Iceland Greenland Tour for 12 Days
Double your adventure and combine a tour to Iceland and Greenland.
Price from 4678 EUR per person
Prices are shown in euros for reference. Your booking is charged in Icelandic krona (ISK).
TOUR CODE
GT-05
SEASON
June - Sept
travel style
Premium Self-Drive Tours
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Destination
Iceland & Greenland
accessibility
Not Recommended
The Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day
Welcome to your Iceland Greenland Tour! On arrival at Keflavik Airport, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the northernmost capital of the world. The capital of Iceland with its 120,000 inhabitants is relatively small and the highlights in the city center are all in walking distance. Visit the impressive Hallgrims Church and have a look over the city from the church tower, have a look at Harpa Concert Hall or visit a museum. Relax in one of the cozy cafés or discover Scandinavian design on Laugavegur – the main shopping street. You stay for the night in the city center.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hotel Skuggi
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Skuggi
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
Hotel Saga
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Saga
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavik city centre
Central Reykjavik, walking distance to Laugavegur and the harbour. Our usual Superior choice in the city when guests want to be able to leave the hotel and be somewhere on foot.
Attractions of the day
Reykjavík City
ATTRACTION
Reykjavík City
Region
Iceland
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
ATTRACTION
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Region
Iceland
Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík's most recognizable building and Iceland's tallest church at 74 meters, dominating the city skyline from its hilltop position above Skólavörðustígur. It is a Lutheran parish church named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, it took 41 years to complete, with construction running from 1945 to 1986. The distinctive stepped concrete facade was directly inspired by the hexagonal basalt column formations found at Svartifoss waterfall and across Iceland's volcanic landscape. A tower elevator open to visitors daily gives panoramic views over Reykjavík and, on clear days, across Faxaflói Bay toward Snæfellsjökull. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eiríksson, a gift from the United States in 1930 to mark the Alþingi's 1,000th anniversary.
Laugavegur Shopping Street
ATTRACTION
Laugavegur Shopping Street
Region
Iceland
Laugavegur is the main street of central Reykjavik and the busiest in Iceland, running through the historic heart of the city from Hlemmur square to Lækjartorg. It is lined with Icelandic design shops, wool boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and bars, and forms the spine of Reykjavik's nightlife. The lower section is pedestrianized. The name translates as Wash Road, a reference to the route women once walked to reach the hot springs of Laugardalur with their laundry.
Harpa - Music Hall
ATTRACTION
Harpa - Music Hall
Region
Iceland
Harpa is Reykjavik's concert hall and conference center, sitting on the waterfront at the edge of the Old Harbor. Its glass facade, designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects, has made it one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland since it opened in 2011. The public areas are free to enter, and the building is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
Day 2: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysers
Day 2: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysers
dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavík
DAY ENDS IN
Golden Circle area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 225 km / 140 miles
About your day
Collect your rental car in the morning and begin your tour on the classic „Golden Circle“ route. Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the great Geysir geothermal area where the powerful geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes and have a look at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. In the afternoon you can take an optional dip in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon and dine inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar restaurants. Top off your day with a visit to the volcanic crater Kerið which is 270 meters wide and 55 meters deep. You will find your accommodations for the night in the Golden Circle area.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hotel Grímsborgir
Grímsnes, Golden Circle
HOTEL
Hotel Grímsborgir
Tier
Superior
Region
Grímsnes, Golden Circle
In the countryside along the Golden Circle, the overnight stop after Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Hotel Geysir
Haukadalur, Golden Circle
HOTEL
Hotel Geysir
Tier
Superior
Region
Haukadalur, Golden Circle
Right across from the Geysir geothermal area on the Golden Circle, a short drive from Gullfoss.
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Reykholt, Golden Circle
HOTEL
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykholt, Golden Circle
A hotel in Reykholt in the Biskupstungur area of the Golden Circle, a short drive from Gullfoss, Geysir and Friðheimar.
The Hill Hótel Flúðir
Flúðir, Golden Circle
HOTEL
The Hill Hótel Flúðir
Tier
Classic
Region
Flúðir, Golden Circle
In the farming village of Flúðir in South Iceland, close to the Secret Lagoon and a short drive from Gullfoss.
Attractions of the day
Alþingi National Parliament
ATTRACTION
Alþingi National Parliament
Region
Iceland
The Althingi is Iceland's national parliament and the oldest legislature in the world, founded in 930 AD. Its current home is a striking black basalt building on Austurvollur Square in the heart of Reykjavik, free to visit and just a short walk from most of the city's main attractions.
Geysir
ATTRACTION
Geysir
Region
Iceland
The Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley of South Iceland is one of the three main stops on the Golden Circle and home to the hot spring that gave the English language the word geyser. The Great Geysir has been erupting intermittently for thousands of years and at its peak could blast water up to 70 meters into the air, but it is now largely dormant, erupting unpredictably and rarely. Its neighbor Strokkur, whose name means the Churn, erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes to heights of 15 to 40 meters and is the reason visitors gather here. The wider geothermal field contains dozens of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, and smaller geysers, making it worth exploring beyond just waiting for Strokkur. The site is free to visit year-round.
Gullfoss Waterfall
ATTRACTION
Gullfoss Waterfall
Region
Iceland
Gullfoss, meaning Golden Falls, is one of Iceland's most powerful and visited waterfalls, dropping 32 meters in two dramatic tiers into the narrow Gullfossgjúfur canyon on the Golden Circle route. Fed by glacial meltwater from Langjökull glacier, it carries an average of 140 cubic meters of water per second in summer, producing a roar and a cloud of mist that can be heard and felt long before the falls come into view.
Kerið Crater
ATTRACTION
Kerið Crater
Region
Iceland
Kerið is one of Iceland's most striking volcanic craters, a 6,500-year-old caldera filled with vivid aquamarine water and ringed by steep red and black volcanic rock. It sits right off Route 35 on the Golden Circle route, making it one of the easiest natural wonders in Iceland to add to a day trip.
Day 3: The Beautiful South Coast
Day 3: The Beautiful South Coast
dAY STARTS IN
Golden Circle area
DAY ENDS IN
Vík
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 160 km / 100 miles
About your day
Today you will be exploring the South Coast of Iceland, known for its plethora of beautiful sights. Start your day with an (optional) visit to the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur where you can learn more about the volcanos in this area. Afterward visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfall, at the latter you can also visit the Skógar Folk museum and view reconstructed Icelandic turf houses. Here you can also enjoy optional activities such as a snowmobile or ATV tour. In the afternoon, make your way to the Dyrhólaey stone arch which is home to thousands of seabirds during the summer months. Enjoy a stroll on the Reynisfjara black sand beach with views to the Reynisdrangar rock pinnacles before finding your accommodations for the night in the Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Fosshótel Reykjavík
Reykjavík
HOTEL
Fosshótel Reykjavík
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavík
A large modern hotel on Höfðatorg in central Reykjavík, within walking distance of Laugavegur and the old harbour. Your base on the first and last nights of the tour.
Hotel Kría
Vík, South Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel Kría
Tier
Superior
Region
Vík, South Iceland
A modern hotel in Vík, close to Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Hotel Katla
Vík, South Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel Katla
Tier
Classic
Region
Vík, South Iceland
A countryside hotel just east of Vík, close to Reynisfjara and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Attractions of the day
Seljalandsfoss
ATTRACTION
Seljalandsfoss
Region
Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter waterfall on Iceland's South Coast, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull glacier flowing down the Seljalandsá river. It is one of the first major waterfalls visitors encounter heading east from Reykjavík along the Ring Road, about 120 kilometers from the capital. What makes it unusual among Iceland's waterfalls is a path that runs around the base of the cliff and directly behind the falls, allowing visitors to stand inside the curtain of water and look back out through it. The walk takes about 10 minutes and the cavern behind the falls is large enough to move around comfortably, though the path becomes extremely slippery and is closed in winter when ice makes it dangerous. The waterfall faces west and catches sunset light particularly well in the late afternoon. A second waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, is hidden inside a narrow gorge two minutes drive east and is worth the small detour.
Skógafoss
ATTRACTION
Skógafoss
Region
Iceland
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most visited waterfalls, dropping 60 meters over a 25-meter wide curtain of water on the South Coast near the village of Skógar. The sheer volume of spray it produces means that on clear days, single and double rainbows are almost guaranteed, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
ATTRACTION
Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach
Region
Iceland
Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, sitting on the South Coast just west of the village of Vík í Mýrdal, about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. The beach is framed by a wall of hexagonal basalt columns and the three offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which folklore says are trolls turned to stone by the rising sun. It is regularly cited as one of the most dramatic non-tropical beaches in the world, and is equally well known for its powerful and unpredictable sneaker waves, which can surge far up the beach without warning.
