On arrival to Iceland, the rental car kiosks are located to the left when you exit the Arrival gate at the International Airport and they will assist you to pick up your arranged vehicle.

Reykjanes is a peninsula in South West Iceland, characterised by immense lava fields, volcanoes and heightened geothermal activity.

The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates are drifting apart. Due to this geological setting, the whole peninsula is extremely volcanically active, covered with lava fields, and eruptions and earthquakes are very common here.

During the Middle Ages, many eruptions occurred in Reykjanes, no eruptions had been recorded here for the last 500 years until last year! Geologists believe that we are currently in a volcanic active period.

The main geothermal areas of Reykjanes, however, are Gunnuhver, Krýsuvik and Svartsengi. Various mud pools and fumaroles can be seen at Gunnuhver, while Krýsuvik is characterised by hot springs and mud pots that bestow multicoloured hues upon the soil.

Reykjanes' cliffs are teeming with birdlife. Its best-known bird colony resides
in Krýsuvikurbjarg which is the nesting place of approximately eighty thousand seabirds. While puffins are not found here, it is an excellent place to spot cormorants, fulmar, and other such species.

North of Krýsuvíkurbjarg is the aforementioned Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the peninsula and one of the deepest in Iceland. On the centre of the peninsula is lake Djúpavatn, a popular fishing destination.

Today we discover the most well-known natural sites of Iceland, connected by the Golden Circle route. We visit the largest lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn, and the Thingvellir National Park. This national park is the oldest national park in Iceland and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for both natural and cultural importance. This is the only place in the world where The North-Atlantic Ridge comes to the surface, so you can see its composition. Here was also in 930 AD established Althing, the world’s oldest parliament still in operation.

In the Geysir area, you can see Strokkur, a 20-meter geyser, erupt every few minutes. The best view of the geysers is from the nearby hill with new walking trails, from which you can also see the surrounding landscape. The big Geysir, which gave name to all geysers in the world, is unfortunately not active anymore.

Waterfall Gullfoss is famous for its two cascades, perpendicular to each other. The glacier river Hvítá runs from Langjökull glacier, which you can see from the waterfall on days with good visibility. And on sunny days, a shimmering rainbow can be seen over the waterfall.

South coast is known for it's dramatic landscape and natural wonders, it features stunning combination of black sand beached, towering waterfalls, glacier rivers and rugged cliffs.

You will explore the most iconic attractions, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, the otherworldly Reynisfjara beach, and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.

Today we explore the famous Jökulsárlón, The Glacier Lagoon, located in the southeastern part of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe.

Glacier Lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that calve from the nearby glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.

The Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach. The beach is named Diamond Beach because the ice often glistens like diamonds in the sunlight. With a bit of luck, there will be icebergs offshore on the beach during your visit!

In winter, the fish-filled lagoon hosts hundreds of seals.

Höfn in Hornafjörður is located at the base of Vatnajökull glacier, surrounded by very scenic landscapes. The fisheries have been traditionally the main industry of the region and we might have a chance to taste the local freshest catch of the day.

Located on the Stokknes peninsula, Vestrahorn Mountain is an impressive, separately standing 454-meter-tall mountain on the shores of Hornafjörður. To get to the foot of the mountain, we pay entrance and we can enjoy the amazing photo opportunities. The nearby Viking Village was built as a movie set but was never used in an actual movie.

Djúpivogur is the fyrst fjord we pass on our way through East Fjords. From here, we can see Papey Island, a favorite nesting place for migrating sea birds, especially puffins. We admire the “Egg í Gleðivík - Eggs in Merry Bay” an art installation of replicas of eggs of all nesting birds in the area.

East Fjords are geologically very diverse with a large variety of stones and minerals. In Stöðavarfjörður, Ljósbjörg Petra Maria Sveinsdóttir, a local lady interested in stones, had collected incredibly diverse stones during her lifetime. We admire the Stone collection she created at her house that was turned into a museum.

From the middle 19th century until the First World War, French sailsman maintained a station at Faskrúðsfjordur. At the French Museum, we learn about this history. The main attraction of the museum is the tunnel that connects the two buildings, originally built by French fishermen.

Hólmanes Nature Reserve is located between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður. We enjoy the walk along the shore, admiring the birds and remarkable rock formations. With a bit of luck, we might see a herd of reindeer.

Mjóifjörður, “Narrow fjord” is deep-cut slim fjord. We pass many ravines and gorges, and the mountains with small waterfalls, until we arrive at the most impressive Klifbrekkufossar waterfall. This is a waterfall in many cascades, that contrast with the bright green grassy mountain.

We continue to Dalatangi, the easternmost tip of Iceland. The views from here are incredible, over the fjords and the mountains inland. The two traditional bright yellow lighthouses make an ideal backdrop for your pictures!

Seyðisfjörður is a town booming with creativity and rich in history. The most iconic is the rainbow road leading up to the church. Tvísöngur, an art installation on the outskirts of the town, is created for having especially strong echoes. Each of the rounded domes resonates with different harmonies, as the wind blows from the ocean.

