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Naturescape Walkabout

10 Days / 15 locations in Iceland

Stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the untouched natural landscapes that make Iceland so unique. This ultimate self-drive takes in the fiery volcanic zone of the South Shore, geothermal desert of the uninhabited Interior, lush vegetation of Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve in the North and treasured landmarks along the historical West Coast. Enjoy this spectacular scenery with short or long day hikes, soak up some rays from the Midnight Sun and relax in the comfort of minimal hotel changes.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Pick up your rental car at Keflavík International airport and make your way to Reykjavík.

Overnight stay in Reykjavík

 
Day 2     Blue Lagoon - Grindavik - Hella
Meals: Breakfast

Active Geothermal Area – Coastal Scenery – Blue Lagoon Spa

Drive along the rugged Reykjanes peninsula to the highly active Krísuvík’s geothermal area to discover its high temperature boiling mud springs and multicolored steam holes. Explore the stunning coastal wildlife and walk to the scenic bird cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean where seabirds perform acrobatic stunts as they return to their nesting areas. Afterwards, why not soak your muscles in the pleasantly warm waters of the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa (entrance not included), rich in natural algae, silica and minerals proven to have beneficial effects on the skin.

End the day along the peaceful shores of Stokkseyri, a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of canals, islands and endless unique lagoons to explore. The rich birdlife here is a major attraction as well as the picturesque Knarrarosviti lighthouse.

Overnight in Hella area.

Optional activity: Blue Lagoon

 
Day 3     Thorsmork Nature Reserve - Skogar
Meals: Breakfast

Thor’s Playground – Glacial Views – Walk Behind a Waterfall

Þórsmörk, a.k.a. Thor’s Playground, should be on every nature lover’s bucket list as this hidden valley resembling paradise is nestled between two glaciers and shielded by rivers and mountains. As you need to cross the glacial river Krossá to get to Þórsmörk, a transfer is provided to Þórsmörk and back. Once within the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, walk along marked trails in the beautiful scenery of delicate trees and green grass surrounded by towering mountains and glacial tongues. On your way to/from Þórsmörk, stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can gain a different perspective by walking behind the curtain of cascading water. Walk up the 70 steps to the top of Skogafoss waterfall for an impressive view over southern Iceland’s coastline including the Westman Islands.

Overnight in Hella area.

 
Day 4     Landmannalaugar
Meals: Breakfast

Untouched Interior – Hekla Volcano – Hot Springs

Iceland’s uninhabited interior sets a surreal stage for today's adventure. The untouched nature areas of Landmannalaugar and Fjallabak reveal geological elements in volcanic craters, multicolored rhyolite mountains, steaming lava fields, and the ominous Hekla volcano. There are many beautiful walking trails in the area and a crater filled lake lush with brown trout.

Enjoy the benefits of this geothermal area with a refreshing dip in the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring, one of the most scenic hot springs in Iceland. Overnight in Hella area.

 
Day 5     Gullfoss Waterfall - Kjolur - Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast

Waterfall Queen & Geyser King – Hot Spring Bathing – Geothermal Scenery

Today’s journey begins along the Golden Circle to the Gullfoss and Geysir area where you are introduced to the Queen of Icelandic waterfalls herself, Gullfoss. This majestic waterfall of sparkling mist and golden charm is situated on Hvítá (White River) which is fed by Iceland´s second largest glacier, Langjökull. King of all geysers, the great Geysir resides nearby in a steamy geothermal field of bubbling mud and hot springs.

Then it’s time to discover the undiscovered! The Kjolur 4WD mountain track traverses (S-N) straight through Iceland‘s uninhabited interior highlands. This unique trek through vibrant thermal areas between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers reveals Iceland‘s true remoteness and nature at its rawest. This area has numerous walking paths along the way dotted with hidden geothermal treasures and strange oases of vegetation. Stop at Hveravellir, one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world with a natural pool under open sky, perfect for relaxing after an invigorating hike.

