Best of Iceland
9 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Reykjavík, Golden Circle, Langjökull Glacier, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Húsavík, Lake Mývatn
Tour operator:
Tour code:
17025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Encounter a world of untamed beauty as you discover Iceland’s adventurous landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travel the stunning Golden Circle and visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir thermal field, and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall. Interact with friendly Icelandic horses. Go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay aboard specialized RIB Zodiac boats. Savor Icelandic delicacies during a visit to a local goat farm. Ascend the Langjokull glacier in a super truck surrounded by uninterrupted mountain scenery. In Reykjavík, choose between taking a dip in the famous Sky Lagoon or a thrilling virtual experience ride. From ethereal lava fields to thundering waterfalls and coastal villages, this tour reveals the island’s dramatic contrasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Centerhotel Midgardur
You’re on your way to Iceland, a land forged by fire and ice, where adventurous landscapes give way to a rich cultural heritage. Discover the dramatic contrasts: from ethereal lava fields and thundering waterfalls to charming coastal villages.
Day 2 : Reykjavík, Iceland
Location: Reykjavík
Meals Included: Dinner
Discover culture and history in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Explore the old section on a walking tour featuring the Parliament, harbor, city hall, and the city’s oldest building. Gaze up at the famous glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall, a true marvel of modern architecture. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and experience the freshness of Icelandic food at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Reykjavík
Location: Golden Circle
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hamar
Travel the Golden Circle to see Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park where you can walk between two continents. Learn how locals use Iceland’s geothermal energy to cook food and taste “lava bread,” which is submerged into the earth and cooked for 24 hours. Continue along the Golden Circle and take in the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) double-cascade waterfall before visiting the explosive Strokkur fountain geyser. Return to Reykjavík for an evening on your own.
Day 4 : Reykjavík - Húsafell - Langjökull Glacier - Borgarnes
Location: Langjökull Glacier
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning, journey inland to Húsafell and look out at the misty waterfalls cascading over lava rocks. Then, experience an Impact Moment with a visit to an Icelandic goat farm. Learn how local farmer, Jóhanna, helped to bring this unique breed, dating back to the time of Iceland’s settlement, back from the brink of extinction. After visiting with the friendly goats, enjoy a simple meal of homemade specialties from the farm. Then, bundle up and ascend Langjökull glacier* via mountain truck and go “Into the Glacier” to experience the purest blue ice color in this man-made tunnel, the world’s largest.** End the day in Borgarnes, your home for the next two nights.
Day 5 : Borgarnes - Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Borgarnes
Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Fosshotel
This morning, journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its camera-ready black sand beaches, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, rocky coastlines, and tiny fishing villages. Enjoy lunch on your own in Arnarstapi, a beautiful small fishing village located at the foot of Mt. Stapafell, and where extraordinary columnar basalt and cliff formations form a safe harbor. This afternoon, take in the views on Mount Kirkjufell with its iconic shape and freestanding form; this is one of the most photographed landscapes in Iceland.
Day 6 : Borgarnes - Norðurland Vestra Region - Húsavík
Location: Húsavík
Today, head to the scenic Norðurland Vestra region, famous for horse breeding. On a family-owned farm, grab your camera for a photo tour of the stables and interact with these friendly animals and their caretakers. En route, stop at one of Iceland's most historic waterfalls, Goðafoss, where legend says Iceland converted from its pagan roots to Christianity in AD 1000. End your day in Húsavík, one of the first settlements on the island.
Day 7 : Húsavík - Lake Mývatn - Húsavík - Whale Watching
Location: Lake Mývatn
Accommodation Name: Centerhotel Midgardur
This morning, take in the unique volcanic landscape that surrounds Lake Mývatn. You will have a chance to explore the Hverir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pools resemble a Martian terrain. Join your Tour Manager for a hike through Dimmuborgir and pass by irregular lava formations and mystical caves that inspire your imagination. After free time for lunch, gear up in thermal wear to join expert whale watchers on a cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. Aboard specialized Zodiacs, you’ll get as close as you can to whales in northern Iceland. You may see humpback, minke, fin or harbor porpoise, and possibly the orca or giant blue whales that frequent these waters.
Day 8 : Húsavík - Akureyri - Reykjavík
Location: Reykjavík
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, fly*** back to Reykjavík. Then, it’s your choice! Experience the Icelandic tradition of geothermal bathing with a dip in the warm, mineral rich waters of scenic Sky Lagoon**** -OR- go on a thrilling virtual experience ride, giving you the feeling of flying over Iceland’s glaciers, fjords, and most iconic landscapes. Come together this evening for a farewell dinner at a restaurant featuring Icelandic cuisine.
Day 9 : Reykjavík - Tour Ends
Location: Reykjavik
Head home having uncovered Iceland’s adventurous side.
