10 Days Complete Iceland | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Winter)

Upon arrival in Iceland, you will be transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik. You can spend sometime to explore the surrounding area and have a good rest to prepare for many exciting days ahead.

Optional Activity

Blue Lagoon

If you arrival on an early flight, you might like to visit the Blue Lagoon before heading to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik City Sightseeing Tour

Explore the northern most capital in the world. You can take a walk in the city to visit the landmarks and interesting places. Alternatively, you can add-on a Hop-on-hop-off city sightseeing tour that will bring you around the city to the places of interest.

After we gather in Reykjavík, let's embark on an amazing journey Around Iceland - an adventure you won't forget!
We will start our day 2 with the Golden Circle - the most famous route in Iceland.

We will start our unforgettable adventure with Thingvellir National Park, a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site in the southwest of Iceland.

North  American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet there, creating a unique  geological environment. The two plates are constantly drifting a part.  Thingvellir is also home to some of the world's most active geysers and  hot springs resulting from the heat generated by the friction between  the two plates. Combining these two plates has made Iceland one of  Earth's most geologically active places.

Viking history in  Thingvellir National Park is a fascinating topic to explore. Located in  Iceland, Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and  is home to some of the most important sites in Viking history. The park  was established in 1930 and is one of Iceland's most popular tourist  destinations. Thingvellir is a great place to explore Viking history.  Visitors can explore the archaeological sites, take in the park's  natural beauty, and learn more about the history of the Icelandic  people. The park is also a great place to take in the beauty of Iceland,  with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

After visiting the park, we will go to Haukadalur Geothermal Area, where we will find a Hot Spring Strokkur, which erupts every five to ten minutes, creating amazing photo opportunities and the famous Great Geysir - the geyser that has named all geysers in the world, however, has been dormant since the early 2000s.

The  intense volcanic activity beneath the surface of the Earth creates  Geysers in Iceland. The heat from the magma below the surface causes  water to become superheated and pressurized. When the pressure becomes  too great, the water is forced up through the Earth's surface and erupts  in a geyser. The eruption is usually accompanied by steam, boiling  water, and sometimes mud and rocks. The geyser's eruption can last  anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the size  and strength of the eruption.

To end our Golden Circle most magnificently, we will go to Gullfoss.  Gullfoss is one of the most iconic and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.  Located in the Hvítá river canyon in southwest Iceland, Gullfoss is a  spectacular double waterfall that cascades down into a deep canyon. The  waterfall is 32 meters (105 feet) high and has a width of about 20  meters (65 feet).

Today, Gullfoss is an extremely popular tourist  destination. The first thing that strikes visitors to Gullfoss is its  sheer power. The Langjökull glacier feeds the waterfall, and the  resulting volume of water is immense. Visitors can take in the stunning  views of the waterfall from the viewing platform at the top of the  canyon or take a short walk down to the bottom of the canyon for a  closer look. The area also has several trails, allowing visitors to  explore the surrounding area and take in the beautiful scenery.

On this day you will head to the South of Iceland - the home of the glaciers

Today we will start the day with Seljalandsfoss - a stunningly beautiful waterfall in South Iceland. It is one of the  most popular tourist attractions in the country, and it is easy to see  why. Seljalandsfoss is unique in that it is possible to walk behind the  waterfall, which creates a truly magical experience. The waterfall is  located in the Seljalands River, which is a tributary of the mighty  glacial river, the Markarfljot. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters (197  feet) high and is part of the Seljalandsfoss-Gljufrabui area, which is a  protected nature reserve. The area has been protected since 1987 and is  home to various flora and fauna.

Seljalandsfoss is a must-see for  anyone visiting Iceland. Its breathtaking beauty and unique features  make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.  Whether visitors seek a peaceful escape or an adventure, Seljalandsfoss  will surely provide an unforgettable experience.

Moving on further east, we will find yet another waterfall - Skógafoss.  It is a powerful waterfall with a width of 25 meters and a height of 60  meters. It is one of Iceland's most visited tourist attractions.