Vík
ATTRACTION
Vík
Region
Iceland
Vík í Mýrdal is Iceland's southernmost village, sitting on the South Coast about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. With a population of around 300, it is a small but well-serviced settlement, the main overnight stop on the South Coast route between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón. Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are 10 minutes west; the Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering Katla volcano dominates the landscape to the north. The hilltop Víkurkirkja church, with its distinctive red roof, is the most photographed building in the village and sits high enough to serve as a designated evacuation point if Katla erupts.
Day 4: Experience the Glaciers and Icebergs of Iceland
Day 4: Experience the Glaciers and Icebergs of Iceland
dAY STARTS IN
Vík
DAY ENDS IN
Höfn
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 205 km / 130 miles
About your day
Today it’s time continue to Skaftafell National Park and have a look at Vatnajökull the largest glacier in Europe. It is possible to go on a guided glacier walk where you can see the different shades of the glacier – white ice, blue ice, and plain clear ice. Interesting is also the short hike to the beautiful waterfall Svartifoss waterfall. In the afternoon you visit the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, and the more famous glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón where icebergs slowly float around. Here you can enjoy an optional boat tour or a kayak tour on the lagoon. Continue to the area of Höfn where you will stay for the night.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hotel Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón area, Southeast Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel Jökulsárlón
Tier
Superior
Region
Jökulsárlón area, Southeast Iceland
Near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, with views toward Vatnajökull.
Hótel Höfn
Höfn, Southeast Iceland
HOTEL
Hótel Höfn
Tier
Classic
Region
Höfn, Southeast Iceland
In the harbor town of Höfn in Southeast Iceland, the overnight stop after Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Attractions of the day
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
ATTRACTION
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Region
Iceland
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It only came into existence in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and has grown rapidly since, making it Iceland's deepest lake at 248 meters and covering an area of around 25 square kilometers. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly across the lagoon before flowing out through a short channel to the sea, passing Diamond Beach on the south side of the Ring Road as they go. The lagoon holds seals year-round, who hunt fish in the cold, clear water among the icebergs. Boat tours operate from May to October on both amphibian vehicles and zodiac inflatable boats. The lagoon has appeared in two James Bond films, Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, among other productions.
Höfn
ATTRACTION
Höfn
Region
Iceland
Höfn í Hornafirði is a fishing town of around 2,500 people on Iceland's southeast coast, sitting on a low peninsula where the Ring Road rounds the corner between the South Coast and the Eastfjords. Known throughout Iceland as the Lobster Capital, it is the primary landing point for langoustine caught in the cold, clean waters of the southeast, and several of the town's restaurants have built their entire menus around the local catch. The name Höfn simply means harbor in Icelandic, and the working harbor framed by the Vatnajökull ice cap on the skyline gives the town a character that is both practical and unexpectedly dramatic.
Day 5: The Tranquil East Fjords
Day 5: The Tranquil East Fjords
dAY STARTS IN
Höfn
DAY ENDS IN
Egilsstaðir
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 295 km / 185 miles
About your day
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the wonderful East Fjords of Iceland. This is one of the least-visited region of Iceland, as many visitors prefer to bypass the beautiful fjords on their way to North Iceland. For a more relaxed day you can make a shortcut to the town of Egilsstaðir by driving over Mt. Öxi, but we highly recommend driving along the fjords and exploring highlights such as Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, discovering some French charm in the village of Fáskrúðsfjörður and visiting the colourful village of Eskifjörður. In this area you will also find plenty of beautiful waterfalls and interesting hiking trails. You will stay the night in the Egilsstaðir area.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
HOTEL
Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Tier
Superior
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
On the shore of Lake Lagarfljót in Egilsstaðir, with a spa and views over the lake.
Hotel 1001 Nótt
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel 1001 Nótt
Tier
Superior
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
A small, quiet hotel near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, set in open countryside.
Hotel Hallormsstaður
Hallormsstaður, East Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel Hallormsstaður
Tier
Classic
Region
Hallormsstaður, East Iceland
In Iceland's largest forest beside Lake Lagarfljót, a short drive from Egilsstaðir.
