Best of Iceland

9 days, 8 nights

 

 

Introduce yourself to this fabulous country and explore the highlights of Iceland with this 8-night Best of Iceland itinerary. Visit the Golden Circle, Reykjavík, waterfalls, lava fields and see Icelandic wildlife!

 

Highlights

• Visit Aurora Reykjavík and learn about the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights with exhibits and guided tours.
• Explore Iceland’s coastal waters and enjoy a whale watching tour on a fjord cruise from Akureyri.
• Unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths while enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Mývatn.
• Bathe in the thermal, tranquil waters at Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with a swim-up bar.

 

Overnight Stops

8 nights total

Reykjavík (1) – Grundarfjörður (1) – Akureyri (1) – Lake Mývatn (1) – Fáskrúðsfjörður (1) – Kirkjubæjarklaustur (1) – Hveragerði (1) – Reykjavík (1)

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1: Welcome to Iceland

Arrive at Keflavík International Airport, and acclimate to the time difference and rejuvenate after the flight by spending time at the Blue Lagoon. We recommend you do this before going to Reykjavík because it is near the airport. After soaking in the geothermal spa, head into the city where you will spend the night.

Optional Activities: Reykjavík hop-on/hop-off bus tour, whale watching from Reykjavík

Overnight in Reykjavík
Tenon Recommends: Grand Hotel Reykjavík 4⭑

 

Day 2: Reykjavík to Grundarfjörður

After breakfast, you will make your way over to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Set in a series of dramatic landscapes, the peninsula consists mostly of a national park and the Snæfellsjökull volcano. From lava fields to the black beach, the wildness of Iceland will leave a lasting impression on you.

Optional Activities: Whale watching

Overnight in Grundarfjörður
Tenon Recommends: Hotel Framnes 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 3: Grundarfjörður to Akureyri

The journey today will take you through Western Iceland, Skagafjörður and the valley of the horses en route to Akureyri. This region is often referred to as the mecca of horsemanship. Icelandic horses are smaller in stature, but don’t let their size fool you! They are some of the hardiest horses in the world. You will then spend the night in Akureyri, Iceland’s most populous city in the north.

Optional Activities: E-bike tour, botanical gardens, aviation museum

Overnight in Akureyri
Tenon Recommends: Hótel Norðurland 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 4: Akureyri to Lake Mývatn

Start your adventure today heading east toward Lake Mývatn. Stop along the way to take in the wonderful site of Goðafoss waterfall. Continue on to Lake Mývatn where you will see firsthand one of the most beautiful geothermal areas on the planet.

Optional Activities: Lofthellir lava cave, geothermal mud bath

Overnight in Lake Mývatn
Tenon Recommends: Hotel Laxá 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 5: Lake Mývatn to Fáskrúðsfjörður

Awaiting you today is the highland desert, the Dettifoss waterfall and the Eastfjords. It covers much of the entire island, but this is not your typical desert. Instead, it’s volcanic debris. Due to the land being so porous, the area is void of vegetation. It’s dark and gloomy color invites your imagination to roam. Adventure from the desert to the second most powerful waterfall in Europe before heading to your home for the night near the coast of the Eastfjords.

Optional Activities: Auroras Iceland museum

Overnight in Fáskrúðsfjörður
Tenon Recommends: Fosshotel Eastfjords 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 6: Fáskrúðsfjörður to Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Journey today along Iceland’s southern coast where the day’s activities include exploring a glacial lagoon, black sand beach and mother nature’s ice sculptures. Spend time in Vatnajokull National Park before arriving at your destination for the night.

Optional Activities: Glacial lagoon cruise, snowmobiling across a glacier, ice cave tour

Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Tenon Recommends: Laki Cottages 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 7: Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Hveragerði

Southern Iceland will not disappoint. From more glaciers to lava beaches to waterfalls and wildlife, today will continue to surprise you. Depending on the time of year, this area is home to breeding puffins, so keep your eyes peeled when you are around the cliffs.

Optional Activities: Geothermal exhibition, lava caving, horseback riding

Overnight in Hveragerði
Tenon Recommends: Hotel Örk 3⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 8: Hveragerði to Reykjavík

Today includes the well-known Golden Circle. From Geysir hot spring to Gullfoss waterfall to Þingvellir National Park, have your camera ready because the sites are nothing short of spectacular! After taking in the wonders, find yourself back where you started, in Iceland’s bustling capital city of Reykjavik.

Optional Activities: Aurora Reykjavik, National Museum of Iceland

Overnight in Reykjavík
Tenon Recommends: Grand Hotel Reykjavik 4⭑
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 9: Depart Iceland

Say goodbye to Iceland as you depart from the Keflavík airport, or continue onward to more Icelandic adventures!
(Breakfast included)

 

Pricing

From $2,498 per person based on double occupancy*
*Price shown is an example of what to expect for a self-drive vacation. Each itinerary is customized and can change depending on seasonality, availability, etc.

This trip can be booked as a self-drive tour or chauffeur tour.

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