Skógafoss  is also one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and is a must-see  for any traveler. The area around the waterfall is very photogenic,  with lush green fields and a stunning view of the nearby mountains. A  well-marked hiking trail leads to the top of the waterfall, where  visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the area. In addition to its  natural beauty, Skógafoss also has a rich history. The area has been  inhabited since the 9th century, and the waterfall is considered a  sacred site for the Vikings. The waterfall is also said to be the hiding  place of a chest filled with gold and other treasures.

We will drive towards the glaciers.  Glaciers are an important part of Iceland's landscape, covering 11% of  the country. They are also one of the most visited attractions in  Iceland, with tourists coming from all over the world to experience the  beauty of these massive ice formations. Iceland is home to many  glaciers, with the largest being Vatnajökull, which covers 8% of the  country. This glacier is the largest in Europe and is home to many of  Iceland's most popular attractions, such as the Jökulsárlón glacier  lagoon and the Svínafellsjökull glacier.

Glaciers form when snow  accumulates over time and compresses into large ice masses. This process  can take thousands of years, and the glaciers in Iceland are some of  the oldest in the world. As the glaciers move, they carve out deep  valleys and create stunning landscapes. Glaciers are also important for  Iceland's environment. They provide a source of fresh water for the  country, and their presence helps to regulate the climate. Glaciers also  act as a buffer against the effects of global warming, as they absorb  some of the heat from the sun.

Iceland's glaciers are an  important part of the country's landscape, and they are an important  part of its culture and history. They are a source of adventure,  research, and inspiration and a reminder of nature's beauty.

Get ready to experience something a few have experienced -  a Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull!  We will meet a certified glacier guide who will give us all glacier  equipment, provide all safety equipment, and take us to the top of a  glacier!

Before going on a glacier hike in Iceland, it is  important to be prepared. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is  important to dress appropriately for the conditions. Layering is key, as  temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the  location of the glacier. It is also important to wear sturdy footwear  with good grip, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Safety is  also a key factor when glacier hiking, as it is home to crevasses,  avalanches, and falling ice. However, our glacier guide will provide  valuable insight into the terrain and help ensure a safe and enjoyable  experience.

(Please note that a glacier hike might happen on Day 4 on Vatnajökull glacier, depending on the availability of the glacier  guide).

Next, we are going to the famous Reynisfjara.  Reynisfjara is a black sand beach located along the southern coast of  Iceland. It is the most popular beach in the country, and has been  featured in several films and television shows. The black sand beach in  Reynisfjara is black because of the volcanic activity in the area. The  black sand is created by lava that has cooled and hardened. The beach is  also known for its dramatic basalt columns, which were formed by the  erosion of the nearby Reynisfjall mountain.

The basalt columns  were also formed by a volcanic eruption that took place over a million  years ago. The molten lava cooled and contracted, forming vertical  cracks in the rock. The lava then continued to cool and contract,  creating polygonal columns. The sea erodes the columns over time,  creating the unique and beautiful landscape that is seen today.

This  beautiful place is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including  seabirds, seals, and even the occasional whale. With its stunning  scenery and various activities, Reynisfjara is an unforgettable  destination.

The final stop of the day will be Vík í Mýrdal -  a small village located on the south coast of Iceland. Iceland's  southernmost village is renowned for its black sand beaches and dramatic  coastal cliffs. The village is home to a few hundred people and is a  popular stop for tourists as it is located in one of the most volcanic  areas in Iceland - only 26 km away from Katla Volcano - an active  volcano that has had several major eruptions throughout its history. The  most recent major eruption occurred in 1918, when the volcano erupted  for three weeks, sending ash up to 10 km (6 miles) into the air.

In  the event of a volcanic eruption in the area, all people are asked to  go to Vík's church, located at the top of the hill. Before leaving their  homes, everyone is asked to fill out a form and indicate on a window  facing the street how many people live there and how many have already  evacuated. This will help the police ensure that everyone is out of the  houses.

