Iceland Complete Round Trip: 21 Days

Welcome to your holiday in Iceland! After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík. Afterward, enjoy a day in this vibrant capital of the North. Visit sights such as the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Harpa Music and Conference Hall and the old harbour in Reykjavík. No visit to Reykjavík is complete without a visit to Hallgrímskirkja church, where you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy spectacular views over Reykjavík. In the evening, we recommend a cozy dinner in one of the city’s gourmet restaurants to celebrate the start of your Iceland adventure. Overnight in Reykjavík.

Attractions of the day

Reykjavík City

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Harpa - Music Hall

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Hallgrímskirkja Church

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Laugavegur Shopping Street

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Today your Iceland complete tour starts for real, as you will be exploring the Golden Circle! In the morning you will receive your rental vehicle and hit the road. Start your day by driving to Selfoss. On the way, you can stop at the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant and visit its interactive Geothermal Energy exhibition. From Selfoss, you will venture into the famous Golden Circle. Visit sights such as the Kerið crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir sprouting spring and Þingvellir, a UNESCO heritage site. If you want to add more adventure to your day, you can enjoy optional activities such as snorkelling, snowmobiling or horseback riding. After a day full of exploring, it’s time to say goodbye to the Golden Circle and head towards the town of Borgarnes. You’ll stay the night in the Borgarnes area.

Attractions of the day

Gullfoss Waterfall

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Geysir

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Þingvellir National Park

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Kerið Crater

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After breakfast at your accommodation, it is time to explore some of the pearls of West Iceland. From Borgarnes, make your way up to Húsafell, which has long been known as a haven for those who love the outdoors. In Húsafell you will find plenty of hiking trails to enjoy, along with sights such as the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver geothermal area and historic Reykholt, which was home to Snorri Sturluson – author of the Edda Prose. In this area, it is also possible to add optional activities such as the Into the Glacier tour, where you literally go inside a glacier, or a tour of the Víðgelmir lava tube. After exploring the highlights of this lush area, it’s time to head back towards Borgarnes. From here you will continue up to the dynamic Snæfellsnes peninsula. On the way, you can stop at the Eldborg crater. You’ll stay overnight in Snæfellsnes

Attractions of the day

Settlement Center in Borgarnes

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Hraunfossar Waterfalls

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Reykholt

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Eldborg Crater

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Today you will have a full free day to explore the wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Sights in this area include the old church at Búðir, the villages Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, Snæfellsjökull glacier and Lóndrangar. Continuing, you’ll find the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain, the Berserkjahraun lava field, the famous shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn and the charming village of Stykkishólmur. It is also possible to add activities, such as a visit to the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, a whale watching tour or a Viking Sushi boat tour, where you get to taste some fresh fish directly from the sea. You’ll stay for another night in the same accommodation as the night before.

Attractions of the day

Snæfellsjökull Glacier

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Kirkjufell Mountain

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Búðakirkja Church

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Stykkishólmur

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Today you will travel to the wonderful Westfjords region of Iceland. In the morning you will board the ferry, along with your car, that will take you across Breiðafjörður bay. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours to complete and if you are lucky with the weather, the ride provides spectacular views over the thousand islands of Breiðafjörður. Once ashore in Brjánslækur, head for the amazing Látrabjarg cliff. With a 444-meter vertical drop and 14 kilometers length, it’s the most awe-inspiring bird cliff in Iceland and the westernmost point of Europe. In summer the cliff is home to thousands of puffins and other seabirds. If you choose to drive to Rauðisandur red sand beach, prepare to be truly amazed by its spellbinding beauty. After a day of exploring this amazing area, head towards the town of Patreksfjörður, where you will stay overnight.

