Discover Iceland's Midnight Sun

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
• 2 Reykjavik
• 3 Golden Circle, Waterfalls & Icelandic Horses
• 4 Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Ferry trip to West Fjords
• 5 Iceland's Westernmost Point
• 6 West Fjords
• 7 Heading North
• 8 Iceland's Northernmost Town, Whale Watching & Sea Angling
• 9 Geological Wonders and Nature Baths
• 10 Secret of the East
• 11 Fjords, Glaciers & Glacier Lagoon
• 12 Vatnajökull National Park & The South Coast
• 13 Reykjavik/USA

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

• Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2 Reykjavik

• Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
• Balance of the day at leisure

Hótel Klettur or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Reykjavík, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure in Reykyavik.

Day 3 Golden Circle, Waterfalls & Icelandic Horses

• Visit a geothermal greenhouse
• Explore Gullfoss
• Þingvellir National Park
• Hvalfjörður fjord

Icelandair Hotel Hamar or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, board your touring coach, departing Iceland's capital to travel Iceland's popular Golden Circle Route. Start the day learning about Iceland's most important use of geothermal energy when you visit a tomato growing geothermal greenhouse. Next, enjoy an up-close look at Icelandic horses.   These unique, easy-going animals are ancestors of the first Viking horses, and are well known for their convenient pony size, strong build, and their fifth gait (way of walking), whereas most horses only have 3-4 gaits.

Continue on to Gullfoss waterfalls, located in the canyon along the Hvítá river. Gullfoss means “Golden Falls”, which gets it’s name from the golden hue that often shines in its glacial waters. Later, explore Strokkur Geysir known as “the churn”, a fountain type geyser which spouts up to 66 ft every five to ten minutes. 

Next, head to a UNESCO world heritage site at Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient Vikings had parliament, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Equally as intriguing,  Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic plate boundary where North America and Europe are slowly tearing away from each other. As a result, the plain is scarred by dramatic fissures, ponds, and rivers, including the great rift Almannagjá.

Then,  journey along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord. Arrive in Borgarnes later today and check into the hotel.  

Day 4 Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Ferry trip to West Fjords

• Tour the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Visit Snæfellsnes National Park
• Enjoy a scenic Ferry Baldur ride over Breiðafjörður Bay

Fosshotel Westfjords or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel along Iceland's west coast to  Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its beautiful and dramatic landscapes with lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, black and white beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 4700 ft Snæfellsjökull glacier, a mystical cone-shaped stratovolcano. Explore Snæfellsnes National Park and its mysterious Snæfellsjökull glacier. We will follow the adventure of Jules Verne’s classic science-fiction novel about “The Journey to the Center of the Earth”.

Do not miss your chance to go on a trip to the interior of the earth under the glacier Snæfellsjökull! This lava cave tour takes you over 114 ft underground and about 656 ft into the lava tube called Vatnshellir.

Later, catch the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur in the West Fjords. On the 2.5 hour journey over Breiðafjörður Bay, pass the island of Flatey, which is inhabited only during the summertime. On a clear day, enjoy a magnificent view of the bay’s countless isles as well as the glacier Snæfellsjökull.

Arrive in Patreksfjörður later today and check in to the hotel.

Day 5 Iceland's Westernmost Point

• Visit folk and transport museum in Hnjótur
• Admire seabirds cliffs in Látrabjarg

Fosshotel Westfjords or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, follow the coastline and stop at the folk and transport museum in Hnjótur. Continue to the seabird cliffs of Látrabjarg, the most western point of Iceland and Europe, known for its density of Nordic birds, including the most sought after puffin, which can be seen from mid-May till mid-August.  You may also see razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes and other cliff birds in large flocks up close.  

Weather permitting, travel to the red sand beach of Rauðisandur. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight, tides, and weather. This pure sand beach is home to countless seabirds and seals.

Day 6 West Fjords

• Tour the Arnarfjörður fjord
• Admire the seven level, picturesque Dynjandi waterfall

Vogur Country Lodge or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel over mountains and along the shores of scenic fjords to the majestic Arnarfjörður fjord, surrounded by high mountains. At the bottom of the fjord, take in the picturesque Dynjandi waterfall with its seven levels of plunging water, considered the most beautiful waterfall by the people of Iceland.  

Continue over a mountain pass and along the southern less traveled shores of the West Fjords, characterized by sheer cliffs, deep cut bays and narrow stretches of coastal lowland. 

Stay overnight at the remote Vogur Country Lodge in West Iceland. This overnight location is a truly peaceful and beautiful place close to Breiðafjörður Bay, giving you the feeling of being all alone in Iceland.

Day 7 Heading North

• Tour the wide open space and a living museum in Haukadalur
• Visit a turf house farm and folk museum in Glaumbær

Hotel Kea or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel mostly off-the-beaten-path and see abandoned farms, beautiful little country churches, and Icelandic horses. At Haukadalur, see the authentic replica of the homestead of Erik the Red, the famous explorer who founded the Icelandic colony in Greenland. His son Leif-the-Lucky, born in Haukadalur, was the first European to set foot in North America. Now the excavated and reconstructed farm in Haukadalur is a living Viking museum, a fun, informative and a photogenic place. Continue north through the fertile farmlands and fjord landscapes of Northwest Iceland. Next, stop at Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s most beautiful turf house farm and folk museum.

Continue to charming town of Akureyri and check in to your hotel.

Day 8 Iceland's Northernmost Town, Whale Watching & Sea Angling

• Tour Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town
• Visit the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörðu
• Enjoy an afternoon of whale watching

Hotel Kea or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, see spectacular fjord landscapes while traveling to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town known as the herring capital of the North Atlantic, located on the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. On the way, pass small fishing villages and stop at a deserted valley that even most Icelanders have not seen. Visit the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, Iceland’s largest maritime museum.

Later, enjoy a whale watching experience in Eyjafjörður – Iceland’s longest fjord right below the Arctic Circle. Here, have the opportunity to spot humpback and minke whales, harbour porpoises and dolphins. Then, try your hand at fishing!

Day 9 Geological Wonders and Nature Baths

• Visit Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods
• Explore Lake Mývatn and surrounding area

Sel Hótel Mývatn or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, explore Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, followed by a visit to Lake Mývatn, known for its abundant bird life and amazing volcanic lava landscapes. See pseudo craters and the tephra cone Hverfjall, walk in the mysterious lava field of Dimmuborgir, explore the hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð, and travel to the explosion crater Lake Víti in the Krafla geothermal fields. 

Later, relax and soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths. 

Continue to your hotel near Lake Mývatn.

Day 10 Secret of the East

• Explore the Dettifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park
• Tour Iceland's highest altitude residence of Möðrudalur
• Visit isolated village Bakkagerði at Borgarfjörður-Eystri

Hotel Álfheimar or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Continue east through the bare and sometimes deserted landscape surrounded by mountains. En route, stop at Möðrudalur, a year-round residence at the highest altitude in Iceland, 1538 ft above sea level. In the summertime, an on-site service center is a perfect place to enjoy the view of Herðubreið, the queen of the Icelandic mountains. Visit the church at the farm, built by hand in 1949 by the former farmer in the memory of his late wife. 

Next, continue through the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland. Explore the northernmost fjord on the East Fjord mountain range. The isolated village Bakkagerði at Borgarfjörður-Eystri has only 120 inhabitants! This charming village is built snugly next to the steep, colorful mountainside, and getting there is dramatic and rewarding drive.

Check in to your hotel.

Day 11 Fjords, Glaciers & Glacier Lagoon

• Visit the Petra Stone Collection, a privately owned collection of stones from Eastern Fjords
• Embark on a boat ride on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
• Explore the black sands of Diamond beach

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, admire the dramatic fjord landscapes and tiny fishing villages, and visit Petra’s fascinating rock collection. A naturalist and a collector are two terms that have been used to describe Petra since she was a little girl. The word “Petra” simply means “stone” in Greek. Over almost 80 years, Petra collected this unique treasure of rocks, crystals, zeolites, quartz and more, all from the nearby area in the East fjords, which are beautifully laid out in her home and garden, and today are proudly tended by her descendants.

Next, visit Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Near the town of Höfn, enjoy a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.  

Later explore the black sands of the so-called Diamond beach.

Check in to your hotel near Skaftafell, in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Day 12 Vatnajökull National Park & The South Coast

• Tour Vatnajökull National Park
• Take in the beautiful view of Skógafoss waterfall
• Explore a behind the scenes view of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur

Hótel Klettur or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today we visit Vatnajökull National Park, which covers about 14% of Iceland, making it Europe’s 2nd largest national park in terms of area after Yugyd Va in Russia. Explore the region of Skaftafell which is nestled below Iceland’s highest mountain and the second biggest stratovolcano in Europe, the almost 7000 ft. high Hvannadalshnjúkur. Walk close to one of the many glacial tongues in the area - a beautiful place to take photographs. Cross a sandy desert and drive along the South Coast, always between the sea, rugged mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Stroll along the black lava beach and bird cliffs near the village of Vik.

Next, visit the Skógafoss waterfall, another must-see location in South Iceland. The crashing water creates a mist that results in frequent and magical rainbows.

Get a fantastic close-up view of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall's dazzling display of power. Walk along a trail that leads behind the falls for an unique behind-the-scenes view.

Continue on to the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur and enjoy a documentary about volcanic eruptions in the past years in Iceland. Return to Reykjavik.

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Reykjavík.

Day 13 Reykjavik/USA

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.

Breakfast

Hotels

Hótel Klettur

Hotel Klettur is a beautiful first class hotel, a stone's throw from downtown. The hotel is just a few steps away from the main shopping area of Hlemmur and Laugavegur  street. The hotel's name is derived from the rock that is at the first floor of the hotel. The interior decorations are inspired by the unique color scheme of Icelandic nature.

More information

Icelandair Hotel Hamar

Tourist Class

Icelandair Hotel Hamar is located just 4 km north of the town Borgarnes. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. The hotel grounds offers breathtaking scenery, and only a short drive away from dramatic coastlines and glaciers.

More information

Fosshotel Westfjords

Tourist Class

Fosshotel Westfjords is a laid-back hotel in nestled the small fishing village of Patreksfjörður, in the Westfjords of Iceland. The Westfjords are known for their unique and breathtaking scenery. The hotel is just a few steps away from the fjord. Guests can enjoy views of either the surrounding mountains or fjord.

More information

Vogur Country Lodge

Tourist Class

Vogur Country Lodge is a converted farmhouse which overlooks the Snæfellsnes Glacier and Breidafjördur Bay.  Here you can enjoy a peaceful, remote setting along Iceland’s north-western coast. Sit back and relax in the lounge or rent a bike to explore the surroundings.

More information

Hotel Kea

First Class

Hótel Kea is in the heart of Akureyri, North Iceland, next to the iconic church of Akureyri. Boasting views of the fjord, the hotel is within walking distance from the town shops, cafés, and restaurants.

More information

Sel Hótel Mývatn

First Class

Sel-Hotel, a family owned hotel, located just a few steps away from Lake Mývatn, is an ideal location to experience the wonders of the land and its surroundings. The Skútustaðagígar natural crater site is just a few minutes away.

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Hotel Álfheimar

Tourist Class

Hotel Álfheimar is family-owned-and-run and located in the fishing village of Borgarfjördur Eystri, east Iceland.

More information

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

First Class

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is located between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, two of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Iceland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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