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8 Day itinerary in Iceland, Europe

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle & South Coast

Embark on an 8-day adventure through the stunning landscapes of Iceland, exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, West Iceland, and Reykjavik. Begin with the otherworldly geothermal wonders and lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the famou... Read More

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PreetiMicheleSonia

By Preeti, Michele and Sonia

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

KeflavĆ­k International Airport

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Wildlife

Culture & Heritage

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Golden Circle

2

South Coast

3

Reykjavik city

4

Reykjanes peninsula

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Reykjanes peninsula

Highlights • Colourful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver & Krysuvik • Beautiful Kleifarvatn lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge • Green-hued volcanic crater lake of Graenavatn • Stunning Reykjanesta bird cliffs and sea stacks • The Bridge between the Continents • The lava fields of Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark Positioned between the Keflavik airport and Reykjavik, the moon-like lava landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula serves as a first introduction to Iceland. Except for the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the geological wonders of this region remain lesser visited. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts across the peninsula making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland, with colourful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline, bustling bird cliffs and the Bridge between the Continents. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the Reykjanes peninsula: • Blue Lagoon spa (all year) (2+) • ATV tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) • Buggy tour (all year) (6+ with a rider)

Day 2

place Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland in miniature

Highlights • The mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano • The photogenic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, also featured in the Game of Thrones series • The beaches and rock formations of Djupalonssandur, Hellnar and Arnarstapi • Berserkjahraun & Budahraun lava fields • Budir black church The 90-km long Snaefellsnes peninsula is often referred to as ā€œIceland in miniatureā€. Dominated by the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, it offers an incredible variety of sights and hidden treasures - desolate lava fields and fascinating rock formations, windswept beaches with inspiring coastal views, orca whales and bird colonies. The picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall just outside of the Grundarfjordur town is a very popular icon of the region. Here are some of our favourite activities in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: • Whale watching tour (Feb-Sep) (0+) • Puffin & bird watching tour (Jun-Aug, depending on the puffins) (0+) • Sea angling and bird watching tour (Jun-Aug) (0+) • Snaefellsjokull snow cat tour (Apr-Aug) (0+) • Lava cave tour (all year) (5+) • Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) • Kayaking tour (Jun-Sep) (10+) • Biking tour (Jun-Sep) (14+)

Day 3

place West Iceland & Borgarfjordur

Highlights • Unique waterfalls of Hraunfossar & Barnafoss • Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring • Saga heritage at Reykholt village • The lava landscape Borgarfjordur, including the Grabrok crater • Optional: The fascinating Settlement Centre in Borgarnes • Optional: An exhilarating hike to see the 198m high Glymur waterfall The lava landscape of West Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights like the Grabrok crater and Glanni waterfall, just off road 1. A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The village of Reykholt on the way is steeped in saga history with a medieval centre and the oldest hot spring in Iceland. Hikers must take the road into the Hvalfjordur fjord for the exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves to the 198m-tall Glymur waterfall. Here are some of our favourite activities in West Iceland: • Horse farm visit (all year) (0+) • Krauma geothermal baths (all year) (0+) • Into the Glacier tour (all year) (0+) • Lava cave tour (all year) (0+) • Husafell Canyon Baths (all year) (5+) • Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) • Dog sledding (Jan-Mar) (6+) • Snowmobile + Into the Glacier (8+) • Hvammsvik hot springs (all year) (10+)

Day 4

place Golden Circle

Highlights • Geysir geothermal area, with the Strokkur geyser that erupts every 8-10 minutes • Gullfoss, the golden falls • Thingvellir National Park, a historically significant site with the rift valley between the tectonic plates • Beautiful Kerid, a volcanic crater lake The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route. The three pillars of this region are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir, a historically significant site, is located in the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The Strokkur geyser, which erupts 30 meters up into the air every 8-10 minutes, is the highlight of the Geysir geothermal area. Gullfoss, the golden falls, is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. Apart from the most famous sights, there are several options for activities and lesser-visited gems including the Kerid crater lake and the hot springs town of Hveragerdi. Here are some of our favourite activities in the Golden Circle: • Geothermal bakery tour (all year) (0+) • Secret Lagoon geothermal baths (all year) (0+) • Laugarvatn Fontana spa (all year) (0+) • Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) • Snowmobiling tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) • Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) • Paddleboarding tour (all year) (8+) • River rafting tour (Apr-Oct) (8+) • Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) • Ziplining tour (all year) (9+, 30kgs) • Fishing tour (10+) • Silfra snorkelling (all year) (12+) • River kayaking tour (May-Sep) (16+)

Day 5

place South Coast waterfalls & black sand beaches

Highlights • Iconic waterfall duo of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss • Volcanic black sands at Reynisfjara with sea stacks and basalt columns • Dyrholaey cliffs and stone arch, with possibilities to see puffins • Views of the famous volcanoes Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla and Katla • Optional: Skogar Folk Museum The scenic south coast is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions and some offbeat ones, with views of world-famous glacier-volcanoes from road 1. Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall allowing the possibility to walk behind it. The picture-perfect Skogafoss is often accompanied by rainbows and is a favourite for photographers. The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara offer fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff. Here are some of our favourite activities on the South West Coast of Iceland: • Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) • Paragliding tour (May-Sep) (5+, 15kgs) • Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) • Ice cave tour (all year) (6+) • Snowmobiling tour (all year) (6+ with a rider • Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) • Ziplining tour (Apr-Nov) (8+, 30kgs) • ATV safari on the black sand beach (all year) (8+ with a rider) • Glacier hike (all year) (10+) • Glacier & ice climbing tour (all year) (14+) • Biking tour (Apr-Oct) (16+)

Day 6

place Skaftafell Nature Reserve & Glacier lagoons

Highlights • Skaftafell Nature Reserve with an optional hike to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall • Magnificent Fjadrargljufur canyon • Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Breidamerkurfjara ā€œdiamond beachā€ • Optional: Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon and Hoffellsjokull glacier lagoons The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Nestled between its glacier tongues is the beautiful Skaftafell nature reserve which offers a variety of hiking options, including the easy walk to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue and a short hike to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall. Jokulsarlon is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, dotted with icebergs that flow down to the sea and are then washed up on the popular "diamond" beach. With several lesser-visited glacier lagoons, the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon and charming towns, South East Iceland will take your breath away! Here are some of our favourite activities on the South East Coast of Iceland: • Flightseeing tour (all year) (0+) • Glacier lagoon boat tour (Apr-Nov, 0+ for amphibian) (Jun-Sep, 10+ for zodiac boat) • Puffin watching tour (May-Aug) (0+) • Super jeep glacier tour (Mar-Oct) (0+) • Snowmobile tour (Mar-Oct) (0+) • Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) • Crystal ice cave tour (Sep-May) (6+) • Glacier hike (all year) (10+) • Kayaking tour on the glacier lagoon (May-Sep) (14+) • Glacier hike & Ice climbing tour (May-Oct) (14+) • All day hike to Hvannadalshnukur summit / Hrutsfjallstindar peaks (Apr-Jul) (16+)

Day 7

place Drive back along the South Coast

Highlights • The beautiful Thakgil valley • Solheimasandur black sand beach and plane wreck • Geothermal town of Hveragerdi • Several options for hikes and other activities Today you drive back west along the South Coast stopping at some of the lesser-visited gems such as Thakgil and the Solheimasandur black sand beach. You can optionally enjoy a hike, choose an activity or visit some of the museums along the route. • Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) • Paragliding tour (May-Sep) (5+, 15kgs) • Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) • Ice cave tour (all year) (6+) • Snowmobiling tour (all year) (6+ with a rider • Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) • Ziplining tour (Apr-Nov) (8+, 30kgs) • ATV safari on the black sand beach (all year) (8+ with a rider) • Glacier hike (all year) (10+) • Glacier & ice climbing tour (all year) (14+) • Biking tour (Apr-Oct) (16+)

Day 8

place Reykjavik city

Highlights • The towering Hallgrimskirkja church, the best-known icon of Reykjavik • The Laugavegur main street and the town squares • Tjornin, the city pond and the charming old harbour • The Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece • Solfar Sun Sculpture overlooking the coastline • Optional: Several interesting museums for history, art, whales depending on your interests • Optional: The Perlan building The world's northernmost capital is one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities of the world. Spend the day in the capital exploring its charming downtown area, impressive landmarks and variety of museums. Depending on your interests, the city has a vibrant cultural and music scene, a variety of design shops and art galleries, and world-class restaurants. Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around Reykjavik: • Reykjavik walking tour (all year) (0+) • Reykjavik food walk (all year) (0+) • Whale watching tour (all year) (0+) • Helicopter tour (all year) (0+) • Puffin boat tour (May-Aug) (0+) • Sea angling tour (May-Sep) (0+) • Northern Lights cruise (Sep-Apr) (0+) • Imagine Peace Tower & Videy island tour (Oct-Dec, a few dates in Feb & Mar) (0+) • Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) • FlyOver Iceland (all year) (5+) • Dog sledding (Jan-Mar) (6+) • Buggy safari (all year) (6+ with a rider) • ATV tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) • Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) • Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) • Sky Lagoon (all year) (12+)

What’s Included

Transport expand_less

  • 8 days 4X4 car rental (Kia Sportage or equivalent with
  • CDW insurance, additional driver, Keflavik airport pick up and drop off, wifi and emergency service)

Activities expand_less

  • Optional

Extras expand_less

  • Optional

Not Included expand_less

  • International flights
  • Car: extra insurances and fuel
  • Meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything else not specifically included

About Preeti

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Nature & Wildlife

Culture & Heritage

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