Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

From

CAD 4,703

Duration

9 days

Countries

Iceland

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Looking for a fast, jam-packed, but immersive visit around Iceland? This nine-day trip checks all the boxes. Pack those senses of adventure and head out into Iceland’s varied landscapes. Visit erupting geysers, glacier lagoons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Photograph black-sand beaches, soak in geothermal hot springs, and be prepared to fall more in love with a country with land you can sense shifting under your feet.

At a glance

Duration

9 days

Route

Reykjavik → Reykjavik

Countries

Iceland

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Iceland

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy…

A stunning view of Reykjavík's skyline featuring the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and ocean in Iceland.

Reykjavik

Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy the scenic journey to the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Explore Akureyri's old town. Enjoy optional lunch in one of the eateries in Akureyri and opt to go on a whale-watching tour.

Day 3Stop at Goðafoss waterfall en route to Mývatn lakeHead to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.

Head to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.

Day 4Depart from the charming village of Bakkagerði…

Depart from the charming village of Bakkagerði and journey along the picturesque coastline through the majestic eastern fjords. As you travel toward Hofn, take in the stunning scenery and keep an eye out for breathtaking views of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. You will be making breathtaking stops along the way that will insure a memorable experience.

Day 5Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond BeachMarvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.

Marvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.

Day 6Visit Reynisfjara beach

Visit Reynisfjara beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss. Explore the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.

Day 7This morning join an optional snorkeling…

This morning join an optional snorkeling to the Thingvellir Silfra (where the tectonic plates meet). Later in the day join Your CEO for a short walking tour of Reyjavik center and some time at the beautiful Sky Lagoon for a warm soak.

Day 8Today explore Snaefellsnes PeninsulaWinter or summer, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most scenic destinations in Iceland. This place is magical and spellbinding with moss-covered lava fields, picturesque mountains, gorgeous black sand beaches, roaring ocean waves, charming little villages, and great vistas from sea cliffs. It's a long day, but well worth it.

Winter or summer, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most scenic destinations in Iceland. This place is magical and spellbinding with moss-covered lava fields, picturesque mountains, gorgeous black sand beaches, roaring ocean waves, charming little villages, and great vistas from sea cliffs. It's a long day, but well worth it.

Day 9Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.

Depart at any time.