Attractions of the day

Látrabjarg Cliff

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Patreksfjörður

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Another day, another adventure! It’s time to leave Patreksfjörður behind and head further north. Today you will be faced with some challenging roads, but you will also be rewarded with beautiful sights. After passing through the town of Tálknafjörður, you will find yourself in the tiny village of Bíldudalur. Those who are interested in curious attractions can make a detour from here and visit Samúel Jónsson’s Art Farm in Selárdalur. Afterward, it’s time to brave the famous Dynjandisheiði. This rocky road will take you to one of Iceland’s most spectacular sights, Dynjandi waterfall. This tiered waterfall is by many considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful, and we recommend taking the hiking trail all the way up to the waterfall. After viewing the waterfall you can visit Hrafnseyri, a museum dedicated to Iceland’s independence hero, Jón Sigurðsson. Continuing, you will pass through charming fishing villages and drive past endless waterfalls until you reach the town of Ísafjörður. You will stay in this area for the next two nights.

Attractions of the day

Dynjandi Waterfall

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Ísafjörður Municipality

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Today you can enjoy some optional activities in the amazing scenery of the Westfjords, or you can simply relax and enjoy the charming town of Ísafjörður. Optional activities in this area include sea-kayaking, horseback riding and hiking tours to the remote and wild Hornstrandir area. Those who decide to stay in town can enjoy a walking tour in the area or some self-guided hikes in the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the small towns near Ísafjörður, such as Súðavík where you will find the Arctic Fox center which is dedicated to Iceland’s only native mammal. In the evening, we recommend dinner at the famous Tjöruhúsið, one of the best seafood restaurants in the Westfjords and possibly in all of Iceland. Stay the night again in Ísafjörður.

Attractions of the day

Ísafjörður Municipality

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The Arctic Fox Center

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Today you can visit some of the most remote areas of Iceland. From Ísafjörður, weave your way to the village of Hólmavík on a road characterized by steep fjords and towering mountains. Arrive in Hólmavík, the capital of ancient sorcery and mysticism and home of a museum dedicated to the history of sorcery and witchcraft in Iceland through the centuries. If you have time, after checking into your accommodation, you can drive to the remote region of Strandir until the road ends. Here you will find amazing scenery, the village of Djúpavík and what is likely one of the most remote swimming pools in the world, Krossneslaug. Afterward, make your way back to the Hólmavík area where you will stay overnight.

As you continue your travel in Iceland, drive from Hólmavík passing fertile farmlands and barren mountain roads. Once you reach Hvammstangi, we recommend that you make a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula where you can view the Hvítserkur basalt stack that rises from the beach and the seals that bask nearby. Continue to the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Once you reach the village of Hofsós we recommend that you make a stop and dip into the beautiful geothermal infinity pool that offers great views over the ocean. Follow the road until you reach the town of Siglufjörður. This charming town offers great harbour views and fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner before staying overnight in the area.

Attractions of the day

Hvítserkur Basalt Stack

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Hofsós Swimming Pool

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Siglufjörður

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The Herring Museum

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After breakfast, make your way to the town of Akureyri. This is a day to take a break from nature and enjoy some culture. Akureyri is home to countless museums and artist’s workshops that you can visit today. Among them is the Akureyri Art Museum, Nonnahús – Jón Sveinsson Memorial Museum, the Aviation Museum, the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland and many more. Akureyri also has a lovely geothermal swimming pool and water park which guests of all ages can enjoy. Those who’d like to do more exploring today can head to the fertile Eyjafjörður valley. Here you will find peculiar sites such as the Museum of small things and the Christmas House. You’ll stay overnight in Akureyri.

