ICELAND DISCOVERY TOUR - COMPLETE CIRCLE AROUND ICELAND
Take a journey along Iceland’s ring road on this 12 day privately guided tour. Starting and ending in Reykjavík, your tour takes you to many of Iceland’s best known natural attractions, including beautiful waterfalls, volcano craters, bubbling hot springs, the famous “Golden Circle” route and the splendid south coast. You will also have a lot of opportunities to explore sights like the fabulous Glacier Lagoon, marvelous Lake Mývatn and the northern towns of Akureyri and Húsavik.
This tour travels the entire length of the famous Ring Road (Highway 1) and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, stopping at the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Hengifoss to name a few.
12-Day Iceland Discovery Tour
Trip Highlights
Circle Iceland on the Ring Road, one of the best road trips in the world.
Explore the famous Golden Circle route, including hot springs and cascading waterfalls.
Photograph the jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches.
Visit Snaefellsnes, Myvatn, Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, Skaftafell and Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss.
See glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes & lakes.
Taste Icelandic cuisine
ICELAND DISCOVERY SMALL GROUP GUIDED TOUR (12 DAYS)
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ICELAND: Keflavik, Welcome to Iceland! After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city center in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city centre with its abundance of museums, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. Central Reykjavík is quite compact and you can visit most sites by walking around, Laugavegur is the main shopping street and second to that is Skólavörðustígur that leads up to Hallgrímskirkja church where you have great views from the tower. Check out the colorful houses of the old town, the pond, City hall, the Parliament by Austurvöllur and more. Not far from Harpa concert hall, around the harbor area, there are lots of new local shops, cafés and restaurants. Walk past the dry dock by the Marina hotel to the Grandi area to visit the Whale, Aurora and the Maritime museums. Overnight in Reykjavík. (Driving distance: 58 miles / 93 kilometers)
DAY 2: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE: This morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and begin your journey on the classic “Golden Circle” route, home to some of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Start with a visit to the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbour, Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. End the circle with visits to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the old implosion crater of Kerið. Overnight in Arnastapi. (Driving distance: 160 miles / 257 kilometers) (B)
DAY 3: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA AND ARNARSTAPI: After breakfast, you will leave the capital heading for the mystical and powerful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull National Park, with amazing lush valleys and lava fields. Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses a large area of Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s western tip. Later, we will stop at the Vantshellir Cave, an 8,000-year-old natural wonder, which is one of the most incredible lava caves in Iceland, if not the world. It was created by a volcanic eruption in the nearby Purkholar crater. As the surface lava from the eruption came into contact with the cooler air, it turned to rock, while the lava underneath continued to flow away, leaving a magnificent lava tube cave behind. We will visit Arnarstapi is a small fishing community with a beautiful and striking shoreline. You can see weird basalt columns, gorges and caves which are home to many sea-bird colonies including kittiwakes and razorbills. Overnight in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Arnarstapi area. (Driving distance: 123 miles / 197 kilometers) (B)
DAY 4 & 5: EXPLORE THE WEST COAST & THE GREAT NORTH: Today we will drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and drive through the beautiful, mountainous area of Tröllaskagi (“Peninsula of the Trolls”), the old herring-fishing village of Siglufjörður and Hofsós, where you can enjoy wonderful scenery, fantastic views of beautiful mountains, cliffs and fjords. Later, we will then make our way to the charming town of Akureyri, where we will take a stroll in the heart of the city centre. Akureyri, the largest town outside of the greater Reykjavik area and it is situated in innermost Eyjafjörður fjord. It is an old trading station and also an important fishing town and is full of things to see and do. You will have some leisure time to explore the town on your own and grab a lunch, before we head to our next stop. Spend the night in Akureyri. (Driving distance: 75 miles / 120 kilometer) (B)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Icelandic Horseback Riding (2 or 3 hour trip available)
DAYS 6 & 7: LAKE MÝVATN, WATERFALLS, LUNAR LANDSCAPES & LEISURE TIME: Today we will depart Akureyri and travel to the Lake Mývatn area. This is an area with a lot of diverse sights! Today’s scenery in East Iceland includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. After reaching North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. There is a 1 km walk from the parking lot to the waterfall on a gravel road, definietly worth the trip. Next we will explore the natural beauty of Lake Mývatn and its lunar landscapes with visits to the Námaskarð pass, the lava formations at Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. This is a great day for geology enthusiasts! You have 3 days to enjoy this area, perhaps you can take a luxurious swim in a pool of the relaxing geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths on one of these days (optional: not included). Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area (2 nights). (Driving distance: 60 miles / 97 kilometers) (B)
DAYS 8: THE EAST COAST: Today you will experience rural Iceland in all its glory, visiting the idyllic villages, breathtaking fjords, and verdant fields of the east coast. Waterfalls in hillsides and fantastic panoramic views will make your journey unforgettable. In the evening, you'll come to the town of Egilsstaðir, near Lagarflöt lake, which legends say hides a monster beneath its placid surface. Overnight in Egilsstaðir. (Driving distance: 108 miles / 173 kilometers) (B)
DAY 9: HÖFN, SKAFTAFELL AND VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER: Enjoy Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including a short path to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. This area is also full of opportunities for more adventurous pursuits, such as guided glacier-walking or ice-climbing excursions. In the evenings, this area has many great locations for northern lights photography. Overnight night in the Höfn area. (Driving distance: 156 miles/ 251 kilometers) (B)
