Upon arrival at Iceland’s International Airport, the rental car kiosks are conveniently located to the left as you exit the Arrival gate. The staff will assist you in picking up your pre-arranged vehicle.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, located in Southwest Iceland, is known for its vast lava fields, volcanoes, and intense geothermal activity. This region sits along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and slowly drift apart. The entire peninsula is volcanically active, with frequent eruptions and earthquakes. Since the eruption series began in 2011, the landscape has been dramatically transformed. The eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in March 2021 was particularly significant, and the latest eruption near Sýlingarfell in November 2024 has continued to reshape the area, creating new land and altering the terrain in real time.

Key geothermal spots include Gunnuhver, Krýsuvik, and Svartsengi, where visitors can witness impressive mud pools and fumaroles. Krýsuvik, in particular, is home to hot springs and mud pots that create vibrant, multicolored soil patterns.

The cliffs of Reykjanes are teeming with birdlife, particularly at Krýsuvikurbjarg, the largest seabird colony in the area, home to approximately eighty thousand seabirds. While puffins aren’t found here, the region is ideal for spotting cormorants, fulmars, and other seabirds.

Kleifarvatn, the peninsula’s largest and one of its deepest lakes, lies just north of Krýsuvikurbjarg, while Djúpavatn, centrally located on the peninsula, is a popular fishing destination.

Overnight: Courtyard By Marriott Reykjavík KEF

Today, we dive into Iceland’s soul—the Golden Circle. First stop: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage gem where history and nature converge. Imagine standing where Iceland’s first parliament, Althingi, was founded over 1,000 years ago. Feel the earth beneath you—a place where tectonic plates pull apart, shaping the land with a slow, constant power. The landscape whispers stories of volcanic eruptions and shifting forces, each step a connection to Iceland’s ancient roots.

Next, watch the Strokkur geyser unleash its thunderous burst of steam, as if the earth itself is taking a deep breath and letting it out. From a nearby hill, new trails lead you through the landscape, offering sweeping views of the geysers and the wild terrain that surrounds them. The Great Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide, no longer erupts, but its presence lingers, a testament to nature’s untamed energy.

Finally, we reach Gullfoss, where the Hvítá river thunders over two dramatic falls. The roar of the water fills the air, and on clear days, the icy beauty of Langjökull glacier can be seen in the distance. As the sun peeks through, a rainbow may appear, dancing over the mist, adding a touch of magic to this already spectacular view.

Overnight: Hotel Grímsborgir

Friðheimar Greenhouse
Nestled in Iceland’s countryside, Friðheimar Greenhouse offers a unique look into sustainable farming. Powered by geothermal energy, the greenhouse produces rich, flavorful tomatoes year-round, despite Iceland’s harsh climate. Learn about the innovative techniques used, like green energy and pollination by bumblebees.
Enjoy a meal in the cozy greenhouse restaurant, where the menu features fresh, on-site tomatoes, including their famous tomato soup with freshly baked bread. You can also visit the stables to meet the iconic Icelandic horses, adding a cultural touch to this special experience.

Secret Lagoon - Gamla Laugin
Step into Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool, the Secret Lagoon, tucked away in Flúðir. Here, crystal-clear waters heated by geothermal springs invite you to unwind. As you settle into the soothing warmth, watch Litli Geysir erupt every few minutes—a gentle reminder of nature’s quiet power.

The South Coast is a land of contrasts—where thundering waterfalls carve through volcanic cliffs, glacier rivers weave across black sand plains, and the Atlantic crashes against rugged shorelines. It’s a place where nature puts on a spectacular show, and today, you have front-row seats.
Stand in the mist of Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind, feeling the cool spray against your skin. Just down the road, Skógafoss roars over its 60-meter drop, a curtain of water so powerful it leaves a fine drizzle in the air. Further along, the surreal beauty of Reynisfjara Beach awaits—jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore. In the distance, the dramatic sea stacks of Reynisdrangar rise like sentinels from the ocean.
Then, towering above it all is Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, its icy expanse stretching as far as the eye can see - a frozen kingdom sculpted by time.

Nature’s artistry is on full display at Jökulsárlón, the Glacier Lagoon. Here, icebergs—some dazzling white, others streaked with volcanic ash—break free from the mighty Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift silently across the lagoon’s glassy surface. Shades of blue and turquoise shimmer in the sunlight, and with a bit of luck, you might spot seals weaving through the ice.
Follow the flow of the lagoon’s waters to the nearby Diamond Beach, where the ocean deposits ice chunks onto the black sand. Some pieces are small and delicate, others towering and sculptural - all glistening like scattered gemstones. In the winter months, the lagoon becomes a gathering place for seals, drawn by the rich waters beneath the ice.

Overnight: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, surrounded by the raw beauty of Iceland’s ever-changing landscapes.
 

The journey through Iceland’s East Fjords is a passage through time and nature’s artistry.

