Natural Wonders & Majestic Highlands
- Tour ID: IT25/S2
Tour Info:
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Seasons: Summer
- Travel Style: Group Tours
- Countries: Iceland
- Available: 26 June | 10 & 24 July | 7 & 21 August
Discover the majestic and vast highland wilderness, the heart of Iceland. This will be a memorable journey combining mountain track adventure with all the natural wonders of Iceland’s Ring Road.
Take the road less travelled and discover the wild heart and natural beauty of Iceland’s highlands. Experience multi-coloured mountains, steaming highland geothermal areas and the brilliant green coastal lowlands . Visit the famous natural wonders of the Ring Road and discover the secrets of the interior wilderness of this Land of Fire and Ice. Group size max 24.
Highlights:
- Travel beyond the Ring Road into Iceland’s wild and remote Highlands
- Relax in the geothermal waters of the Forest Lagoon near Akureyri
- Enjoy whale watching from Húsavík
- Cruise among icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Visit Diamond Beach, Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park
- Travel with a small group through some of Iceland’s most spectacular and less-visited landscapes
Price Includes:
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Professional English-speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 9
- Guided coach transportation throughout the tour
- Golden Circle including Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
- Reykjanes Peninsula and geothermal landscapes
- Kjölur Highland route and Hveravellir
- Lake Mývatn and North Iceland sightseeing
- Forest Lagoon geothermal bathing
- Whale-watching excursion from Húsavík
- Dettifoss waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon
- Eastfjords and Stuðlagil Canyon
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon boat excursion and Diamond Beach
- Landmannalaugar and Fjallabaksleið Highland route
- South Coast including Reynisfjara, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss
- Picnic lunch in the Highlands
- Selected dinners during the touring programme
Itinerary:
Welcome to Iceland!
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and make your own way to Reykjavík. Shared or private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
If arriving earlier in the day, there is plenty of time to begin exploring Iceland’s colourful capital. Wander through the old city centre, visit one of Reykjavík’s museums, relax in a cosy café or perhaps add a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon for your first experience of Iceland’s geothermal waters.
The evening is yours to enjoy Reykjavík’s excellent selection of restaurants and cafés.
Please note that hotel check-in is generally from approximately 14:00. Luggage storage is usually available for guests arriving earlier.
Approximate distance travelling today: 205 km
Meet your guide this morning and begin your Icelandic adventure with a brief orientation tour of Reykjavík before travelling south towards the extraordinary landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
A designated UNESCO Global Geopark, Reykjanes is characterised by dramatic lava fields, volcanic craters, fissures and geothermal activity. Pass mysterious Kleifarvatn Lake before visiting the colourful Krýsuvík geothermal area, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents reveal the powerful forces beneath Iceland’s surface.
Continue along the rugged coastline to historic Strandarkirkja Church, traditionally associated with Icelandic seafarers and surrounded by beautiful views across the ocean.
Later, travel to Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant locations. Here, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly pull apart, while the site is also famous as the birthplace of Iceland’s ancient parliament.
Continue into the Golden Circle region for the evening.
Approximate distance travelling today: 375 km
Today you leave Iceland’s conventional roads behind and venture into its magnificent interior wilderness.
Begin at the famous Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs, bubbling pools and the highly active Strokkur geyser create one of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal spectacles.
Continue to magnificent Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls”, where glacial water plunges dramatically through a rugged canyon.
From here, enter Iceland’s remote Highlands along the historic Kjölur mountain route. Running between two great glaciers, this ancient trail was once travelled by Vikings journeying across Iceland to attend the annual parliament at Þingvellir.
Stop at Hveravellir, a remarkable geothermal oasis surrounded by vast highland wilderness. Follow easy walking trails among steaming vents and colourful geothermal landscapes while learning about the outlaws who once used this isolated region as a hideaway.
Continue north through dramatic mountain scenery and the Skagafjörður region before arriving in Akureyri, Iceland’s charming “Capital of the North”.
Approximate travelling distance today: 320 km
Today is dedicated to the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of northern Iceland.
Visit beautiful Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”, whose history is closely linked with Iceland’s conversion to Christianity more than a thousand years ago.
Continue to the fascinating Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, renowned for its birdlife and extraordinary volcanic formations. Explore some of the region’s highlights, including the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the volcanic landscapes surrounding Krafla, and the steaming, colourful slopes of Námaskarð.