Arrive on the other side of the Kjolur highland route in North Iceland‘s Skagafjörður Horse Valley. The day ends in Akureyri, Iceland’s lovable second city.

Overnight in Akureyri area.

 
Day 6     Lake Myvatn
Meals: Breakfast

Waterfall of the Gods - Protected Nature Reserve - Geothermal Spa

Start your day with epic views of picturesque Goðafoss, ‘Waterfall of the Gods’. Continue your journey with an exploration of Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, a geological wonderland of wildly contrasting nature. With the ominous peaks of Mt. Hverfjall and Krafla volcano as a backdrop, Lake Myvatn has a surprising serenity that is ideal for light hiking. Summertime during peak birding season is a good reason to have the binoculars on hand for the diverse species and rare sightings like the barrow’s goldeneye. Many enjoy the ominous scenery around Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) with its rugged stacks of towering rocks.

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing break at the Mývatn Nature Spa with views over the lake and its tranquil surroundings.

Overnight in Mývatn area.

 
Day 7     Dettifoss
Meals: Breakfast

Europe’s Mightiest Waterfall – Europe’s Largest National Park – Forested Area

Today begins with an unforgettable visit to Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, a thundering cascade of glacial water and mist among shattered cliffs. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the lush vegetation and forested area of Jokulsargljufur National Park which makes up the north-eastern region of Vatnajokull National Park. Literally translated, Jokulsargljufur means glacial-river-canyon and it is aptly named for the country’s longest river canyon at 25 kilometers.

Overnight in Mývatn area.

 
Day 8     Akureyri - Skagafjordur - Bifrost
Meals: Breakfast

Capital of the North – Botanical Gardens – Icelandic Horses

Before making your way down south, there is time to take in some of the northern charms Akureyri has to offer. This small city is ideally explored on foot and a stroll through the oldest part of town, Innbӕrinn, reveals colorful timber houses along the pond restored to their original glory. Other interesting sights are the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, an adorable Christmas Shop open all year round, and the Kjarnaskogur Woods with backcountry trails and picnic areas.

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjordur renowned for horse breeding and across Holtavorduheidi plateau, onwards to Bifröst.

Overnight in Bifröst.

 
Day 9     Bifrost - Borgarfjordur - Hvalfjordur - Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Ancient Crater – Tallest Waterfall – Elfin Folklore

Take a morning walk in the immediate area and traverse 3000 year old lava fields covered in the softest green moss you've ever seen. Along the walk to the 3,500 year-old Grábrók Crater, relish in Iceland’s refreshing air and take in spectacular views of Glanni waterfall, a suspected home of elves and trolls.

Drive along the scenic coastline of Hvalfjordur Fjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland on your way to Glymur, Iceland's tallest waterfall which descends gracefully in streaming ribbons down a 200 meter (658 ft) drop into a massive canyon adorned in lush green moss. Both the fjord and waterfall are linked to a local folkloric tale about a mythical whale that swam up the waterfall into the lake at the top where, eerily enough, whale bones have been found.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

 
Day 10     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and drop off rental car.

 

Notes

Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9 day rental is up and use our FlyBus departure transfer.

**If you would like to have dinner at your hotel, please contact the hotel directly to book a table.

Price Includes
Rental Car for 9 Days With Cdw, Unlimited Mileage, Vat, Gps System and Two
Accommodation 9 Nights W/Breakfast and W/Facilities
Car Pick-up and Drop-off at Keflavik Airport (See Note)
Transfer to and from ÞóRsmöRk on Day 3
4 X Lunch Pack (Day 3, 4, 5, 7)
Detailed Travel Booklet and Road Map
Sim Card Worth Isk 2000: 50 Minutes of Local Calls + 300 Mb of Data.
Price Does Not Include
 Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
 Optional Excursions
 Entrance to Myvatn Nature Bath
IT$-1269
1.28.15.WP26