DAY 10 & 11: JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER AND BLACK SAND BEACHES: Over the next two days our tour will take us to some of Iceland’s most photogenic attractions, including a visit to the beautiful Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, named for Iceland’s largest glacier. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can join a boat ride among the maze of floating icebergs (optional). Next to the glacier lagoon we will stop at the Diamond Beach where you will see big chunks of ice that have washed up on shore after being polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon. In the evenings, this area has many great locations for northern lights photography. Overnight night in the Skaftafell area. (Driving distance: 90 miles / 144 kilometer) (B)
OPTIONAL TOUR ACTIVITY: Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tour
DAY 12: VOLCANOS, WATERFALLS: Today we will visit the Lava Centre, an interactive exhibition about Iceland’s volcanic activity, its frequent earthquakes and how Iceland evolved over millions of years. The next leg of the tour is along the south coast, below the majestic volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Start with visits to the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can experience walking right behind the misty cascade, and the gorgeous 60-metre high Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road. Further ahead at Vík, you can make a stop at the black volcanic beach south of the village, from where you can view the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. The last stop of the day is to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Overnight in Reykjavík. (Driving distance: 229 miles / 368 kilometers) (B)
DEPARTURE FROM REYKJAVIK: When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from the hotel for your airport transfer by a shuttle bus about three hours before your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to relax in the warm mineral waters before continuing to the airport (optional: not included). (B)
NOTE: Itinerary schedule and/or activities subject to change due to weather.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control. Please keep in mind that due to Iceland’s extreme and fast climate changes, we reserve the right to change/alter the route of the tour. This tour may operate in reverse order to what is listed above.
WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. Single supplement is $975US dollars for this tour. Tour does not include air transportation to and from Reykjavik from your gateway city or any optional tours, food, drinks and entrance fees to attractions that are not included in the cost of this travel package unless stated otherwise in the detailed itinerary. In cases where dinner or lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately. The northern lights is a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if weather allows. Please note that this tour is dependent upon weather and road conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the event of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.
VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Tour participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation on this tour such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
LUGGAGE INFORMATION: To ensure comfortable seating for everyone on our tour, we need to limit the size and amount of luggage on the van. Each guest is allowed one suitcase or large bag that can be stored in the back of the van and one smaller item (e.g., a small backpack or daypack) to keep inside the van for daily essentials like camera, wallet, medications and so forth. Unfortunately carry-on suitcases (cabin bags) are too large to store inside the van. If you have any questions about luggage your Planet Earth Adventures travel consultant will be able to assist you.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: EASY: Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trails surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distance and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance. Any optional hikes taken on this tour will change the difficulty level of this tour. Our optional hikes vary from easy to strenuous.
SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Please note that this tour is dependent upon weather and road conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the case of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.
FLEXIBILITY: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. Click Here to purchase travel protection. Your credit card may offer basic travel insurance or emergency travel assistance if you use it to book travel or accommodation although the coverage is usually very limited. Check with your credit card provider to see if you are covered and what benefits are provided.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We consider the deposit non-refundable at the time of reservation; however, Planet Earth Adventures will try to be flexible in the event of a cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly. A credit card is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 90-day written notice for cancellations. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to certain types of trips and additional services including most arctic bookings. Again, we strongly advise to purchase cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover any cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.
HOW IS OUR TOUR DIFFERENT FROM SIMILAR TOURS OFFERED BY OTHER COMPANIES?
Sometimes choosing between adventure travel companies can be a challenge since many offer almost the same tours for the same audience at a similar or lower price range. But still, one company can be better than the other for the specific trip you have in mind. Planet Earth Adventures offers you something unique. Our tours are designed to ensure that you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While other tour companies offer similar tours to this one, one of the big differences is that we select only the BEST lodging available for the areas that we are visiting. The big difference is that we will never use Hostels; Guest Houses or B&B’s where you have to share a bathroom with others. With our tour, you get a room with your own private bathroom. You will also be traveling in a smaller group. It’s neither good nor bad having more or fewer travelers. It just depends on your preferences. But most people like smaller groups for a “better experience.”
TOUR DATES, COST & TOUR INFORMATION
2024 TOUR DATES: September 2024
TOUR COST: From $5,895 per person
WHATS INCLUDED:
12 days of accommodations
Reykjavik Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Explore the famous Golden Circle
Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
Visit the Lava Centre
See jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
Lava Cave Experience
Lake Mývatn Hot Springs
Guided Hikes
Admission to Museums
Fly Over Iceland Virtual Experience
Transportation & Guiding