Excellent
Iceland Circle
YEAR-ROUND TOUR: Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes on this 8 day in depth cultural Icelandic tour. Discover the unique beauty of this mysterious land visiting the major cities and sights, including the capital city of Reykjavík, the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, and Akureyri, 'the Capital of the North.' Marvel at glacier lagoons, the beautiful Lake Mývatn, waterfalls, volcanoes, rural towns and countless other attractions.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
ReykjavikEnds
ReykjavikRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 30Minimum age
8 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Fridays - year roundHotel Rating
3 starCountries
IcelandArrival Transfer
Yes by Flybus shared transferDeparture Transfer
Yes by Flybus shared transferMeals included
Breakfast: 7Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Friday. Welcome to Reykjavik! On arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you'll be transferred by Flybus shuttle to our accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Grabrok Volcano Crater
Day 2 - Grabrok Volcano Crater
Reykjavik - Grabrok - Akureyri. This morning we meet our tour guide and depart from the hotel. We travel west, passing the town of Borgarnes and stopping to climb the Grábrók volcano crater. Further north we pay a visit to Glaumbaer, home to some of Iceland's most picturesque turf house farms and folk museums.
We continue along scenic fjord landscapes and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.
Day 3 - Lake Myvatn
Day 3 - Lake Myvatn
Akureyri - Lake Myvatn. This morning we explore Akureyri, a charming town of 17,000 inhabitants and enjoy the panoramic view over Eyjafjördur fjord. From April-October optional whale watching tours are available from 09:00-12:00.
In the afternoon we visit spectacular Godafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods and Lake Mývatn, which is known for its geological wonders and active bird life during summer. Next stop is the bizarre lava formations at Kálfaströnd to walk around the many pseudo craters. End an exciting day with a relaxing soak at Mývatn Nature Baths - the waters here contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm soothing waters benefit both skin and spirit alike.
Day 4 - Namaskard hot springs
Day 4 - Namaskard hot springs
Lake Myvatn - Namaskard - Egilsstadir. In the morning we hike in a lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir “the dark castles”, hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. Afterwards we visit the hot spring area of Námaskard with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Continue through the uninhabited highlands and moonlike surrounding to East Iceland. With some luck we might spot an Arctic fox or see reindeer.
From June to August the tour includes a detour to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Day 5 - Vatnajokull NP
Day 5 - Vatnajokull NP
Egilsstadir - Skaftafell. Today we admire the dramatic fjord landscape, twisty roads and tiny fishing villages in the East Fjords. En route we visit an interesting stone and mineral collection. This afternoon we see Vatnajökull - Europe’s biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland.
We stop at Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and explore the extraordinary site where you might see seals swimming in arctic waters. From May through September, a boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program. Just across the street, you can walk on the so-called Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up along the shore.
Please note: that the itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight.
Day 6 - Icebergs & Waterfalls
Day 6 - Icebergs & Waterfalls
Skaftafell - Skogar - Hella. We travel along the southern part of the giant Vatnajökull glacier and spend time exploring the stunning scenery of Europe’s largest national park, which has Iceland’s highest mountains and a beautiful alpine environment.
In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skogar, there is Skogafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Iceland’s past comes alive at one of Iceland’s finest museums, the Skógar folk museum with its turf houses assemblage of traditions of territorial relics on display. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall which plunges over the mountain.
Please note: The itinerary on this specific day can change due to seasonal factors, such as daylight.
Day 7 - Horses & Golden Circle
Day 7 - Horses & Golden Circle
Skatafell - Golden Circle - Reykjavik. Today we explore Iceland's famed Golden Circle. We begin the day at Fridheimar learning about the special qualities and history of the Icelandic horse and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on we visit the Geysir geothermal fields to see a variety of hot springs, bubbling pools and the mighty Strokkur, "the Churn", which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. We continue to Gullfoss, “the golden falls“, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River. Continue inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we take you for a short city tour of the highlights of the world's northern-most capital.
Day 8 - Reykjavik
Day 8 - Reykjavik
Today our Icelandic experience comes to an end with included FlyBus transfer to Keflavik Airport.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation - from
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation - from
Twin
Single
Hotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews