Promising an experience that is unlike any other destination, an expedition to Iceland is a melange of ever-changing, unexpected and deeply contrasting landscapes. From tumbling waterfalls to black sand beaches, lava-tubes to underground caverns and bubbling pools to frozen glaciers, every second is a jaw-dropping surprise. A road-trip across this enigmatic island is every nature lover’s ultimate fantasy. You will run out of superlatives to describe Iceland’s landscape when you return home!
May to September
10 Days
Adventure, Beaches, Nature & Landscape, Spa & Well-Being
High-end boutique hotels and Icelandic apartments
Start with the buzz of the capital city of Reykjavik. Venture into the Reykjavik City Museum for a brush with local culture and history. Embark into the high seas to find adorable puffins hanging out in colonies at nearby islands. Then immerse into musical notes of a symphony at the Harpa concert hall and later enjoy the nightlife. Tomorrow get ready to depart on an expedition to some of the most remote regions of Iceland.
Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Reykjavik
Drive from Reykjavik for a full day of touring the postcard imagery of the iconic Golden Circle! Go snorkelling in Silfra at the Thingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia meet and stride across the continents at Almannagja Gorge. Venture into the hot-spring haven of the Geysir Geothermal Area and stop to see the eruption show of the Strokkur geyser. Witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall that plunges in two tiers into the river gorge and the Haukadalur valley, home to the Kerid crater.
Stracta Hotel Hella
Head to Landmannalaugar, close to the Hekla volcano to marvel at mountain ridges made of volcanic rock resembling granite, carved with black stripes of volcanic ash, colorful peaks of red, green, orange and yellow, wide lava fields and steam jets bursting with cracks in the ground. Make time for the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and its mighty-high counterpart, the Skogafoss, which falls smoothly like a sheer curtain from a cliff-face.
Hotel Kria, Vik
Hit the Vik Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara at sunrise to stun your senses with spectacular colours and silhouettes. More eye-candy awaits at Dyrholaey Arch, a naturally formed arch in the cliff. Hike in the nearby Selfoss region, or go snorkelling in the Silfra Fissure. Visit the US navy plane wreck site of Solheimasandur, for epic photos!
Hotel Kria, Vik
Feast on the spectacle of the most beautiful canyon in the world, the Fjadrargljufur canyon! Hike, glacier walk, or ice climb in the Vatnajokull National Park, to encounter volcanic activity, glorious glaciers and geothermal energy. Go for a guided glacier hike across crevasses and into caves. Swoon over Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall cascading over cliffs of black basalt columns. Get blown away by the glory of the icebergs floating around in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Ogle at the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice blocks sparkle like jewels on a vast, black beach.
Hotel Hallormsstadur
From your base at the green heartland of the East, go horseback riding through Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur. Explore the Mars-like Namaskaro Pass or the moon-like Dimmuborgir area. Then slow down at the tranquil shores and geothermal baths of Lake Myvatn. Consider an off-roading adventure to discover the area’s many attractions, including Godafoss, Dimmuborgir and Skutustadagigar.
Hotel Kea by Keahotels, Akureyri
While the first part of the day will be spent in driving from North to West Iceland, there will be interesting sights in store for the later part. Appearing like a castle from a distance, Londrangar has 2 unique basalt volcanic pinnacles sticking out of the ocean. Dreamy, surreal landscape awaits you at the Budakirkja, a beautiful minimalistic church placed in the rough nature of Iceland.
Hotel Egilsen, Stykkisholmur
Head to the majestic Snaefellsjokull National Park on the Snaefellsness Peninsula to deep dive into a wonderland overflowing with more green valleys, frozen glaciers, black sand beaches, protected lava tubes, dizzying cliffs and sparkling waterfalls. Dive into a photo frenzy at Kirkjufell Mountain, living out of a scene from Season 7 of the Game of Thrones and do not forget to walk the lovely trails surrounding this amazing piece of geography!
Hotel Egilsen, Stykkisholmur
Complete the round trip and drive back to Reykjavik. Take to some old-fashioned street-striding on the hyper cool thoroughfare, Laugavegur and the arty and gourmet hub of Skolavordustigur. Make sure to admire the Hallgrimskirkja, the city landmark that echoes the shapes of cooling lava and offers unparalleled views of Reykjavik. Savour the almost unreal experience of an Icelandic meal inside the pit of the 4000-year old Thrihnukagigur crater.
Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Reykjavik
Stroll through the past and experience the way Icelanders lived at the Arbaer Open Air Museum, it is a journey through time. Stare at the striking red, green, and yellow coloured hills framing a landscape peppered by steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs at Krysuvik and reach for the steam from the safety of a boardwalk. Book yourself for a soak in the ethereal waters of the geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon, considered to be one of the 25 wonders of the world. End the fascinating journey with a rejuvenated mind, body, and soul!
Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Reykjavik