We will spend our night close to Vík.

Today, we will leave our hotel at 8 am and start our adventure to the  east of Iceland - surrounded by majestic glaciers, dramatic mountains,  and unforgettable views.

Our first stop is Skaftafell for a photo stop of the largest glacier in Europe - Vatnajökull, by the remains of the bridge that got swept away by a glacial flood in 1996.

Skeiðará  Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, as it is a  reminder of the country's past and a symbol of the strength and  resilience of the Icelandic people. The bridge was built in the early  20th century and spanned the Skeiðará River, connecting the eastern and  western sides of the river.

The next stop of the journey is the astonishing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can see large icebergs drift calmly towards the ocean.

Jökulsárlón  Glacier Lagoon is a glacial lake located in southeastern Iceland. It is  the deepest lake in Iceland and one of the largest in Europe. The  lagoon is fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, part of the Vatnajökull  glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. The lagoon is a popular tourist  attraction, with visitors coming to see the floating icebergs, seals,  and the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Jökulsárlón  Glacier Lagoon was formed in 1933 when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier  began to retreat. The glacier has retreated more than 3 kilometers since  then, creating the lagoon and its surrounding wetlands. The lagoon is  now over 1 kilometer wide and 284 meters deep. The lagoon is also a  popular destination for photographers and filmmakers, who come to  capture the stunning beauty of the lagoon and its surrounding landscape.  The lagoon has been featured in many films, including James Bond’s Die  Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.

Two minutes from Jökulsárlón, we will find a stunningly beautiful Diamond Beach,  where large chunks of glittering blue ice scatter across the black sand  beach. The ice results from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier,  which is part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier.

The beach is a  popular destination for tourists and photographers alike, as the ice  chunks provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for photos. The beach is  also home to various wildlife, including seals, seabirds, and even  reindeer.

From October to March:
Get ready to visit Crystal Blue Ice Cave - one of Iceland's largest and most popular ice caves! The ice cave is  so far away that we cannot reach it by foot or car. So, we will take a Super jeep to get to the ice cave with a glacier guide who will ensure our safety.

Crystal  Blue Ice Cave in Iceland is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that has  captivated visitors worldwide and is a must-see for anyone visiting  Iceland. Located in the Vatnajökull National Park, the cave is formed by  the melting of a glacier and is filled with a stunning blue ice. The  cave is illuminated by the sunlight that streams in from the entrance,  creating a magical atmosphere.

The cave is a popular destination  for photographers, as the ice formations and the blue ice make for some  stunning photos. The tour will take visitors through the chamber and  other areas of the cave (please note that an ice cave is always  changing).

Please note that we might visit another Ice Cave, depending on the weather and season.

We will spend our night in a hotel nearby.

We will spend our fifth day in the East Fjords of Iceland, relax in  hot springs, enjoy the beautiful Icelandic life, and make amazing  memories! Here, we can also find amazing and rare wildlife, fjords, and  high mountain ridges.

Icelandic history makes its appearance in the peaceful fishing villages you pass along the way, as fishing has always been a big part of  Icelandic culture. If we have time, we will pass by some of these  villages.

Let's  make our adventure even more exciting! We have two amazing activities  to choose from that will make the rest of the day unforgettable!

• Optional Extra Activity: Horseback Riding in the East (an optional activity that must be selected during checkout).

Saddle  up, everyone! We're going on an adventure to explore the stunning  landscapes of the Icelandic Wilderness on our very own horses!

We  will meet a Riding Instructor who will teach us how to ride an Icelandic  horse! Each person will get his/her own horse, and off we ride into the  Icelandic Wilderness to explore the beautiful landscapes.