Later, return towards Akureyri and unwind at the beautiful Forest Lagoon – Skógarböð. Relax in naturally heated geothermal pools surrounded by woodland, with wonderful views across Eyjafjörður Fjord.
proximate Distance: 320 km /199 miles
Waterfall “Of the Gods” – Volcanic Wonderland – Forest Lagoon
Breakfast at your hotel. Today’s adventure takes you to the intriguing Lake Mývatn nature reserve. On the way, you’ll stop at scenic Goðafoss waterfall, famous for its Viking history. The Mývatn nature reserve is fascinating for its diverse bird life and its geological wonders. Some of the volcanic features include the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the Dark Lava Citadels of Dimmuborgir, the Krafla Volcano area, and the multi-coloured steaming slopes of Námaskarð.
At the end of the day, your group will return to Akureyri and visit the Skógarböð (Forest Lagoon) near town. Enjoy lounging in peaceful earthwarmed pools in a beautiful setting of woodlands and the Eyjafjörður Fjord.
Overnight in the Akureyri area. Dinner is on your own.
Approximate travelling distance today: 250 km
Travel to the charming fishing village of Húsavík, widely regarded as Iceland’s whale-watching capital.
Board a traditional boat and sail into beautiful Skjálfandi Bay, searching for whales, dolphins and seabirds against the magnificent backdrop of North Iceland’s mountains.
Continue around the fossil-rich Tjörnes Peninsula towards the northern reaches of Vatnajökull National Park.
Visit the spectacular horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and beautiful vegetation, before continuing to the unusual basalt formations and echoing cliffs of Hljóðaklettar.
The highlight of the afternoon is mighty Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, where enormous volumes of glacial water thunder into the canyon below.
Continue to the Lake Mývatn region.
Approximate travelling distance today: 215 km
Travel across the vast and hauntingly beautiful highland desert of Möðrudalsöræfi as your journey continues towards East Iceland.
Visit spectacular Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering hexagonal basalt columns line the walls of a dramatic river gorge. These naturally formed columns resemble enormous organ pipes and showcase the extraordinary geological processes that have shaped Iceland.
Continue towards Egilsstaðir, the principal town of East Iceland. The surrounding region is known for its forests, mountains and Lake Lagarfljót, which according to Icelandic folklore is home to its own mysterious lake creature.
Continue into the beautiful Eastfjords region.
Approximate travelling distance today: 320 km
Continue south through the spectacular Eastfjords, where narrow fjords, fishing villages and dramatic mountains create some of Iceland’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
Pass the picturesque harbour village of Djúpivogur before travelling towards mighty Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.
Arrive at breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where enormous icebergs break away from the glacier and drift slowly across the lagoon towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Take to the water for a boat journey among the floating icebergs, giving you a completely different perspective of this remarkable glacial landscape.
Nearby, visit famous Diamond Beach, where pieces of clear blue and white ice are scattered across the black volcanic sand.
Continue to Skaftafell, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glacier tongues, rugged mountains and volcanic landscapes, before travelling onwards towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Approximate travelling distance today: 305 km
Today brings one of the great highlights of the journey as you venture deep into Iceland’s colourful southern Highlands.
Travel along the rugged Fjallabaksleið highland route, crossing wild mountain landscapes, deeply carved valleys and several unbridged rivers en route to extraordinary Landmannalaugar.
Surrounded by brilliantly coloured rhyolite mountains, lava fields and geothermal activity, Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most spectacular wilderness areas.
Enjoy time to explore the walking trails through steaming landscapes and colourful mountain scenery. Weather and conditions permitting, there may also be an opportunity to bathe in a naturally heated geothermal pool, so remember to bring your swimsuit and towel.
Throughout the journey, enjoy changing views of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most famous and historically active volcanoes.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed amongst the magnificent highland scenery before continuing to the Hella region.
Approximate travelling distance today: 285 km
Travel along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, where glaciers and mountains rise above vast lava fields, black beaches and fertile farmland.
Visit magnificent Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls. Walk close to the base to experience its power or climb the staircase alongside the falls for impressive views across the surrounding countryside.
Continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, near Vík, famous for its striking basalt cliffs, sea stacks and powerful Atlantic waves.
Later, stop at beautiful Seljalandsfoss, a slender waterfall dropping dramatically from a former sea cliff. When conditions permit, a walking path leads behind the cascade for a completely different perspective.
Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon, where your guide bids you farewell.
Enjoy your final evening at leisure in Iceland’s lively capital.
Enjoy breakfast before making your own way to Keflavík International Airport for your departure flight. Shared or private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
We recommend departing Reykjavík approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight departure.
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
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