National Geographic Expeditions
Day 01: Feel free to arrive at your convenience. While exploring Reykjavik and its surroundings, consider indulging in optional activities like the rejuvenating Blue Lagoon thermal pools by booking a pre or post-night.
Iceland’s accommodations are limited, offering simple rooms with basic amenities. Chosen for their proximity to Iceland’s stunning landscapes, these remote hotels provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
Note: Winter months (typically November through early March) may bring changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions and limited daylight. Your CEO will provide daily updates, and we appreciate your flexibility, and understanding that these circumstances are beyond G Adventures’ control.
Day 02: Embark on a scenic journey along Iceland’s southern coast, tracing our route to Skaftafell. Marvel at the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, notorious for its 2010 eruption, and witness the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Explore a hidden path leading to the secluded Gljúfrabúi Falls. Pause in Hveragerði, the “hot spring village,” to savor hot spring-baked bread. Conclude the adventure at the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur, gaining insights into the island’s geological transformation by volcanoes and earthquakes.
Day 03: Embark on a journey along the southern shore, traversing sandy plains and moss-clad lava fields. Discover the enchanting Diamond Beach adorned with icebergs on black sands, and witness mesmerizing ice formations at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Hike to Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park, framed by basaltic columns, and explore a well-preserved turf church at a historic farmstead in Öræfi.
Day 04: Embark on an adventure with a guided glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park, now part of Vatnajökull National Park since 2008. Equip yourself with crampons for an up-close experience of mesmerizing ice formations, deep sinkholes, and rugged crevasses. Later, take a stroll on the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, capturing the impressive Reynisdrangar sea stacks in your photos. Depending on the season, we might also explore Dyrhólaey Cape and have the chance to spot puffins at Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey Cape, or near Vík during the summer months (15 May – 15 August).
Day 05: Start your day by exploring Icelandic cultural history at the Skógar Folk Museum. Marvel at the breathtaking Skógafoss waterfall and consider ascending the 400 steps for panoramic views. Later, embark on a journey through the renowned Golden Circle, visiting the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and witnessing the geothermal wonders of Geysir, the origin of the word “geyser” in English.
Day 06: Start your day with a stroll in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the convergence of North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Explore rural Icelandic life at a traditional farm in Hvalfjörður, indulging in a farm-to-table lunch. Next, venture to the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Thingvellir National Park reveals the meeting point of the American and European tectonic plates, evident in the striking fissures across the landscape and lava fields.
Day 07: Discover the peninsula’s wonders, from the enchanting Snæfellsjökull National Park with its glacier-capped volcano, famously depicted by Jules Verne, to the charming Búðir church standing amidst a lava field. Encounter the striking Lóndrangar sea stacks, the unique black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, and the iconic Kirkjufell peak, known for its appearance in Game of Thrones.
Day 08: Explore the charm of Borgarfjörður, a stunning fjord steeped in Icelandic sagas. Witness the beauty of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the legacy of Snorri Sturluson at Reykholt. Discover the might of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most potent hot spring, providing warmth to buildings in western Iceland. Conclude the day in Reykjavík for a memorable final evening.
Day 09: Leave whenever you choose.