Icelandic Horses are unique because they are the only breed of horse in  the world that has five gaits, including the ''tölt'', a four-beat  lateral ambling gait. This gait is unique and is not found in any other  horse breed in the world. Additionally, Iceland horses are known for  their sure-footedness and hardiness, which allows them to traverse  difficult terrain and survive harsh climates. They are also known for  their intelligence and friendly personalities, making them ideal  companions for leisure and work.

There is no need to have previous  experience in horse riding. Please note that this activity is not  suitable for people weighing over 120 kgs or people in poor physical  condition.

We will travel a bit more north, where we will find luxurious hot springs!

• Optional Extra Activity: Entrance to VÖK Baths (optional activity that needs to be selected during checkout).

VÖK  Baths is a luxury spa and a unique geothermal area located in the east  of Iceland. Experience the age-old Icelandic tradition of bathing in a  natural geothermal pool. Vök Baths is located on the bank of Urriðavatn  lake, only a few minutes from the town of Egilsstaðir.

At Vök  Baths you will find, floating geothermal pools with infinity view, two  on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an  in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro.

We will spend our night in a hotel nearby.

We will spend our 6th day exploring the wildest parts of Iceland.

From May - September, we visit Stuðlagil Canyon viewpoint. From  the viewpoint that juts over the canyon, you can see the blue-green  water and the basalt columns on the opposite side after just a 5-minute  walk down 239 metal steps.
However, it is important to note that accessing the river from this vantage point is impossible.

From May - September, we also visit Dettifoss, located in the north of Iceland.
Dettifoss  is one of the most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls in Europe. It's  situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River and is surrounded by rugged,  volcanic terrain. The waterfall is 100 meters wide and drops 44 meters  into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The sheer force of the water crashing  down creates a deafening roar and a mist that can be seen from miles  away. Dettifoss is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure  seekers visiting Iceland.

The next stop is Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings.

Lake  Mývatn is a beautiful lake located in northern Iceland. It is a popular  tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and unique  geological features. The lake is surrounded by various volcanic  formations, lava fields, and other geological features, making it a  great spot for sightseeing and photography. The lake is also home to  various bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The lake  is also known for its abundant natural hot springs, making it a popular  spot for swimming and soaking.

We  will find Námaskarð Pass, a short drive away, a high-temperature  geothermal area where the earth boils and gurgles. Námaskarð Pass is a  mountain pass located in the Highlands of Iceland. It is situated  between the glaciers of Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull and is a popular  tourist destination due to the orange and red landscapes in the area.  The whole land is orange due to the presence of sulfur in the area,  which gives the landscape its unique color. We will see colorful hills,  steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and fumaroles during our hike.

Dimmuborgir is our next stop, where we will find a field of peculiarly shaped lava  pillars that rise from the earth, and their formations may remind you of  trolls, elves, and other mythical creatures.

Dimmuborgir is a  volcanic area located in the north of Iceland. It is a fascinating  landscape of lava fields and caves, formed by volcanic eruptions over  2,000 years ago. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for  its unique rock formations, including the Hall of the Mountain King, an  area of large basalt columns. The area is also home to a wide variety of  wildlife, including Arctic foxes and ptarmigans, although they can not  always be seen. Dimmuborgir is a great place to explore and take in the  unique beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

We  will now explore Goðafoss - a breathtaking waterfall in the north of  Iceland. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country and  is a popular tourist destination. The name Goðafoss translates to  “waterfall of the gods,” and it is believed to have been named after the  conversion to Christianity in Iceland in the year 1000. The waterfall  is approximately 12 meters (40 feet) high and 30 meters (100 feet) wide,  making it one of the largest waterfalls in the country, which is also  known for its unique shape.

The waterfall was formed by a massive  glacial flood that occurred in the year 934. A volcanic eruption in the  region caused the flood, and the resulting glacial flood carved out the  horseshoe shape of the waterfall.

Akureyri is our next stop - the Capital of the North. You will have the whole  evening to explore the beautiful city. It is the second-largest urban  area in the country and is known for its stunning natural beauty and  vibrant culture. The town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and  fjords, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as  hiking and skiing. Akureyri also has a vibrant nightlife, with a wide  variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Remember to look for the beautiful Northern Lights at night if the skies are clear before you return to your accommodation.

