Experience authentic Iceland as you hike through dramatic landscapes, explore glacier-carved valleys, and discover hidden waterfalls, all while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Land of Fire and Ice on a 10-day adventure you'll never forget.
Start - End: Reykjavik - Reykjavik
Total trip: 10 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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There's no doubt you'll be left speechless as you roam Iceland's vast landscapes on our Ultimate Iceland Adventure. With local experts leading the way, you'll hike to view puffins ('Lundi'), dine at a traditional farm, explore the bubbling pools of Námaskard’s geothermal area, and admire Öxaràrfoss, Gullfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. While it's no secret that Iceland is a feast for the eyes, what you may not know is how fascinating Icelandic people are.
You'll witness their self-sufficiency and learn about their proud Viking heritage. In fact, their language today is very similar to what it was during the Viking Age! Iceland is commonly ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world, so prepare to have this attitude rub off when you're out and about exploring with the locals. Especially after exploring the Eastern Fjords and North Iceland areas, staying in cozy hotels, and indulging in hearty Icelandic cuisine.
Click the map below to explore your adventure through the land of fire and ice...
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Your trip begins in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital and Iceland’s cultural hub. If you’ve flown in this morning, youll have some time before checking in to your hotel until 3pm, so we recommend unwinding after your flight at the famous Blue Lagoon hot pools that are on the way to Reykjavík - remember to keep your swimwear handy!
After dropping your bags at the hotel you’ll have some free time to take in the vibrant streets - grab some last-minute gear at the many outdoor clothing stores or explore the harbor. Later, we’ll all meet at the hotel bar for a trip briefing and a welcome drink, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and guide before having a delicious meal in a local restaurant. You might find your first evening a little strange, to be strolling around in daylight!
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Reykjavík
Meals: Dinner
Today the adventure really begins, as we head northeast to Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first National Assembly. We’ll stretch our legs at our first waterfall called Öxarárfoss (‘foss’ is Icelandicfor waterfall). As strange as it may sound, this is a human-made waterfall, as the water was diverted,back in the 9th Century, to provide members and visitors of the Icelandic parliament ‘Althingi’ withwater.
There are lots of fascinating folklores about this region that you’ll soon discover! We will learn about Iceland’s Laugarvatn cave people, and have lunch at Efstidalur farm which offers a farm to table meal. After lunch, we will view the original Geysir Nature Reserve and the Gullfoss Waterfall.
Accommodation: The Hill Hótel, Flúðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Þingvellir Hike: 1.9- 2.5 miles(3-4 kilometers), 1-1.5 hours
Geysir and Gullfoss Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
Today, we’ll explore three of Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls; first to Seljalandsfoss (where we can also walk behind the falls). Our journey continues alongside the soaring sea cliffs and moss-covered lava fields, where we’ll be able to see the infamous E15 ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ Volcano and the majestic Skógafoss where we will stop for a short hike. We’ll hunt for stone trolls along the wild and beautiful South Coast - these trolls occupy an immense portion of Icelandic folklore, described as big, stupid, and greedy, but sometimes kind and wise. We will stop in the picturesque little village of Vík for lunch on your own and where you can walk down to the big black beach below the village.
After lunch we continue our drive along Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Vatnajökull Ice Cap and its outlet glaciers. We will hike in Skaftafell National Park and explore the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall, surrounded by basaltic columns. Tonight, we’ll relax in the wonderfully appointed Fosshótel, with impressive views down towards the coast.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Seljalandsfoss Hike: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Skógafoss Hike: 0.5 kilometers
Svartifoss Hike: 2 miles (3.5 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 435 feet (132 meters) ascent, 435 feet (132 meters) descent
A short drive brings us to the hidden canyon Múlagljúfur. We will hike along this magnificent canyon to visit two beautiful waterfalls Hangandifoss and Múlafoss, offering breathtaking views along the way. After the hike we have a picnic lunch before visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a photographer’s dream, and a spot where you may see seals playing amongst the icebergs.
After hiking the entire length of Iceland’s shortest river (blink and you’ll miss it), we’ll end up on the beach surrounded by stranded icebergs. We'll then continue to the small town of Djúpivogur for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Framtíð or Berjaya Egilsstaðir, Egilsstaðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Canyon Múlagljúfur Hike: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,204 feet (367 meters) ascent
Iceland's Shortest River Hike: 1.5 hours
Today we will drive into the bottom of a narrow fjord and across the Öxi mountain pass to the fertile Fljótsdalshérað shire in East Iceland. We will drive through Iceland biggest “forest” Hallormsstaðarskógur to Hengifoss waterfalll. We will hike to this beautiful waterfall, 400 feet (128 m) high and the third highest in Iceland. It’s surrounded by basaltic strata with thin, red layers of clay between. After the hike we have lunch in a local Skriduklaustur café.
