Iceland lagoon

The Land of Fire and Ice

Trips/Wonders of Iceland

9 days

Iceland is the perfect adventure destination. There are volcanoes, hot springs, black-sand beaches, glaciers, cliffs dotted with seabirds, powerful waterfalls, glacier caves, lava tunnels and the Northern Lights. There's also steepled churches, turf homes, colourful seaside villages, and striking architecture. This fascinating location is calling out to adventure-seekers everywhere!

Detailed Itinerary

Iceland Itinerary Map

Day 1: Arrival and explore Reykjavík

Today we meet up in Reykjaviík, Iceland’s capital city. It's a striking and engaging seaside city. It’s also flat and one of the safest cities in the world, so strolling around to visit just the best coffee spots, museums, galleries, viewpoints and restaurants is a must. We spend our first night here, so there's time to catch up on sleep if need be before travelling tomorrow.

Reykjavik street scene Iceland in summer

Day 2: The Golden Circle

We explore three natural attractions that are in close proximity to one another and can be visited within a day. These attractions – known as the Golden Circle – are Thingvellir National Park, the Gulfoss waterfall, and the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. There’s also the option to go snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier, and we say: do it! We overnight in Selfoss on the Ölfusá river.

Wintry landscape scene of Thingvellir National Park in southern Iceland

Day 3: Waterfall, beach and canyon

It's another jam-packed day! We hike to the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, then head to Vík, an isolated village tucked between the wall of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the sea. Next we visit the mesmerising Fjadrárgljúfur canyon in Vatnajökull National Park. We can also go on a glacier cave tour in Katla, something we highly recommend! We overnight in the village of Klauster.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall summer Iceland

Day 4: Glacier, lagoon and beach

We start the day by visiting Svartifoss, a perfect waterfall flanked by dark lava columns. We then head to Hofskirkja, the last turf church left in Iceland. Then (very exciting!) we go to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where we can hike the glacier and kayak on the lagoon. We also visit Diamond Beach, where small icebergs litter the black sand. Tonight we stay in the fishing town Höfn.

Ours. Iceland Diamond Beach

Day 5: Highlights of the Eastfjords

Today we travel through the Eastfjords, a distinct region of Iceland known for its sharp peaks, many waterfalls, reindeer herds, small villages, European influences, and rich folklore. We visit the art installation ‘Eggs at Marry Bay’ in Djúpivogur, and also Stödvarfjördur for the amazing views of the Stedji, Hellufjall and Súlur mountains. We stay in Storurd in the Dyrfjöll mountains.

Vestrahorn mountain and black beach Iceland

Day 6: Lake, hot spring and waterfall

We head to the north of the country and visit Mývatn lake, a shallow volcanic lake with many small islands that's a haven for waterbirds. We then go to the impossibly powerful Dettifoss waterfall, which is 100 m wide and drops 40 m into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. We later relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, with water that's 36 to 40 ℃. We overnight in small Reykjahlíd.

Mývatn Nature Baths  Iceland

Day 7: Culture, waterfall, hot springs

We visit Akureyri, the capital of the north, and settled by Norse Vikings. The Laufas Turf Houses are a must-see, as is the soaring, super-modern church Akureyrarkirkja. We visit Godafoss waterfall, and then Hraunfossar waterfall, which flows out of lava rock. Later, we visit Europe's most powerful hot spring: Deildartunguhver. It's 97 ℃! We overnight in Borgarnes.

Hofskirkja-church-Iceland turf house

Day 8: Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today is so full of beauty it's ridiculous. We visit Snæfellsjökull National Park in the Westfjords. Here we hike to Dritvík cove, visit the basalt cliffs of Lóndranger, and walk across a lava field to visit the coastal villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. There's the option of going on a tour in Vatnshellir Lava Cave, which we highly recommend. We spend the night in Reykjavík.

A puffin sitting on a cliff edge overlooking the sea in western Iceland

Day 9: Last day ... or is it?

For those departing Reykjavík, we drive you to the airport. Or if there's time before your flight, we can explore the city a little. Those who have opted to stay longer and up the adventure are now driven inland to the start of the famous Laugavegur trail. This guided four-day trek takes you through the forbidding, ethereal and treeless central highlands. You overnight in huts.

Iceland hills

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Gallery

Lupines, small church, road, mountains, mist Iceland summer
Trekker hiker Iceland interior hills mountains summer
A modernist steel sculpture of the hull of a Viking ship stationed beside a fjord and surrounded by snow
Sun shines on a ledge outside a shop with tea and coffee for sale in Reykjavík
Iceland park green water