We will spend our night in Akureyri.

We will spend our day in the beautiful fishing village,  Hauganes, where we will go Whale Watching with the oldest whale-watching  company in Iceland!

In  the morning, after breakfast, we will pack our bags and go straight to a  small village called Hauganes, where we will get on a boat and go into  the North Atlantic Ocean to see Humpback Whales and more beautiful creatures swimming in the ocean.

We offer warm extra clothing.

After visiting Hauganes, we will drive you to your hotel in Borgarfjörður.

On the morning of our 8thday, after the included breakfast at the hotel, we will go from the north to the west of Iceland.

The  magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the destination of the day - the  most volcanic area in Iceland. It is also known for its dramatic  landscapes, featuring mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields.  It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals.

The first stop is at Gerðuberg,  a hexagonal basalt column cluster. Gerðuberg is a unique geological  formation in Iceland that is made up of over 600 basalt columns. It is  located in the Westfjords region of Iceland, near the town of  Ísafjörður. The columns are arranged in a stepped pattern and are  believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years  ago. The columns are made of basalt, a type of igneous rock, and are up  to 12 meters high. The area is a popular tourist destination, providing a  stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The basalt columns are also  popular for photographers, as they provide an interesting and unique  backdrop for photos.

Next, we will journey to Ytri-Tunga, where you will find a white sand beach, a pretty rare sight in Iceland.  As you will know by now, most beaches in Iceland are black. This white  beach at Ytri-Tunga is not only interesting for its' white sand but also  for the fact that it is a seal colony, where you can sometimes see seals lounging on the rocks.

Now, you will be heading to the beach of Djúpalónssandur.  You must walk through a maze of remarkable free-standing lava pillars  to get to the beach, unlike anything you have seen before. The mighty  glacier of the West, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, will be watching you from a  distance.

Of course, you can not leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula  without seeing the iconic mountain Kirkjufell. This phenomenal mountain  has proven to be one of Iceland’s most popular places to visit. It has  also been featured in Game of Thrones as the “arrowhead mountain”  located Beyond the Wall.

The magnificent lava cave Víðgelmir will be your next location,  perfect for exploring the volcanic history of Iceland. Do not worry; you  won’t reach the center of the Earth like in Professor Otto Lidenbrock  from Jules Verne’s novel, but you will follow a lava path created  thousands of years ago.

Optional Extra Activity: Víðgelmir Lava Cave
Take  an unforgettable journey into Iceland’s largest lava cave, Víðgelmir,  in comfort. Learn about Víðgelmir’s creations on this 1.5-hour tour and  get introduced to the immense forces that sculpted this land. A unique  opportunity to discover volcanic eruptions' deep impact in shaping the  Icelandic culture has fueled its mythical stories.

Also on  this day, you will have a chance to explore West Iceland further. Your  first stop will be Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in  Europe, and you can see the hot steam and boiling water bubbling from  the ground. The surface around the hot spring has turned red from the  surrounding minerals and steam.

Your next stop will be Reykholt, a  location with a significant historical heritage as it was the home of  Snorri Sturluson. Snorri greatly impacted Icelandic history as a poet,  law-maker, and scholar and is undeniably a significant character of the  Middle Ages.

Not had enough waterfalls yet? Great, because next  you will visit two different but equally special waterfalls. Hraunfossar  is a series of streams emerging through the dark lava fields, a very  special and beautiful sight. Barnafoss, on the other hand, is a brightly  colored blue stream that speeds through a narrow ravine.

You  will then head back to the capital of Reykjavik, where you’ll arrive at  around 8 pm (depending on weather and road conditions).

If your flight is later in the day, you can choose to add-on a trip to the Blue Lagoon Spa before heading to the airport. Of course, you can also use the time to shop for some souvenirs before leaving.