Hotel Valaskjálf
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
HOTEL
Hotel Valaskjálf
Tier
Classic
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
A central hotel in Egilsstaðir, the main town in East Iceland.
Attractions of the day
Petra’s Stone Collection
ATTRACTION
Petra’s Stone Collection
Region
Iceland
Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður is one of the most distinctive attractions on Iceland's Ring Road: a private home and garden filled with hundreds of thousands of rocks, minerals, and geological specimens collected from the East Iceland countryside by Ljósbjörg Petra María Sveinsdóttir over more than six decades. Petra began collecting stones as a child in 1946 and opened her home to visitors in 1974. She passed away in 2012, and the collection is now maintained by her family.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
ATTRACTION
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Region
Iceland
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a village of around 700 people in the heart of Iceland's East Fjords, widely known as the French Town of Iceland. From 1880 until 1935 it served as the main operational base for French cod fishermen, primarily from Brittany and Normandy, who came annually to fish Icelandic waters. The legacy is visible throughout the village: street signs are posted in both Icelandic and French, 49 French and Belgian sailors are buried in a graveyard just outside town, and the centerpiece of the village is a beautifully restored 1903 French hospital that now houses a hotel and the French Museum.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn
Day 6: Lake Mývatn
dAY STARTS IN
Egilsstaðir
DAY ENDS IN
Mývatn
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 255 km / 160 miles
About your day
Continue from Egilstaðir to the amazing are of lake Mývatn. On arrival to Lake Mývatn you have numerous natural wonders to explore, including Dettifoss waterfall, Námaskarð pass with boiling mud pools and colorful mountains, Krafla volcano with the interesting crater Víti, Dimmuborgir lava park and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir. In the evening we recommend a relaxing bath in the Mývatn Nature Bath. Stay for the night in this area.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hótel Laxá
Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
HOTEL
Hótel Laxá
Tier
Classic
Region
Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
Near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, a base for exploring the lake, the Mývatn Nature Baths and the geothermal areas nearby.
Fosshótel Húsavík
Húsavík, North Iceland
HOTEL
Fosshótel Húsavík
Tier
Classic
Region
Húsavík, North Iceland
In the centre of Húsavík, Iceland's whale watching town, used for two consecutive nights while exploring Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and the Ásbyrgi canyons.
Attractions of the day
Lake Mývatn
ATTRACTION
Lake Mývatn
Region
Iceland
Lake Mývatn is a shallow volcanic lake in northeast Iceland, about an hour east of Akureyri on the Ring Road, covering 37 square kilometers with an average depth of just 2.5 meters. Its name means Midge Lake, a reference to the vast swarms of non-biting midges that hatch from the lake each summer and form the base of an extraordinarily rich food chain. The lake supports more species of breeding ducks than anywhere else in the world, with 13 species confirmed including the Barrow's goldeneye, tufted duck, harlequin duck, wigeon, and scaup. The surrounding landscape is one of the most geologically varied in Iceland, combining pseudocraters, lava formations, geothermal mud pools, active volcanic craters, and a geothermal bathing facility within a short circuit of the lake. Mývatn is a central stop on the Diamond Circle scenic route and one of the most visited natural areas in North Iceland.
Dettifoss Waterfall
ATTRACTION
Dettifoss Waterfall
Region
Iceland
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, dropping 44 meters over a 100-meter wide basalt lip on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park. Its average discharge of 193 cubic meters of water per second creates a roar that can be heard from several kilometers away and a vibration that can be felt through the rock beneath your feet when you stand at the edge. The water is gray-brown with glacial sediment from Vatnajökull, giving the falls a raw, almost industrial character quite unlike the clear-water cascades of Iceland's south. Dettifoss was the opening location of Ridley Scott's 2012 science fiction film Prometheus, chosen for its alien and primordial appearance. It is accessible from both banks of the river and free to enter.
Krafla
ATTRACTION
Krafla
Region
Iceland
Krafla is a volcanic caldera system in North Iceland, situated about 24 kilometers northeast of Lake Myvatn. One of Iceland's most persistently active volcanic areas, its last eruption cycle ran from 1975 to 1984, and the resulting lava fields are still visibly raw today, with steam rising from fissures across a landscape that genuinely looks like another planet.
