Arrive in Keflavik and collect your hire car for the week. To help you relax into the holiday mood we have included a visit to the Sky Lagoon so you can stop off on your way to Reykjavik, after all, you can't visit Iceland without experiencing an authentic Icelandic bathing experience in one of the famed geothermal lagoons. You can look forward to taking part in the seven-step Sky Ritual designed to follow traditional bathing culture and leave you refreshed and invigorated as you make your way from hot and cold bathing pools against a spectacular Atlantic backdrop.

Once you have soaked away the stresses of travelling you can check into your hotel in Reykjavik and explore the fantastic city. Be sure to take a stroll to the Hallgrimskirkja, a star of a thousand postcards and an impressive landmark that dominates the skyline. The impressive church also provides a panoramic view from its 75m tower. We also recommend visiting the Harpa Concert Hall and Old Harbour, one of the most iconic buildings in the city where, if you are lucky, you may be able to enjoy a concert too. End your day dining in one of Reykjavik's many fantastic restaurants and enjoy your first taste of the delicious, hearty cuisine.

Today you say farewell to the city and head north to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which translates to snow mountain peninsula. Along your way you may wish to break up your journey with a walk to the perfectly formed crater of Eldborg, which rises 60m above the surrounding lava. Arriving on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula you will soon see it lives up to its name. It is the personification of Icelandic landscape with its diverse landscape of glaciers, mountains and lava fields leading you down to its beautiful coast and beaches. Discover Borgarnes, one of the first places Vikings settled on the island, admire the seals frolicking at Ytri Tunga Beach and perhaps visit the beautiful little wooden Black Church of Budir.

Arriving in the charming port of Arnarstapi, nestled at the base of the iconic Snaefellsnesjokull your walk will take you to explore these contrasting landscapes along the south coast. When you have finished exploring you can settle in to your hotel for the evening with its envious location on the coast.

Waking up in this wild paradise, today you will further explore the southern coast of Snaefallsness before heading to the north of the peninsula where you will spend the night. Be captivated by the geological wonders of the ancient lava flows and the ocean reef formed as they hit the cold Altlantic at the beach of Djupalonssandur. Walk along its striking black sand and lava pebble beach and experience the mysterious atmosphere created by the remnants of a shipwreck and the four ancient lifting stones, once used to test aspiring fisherman's strength. You will discover the commanding yellow lighthouse of Svortuloft, a warning to fisherman below of the perils of the sea before heading to the northern peninsula where the landscape changes and fjords appear, adorned with waterfalls. As you approach the imposing Kirkjufjell you can't help but grab for your camera to capture its picture perfect Kirkjufellsfoss cascades. It will be no surprise that it is said to be the most famous mountain in Iceland!

Arriving in Stykkisholmur, with its typically colourful wooden buildings, you can settle into your hotel before venturing out to sample one of the local restaurants.

Feeling refreshed today will take you on a scenic drive through the picturesque Hvalfjorour Fjord which, ironically, is home to many species but is not somewhere you will spot whales despite its name meaning whale fjord. Arriving at the starting point of your walk you will discover the spectacular Glymur Waterfall with its 196m of cascades, a worthy reward for your efforts. You may also wish to take a detour for an exciting twist, to the delightful Reykholt Valley which showcases the Deildartunguhver hot springs, known as the fastest flowing in the world and the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafalls too. Your journey will take you to the realm of the Golden Circle where you will spend the evening in preparation for your exploration tomorrow.

Famed as a 'must see' in Iceland, the Golden Circle comprises of three of the country's most popular attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the waterfall of Gullfoss. Today you will get to experience the three parks and enjoy leaving the crowds behind as you venture on a walk off the beaten track. Your first stop will be at the Thingvellir National Park where you will be greeted with the majestic landscapes sculpted by the forces of continental drift and past volcanic activity: tectonic faults, lava fields, the lava dome of Skaldbreidur, and the shimmering waters of Thingvallavatn, the largest body of fresh water in Iceland. There is a reason these national parks are classified as a 'must see' and you will no doubt have your camera's memory bursting with snaps of nature's artistry.

When you have finished taking in the beauty you can look forward to taking a step away from the crowds for a few hours as you take a walk through the unique historical and geological area. Returning to your car your next stop is Geysir where you can observe the geyser Strokkur in action as it spouts its boiling water up to 20 m in the air every 5 to 8 minutes! Your final treat of the day is a walk to the stunning Gullfloss Waterfall where you will be mesmerised by its thundering beauty as the Hvita River falls into the impressive canyon. With all that excitement you end your day with another night staying in the famous Golden Circle.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before embarking on today's adventure, an exploration of Hengill Volcano. This is an area to get hot under the collar as the largest geothermal area in Iceland performs its constant display of power. While the volcano itself hasn't erupted for some 2000 years, the lava still runs close to the surface providing an ultimate sensory experience as you walk through the area. You can expect to encounter vibrant colours, hear the hissing sounds of the hot springs and steam vents and see the mud pools bubbling away like a witch's cauldron. There is so much power here that it is one of the renewable sources used to harvest Iceland's electricity and heated water. Who knows your shower this evening may be heated from the landscape you have been walking through today.

When you have finished exploring this fascinating area you make your way to the nearby town of Hverageroi for the night. The town, often known as the hot spring town, is home to the Hveragerdi Earthquake Exhibition where you can experience an earthquake simulator and learn of the quake that hit the south of Iceland in 2008. You will have time to visit the museum and the other local attractions before enjoying dinner and settling into your hotel for the evening.

PLEASE NOTE: the geothermal areas are closely monitored by authorities and can be closed during periods of increased activity as was the case in summer 2023. There has been no lava flowing since 05 August 2023.

Today brings a highlight of the week as you venture along the southern coast of Reykjanes Peninsula. This untamed coastline is best known for its volcanic action and its otherworldly landscapes this creates, a landscape changing before you. Witness the bubbling cauldrons of mud at Krysuvik and marvel at the geological formations at Kleifarvatn Lake.

Your hike today will take you through the eruptive Fagradalsfjall area, the most active area in Iceland having witnesses to the last three eruptions in Iceland; Geldingadalir in 2021, Meradalir in 2022, and Litla-Hrut in 2023. The region is closely monitored and hosts a network of pathways for you to explore this area and really bring geology to life before your eyes. Brace yourself for a spectacle of smoking craters, freshly formed lava fields, fragmented lava blankets and incredible patterns of rope lava!

When you have finished exploring this fascinating area you return to Reykjavik to spend your final night in the city and enjoy another opportunity to soak up the city atmosphere, visit the attractions and raise a glass over dinner to a great week in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Your Icelandic adventure has come to an end and today you make your onward journey. Depending on your travel plans you may wish to enjoy a final stroll through the city and immerse yourself in the unique culture. You may even wish to end your trip in the same way as it started, with a visit to one of the thermal pools.
If you aren't quite ready for your trip to end then why not book some additional nights in Reykjavik so you can delight in some of the many day trips from the city such as whale watching tours or visit the famous Blue Lagoon. Our sales team will be happy to arrange additional night's accommodation for you, please ask for a quote.