Itinerary
West & North Summer Iceland
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Maya Choudhury
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West & North Summer Iceland
Explore the lava landscapes, volcanic crater lakes and hot springs during a summer visiting the natural wonders of the highlands and western fjords of Iceland.
Join a private driver/guide who will take you from the cool capital Reykjavík through the beautiful lake region of Mývatn and northwards where you will hike up one of the towering volcanoes.
Along the way you will encounter one of the post powerful waterfalls in Europe, walk through a lava tube, go whale-watching and bathe in mineral-rich pools. Wildlife encounters will include puffins and learning more about the Arctic Fox.
The dramatic landscape will shift from the red-sand beaches of Raudisandur, to the glacial blue lakes around Mývatn and stark lunar landscape which shapes the Askja Caldera and its incredible Víti explosion crater.
Round off your Icelandic odyssey relaxing in the mineral-rich waters at the Blue Lagoon.
UK - Reykjavík
Your journey starts the moment you touch down at Keflavik airport where you will be met by your driver who will take you to the hotel. Enjoy your first glimpse of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík renowned as having a culture as cool as its temperature.
Reykjavík - Westfjords
After breakfast, you will travel to the Westfjords. During the 400-kilometre drive, you will cruise through Iceland’s lunar landscape. Arrive at the fishing village Patreksfjordur which is the gateway to some of Iceland’s greatest attractions. From here you can witness the spectacular waterfalls, go birdwatching and enjoy rugged hiking. Check into Fosshotel Westfjords which is the perfect location for exploring.
Westfjords
Today, set off by jeep to explore the natural wonders of Westfjords. Head to the towering cliffs of Latrabjarg, the most westerly point in Iceland to view puffins, northern gannets, and razorbills. From here enjoy a stroll on the red sands of Raudisandur beach. After lunch, learn more about the local culture at Hnjotur The Egill Olafsson Museum. Enjoy a photo-stop to see the oldest steel ship in the country’s fleet which is stranded on the fjord coastline. Round off the day with a soothing dip in the natural Pollurinn Hot Pool.
Westfjords - Ísafjordur
Today, you will see some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. As you journey away from Westfjords you will pass mountains and deep valleys. Start your day hiking to Dynjandi the tallest in a series of seven waterfalls collectively called Fjallfoss. Afterward, you will thread through the fjords and fishing villages. Learn more about the folklore of sea monsters during a visit to a museum in Arnarfjordur. Explore Selardalur to view the church and sculptures created by Samuel Jonsson known as the ‘artist with the child’s heart’. On arrival in Ísafjordur check into Hotel Ísafjordur and enjoy the views of the fjords and mountains.
Ísafjordur
After breakfast, join your guide to explore Ísafjordur which has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. Step back in time with a stroll through the old town which is centred around the harbour dotted with colourful houses. Enjoy an insight into the town’s rich maritime history with a visit to Westfjords Heritage Museum. After lunch you will drive to the viewpoint on the top of Bolafjall mountain. From here you can see over to Ísafjardardjup, Jokulfirðir and, some people say, all the way to Greenland. Round off your day with at Tjöruhúsið a seasonal fish restaurant serving only the freshest catch of the day.
Ísafjordur - Akureyri
Today, you will take a scenic drive to Akureyri – the capital of the north. You will encounter fjords and streams coming out of the mountain walls. During the day you will stop off at the Arctic Fox Centre and learn more about this indigenous animal. After lunch you will get the chance for a dip in the geothermal waters and sauna of Reykjanes. Soak up the minerals while gazing at the mountain views. Arrive at Akureyri, famous for its church that towers over the centre and stop to enjoy the instagrammable view before you check into the KEA Hotel.
Akureyri - Mývatn
Today, you will explore Husavik, Asbyrgi, and Dettifoss before reaching Lake Mývatn. Husavik is a small fishing village and home of the cascading Godafoss waterfall. For those eager to spot more than 20 species of whale and see the local birdlife you can set sail on a tour around the harbour. After lunch, head to Asbyrgi for a beautiful walking route in between the trees that takes you to the Botnstjörn pond, a home to many species of waterfowl. A fitting end to the day, and before you check into Laxa Hotel, is a visit to Dettifoss waterfall. At 100 metres wide and drop of 45 meters it is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Mývatn
Today, explore the lava landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and beautiful lake region of Mývatn with your private driver/guide. Start your day with a visit to Lake Mývatn where you will witness some incredible geological features and a wealth of flora and fauna. From here you will travel to a collapsed lava tube at Dimmuborgir (translated as 'Dark cities') before heading to the 10-kilometre caldera of Krafla volcano complete with a crater lake called Viti (Hell). Just south is Mount Namafjall and the area beneath is Namaskard. Finish the day exploring this geothermal area with its steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pools.
Mývatn
Today head to the wide spaces of the highlands with your private driver/guide. You will learn more about the geology, history, and biology of the area. The first stop is at Herðubreiðarlindir freshwater springs located at the edge of the enormous Ódáðahraun lava field. Enjoy a guided walk or simply sit down by the stream and enjoy the peace of the highlands. The focus today is an easy/moderate hike to the amazing Askja Caldera: It has a flexible time schedule so your guide will pick the best weather window. You will trek to the caldera and Víti explosion crater – which is 2.5 kilometres from the parking point.
Mývatn - Reykjavik
After breakfast you will fly back to Reykjavík for a relaxing stay at the Sand Hotel. The day is at leisure. If you thinking of extending your stay for an additional night, why not upgrade to the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon.
Reykjavik - UK
Before your onward flight, enjoy a visit to the Retreat Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. The spa journey culminates with the Blue Lagoon Ritual where you cover your body with the three treasures of the geothermal seawater; Silica, Algae and Minerals. Refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll be collected from The Retreat at Blue Lagoon and taken back to Keflavík airport where you’ll board your flight home.
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