8-day Adventure through Northern Iceland and Diamond Circle

Reykjavik

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik!

Upon arrival into Reykjavik International Airport, collect your luggage before picking up your car to begin the tour.

Today, the itinerary is up to you. After you've checked into your hotel, feel free to spend it at your own pace and leisure, enjoying everything that this quaint city has to offer.

The world’s most northern capital combines quirky yet friendly people with colorful buildings and eye-popping design. Venture out at night to discover its lively nightlife and capricious soul at one of its many restaurants and bars.

Geysir - Gullfoss - Secret Lagoon

Day 2: Adventure through the Golden Circle

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for your first adventure in Iceland.

Where are you headed? On the famed Golden Circle route, you’ll visit some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks: the cascading and powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the majestic Strokkur geyser, and the otherworldly Thingvellir rift valley between the tectonic plates of Europe and America. 

The possibilities in the area are endless. Visit local farms and hidden gems, such as "the Cave People" exhibition in Laugarvatn, to explore how two families lived in the wild nature of Iceland less than 100 years ago.

Have lunch on a tomato farm, surrounded by tomato plants all around and end the day in the hot waters of the Secret Lagoon geothermal hot spring before driving back to Reykjavik for the night.

Glymur Waterfall - Arnarstapi - Kirkjufell

Day 3: Marvel at the Beauty of the Saefellsnes Peninsula

In the morning, start heading north, towards the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Along the way, you can take a chance to hike Glymur waterfall before reaching the peninsula home to natural beauties, such as Arnarstapi’s cliffs, the lovely fishing village of Hellnar, the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur and the beautiful mountain of Kirkjufell, in Grundarfjordur.

If you’d like, there’s the option for an hour-long cave tour in Vatnshellir.

Hvitserkur - Varmahlid - Siglufjordur

Day 4: Experience the Traditional Iceland in Glaumbaer

Today, you'll drive south through a stunning landscape of fjords and fishing villages, to rejoin the Ring Road to reach the Vatnsnes peninsula for a stunning view of Hvitserkur rock.

Continuing along the Ring road, take some time to visit Varmahlíð, famous for its turf houses and even a turf church! Here you can visit Glaumbaer, one of the most famous and largest traditional farmhouses in Iceland and part of an open-air museum, where you can walk to the wooden church, one of the oldest and well preserved in Iceland.

You will reach Akureyri in the afternoon for some free time in the Capital of North Iceland, or go visiting the fishing villages in the area, such as Dalvik and Siglufjordur. 

Husavik - Asbyrgi Canyon - Dettifoss Waterfall

Day 5: Relax in the Hot Springs of Lake Myvatn

In the morning, drive to Husavik for a whale watching tour in the best location for this kind of activity.

Then drive to Asbyrgi Canyon, a giant horseshoe-shaped canyon, said to be left by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin before driving to Godafoss waterfall. If you are a fan of Games of Thrones, you will recognize many of these sites, as they are the film location of many episodes. 

End up your day in the relaxing hot waters of Myvatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North. 

From mid-August to mid-April, the Lake Myvatn area is a great location for the Northern Lights due to its low light pollution and a clear sky!

Askja Crater - Holhuraun

Day 6: Be Transported to Lunar Landscapes in Askja

Today you will join a super-jeep tour departing from Lake Myvatn to go exploring the lunar landscape of highlands interior and reach Askja, a caldera in a very remote area in the Icelandic central highlands.

It is one of the biggest volcanoes in Iceland and has a history of catastrophic eruptions through the ages. The Askja area is one of the main locations where NASA trained its Apollo Astronauts before the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969.

Inside the caldera, you will enjoy a breathtaking view over Öskjuvatn Lake, the deepest lake in Iceland. The way to Askja is truly scenic, among dramatic lava fields and black sand deserts. 

Lake Myvatn - Dimmu Borgir - Godafoss

Day 7: Immerse Yourself in Nature's Beauty

Spend today exploring the volcanic and geothermal Lake Myvatn area: lava fields, rock formations, geothermal steam vents, mud pits, ice caves, and volcanic craters. Take an easy hike on Hverfjall crater to admire the surroundings before visiting the lava rock field formation of Dimmu Borgir, considered the “Entrance to hell”. 

In the evening, drive to Akureyri airport to drop your car off and take a 40-minute domestic flight to Reykjavik. You will land at Reykjavik Domestic airport and from there a taxi will take you to your hotel downtown where you will spend the night.

Blue Lagoon - Keflavik Airport

Day 8: Say Farewell to Iceland!

This morning, a bus will transfer you to the Blue Lagoon for a few relaxing hours in its hot waters before your departure.

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that the island of Iceland has to offer. The rich natural beauty, history, and people make the country what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!