Nestled at the base of Vatnajökull, Höfn in Hornafjörður is surrounded by striking landscapes shaped by glaciers and the sea. Fishing has long been the heart of this coastal town, and if luck is on our side, we may get to taste the freshest local catch of the day.

On the windswept Stokksnes Peninsula, Vestrahorn Mountain rises sharply from the black sands—its jagged peaks and wild shores offering dramatic photo opportunities. To reach the base, we pass through a private entrance, gaining access to this cinematic landscape. Nearby, the abandoned Viking Village stands as a relic of an unrealized film project, its weathered structures blending into the surroundings.

Djúpivogur is the first fjord we encounter, offering a view of Papey Island, where seabirds, especially puffins, find sanctuary. Here, we also visit Eggs in Merry Bay, a striking outdoor installation featuring sculpted replicas of the eggs of all the local nesting birds.

The East Fjords hold a wealth of geological treasures, their diverse rock formations shaped by time. In Stöðvarfjörður, we visit Petra’s Stone Collection, an extraordinary museum born from a lifelong passion for minerals. Ljósbjörg Petra Maria Sveinsdóttir spent decades gathering an astonishing variety of stones, now displayed in her former home.

History unfolds in Fáskrúðsfjörður, where French fishermen once maintained a station from the mid-19th century until World War I. At the French Museum, we explore this unique heritage, including an underground tunnel linking two historic buildings - once used by the fishermen themselves.

Hólmanes Nature Reserve, set between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður, is a haven for birdlife and dramatic rock formations. A walk along the rugged shore might even reveal a herd of reindeer roaming the wild terrain.

Mjóifjörður, meaning “Narrow Fjord,” is a hidden gem, a deep and slender fjord lined with gorges and waterfalls. Among them, Klifbrekkufossar stands out - a cascading series of falls tumbling down a lush, green mountainside.

Reaching Dalatangi, the easternmost tip of Iceland, we take in sweeping views over the fjords and inland mountains. Two bright yellow lighthouses stand guard here, their bold color contrasting against the raw landscape - a perfect setting for a quiet moment or a striking photograph.

Finally, we arrive in Seyðisfjörður, a town brimming with creativity and history. Its famous rainbow road leads to a charming blue church, while just outside the town, Tvísöngur—a unique art installation - awaits. As the wind moves through its domed chambers, each one resonates with a different tone, creating an ever-changing melody shaped by the elements.

Iceland’s second-longest river, Jökulsá á Fjöllum—meaning “Glacier River from the Mountain”—has spent thousands of years carving its way through the rugged highlands. At the heart of its journey lies Jökulsárgljúfur, one of Iceland’s deepest and longest canyons, a place shaped by fire, ice, and the raw force of glacial floods. In summer, its stark cliffs soften with green moss and wildflowers, while waterfalls spill over the edges like silver threads unraveling into the depths below.

Hljóðaklettar, the “Echo Cliffs,” rise like a cathedral of stone within this ancient landscape. These surreal formations were left behind after a volcanic eruption, their twisted basalt columns swept clean by the river’s relentless current. Some lean at impossible angles, others form caves and arches that play tricks with sound. Walk among them, and you may hear whispers in the wind—perhaps just the echoes, or maybe the voices of the trolls and hidden folk said to dwell here. Either way, the stories of this place stay with you long after you leave.

The Diamond Circle weaves together some of the most remarkable landscapes in North Iceland—each with its own character, history, and untamed beauty. Along the way, we follow the roar of waterfalls, trace ancient lava formations, and step into landscapes shaped by myth and time.

Goðafoss—the “Waterfall of the Gods”—is impossible to mistake. Its curved cascade plunges over volcanic rock, carrying echoes of a defining moment in Icelandic history when the nation turned to Christianity. Power and legend flow side by side here.

At Lake Mývatn, nature unfolds in layers—craters, steaming vents, and rich wetlands teeming with birdlife. Walking trails wind through the ever-changing terrain, leading to panoramic views and quiet corners where the lake’s beauty truly sinks in.

Ásbyrgi Canyon, a vast horseshoe-shaped valley, feels almost otherworldly. Carved by glacial floods, it now cradles a peaceful forest. Yet legend tells a different story—that the canyon was formed by the hoofprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Odin. Standing beneath its towering cliffs, it’s easy to believe.

Further along, Dettifoss rumbles—a force of nature so powerful that the ground seems to tremble with its presence. The most powerful waterfall in Europe, it sends walls of mist skyward as the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum carves its path through ancient rock.

The journey ends in Húsavík, a fishing town that has long looked to the sea. Today, it’s known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, offering encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Whether from a traditional oak boat or a sleek RIB, there’s a tour for every kind of adventurer.

Húsavík is both our starting and ending point—a full-circle route through Iceland’s raw, untamed north.