Attractions of the day

Akureyri

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Akureyri Art Museum

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Akureyrarkirkja Church

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Akureyri Botanical Garden

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It’s time to continue your Iceland road trip. Make sure to stop by Goðafoss waterfall before turning north towards Húsavík. This town is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland”, and this is the perfect location to enjoy an optional whale watching tour. After lunch, continue and visit Ásbyrgi. This horseshoe-shapred canyon, which in ancient times was believed to have been created by Óðinn’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir, is by many locals considered to be one of the highlights of Icelandic nature. Here you will find plenty of hiking trails and those who aren’t afraid of heights can even climb a ladder up to the canyon’s ridge. Next, make your way down to Dettifoss waterfall, which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Nearby you will also find the Selfoss waterfall. After a day full of exploring, make your way down to Lake Mývatn. You will stay for the next three nights in the Lake Mývatn area.

Attractions of the day

Goðafoss

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Húsavík

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Ásbyrgi Canyon

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Dettifoss Waterfall

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Today you have free day by Lake Mývatn, and we recommend that you use this opportunity to visit the northern part of the Icelandic highlands. We can arrange for you to join a unique super jeep tour that takes you all the way up to the Askja caldera. On the way, you will be driven through the lunar-like landscape that characterizes this stunning region, and you get to visit sights such as Drekagil canyon. Once in the Askja caldera you will hike to the larger Víti crater and if conditions allow you may even be able to bathe in its opaque blue waters. Alternatively, you can enjoy sightseeing in the Lake Mývatn area and visit sights such as the Dimmuborgir lava maze, the geothermal area around Námafjall mountain, the Krafla volcano, and Skútustaðir pseudo craters. If you’d like to enjoy some activities today, we can arrange for you a horseback riding tour, a mountain bike rental or even a sightseeing flight. After a day full of exploring, we recommend a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths where you can relax in the milky blue waters and enjoy views over the Lake Mývatn area.

Attractions of the day

Lake Mývatn

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Askja Caldera

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Dimmuborgir

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Námafjall Geothermal Area

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Today you will be leaving the North behind and heading to the East of Iceland. The way from Lake Mývatn to Egilsstaðir, capital of the east, is a straightforward drive through the black sand desert. However, those who are feeling adventurous and are willing to brave more gravel roads will find plenty of detours to enjoy today. On the coastline, there are many small, coastal villages that are worthy of a visit. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path villages such as Vopnafjörður, visit Borgarfjörður Eystri where you can say hello to the elves that supposedly inhabit Elf hill by Bakkagerði or make your way to the artsy town of Seyðisfjörður. You will also find plenty of hiking trails in this area for you to enjoy at your own leisure. In Egilsstaðir, you can also visit Lagarfljót and try to spot Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness monster, Lagarfljótsormurinn. You’ll stay overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.

Attractions of the day

Egilsstaðir

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Seyðisfjörður

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Lagarfljót River

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Today you will be driving through the rugged Eastfjords of Iceland and visit tranquil fishing villages along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some reindeer here and there. The drive is beautiful, and the route provides many excellent views of the east coast of Iceland. Visit the village of Fáskrúðsfjörður, an old French shipping port where street signs are still both in Icelandic and French. Then, on to the peaceful town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, where you will stay overnight. Höfn is sometimes dubbed as the “lobster capital of Iceland”. We recommend you take full mouth-watering advantage of this feature at a local restaurant.

Attractions of the day

Fáskrúðsfjörður

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Petra’s Stone Collection

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The Eggs of Merry Bay

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Höfn

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The next couple of days of your self-drive holiday feature some of Iceland’s most spectacular sites such as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Skaftafell area in the Vatnajökull National Park. Drive west from Höfn towards the glacier lagoon where you can join an optional boat tour between the many beautiful icebergs broken off the mighty Vatnajökull glacier and rising out of the clear cold waters. Continue to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis between the vast glacier and the black volcanic Skeiðarársandur desert. From there you might enjoy an invigorating hike (usually less than an hour each way) to Svartifoss , named for the pitch-black basalt columns that surround it. Continue from there to the town of Vík where you can enjoy the view from the black sand beaches. You will stay the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur/Vík.