Dimmuborgir
ATTRACTION
Dimmuborgir
Region
Iceland
Dimmuborgir, meaning "dark castles" in Icelandic, is a sprawling field of ancient lava formations near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Towers, caves, arches, and jagged pillars of solidified lava create a landscape that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the country, with well-marked walking trails threading through the formations in every direction.
Skútustaðir Pseudo Craters
ATTRACTION
Skútustaðir Pseudo Craters
Region
Iceland
The Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn are Iceland's largest and best-preserved pseudocrater field, with over 50 individual formations scattered across the wetlands. Unlike true volcanic craters, they were created 2,300 years ago when molten lava flowed over waterlogged ground, trapping steam that blasted through the surface in a series of explosions. The result is a surreal landscape of grass-covered bowl-shaped mounds that look volcanic but have no connection to any magma source below.
Day 7: Akureyri and the North of Iceland
Day 7: Akureyri and the North of Iceland
dAY STARTS IN
Mývatn
DAY ENDS IN
Sauðarkrókur
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 225 km / 140 miles
About your day
Visit Goðafoss waterfall (the waterfall of the gods) in the morning before heading for Akureyri, the largest town in the North of Iceland. Visit the beautiful Botanical Garden and have a look at the church overlooking the town. It is possible to join a horseback riding tour or a whale watching boat tour. The Laufás turf houses in Eyjafjörður are also a must visit while traveling in North-Iceland. Continue to the area of Sauðarkrokkur where you will stay for the night.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
Skagafjörður, North Iceland
HOTEL
Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
Tier
Superior
Region
Skagafjörður, North Iceland
A country hotel set in the farmlands of Skagafjörður, reached after the Tröllaskagi peninsula and the herring town of Siglufjörður.
Attractions of the day
Goðafoss
ATTRACTION
Goðafoss
Region
Iceland
Goðafoss, meaning Waterfall of the Gods, is one of North Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls, sitting directly off the Ring Road about 50 kilometers east of Akureyri on the Skjálfandafljót river. It is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, split into two horseshoe-shaped cascades by an island called Hrútey in the river above. The name comes from an event in the year 1000 AD when Iceland's Lawspeaker, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, decided that Iceland would convert from paganism to Christianity rather than risk a civil war between the two faiths. On returning home from the Althing, he is said to have thrown his statues of the Norse gods into this waterfall, symbolically marking the end of Iceland's pagan era. The waterfall is free to visit, accessible from both banks of the river, and open year-round.
Akureyrarkirkja Church
ATTRACTION
Akureyrarkirkja Church
Region
Iceland
Akureyrarkirkja is the Lutheran church that defines the Akureyri skyline, sitting on a hill above the town with twin spires visible from across the Eyjafjördur fjord. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, Iceland's first state architect and the designer of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, it was consecrated in 1940 and remains the most visited church in North Iceland. Entry is free.
Akureyri
ATTRACTION
Akureyri
Region
Iceland
Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest town and the undisputed capital of North Iceland, with a population of around 20,000 people sitting at the innermost point of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Despite its modest size, it functions as a fully equipped city with a university, hospital, airport with domestic and international connections, a botanical garden that is one of the northernmost in the world, a ski resort on the mountain directly above the town, a geothermal spa, and a thriving restaurant and café scene. The town is perhaps best known internationally for its heart-shaped traffic lights, changed from the usual round shape during an economic downturn in 2008 as a gesture of optimism and never changed back. It serves as the natural base for exploring the Diamond Circle route, which connects Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
ATTRACTION
Akureyri Botanical Garden
Region
Iceland
The Akureyri Botanical Garden, known in Icelandic as Lystigarðurinn, is one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, sitting just 50 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. It covers 3.6 hectares on a hillside above Akureyri, with views across Eyjafjördur fjord, and is home to over 7,000 plant species including around 430 native Icelandic flora. Entry is free throughout the summer season.