Mývatn Lake is a world of contrasts—where fiery volcanic landscapes meet tranquil wetlands teeming with life. This nature reserve, along with the winding Laxá River, is a sanctuary for birds, creating one of Iceland’s most important ecosystems both in and around the water. For nature lovers, it’s a dream come true.

The lake and its waters are home to a dazzling variety of bird species, including some found nowhere else. At the Bird Museum, you’ll find Iceland’s finest display of nesting birds, offering a closer look at the avian life that thrives here. For an immersive experience, Höfði Cape is an exceptional birdwatching spot, where you can observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Surrounding Mývatn are volcanic sentinels: Mt. Vindbelgur rises to the east, while the dramatic Hverfjall Crater looms to the west. Among the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, the eerie rock formations whisper tales of geological forces and Icelandic folklore—this is said to be the home of the mischievous Yule Lads, the country’s legendary Christmas tricksters.

At Skútustaðir, pseudocraters dot the landscape, formed when molten lava met the wetlands in a spectacular clash of fire and water. Further afield, the raw energy of the earth is on display at Námaskarð and the Krafla volcano, where sulfur-streaked mountains and steaming geothermal vents paint the land in shades of yellow and red.

GeoSea – Relaxation with a View
After a day of exploration, soak in the GeoSea geothermal baths in Húsavík, where mineral-rich seawater and infinity pools offer a perfect place to unwind. With views stretching over Skjálfandi Bay, this is the ideal way to end your northern adventure.

Rest for the night at KEA Hotel in Húsavík, where comfort and warm hospitality await in the heart of the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Today, we journey along the shores of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest and deepest fjords. Our day begins in Grenivík, a quiet village nestled beneath the towering Kaldabakur mountain, which rises 1,173 meters above the sea. This rugged landscape, once home to thriving communities, is now a gateway to pristine hiking trails that wind through untouched nature.

Crossing the fjord to the Svalbarðsströnd coast, we reach Svalbarðseyri, a small agricultural village renowned for its lamb production. The odds are high that any Icelandic lamb you’ve tasted comes from this region, where the rolling fields and crisp air create ideal conditions for livestock. Here, we pause to admire the bright orange lighthouse, standing like a sentinel against the North Atlantic.

Following the shoreline, we trace the path of the Eyjafjarðará River, winding through lush countryside dotted with farms and forests. This is the pastoral heartland of Akureyri, known for its fertile landscapes and rich birdlife. After crossing the river, we arrive at Hrafnagil, a charming village, and Kristnes, a peaceful retreat where new walking trails invite exploration among woodlands and ponds.

At the foot of the fjord, we take in the sweeping view of the Eyjafjarðará delta, seeing it from both east and west. Finally, we arrive in Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north, where urban comforts meet the raw beauty of the fjord. The town is surrounded by parks and forests, perfect for birdwatching, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying the northern air.

Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður
No visit to Eyjafjörður is complete without heading out onto the water. This fjord is a hotspot for whale watching, where humpback whales, minke whales, and sometimes even blue whales glide through the deep, glacial waters. Set sail from Akureyri and experience the magic of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Today, we explore Akureyri, the heart of Northern Iceland. Here, the city’s vibrant pulse blends effortlessly with the wild beauty of the surrounding nature and the sea. Start your day by wandering through the charming old city center, where traditional houses line the streets. The iconic church, perched high on the hill, invites you to count the steps as you climb to its doorstep.

Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor, where boats of all sizes bob gently in the water, each with a story to tell. In the historical center, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and inviting restaurants offer a warm welcome. When you’re in need of a moment of tranquility, the Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat, showcasing the resilient beauty of Icelandic flora.

We end the day at the Christmas House, a whimsical place where the magic of Christmas is celebrated every day of the year.

Overnight at Canopy Hotel, where comfort meets contemporary style.

Take a leisurely stroll through Reykjavik, Iceland’s lively capital, where the city’s vibrant energy mixes seamlessly with its stunning surroundings. The iconic Hallgrímskirkja church rises majestically, inviting you to take in sweeping views of the city. Laugavegur, the main street, pulses with charm and character, offering an array of shops, cafés, and quirky spots to explore.

The City Hall and Old Harbour area are steeped in history, while the modern Harpa Concert Hall and the striking Sun Voyager sculpture offer a blend of innovation and artistic beauty. Don’t forget to stop by the Phallological Museum for a bit of quirky fun!

Reykjavik is a city of contrasts and surprises—look out for vibrant street art that tells the stories of the city’s creative soul. And of course, no visit is complete without tasting Iceland’s signature flavors: hearty meat soup, sizzling hot dogs, and indulgent ice cream.

The journey comes to an end, but the memories stay. One last deep breath of crisp Icelandic air before your private transfer whisks you away to Keflavík Airport. The landscapes, the stories, the quiet moments—they linger, ready to call you back one day.