In the afternoon, our adventure drive takes us to the picturesque fjord Borgarfjörður Eystri, a tiny fishing village, and a home to a large puffin colony where you’ll be able to see the charming puffins in Hafnarhólmi marina. We return to Egilsstadir for dinner and overnight. Tonight you will have the option to visit the Vök Baths.
Accommodation: Hotel Berjaya Egilsstaðir, Egilsstaðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hengifoss Hike: 3-3.7 miles (5-6 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,325 feet (404 meters) ascent
Hafnarhólmi Hike: 0.3 mile (0.5 kilometer), 1 hour
Our journey this morning will into the Jökuldalur Valley where we will stop to admire the magnificent Stuðlagil canyon known for its columnar basalt rock formations and the blue-green water that run through it. We cross the East Highlands with a lunch stop at the tiny restaurant in Mödrudalur.
After lunch we reach North Iceland, prepare to be amazed by the roaring Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. We will then drive towards Lake Mývatn where we explore the bubbling pools at Námaskard’s geothermal area on the way to our hotel.
Accommodation: Berjaya Mývatn or Fosshotel Mývatn, Mývatn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 1-3 miles (2-5 kilometers), 1.5 hours
After breakfast we will hike through the field of spectacular lava formations at Dimmuborgir which are featured on HBO’s Game of Thrones and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir. They are called pseudo craters as they are not caused by the actual explosion of volcanos but are a byproduct of their flowing lava. Our next stop today is at the picturesque Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) where we will stop for a short walk.
From there a short drive brings us to Akureyri, the “capital” of North Iceland where you will have time to stroll around in town to find a nice lunch spot on your own and visit the botanical garden. We have around a 2-hour drive to reach our accommodation in the old part of the small town of Blönduós.
Accommodation: Hotel Blönduós, Blönduós
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dimmuborgir Hike: 2 miles (3.3 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 984 feet (300 meters) ascent
Skútustaðir Pseudo Craters Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 1 hour
Goðafoss Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5 hour
In the afternoon we continue towards the western part of Iceland. We set course to Snæfellsnes, a volcanic peninsula that stretches out from the Icelandic west coast and is divided by a chain of mountains that lies from east to west. The peninsula is dominated by the majestic Volcano Snæfellsjökull. We explore the northern coast of the peninsula with its small fishing towns, take photos of the picturesque and much-photographed mountain Kirkjufell.
We have lunch in the village Ólafsvík and enter the Snæfellsjökull National Park where we stretch our legs by climbing up to the crater Saxhóll, 330 feet (100m) high, and the black beautiful beach Skarðsvík. We return to the beautiful town Stykkisshólmur where we have a short hike to the peninsula Súgandiseyr before for dinner.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Stykkishólmur or Hotel Fransiskus, Stykkishólmur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kirkjufell Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 1 hour
Saxhóll Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 330 feet (100 meters) ascent, 330 feet (100 meters) descent
Skarðsvík Hike: 0.5-1 hour
Stykkishólmur and Súgadisey Hike: 0.5-1 hour
Today we will explore the South coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula packed with attractions. We drive to the hamlet of Arnarstapi where we walk among the basaltic rock formations. We will explore the gorge Rauðafellsgjá and hike across the lava field at Búðir and up to the small mountain Búðaklettur where we will find a cave with a picnic lunch on the way.
We will also visit a beautiful little black church and the yellow sand beach, before returning to our accommodation. In the afternoon we will make our way back to Reykjavík for our farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arnarstapi Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 1 hour
Rauðafellsgjá Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
Búðahraun Mountain Hike: 3.7-5 miles (6-8 kilometers), 2-3 hours
This morning breakfast will be provided at the hotel, and if you’re flying home today you're free to make your own way to the Keflavík International Airport.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
9 nights’ accommodation
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
Our own highly experienced guides and leader - with you from start to finish
Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities outlined in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow!" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
From finding out where the trip begins to how many layers to pack, check out our helpful answers to questions you may have.
On the first day of the trip, we'll meet you at the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum hotel bar in the evening for welcome drinks and a briefing at 5pm before dinner. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Reykjavik , though you must make your own way to the Hotel at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends after breakfast and you're free to fly out any time. You'll need to organise your own transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in time for your departing flight.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Reykjavik by 4pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can fly out anytime after breakfast
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Iceland, but they are all of sleek Scandinavian design and well thought out.
While each of the hotels will have laundry services available, these will be very expensive and often not the same day service. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire duration of your trip.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
