Around Iceland and Westfjords / 10 days

Description

Private 10-Day Guided Tour of Iceland: Explore the West, North, East, and South

Overview: Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Iceland's most breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged Westfjords to the scenic East Fjords, and from the captivating North to the majestic South Coast. This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s natural wonders, including waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, fjords, and volcanic formations. Each day is filled with carefully curated experiences, and you'll have ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Icelandic countryside. Your journey will be guided by experienced, English-speaking drivers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Accommodations:
Stay in hotels or guesthose featuring comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included daily, while lunch and dinner are at your own expense, with an estimated cost of approximately €50 per person per day.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Borgarfjörður and Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Highlights: Hvalfjörður Tunnel, Borgarfjörður, Deildartunguhver hot springs, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Norðurárdalur, Glanni waterfall, Grábrók crater.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Visit Budir Church, Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Lóndrangar, Djúpalónssandur, Hellissandur, Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður, and Kirkjufell.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Stykkishólmsbær, check-in around 16:00-17:00, followed by dinner and leisure time.

Day 2: Westfjords - Breiðafjörður and Patreksfjörður

• Morning: Ferry across Breiðafjörður to Brjánslækur, enjoying views of islands and birdlife.
• Highlights: Barðaströnd, Patreksfjörður, Látrabjarg bird cliffs, and Rauðasandur.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Patreksfjörður around 16:00-17:00, followed by dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Arnarfjörður and Ísafjörður

• Route: Explore Talknafjörður, Bíldudalur, Arnarfjörður, and Dynjandi waterfall.
• Highlights: Hrafnseyri, Þingeyri, Flateyri, Suðureyri, and Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Ísafjörður around 16:00-17:00, with time for dinner and leisure.

Day 4: Ísafjarðardjúp and Hólmavík

• Route: Journey through Súðavík, Álftafjörður, and Ísafjarðardjúp, exploring fjords, mountains, and valleys.
• Highlights: Vigur Island (seal and birdwatching), natural swimming pool in Reykjanes, Steingrímsfjarðarheiði, and Hólmavík.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Hólmavík around 16:00-17:00, followed by dinner and relaxation.

Day 5: Hrútafjörður and Skagafjörður

• Route: Travel south through Hrútafjörður, Miðfjörður, and Vatnsdalshólar.
• Highlights: Ennishöfði mountain, Hvammstangi village, Kolugljúfur waterfall, Hvítserkur sea stack, and Blönduós.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Akureyri around 16:00-17:00, with time for dinner and to explore the North’s capital.

Day 6: Akureyri, Mývatn, and Dettifoss

• Highlights: Akureyri, Goðafoss waterfall, Húsavík (whale watching), Lake Mývatn, Dimmu Borgir, Leirhnjúkur, Námafjall, and Dettifoss waterfall.
• Accommodation: Arrive near Mývatn around 16:00-17:00, followed by dinner and relaxation.

Day 7: East Iceland - Egilsstaðir and East Fjords

• Route: Travel through the highlands to Egilsstaðir, capital of East Iceland.
• Highlights: Fljótsdalur, Skriðuklaustur, Hengifoss waterfall, Hallormsstaður forest, and the East Fjords.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Djúpivogur around 16:00-17:00, with time for dinner and leisure.

Day 8: South East - Vestrahorn, Höfn, and Jökulsárlón

• Highlights: Vestrahorn mountain, Höfn, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon (optional boat trip), Skaftafell National Park, and Svartifoss waterfall.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Skaftafell area around 16:00-17:00, followed by dinner and relaxation.

Day 9: South Coast - Vík and Skógafoss

• Route: Travel along the South Coast, exploring the highest mountain Öræfajökull, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes.
• Highlights: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík, Reynisfjara beach, Sólheimasandur plane wreck, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógasafn museum, and Skógafoss waterfall.
• Accommodation: Arrive in Vík around 16:00-17:00, with time for dinner and leisure.

Day 10: Golden Circle and Return to Reykjavík

• Highlights: Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center, Seljalandsfoss, Hvolsvöllur, Hella, Flúðir geothermal village, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Laugarvatn geothermal baths, and Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site).
• Return: Arrive back in Reykjavík around 16:00-17:00, with time to relax and enjoy the city.

Transportation: Jeep, minivan, or minibus with English-speaking driver guides. Each day involves 9 hours of travel, covering 300-400 km.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast each day
• Accommodation in carefully selected hotels
• Option to purchase lunch daily around 12:00-13:00

Estimated cost for lunch and dinner is €50 per person per day. Additional activities can be arranged at extra cost.

Free Activities:

• Walking, hiking, sightseeing, Northern Lights (seasonal), bird watching, and fishing.

Tour Highlights:

Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík, Möðrudalur, Egilsstaðir, Djúpivogur, Höfn, Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir.