Iceland Grand Circle-12 Days
Itinerary-12 Days
Day 1: To Hveragerði
Fly to Keflavik International airport . On arrival pdrive along the Reykjanes peninsula towards the south coast and the town of Hveragerði. Stay overnight at the Hotel . (N)
Day 2: To Laugarvatn
Today, drive to Thingvellir National Park and see the site of the world's oldest parliament before visiting the geothermal area of Haukadalur, known for the geysers of Stokkur and Geysir and the thundering Gullfoss waterfalls. Continue on to the picturesque Thorsardalur valley and visit the ruins of the Viking settlement at Stong. Stay overnight in Hotel. (B)
Day 3: To Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Continue south and visit the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss (40 metres tall) before continuing to Thoraldseyri Farm, which houses an exhibition of photos and films chronicling the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Further along Route 1 are the Skogar waterfalls and Folk Museum, where the first wooden house in Iceland can be visited, built entirely of driftwood. Before reaching Vik, take the road to the isolated Dyrholaey headland for panoramic views out to sea and along the coast. From Vik, continue east over the Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will stay overnight at the Hotel . (B)
Day 4: To Hofn
Drive to Skaftafell National Park, Iceland's largest and best-known national park. Visit the Vatnajokull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, and the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, which was created by the meltwater from the nearby Breidamerkurjökull glacier. Continue on to the village of Hofn, known as the lobster capital of Europe, and stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)
Day 5: To Egilsstadir
Today, travel along the rugged eastern coastline through small fishing villages and along fjords framed by towering mountains to Egilsstadir. Stay overnight at Hotel . (B)
Day 6: To Lake Myvatn
Journey north-west towards the Lake Myvatn area across the Modrudalsoraefi highlands, an area renowned for its stark and untouched beauty. Stop at the thundering Dettifoss waterfalls, known as Europe's mightiest, before continuing to Lake Myvatn where you will stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)
Day 7: To Akureyri
Today, explore the natural attractions of Lake Myvatn, such as the volcanic area by Krafla, the sulphur slopes and boiling mud pools of Namaskard, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudocraters near Skutustadir. The area is also renowned as Europe's largest bird sanctuary where numerous species breed. Stay two nights at the Hotel. (B)
Day 8: At Leisure
Explore the northern capital of Iceland and the surrounding area. Drive to Husavik and take a boat trip in search of whales before returning to your accommodation. (B)
Day 9: To Snaefellsnes
Drive west through the historic region of Skagafjordur, which is known for its horse breeding as well as agriculture, and visit the Glaumbaer farmstead museum for a glimpse of an Icelandic homestead. Continue to the Snaefellsnes peninsula where you will stay overnight at Hotel. (B)
Day 10: To Borgarnes
Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and visit the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi, known for its multitude of seasonal birdlife, explore the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur and stare at the impressive Snaefellsjokull glacier. Continue south to the Borgarfjordur area and visit Borgarnes and the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Stay overnight at Hotel. (B)
Day 11: To Reykjavik
Today, visit the historic site of Reykholt, home to the pre-eminent author of the Icelandic Sagas before continuing to the waterfalls of Hraunfoss and Barnafoss. Visit the Reykjanes peninsula and the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing swim in the warm blue geothermal waters, rich in silica and other minerals. Return to Reykjavik where you will stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)
Day 12: Back Home
Transfer to Keflavik airport and for your flight back home. (B)
(A UNIT OF NOVA GROUP OF COMPANIES)