Day 8: Waterfalls and Hot Springs
Day 8: Waterfalls and Hot Springs
dAY STARTS IN
Sauðarkrókur
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 340 km / 215 miles
About your day
On the way back to Reykjavik you will visit the natural highlights of the West of Iceland. Visit the Grábrók volcanic crater and the Icelandic Settlement Centre in Borgarnes. Head to the Borgarfjörður district to see Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe, and visit the beautiful waterfalls Barnafossar and Hraunfossar. In the afternoon we highly recommend to join an optional tour into a 300 meters long man-made ice tunnel. This ice tunnel is the largest in Europe. Drop-off your rental car in the evening and spend the night in Reykjavik.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hotel Skuggi
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Skuggi
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
Hotel Saga
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Saga
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavik city centre
Central Reykjavik, walking distance to Laugavegur and the harbour. Our usual Superior choice in the city when guests want to be able to leave the hotel and be somewhere on foot.
Attractions of the day
Grábrók Crater
ATTRACTION
Grábrók Crater
Region
Iceland
Grábrok is a well-preserved volcanic crater in the Borgarfjördur region of West Iceland, sitting just off the Ring Road about two hours north of Reykjavik. A wooden staircase and short trail lead to the rim in around 30 minutes, where the views over the surrounding moss-covered lava fields and the Bifröst valley are genuinely impressive for very little effort.
Settlement Center in Borgarnes
ATTRACTION
Settlement Center in Borgarnes
Region
Iceland
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes is a museum dedicated to Iceland's Viking-age history, housed in two of the oldest buildings in the town. It contains two audio-guided exhibitions: one on the Age of Settlement covering the first 60 years of Icelandic history from the 870s to the founding of the Alþing parliament in 930 AD, and one on Egil's Saga, telling the story of the legendary Viking poet and warrior Egill Skallagrímsson whose father was among Iceland's earliest settlers.
Barnafoss Waterfall
ATTRACTION
Barnafoss Waterfall
Region
Iceland
Barnafoss, meaning Children's Falls, is a turbulent gorge waterfall on the Hvítá river in Borgarfjörður, West Iceland, a short walk upstream from its geologically remarkable neighbor Hraunfossar. The name comes from a folk legend: two boys, left at home while their parents went to church, took a shortcut across a natural stone arch over the falls. Both fell in and drowned. Their mother laid a curse on the bridge, and shortly after an earthquake destroyed it. The waterfall races through a narrow channel carved from volcanic rock, strikingly different from the quiet, diffuse streams of Hraunfossar just 200 meters away. The two are almost always visited together and take less than an hour to see.
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
ATTRACTION
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Region
Iceland
Hraunfossar, meaning Lava Falls, is one of Iceland's most unusual waterfalls: not a single drop but a 900-meter stretch of small springs that emerge directly from beneath the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and trickle into the turquoise Hvítá River below. The water originates from the Langjökull glacier, filtering through the porous lava rock before appearing at the surface. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, a dramatically different waterfall where the same river forces through a narrow rocky gorge.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
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Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Region
Iceland
Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring, pumping 180 liters of water per second at a constant temperature of 97 degrees Celsius from deep underground in the Borgarfjördur valley of West Iceland. You cannot bathe in it, but the viewing walkways bring you remarkably close to one of the most viscerally powerful natural features in the country.
Day 9: Flight to Ilulissat in West Greenland
Day 9: Flight to Ilulissat in West Greenland
dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavík
DAY ENDS IN
Ilulissat
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day
Today the second part of your Iceland Greenland tour is starting! In the morning you take a flight from the domestic airport in Reykjavik to Ilulissat on the Westcoast of Greenland. This charming arctic village is situated at the mouth of the UNESCO listed Ilulissat Icefjord and on a clear day you will have a wonderful view over the ice cap from the plane. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the surroundings. If you are interested you can also go on an optional tour like a helicopter tour over the glacier, a whale watching safari or an excursion to a remote settlement in the area. You spend the night in Illulisat. Highlights of the day: Flight from Iceland to Greenland, Ilulissat, Ilulissat Icefjord, And more
Attractions of the day
Flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat
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Flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat
Region
Greenland
Flights to Ilulissat depart from Reykjavík airport. Flight time is 3 hours and fifteen minutes. Please check in for your flight at least 90 minutes earlier to your flight time to avoid lines and so that the airline can keep on schedule. Please have all required documentation at hand before checking in, your confirmation number and identification. For flights that belong to the Schengen Region, passengers can show their passport or drivers license. For flights outside Schengen only a passport is valid. Please note that Credit and Debit Cards are not a valid ID. At the airport is a cafeteria which sells drinks, snacks and other refreshments. When traveling internationally from Reykjavík airport there is a duty free store.
