Full Circle in a Fortnight

Fly to Iceland and collect your hire car. Located just a short drive from the airport, your first stop will be the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most iconic attraction. Known for its healing and well-being qualities, the 37-39°C water is rich in active ingredients, including algae, natural minerals and the Blue Lagoon’s signature ingredient – white silica mud. Once you are feeling fully refreshed and revitalised, continue to your hotel, The Greenhouse, in the town of Hveragerði.

Head to MegaZipline today, Iceland’s longest attraction of its kind. Glide across Kambar plateu towards Reykjadalur hot spring valley. Next, drive into the wilderness to experience the sights of the famous Golden Circle. Perhaps end the day at the Secret Lagoon in the small town of Fludir. Return to The Greenhouse for an overnight stay.

Journey to Vik today. Witness the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck enroute. Continue along Route 1 to visit Skogafoss and Seljandsfoss waterfalls. In Vik, stroll along the world-famous black-sand lava beach and enjoy a great view from Cape Dyrholaey. Why not join a three-hour tour to the Katla Volcano and Myrdalsjokull glacier to visit some of Iceland’s most impressive natural ice caves? Alternatively, travel to the island of Vestmannaeyjabær. The archipelago is home to Iceland´s largest breeding colony of Atlantic Puffins. It is also where the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary is located.

This morning, opt to hike one of many trails in Skaftafell National Park, where dramatic cliff faces create snow dusted, winding valleys. Or perhaps embark on a Kayaking and ATV Safari. Beneath Sólheimajökull Glacier, glide across the icy waters of Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon. On the ATV safari, head to the stunning coastline and along black sand beaches to witness breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Marvel at the views of Dyrhólaey, a peninsula that is the southernmost tip of the country, and witness Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the distance.

Today head further south to Jökulsárlón where Icebergs of all shapes, sizes and in many hues of blue, turquoise and white, break off from the glacier and float around the lagoon. Walk the shores of the lagoon to admire the surreal shapes and take time to photograph the lagoon‘s wonderful, mirror-like reflections. It is also possible to join an Amphibian Boat Tour. Sail among the icebergs in the picturesque scenery on a boat with an experienced guide. Continue to spend the night in the charming fishing town of Höfn.

Today, visit Hengifoss, just south-east of Egilsstaðir. This high and narrow fall is considered the third highest in Iceland and the walk takes around three hours. Alternatively enjoy a leisurely drive along the Eastfjords, through the fishing towns.

Enjoy breakfast before driving to the mesmerising geothermal area of Mývatn. Be sure to stop at Hverir to witness the bubbling mud pots and steaming furamoles, before indulging in a well earned relaxation experience at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Allow the geothermal waters to soothe and replenish and take in the stunning views from the steam baths. Later, continue towards Lake Mývatn and reach your accommodation where you will check in for a an overnight stay.

Depart Myvayn this morning and head north. Stop to admire Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss which plunges 45 metres down and stretches 100 metres across. Head to the viewing platform—be sure to wear waterproof clothing as the mist carries through the air. If you’re keen for a hike continue to Ásbyrgi Canyon in the vast Vatnajokull National Park. The 9km hike wraps around the horse shoe-shaped canyon, offering views of the 100-metre cliff faces and sprawling birch woodland beyond. Travel further north to The Whale Capital of Iceland’, Húsavík.

Nestled on the edge of Skjálfandi Bay, today is your chance to witness the gentle giants of the sea.  Hop aboard the specialist boat in search of Humpback and Minke whales. Learn about life below the surface of the sea and stop for some lunch before reaching dry land again. Continue to Iceland’s capital of the north, Akureyri. Choose to explore the city on foot. From the Botanical Gardens to the Art Museum. Perhaps take a short drive to explore Dalvík, a small fishing village on the edge of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Return this evening to enjoy dinner in the city.

Today, travel deep into the forest of Vaðlaskógur just a few minutes outside of Akureyri. Arrive at the brand new Forest Lagoon, where a geothermal spa experiences with a view of the wild Eyjafjörður fjord await.

Today, travel to Blönduós or drive the peninsula. First, head to Siglufjörður. Continue to Hofsós and make a stop at the museum and swimming pool which has fantastic views across the ocean. The nearby Grettislaug hot pools provide views of the surrounding mountains either side of Drangey island. Continue to the small town of Blönduós, offering picturesque views of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Perhaps visit Hvítserkur basalt stack and the Borgarvirki fortress. The peninsula is also home to seal colonies and Harlequin ducks that gather on the estuary beside the towns parks, handicraft shops and sea ice museums.

From Blönduós, drive to Hvammstangi, home to the Icelandic Seal Centre, found right beside the town’s picturesque harbour. Continue to south and head into the western peninsula to view the  highlights of this area, the enchanting Snaefellsjokull glacier at the heart of Snaefellsnes National Park, and the iconic peak of Kirkjufell. Explore this Viking country of lava fields by hiking trail or embark on a day trip to sail along the remote and rugged coastline of the Westfjords cliffs where several million sea birds reside. Head to your hotel for an overnights stay.

Set off this morning to Keflavik via the Reykjanes peninsula. Hop between charming towns that cling to the volcanic moss-dusted rock faces and look out across vast lava fields in this area of high geothermal activity. Journey on to Keflavik and check in to your hotel for your final night in Iceland.

Return the car to the airport this morning and bid farewell to Iceland. Until next time...