lake is home to a sea monster similar to the one in Loch Ness, Scotland, but with its own unique story.

Visit Hengifoss, a little-glimpsed silvery waterfall dropping down a multicolored cliff.  then discover local heritage at skriduklaustur, the turf roofed black and brown stone mansion of renowned Icelandic poet gunnar Gunnarsson.  This are was also the site of a medieval monastery that helped perserve Old Norse history and lore, and you can discover a few written treasures here.

Then it is time to head to the edge of the eastern highland wilderness a stunning area of vast green heaths, black mountains and rushing glacial rivers.  The Icelandic highlands are Northern Europe's largest wilderness area.  the new Wilderness Center is the gateway to the highlands, and it is also am experience of history.  Walk over a wooden bridge and into the past as you discover beautifully restored farm buildings from various periods in Iceland's highland history, including a turf roofed smoke house.  An interactive exhibit tells you the story of the highlands nature and the independent people who settled here.

As part of your experience, you will also enjoy coffee and home baked Icelandic refreshments in an old farmhouse kitchen along with a chance to chat with the area locals.  With luck, you may also catch a glimpse of reindeer, the symbol of East Iceland, as they wander in the mountains surrounding the Wilderness Center.

Dinner and Overnight in Egilsstadir

Day 3: Lake Myvatn Area

Highland desert - Lava Formations - Pseudo Craters - Colorful Geothermal Area

Breakfast at your hotel.  Cross the vast black sand deserts of the Modrudalsoraefi highland wilderness, before heading to the Lake Myvatn area.  Today we explore the natural beauty of this world renowned volcanic area, including the mysterious black lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the Jade green and umber pseudo craters at skutustadir and the intense colors of Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and fumaroles.  One of the Myvatn area's claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on earth, with a very diverse birdlife in general.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area for the next 2 nights

Day 4: The Diamond Circle, Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik

Europe's Mightiest Waterfall - Horseshoe Shaped Canyon - Charming Fishing Village

Breakfast at your hotel,  Myvatn makes up part of the magnigicent Diamond Circle route.  Today you will see other nature wonders on this route.  Cross a bridge over a powerful glacial river that flows through Jokulsargljufur, Iceland's longest river canyon the Viking settlers believed to be created be the legendary 8 legged horse Sleipnie.  The next stop will be in Husavik, Iceland's main whale watching town.  Enjoy a walk through the busy harbor area in town and admire the bright hued and charming buildings

Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area

Day 5: The Troll Peninsula - Akureyri - Siglufjordur

Waterfall of the Gods - Capital of the North - Fishing Villages

Breakfast at your hotel.  Travel west towards the bustling northern port of Akureyri, making a stop at the magnificent Godafoss, the waterfall of the Gods.  Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, which was voted #1 in the Lonely Planet's Best Destinations 2015.  The town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.  it sits in an amazing setting of glacier capped mountains and the blue waters of Eyafjordur.

Continue along Eyjafjordur with its magnificent views.  Take a tour of Ektafiskur, a family owned fish processing company that makes gourmet quality bacalao.  Continue through the fjords where black steep mountains drop into the vast blue seas.  Pass through the small fishing villages Dalvik and Olafsfjordur and onwards to Siglufjprdur, a very pretty town in a haunting fjord setting.  Visit Segull 67, a family owned microbrewery.

Overnight stay at the new Hotel Siglo in Siglufjordur.  Dinner is on your own and there are several delightful restaurants to chose from.

Day 6: Siglufjordur - Deildartunguhver - Hraunfossar - Reykjavik

Award Winning Herring Era Museum - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring - Lava Waterfalls

Breakfast at your hotel..  In the morning, explore Siglufjordur and visit the award winning Herring Era Museum, where a 1950s harbor atmosphere has been brought to life and taste herring as a part of the visit.

In the afternoon, drive through Skagafjordur, an area central to Icelandic history and culture.  It is also Iceland's main horse breeding area.  You will pass fields with horses of many colors grazing on the wild grasses.  Cross Holtavorduheidi plateau, the gateway between North and South, on your way to the West of Iceland, which is characterized by fjords, valleys, volcanos and craters.  Lonely Planet chose West Iceland as one of their Top Places to Visit in 2016.

In the West, water flows fir the earth in every form, from rivers of sparkling cool mineral water to Europe's most voluminous hot spring, Deildartungahver.  Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls seeping through black lava rock, before the last stop of the day in Borgarnes at the Farmers Market, Ljómalind.  The non profit market offers seasonal and regional produce and is run on a volunteer basis by local ladies.  Continue via Hvalfjordur tunnel back to Reykjavik.

Dinner in Reykjavik is on your own.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel.  Transfer to the airport is not included.  We advise departing your hotel no later than 3 hours before your international flight.

If you did not visit The Blue Lagoon (Reservation required) on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on the way to the airport.