Northern Lights Iceland Circle

Day 1 - Arrival

Arrive in Keflavík Airport, travel to Reykjavík where you will stay for the first night. Airport transfer is not included but can be arranged for you. Explore the capital of Iceland, including the many restaurants and cafés.

Day 2 - Geysir, Gullfoss, Skógar, Dyrhólaey, Vík

Start the day off with breakfast at your hotel, before being led on a short city tour of Reykjavík. Afterwards you head to Hveragerði, famous for its hot springs, on the way to Gullfoss or 'Golden Falls', a double waterfall that cascades into the glacial river Hvítá. The next stop, Geysir, the site of the original geyser, who now lies dormant. However don't be disappointed, as Strokkur, the 'younger brother', is still very much active, and erupts magnificently every 5-10 minutes. The tour continues along the south shore to Seljalandsfoss, a particularly interesting waterfall, since there is a path you can take to walk behind it (be warned: you will get wet!). This is truly a day of waterfalls, as Skogafoss is next, a tall thundering waterfall on the south coast. Then on to Dyrholaey, a unique volcanic headland with an interesting arch, situated near the black sand beaches of Vik. Dinner and overnight stay in the south coast area.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 325km / 201 miles

Day 3 - Vatnajökull National Park, Jokulsarlón, Hofn

The journey continues along the ring road, crossing the Eldhraun lava field, the largest lava flow recorded on the planet. Kirkjubaejarklaustur,is  a charming town and the former site of a 12th century Catholic convent. Carrying on, you travel over Skeiðarsandur plain to reach Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, an area popular with hikers. Then you will go to Jokulsarlon, a very famous and picturesque glacier lagoon, with its blue waters and many floating icebergs that break off from the glacier Vatnajokull. The night is spent in Hofn, a fishing town known for its specialty: lobster.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 265km / 165 miles

Day 4 - Höfn, East Fjords, Egilsstaðir

Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, with breaks to admire the beautiful coastline. The journey continues east through the mountains of the East Fjords, so enjoy the views as you pass through small villages and keep an eye out for reindeer and other wildlife that can sometimes be seen in the winter months. The final stop for the day is Egilsstaðir, a large rural settlement in the East, which is famous for the Lagafljotsormur, a giant mythical wyrm that inhabits the Lagarfljot river, and is considered the Loch Ness Monster's Icelandic sister. Egilsstaðir is also becoming popular in the East for its great locally sourced cuisine.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 259km / 161 miles

Day 5 - Lake Myvatn

Enjoy views of the vast Modrudalsoræfi highland desert plateau, as you journey north towards the North; this landscape sometimes looks eerily like a space scene from a sci-fi film. Be amazed by the thundering Dettifoss, a stop along the way to Lake Myvatn, as Europe's most powerful waterfall plunges into Jokulsá river. From there you will drive to Namaskard, famous for its colorful springs and bubbling mud pools. The day continues on to Lake Myvatn, where there are many interesting sights, such as pseudo-craters at Skutustaðir and Laxa (literally: Salmon River). Dinner and the overnight location are in the local area.

Note: The visit to Dettifoss waterfall depends on weather and road conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 255km / 158 miles

Day 6 - Akureyri and Troll Peninsula

Begin the day with an exploration of the strange and mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and then visit Godafoss, a powerful waterfall named after the Gods for its important role in religious change in Iceland, followed by Laufás, an old traditional turf farm. Continuing west to Akureyri, the capital of the North, you will see the charming town and beautiful views of Eyjafjorður fjord. Then you will drive through Trollaskagi, so keep an eye out for trolls, as this translates to Troll Peninsula! Despite its name, this drive is a beautiful one, with steep mountains and Arctic sea views.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 235km / 146 miles

Day 7 - Skagafjordur, Borgarnes

Yet another beautiful drive through the mountains takes you to Skagafjordur, famous for its excellent Icelandic horse breeding. Enjoy a presentation of the unique abilities of the Icelandic horse, and its special fifth gait, 'tölt'. Afterwards you head to the village of Blonduós, with the river Blanda running through the middle of the village. A protected nature reserve, Hrutey Island, sits in the center of this river, which is a popular salmon fishing location. Finally, head to the overnight location in Borgarnes, crossing the Holtavorduheiði plateau through Borgarfjordur to get there.

Northern Lights wake up call option available.

Driving distance: 235km / 146 miles

Day 8 - Borgarfjordur, Thingvellir, Reykjavík

First drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, providing 180 liters per second of hot water at 100°C. If you take a shower anywhere within 65km of the hot spring then you have showered in the spring water! The next stop is Hraunfossar waterfalls, the beautifully unique formation is thanks to the lava these falls were created from. Continue via the Hvalfjordur fjord, you will go to Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO heritage site, where the world's oldest parliament was founded in the 10th century. This historic site is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, forming the North Atlantic Ridge, which shapes the landscape of this national park. The last night of the tour will be spent in Reykjavik, where you can choose from a multitude of restaurants for your dinner.

Driving distance: 205km / 127 miles

Day 9 - Departure

It is time to say goodbye to the Land of Fire and Ice!