Attractions of the day

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

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Skaftafell

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Svartifoss Waterfall

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The "Church Floor"

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Start your day early and travel along the south coast of Iceland toward Landeyjarhöfn harbour. On the way, you can visit sights such as the black sand beach in Reynisfjara and the mighty Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. After lunch, you will take the ferry over to the Westman Islands. It only takes about 40 minutes to get to Heimaey, the main island of the Westman Islands. You can take the car with you so you can enjoy exploring the island at your own leisure. You can take an optional boat tour which circles the island of Heimaey, halting at places of interest where passengers can see various caves, witness the bird life, and possibly observe whales. Afterward, you can visit the puffins in Stórhöfði and walk up to the crater of Eldfell which means "the Mountain of Fire"). Eldfell is a volcano which was formed in a volcanic eruption that began without any warning just outside the town of Heimaey on 23 January 1973. You’ll stay overnight on the island.

Attractions of the day

Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach

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Skógafoss

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Skógar Folk Museum

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Seljalandsfoss

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Enjoy a free morning on the Westman Islands. We recommend enjoying some of the easy hiking trails found on the island, or visiting some of the museums you may have missed the day before. Alternatively, you can simply relax and take in the island scenery or visit the local geothermal swimming pool. In the afternoon, you will board the ferry and be taken back to the mainland. From Landeyjarhöfn you will drive in the direction of the small town of Hella where you will stay overnight.

Today you will have the opportunity to experience one of the pearls of Icelandic nature, Þórsmörk. In the morning, you will be picked up at a meeting point in Hella and board the bus which will take you to Þórsmörk (self-driving is not recommended due to difficult river crossings). Þórsmörk is known as a hiking paradise and you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities in this stunning landscape. You can choose between doing one or more easier hikes or go all out for a more challenging hike. The trails are well marked, and most are accessible with man-made steps on the steepest parts. We highly recommend bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a picnic with spectacular views. The information center in Þórsmörk will provide you with up-to-date information and advice on the hiking trails. After a full day in Þórsmörk, you will be returned to Hella where you will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the night before.

Attractions of the day

Landmannalaugar

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Today you will be saying goodbye to the South Coast of Iceland and starting the last leg of your journey around Iceland. In the morning, make your way towards the town of Selfoss, turn towards the coast and drive to the Reykjanes peninsula via the south coast road. On the way, you can visit the charming villages of Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. Once on the peninsula, we recommend that you visit the geothermal area of Seltún and Krýsuvík before making your way towards the famous Blue Lagoon. If you’d like, you can round up the peninsula by visiting the Bridge between continents before making your way to the Blue Lagoon. Here we recommend that you enjoy a relaxing soak in the milky blue waters. This is a perfect way to unwind after your time on the road (needs to be booked in advance). When you are ready, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík where you will drop off your rental vehicle and check into your accommodation in the city centre.

Attractions of the day

Geothermal area in Seltún

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The Bridge Between the Continents

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The Blue Lagoon

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Gunnuhver geothermal area

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Today you have a full free day to explore Reykjavík and its surroundings. The vicinity of Reykjavík offers many opportunities for optional day tours, or you can simply roam around and explore the history and culture of Iceland. Interesting exhibitions in the downtown area include the National Museum, Reykjavík 871 +/- Settlement Exhibition, The Northern Lights Center and more. You can also take a ferry to the island of Viðey. In the evening, we recommend dinner at one of the downtown areas gourmet restaurants to celebrate completing your Iceland journey. Overnight at the same accommodation as the night before.

Attractions of the day

Reykjavík Old Harbour

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Laugavegur Shopping Street

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Sun Voyager - The Solfar Sculpture

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Harpa - Music Hall

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Your Iceland travel is coming to an end. If your flight is in the afternoon, you still have time to do some last-minute shopping on Laugavegur shopping street or some sightseeing in the city. You will be transferred to Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight. We hope you had a wonderful time in Iceland and wish you safe travels back home!

Attractions of the day

Reykjavík City

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Sky Lagoon

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