Ilulissat
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Ilulissat
Region
Greenland
Ilulissat is a town of around 5,000 people on the west coast of Greenland, 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, and the gateway to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The name means icebergs in Greenlandic, and the description is apt: the town looks directly out over Disko Bay, where colossal icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift slowly past on their way to the open sea. Sermeq Kujalleq is the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, calving over 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually, which accounts for around 10 percent of all calving ice from the Greenland ice sheet. The combination of scale, accessibility, and sheer spectacle makes Ilulissat one of the most visited destinations in Greenland.
Day 10: Ice Fjord Boat Cruise
Day 10: Ice Fjord Boat Cruise
dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day
Today you will go on a boat tour among the huge icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord. You will see huge pieces of ice which had broken off from the most productive glacier in the Northern hemisphere. The glacier flows about 30 meters a day and the icebergs get to the open sea just in front of the village Ilulissat. In the afternoon you can go on a hiking tour or we can also book a guided village tour or a kayaking adventure for you. You stay for a second night in Ilulissat.
Attractions of the day
Ilulissat
ATTRACTION
Ilulissat
Region
Greenland
Ilulissat is a town of around 5,000 people on the west coast of Greenland, 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, and the gateway to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The name means icebergs in Greenlandic, and the description is apt: the town looks directly out over Disko Bay, where colossal icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift slowly past on their way to the open sea. Sermeq Kujalleq is the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, calving over 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually, which accounts for around 10 percent of all calving ice from the Greenland ice sheet. The combination of scale, accessibility, and sheer spectacle makes Ilulissat one of the most visited destinations in Greenland.
Ilulissat Icefjörd Boat Tour
ATTRACTION
Ilulissat Icefjörd Boat Tour
Region
Greenland
Almost every visitor in Ilulissat chooses to try this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. During one year, more than 48 km3 of ice flows into the fiord. The result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100 meters on each side and with a height on more than 100 meters above the water surface. These giants strand at the end of the fiord, and that gives us the opportunity to sail among them. The icebergs are beautiful in every kind of weather; in the sunshine the contrasts are very clear, the blue shades are seen best when it is cloudy and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night. Midnight sun in Ilulissat lasts from May 21st to July 24th. The midnight/evening sun gives the icebergs a unique play of colors that people return to experience again and again. Sailing during the night with the sun still shining is a fantastic and unusual experience; you do not want to be without, while visiting Ilulissat.
Day 11: Flight back to Reykjavik
Day 11: Flight back to Reykjavik
dAY STARTS IN
Ilulissat
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day
Spend your last morning in Greenland with its colourful houses and Greenland dogs all around the city. We recommend to visit the Knud Rasmussen museum which gives an insight into local history and the life of this well known polar explorer and his many expeditions. The house which accommodates the museum dates from 1848 and was originally North Greenland’s first teaching college. In the early afternoon you fly back to Reykjavik where you stay for the night.
Suggested hotels, or similar
Hotel Skuggi
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Skuggi
Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
Hotel Saga
Reykjavik city centre
HOTEL
Hotel Saga
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavik city centre
Central Reykjavik, walking distance to Laugavegur and the harbour. Our usual Superior choice in the city when guests want to be able to leave the hotel and be somewhere on foot.
Attractions of the day
Flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavík
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Flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavík
Region
Greenland
Flights to Reykjavík depart from Ilulissat airport. Flight time is 3 hours and fifteen minutes. Please check in for your flight at least 90 minutes earlier to your flight time to avoid lines and so that the airline can keep on schedule. Please have all required documentation at hand before checking in, your confirmation number and identification. For flights that belong to the Schengen Region, passengers can show their passport or drivers license. For flights outside Schengen only a passport is valid. Please note that Credit and Debit Cards are not a valid ID.
Reykjavík City
ATTRACTION
Reykjavík City
Region
Iceland
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Reykjavík Old Harbour
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Reykjavík Old Harbour
Region
Iceland
The Old Harbor is Reykjavik's most characterful waterfront neighborhood, where converted fishing warehouses now house restaurants, museums, and galleries alongside working boats that still come and go from the pier. Whale watching tours, puffin cruises, and northern lights boat trips all depart from here, making it both a destination and a gateway to the sea.
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum
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The Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Region
Iceland
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is housed in a former fish-freezing plant at the Old Harbor in Reykjavík, a setting that immediately grounds the collection in the industrial fishing history it documents. Opened in 2005 and run by Reykjavík City Museum, it presents seven exhibitions covering Iceland's maritime history from the Viking Age settlement through the development of the modern fishing industry. The highlight for most visitors is the coastguard and rescue vessel Óðinn, moored alongside the museum building, which served in the Cod Wars of the 1950s and 1970s (the series of disputes between Iceland and Britain over fishing rights in the North Atlantic). Guided tours of the Óðinn run three times daily and are led by former coastguard personnel who bring personal knowledge to the ship's history. The museum is covered by the Reykjavík City Card.
Day 12: Departure day
Day 12: Departure day
dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day
Unfortunately, this is the last day of your Iceland Greenland tour. Transfer to the airport by bus. If your flight is in the afternoon we recommend to visit the famous Blue Lagoon situation only 20 minutes from the airport. There you can relax in the warm water before flying home. Have a safe flight and thanks for traveling with Iceland Unlimited.
Attractions of the day
The Blue Lagoon
ATTRACTION
The Blue Lagoon
Region
Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable geothermal spas in the world, set in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Its milky-blue color comes from silica dissolved in the geothermal water, which precipitates to the surface as the water cools and scatters light in the blue wavelengths. The water is maintained at 37 to 39 degrees Celsius year-round and is rich in silica, sulfur, and algae. The lagoon was not designed. It formed accidentally in 1976 when wastewater from the adjacent Svartsengi geothermal power plant began flooding a nearby lava field. A power plant employee with psoriasis bathed in it and found it relieved his condition; word spread, and by 1987 the site had been developed for public bathing. The formal spa facilities opened in 1999.
What's included in the tour
Included
- 11 nights accommodation (Budget-Comfort or Quality) with breakfast in Iceland & Greenland
- Rental car of your choice for 7 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT
- GPS unit for easier navigation
- WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access
- Unlimited drivers for the rental car
- Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík on arrival
- Optional private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavík before your tour starts
- Return flight between Keflavík International Airport and Ilulissat
- Return transfer from Ilulissat Airport to your accommodation in Ilulissat
- Boat tour in Ilulissat Icefjord
- Transfer to Keflavík airport with pickup at your accommodation in Reykjavík upon departure
- Written guides of the regions you will be visiting
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes & service fee
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland (from abroad)
- Meals, drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gasoline
Discover local activities and adventures
Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.
Your route
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Agata
Travel Specialist
Agata has spent a decade finding the parts of Iceland that don't make the guidebooks. Her recommendations come from real curiosity about the country she chose to call home.
Elísabet Eva
Travel Specialist
Elisabet has lived across Iceland, from Reykjavík to the rural north. She knows the country the way most guides don't.
Nhung
Travel Specialist
Nhung moved from Vietnam to build a life and a career in Iceland's travel industry. She brings a newcomer's curiosity to every itinerary, still discovering the country one recommendation at a time.
Unwind in the perfect accommodations
We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.
Superior
Our Superior accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all Superior accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city's key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.
Classic
Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected Classic accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all Classic accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city's main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.
Luxury
Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.
Get a vehicle that fits your needs
Good to know
Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
Contact us
Can I drive in Iceland with my foreign driver’s license?
Yes. Visitors can drive in Iceland with a valid driver's license from their home country. If your license is not in Latin script, an international driving permit is recommended.
How far in advance should I book?
All travel arrangements should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For holiday packages and custom-made tours, we strongly recommend you book with a few weeks/months notice. For larger groups we recommend you book with a few months’ notice.
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What is icelandunlimited.is?
IcelandUnlimited.is is the official booking platform and trading name of Iceland Unlimited Holdings. We are a fully licensed and locally operated travel agency based in Reykjavík, Iceland. Specializing in incoming tourism, we offer tailor-made travel services and guided tours throughout Iceland and Greenland. Our office is located at Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík, and we proudly work only with certified guides and trusted local partners.
What language is spoken in Iceland?
The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. Most locals are fluent and happy to assist visitors in English.
Is Iceland safe for tourists?
Yes, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world with very low crime rates. However, nature can be unpredictable. Always follow weather alerts, road conditions, and safety advice when exploring outdoors.
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