What's Included
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Húsafell Waterfalls
Stand in awe before the misty Húsafell waterfalls and watch the water cascade over lava rocks.
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Golden Circle Tour
Travel the Golden Circle and straddle the continents in Thingvellir National Park.
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Reykjavík Walking Tour
Tour the old section of Reykjavík on foot.
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Langjökull Glacier
Ascend the massive Langjokull glacier via mountain truck.
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Icelandic Goat Farm Visit
Learn about Icelandic goats and how local farmers brought this rare breed back from the brink of extinction.
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Whale Watching
Go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay aboard specialized RIB Zodiac boats.
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Lava Bread Tasting
Try a piece of lava bread and learn how locals use geothermal energy to cook food.
What's Not Included
Lunch in ArnarstapiEnjoy lunch on your own in Arnarstapi, a beautiful small fishing village.
Experiences
- Ascend the massive Langjokull glacier via mountain truck.
- Learn about Icelandic goats and how local farmers brought this rare breed back from the brink of extinction.
- Go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay aboard specialized RIB Zodiac boats.
Culinaries
- Taste homemade specialties during a goat farm visit.
- Indulge in Icelandic cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Try a piece of lava bread and learn how locals use geothermal energy to cook food.
Must See
- Stand in awe before the misty Húsafell waterfalls and watch the water cascade over lava rocks.
- Travel the Golden Circle and straddle the continents in Thingvellir National Park.
- Tour the old section of Reykjavík on foot.
Choice Highlights
Reykjavík Located in southwestern Iceland, the capital and largest city of Iceland is said to be the location of the first permanent settlement. It is believed that the city was established around AD 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development, but the city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades. Soon Reykjavík became the national center of commerce, population, and governmental activities. The city is rated among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
Golden Circle The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route from Reykjavík in South Iceland. Two main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). The route covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back.
Thingvellir National Park Around 930, the Althing general assembly was established in Thingvellir. A law passed in 1928 protecting the area, which shall remain the property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of the Althing. Thingvellir National Park was officially founded in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing. In 2004, the park became a World Heritage Site. Throughout the park, visitors can travel among the many hiking trails.
Lake Mývatn Lake Mývatn is the place to be to see an exceptionally large number of waterbirds. Thirteen species of duck nest here as well as many rare birds, but that’s not all there is to see! Lake Myvatn is a microcosm of all the natural wonders of Iceland like sulphur springs, Krafla Caldera, Nature baths, and incredible rock formations.
Húsavík Húsavík is considered to be the “whale capital of Iceland” and is located along the coast of Skjálfandi Bay. According to legend, this was the first place in Iceland to be settled by the Norse. Take in the city’s vibrant houses and quaint harbor.
Whale Watching Húsavík is considered one of the best places to see many different kinds of whales. Pilot whales, Bottlenose, Sperm, Minke, Humpbacks, Sei, Fin and Blue whales can all be seen on an exciting whale watching boat excursion. There’s nothing quite like seeing these gentle giants just a short distance away.
Horse Farm Visit
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Snæfellsnes Peninsula is situated in western Iceland and has been named Iceland in Miniature because many national sights can be found in the area, including the Snæfellsjokull volcano. The bodies of water surrounding the peninsula include the Atlantic Ocean, Faxafloi Bay and Breiðafjorður. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its natural beauty where mountains, lava fields, and water can be seen all around.
Impact Moment Experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Jóhanna’s goat farm. Here, she has helped to bring this unique breed, dating back to the time of Iceland’s settlement, back from the brink of extinction.
Langjokull Glacier
Mode of Transport
Travel through Iceland's stunning landscapes via mountain truck, specialized RIB Zodiac boats for whale watching, and a flight back to Reykjavik, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey.
Accommodation
Stay at the Centerhotel Midgardur in Reykjavik, Hotel Hamar, and Fosshotel, offering comfortable accommodations throughout your Icelandic adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer at the Langjökull glacier?
The tour offers an ascent of the Langjökull glacier via mountain truck, where you can experience the purest blue ice color in a man-made tunnel, the world's largest.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Icelandic goat farm?
During the visit to the Icelandic goat farm, you will learn how local farmer Jóhanna helped bring this unique breed back from the brink of extinction. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a simple meal of homemade specialties from the farm.
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the whale watching excursion?
During the whale watching excursion in Skjálfandi Bay, you may see humpback, minke, fin, or harbor porpoise, and possibly orca or giant blue whales.
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What is special about the geothermal cooking experience on the tour?
The geothermal cooking experience includes tasting 'lava bread,' which is submerged into the earth and cooked for 24 hours using Iceland's geothermal energy.
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What are some of the natural wonders included in the Golden Circle tour?
The Golden Circle tour includes iconic natural wonders such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss double-cascade waterfall, and the explosive Strokkur fountain geyser.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.