The second longest river in Iceland, Jökulsá á Fjöllum (Glacier river from the mountain) runs through the bottom of the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur. This is one of the deepest and longest canyons in Iceland. It was formed by moving ice (jökulhlaup) during the subglacial eruptions a few thousand years ago. In the summer, it welcomes us with lush vegetation, dramatic cliff faces, and elegant waterfalls.

Hljóðaklettar, the “Echo Cliffs” belong to the series of craters about 6 km long. It was formed after the eruption when the river had swept away all loose material. This has left the unique formations of arched caves with basalt columns lying in every direction. There are many legends and folk tales of trolls and elves connected to the formations of the rock, and you will learn at least a few of them.

The Diamond Circle connects the most beautiful and well-known sites of north Iceland: Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn Lake, Ásbyrgi canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, and Húsavík town.

Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, with strong character, and it is nearly impossible to mistake it for any other waterfall. The waterfall has its name, waterfall of Gods, from playing a significant part in Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

Lake Mývatn is a nature reserve with rich bird life, both in the water and around. There are many walking and hiking trails around the lake, right along the waters or offering views of the entire lake area.

Ásbyrgi canyon is part of the Vatnajökul National Park. The canyon was formed by the flooding of the glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, but the river now flows about 2 km to the east. In mythology, the canyon is believed to be the touch of the foot of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Óðin.

Powerful waterfall Dettifoss is dominant on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, running from the Vatnajökul glacier and forming the Jökusárgljúfur canyon. We admire the power of the water and see also a smaller waterfall on the way.

Húsavík town became famous after the release of the Eurovision Song Contest movie on Netflix. The town is traditionally known for fisheries, and became in recent years popular for whale watching, gaining the nickname “whale watching capital of Iceland”. The offer of the whale watching tours is so wide that everyone can find something suitable! Húsavík is our starting and ending point of the Diamond Circle route.

The Nature Reserve of Mývatn Lake and its wetlands, and the river Laxá that flows out of it, are very important because of the bird life and the ecosystems both inside the water and on the mainland. Lake Mývatn is very unique lake, with incredible surroundings, a true paradise for every nature lover.

Mývatn Lake and the waters are home to unique species of water birds and ducks. The Bird Museum has the best display of nesting birds in the country.

The cape Höfði is a great place for birdwatching and observing the birds in their natural habitat. The lake is guarded by two volcanoes, Mt. Vindbelgur to the east and Hverfjall Crater to the west.

At Dimmuborgir we learn not only about the geology and how the bizarre rock formations were created but also about Icelandic Yule traditions, since the Yule lads call this place home.

The Skutustaðir pseudocraters are a perfect example of how nature reacts when molten lava hits the wetlands. The geothermal activity can be seen at Námaskarð area, and around Krafla volcano. Here the mountains and rocks turned a yellowish colour, due to the high content of sulfur.

Today we start on the western shore of Eyjafjörður in Grenivík, a village under 1173 meters high mountain Kaldabakur. Hiking trails lead up the mountain, and many other hiking trails are starting here. This once-populated area is now known as a base for hiking in the unspoiled nature.

Svalbardseyri is a village in Svalbarðsströnd coast, a thriving agricultural area, specializing in meat production, especially lamb meat. Chances are very high that the meat that you eat in any of the restaurants in Iceland is coming from this area. We admire the lighthouse in its traditional bright orange color.

We continue along the shore to the foot of the Eyjafjörður and more inland along the river Eyjafjðrá. This green area is known as the countryside of Akureyri. After we cross the river, we reach Hrafnagil, a small and friendly town, and Kristnes, a recreational area with a forest and a pond. There is very rich bird life and very good new walking paths.

We reach the foot of the fjord from the east side. We can admire the delta of Eyjafjaðrá because we see it from both the east and west banks. We reach Akureyri, the capital of the north, and we are now on the west shores of Eyjafjörður, one of the deepest fjords in Iceland. In the vicinity of Akureyri, there are many parks and forests, that are great for bird watching, picnics, and active or passive relaxation.

Today’s visit is Akureyri, the capital of the North Iceland.

Here you can feel both the city life and the proximity to nature and the sea. We explore the old city center with traditional houses. You can count the stairs leading to the iconic church on the hill.

We have a stroll in the harbour, and watch boats of all sizes. In the historical center is a great selection of cozy cafés, restaurants, and shops. For something more special, we take a walk in the botanical garden.

And we end our exploration at Christmas House where Christmas is every day of the year!

Walking around Reykjavik is one of the best ways to explore Iceland's capital city. Some of the most famous sightings include Hallgrimskirkja church, Laugarvegur main street, the City Hall, the Old Harbour area, the Phallological Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and many more.

Make sure to check out the street art and try some of Iceland's signature food, including meat soup, hot dogs, and ice cream!

It's time to say goodbye to this little island in the North.

Private transfer will take you to Keflavik airport.

Hope you enjoyed your stay !