Icelandic Explorer

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience

See the beauty of Iceland - and so much more...

Explore Iceland's incomparable waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and landscapes, but take in so much more as you focus on its fascinating culture and heritage. Discover life in early Viking settlements, the land of the sagas, the distinctive Icelandic horses, and the modern people of Iceland.

Trip details

Tour start Reykjavik

Tour end Reykjavik

Days

Nights

Meals

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Featured Attractions

Horse Show

All Icelandic horses are descended from ones brought over by the Vikings a thousand years ago. See a show featuring these extraordinary creatures and discover their distinctive charms.

Glaumbaer Farm and Museum

Discover the life of the early settlers in a visit to the open-air Glaumbaer Farm and Museum.

Diamond Circle

The Golden Circle in Iceland's south is its classic route for visitors. Travel further with us as you take in the extraordinary beauty of the Diamond Circle on the northeast of the island.

Modrudalur

In the heart of the Icelandic wilderness, Modurdalur is the highest inhabited farm in Iceland at 469 meters above sea level.

Strokkur Geyser

Take our ten-day version of the tour to check out the classic visitor experiences on the gorgeous Golden Circle - like Strokkur Geyser, which shoots hot water high in the air every few minutes.

Husavik

Spend some free time exploring Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. You might recognize this charming town from "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga", a comedy starring Will Ferrell.

Trip Itinerary

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Day 1Reykjavik | Welcome Drink

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel, then sets off on a city tour to discover the colorful capital city of Reykjavik. Take time to explore independently before meeting your group again for a welcome drink.

Day 2Bjarteyarsandur | War and Peace Museum | Borgarnes

Set off into Iceland's stunning countryside. Stop at Hvalfjordur Fjord, the location of US and British Naval bases in World War II before heading on to learn about Icelandic farming life on a visit to Bjarteyarsandur. Next, explore the fascinating history of the allied occupation of Iceland during World War II at the War and Peace Museum. Continue on to Borgarnes for a little free time and an independent lunch. Head on to Deildartunguhver hot spring, Iceland's most powerful hot spring, then visit Barnafossar (Children's Falls) and Hraunfossar (Lava Falls). Check into your hotel in Reykholt - an area rich in history from settlement times that often features in Icelandic sagas. (B, D)

Day 3Glaumbaer Farm & Museum | Akureyri | Godafoss

Head out to the famed Skagafjordur valley, a lush, wide valley farmed by the earliest settlers. Visit the open-air Glaumbaer Farm & Museum to see the turf-roofed houses and discover the life of early settlers; have lunch there. Head on for a short visit to the city of Akureyri, the largest city outside of the southwest. Then visit Godafoss, a magnificent waterfall. Head on to spend the night in Husavik, featured in the Will Farrell comedy, “The Story of Fire Saga”. (B, L, D)

Day 4Myvatn | Husavik

Begin touring the Diamond Circle by visiting the area around Lake Myvatn - an otherworldly landscape dotted with pseudovolcanoes, hot pools, and geothermal powerstations. Visit Reykjahlid church, and hear how it became surrounded by lava in 1727. Next, discover Hverir sulfur springs before visiting Dimmuborgir for a short hike. Stop for lunch and explore the fascinating pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar. Arrive back in Husavik, Iceland's whale-watching capital, for some free time and independent exploration. Explore the village, book a cruise, or perhaps visit the nearby GeoSea Spa. (B, L)

Day 5Dettifoss | Modrudalur | Vok Baths | Eastfjords

Head out to continue your journey along the Diamond Circle, stopping at Asbyrgi Canyon Visitor Center before heading to the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall, one of Europe's most powerful. Continue on through the wilderness to Modrudalur, the highest working farm in Iceland. Have lunch and explore some of the old turf houses. Visit Vok Baths to experience the tradition of bathing in natural geothermal waters, floating in hot tubs on this beautiful lake. Head on to your hotel in Faskrudsfjordur - a fascinating village in the Eastfjords once frequented by French fishermen. (B, L, D)

Day 6Petra's Stone Museum| Djupivogur | Vestrahorn Viking Village | Hofn

Head off to the quirky delight of Petra's Stone Museum, before going to Djupivogur, a coastal village and artists' haven, for some time to explore. Head on to the Vestrahorn Viking Village, an abandoned film set located at the foot of a beautiful mountain. Take some free time at Hofn, a small fishing town, before heading to your hotel, where you will enjoy dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 7Glacier Lagoon | Diamond Beach | Turf Church | Skaftafell

Travel to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, dotted with crystal-blue icebergs, and then to nearby Diamond Beach, where you can marvel at glistening natural ice sculptures on the black sands. Savor lunch with a view of the surrounding countryside at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Visit the traditional turf church at Hof, and then head on to the Skaftafell Wilderness Area and view some of its wonders: glaciers, waterfalls, a snow-capped volcano and lava fields. (B, L, D)

Day 8Black Sand Beach | South Coast Drive | Eldhestar Horse Farm

Discover Reynisfjara's black sand beach and rock formations along with the legends of its history. Visit the nearby Skogafoss Waterfall, where on sunny days a double rainbow is often visible. Journey to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall where, weather permitting, the sure-footed can walk the trail that takes you behind the 60-meter falls. Then admire the distinctive Icelandic horse in a demonstration at Eldhestar Horse Farm. All Icelandic horses are descendants of those brought by the Vikings, and are known for their surefootedness and their extra gait, the “tolt”. Head on to your hotel in Reykjavik for a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 9Golden Circle | Blue Lagoon

Explore some of Iceland's must-sees along the famed Golden Circle. Visit the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall, with its two separate drops, then on to Geysir to see the Strokkur Geyser, erupting every few minutes. Head on to Thingvellir, a national park where old Icelandic clans once met, and finish your day with a soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Return to Reykjavik, and enjoy an evening free to explore. (B)

Day 10Tour Ends in Reykjavik

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)>

Where you’ll stay

Fosshotel Reykjavik Reykjavik, Iceland

Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland’s largest hotel stands prominently in Reykjavík’s business district,...

Fosshotel Reykholt Reykholt, Iceland

Set on the historic farm site of Snorri Sturluson, a famous medieval historian and poet, this...

Fosshotel Husavik Husavik, Iceland

Fosshotel Húsavík is a well-equipped hotel in the heart of Húsavík, just walking distance from the...

Fosshotel Eastfjords Eastfjord, Iceland

Fosshotel Eastfjords is a beautiful three star hotel in Fáskrúðsfjörður. Located on the east...

Fosshotel Vatnajokull Vatnajokull, Iceland

Fosshotel Vatnajökull is an attractive hotel in the southeast of Iceland with a spellbinding view...

Fosshotel Nupar Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland

Located off the Route 1 highway, Fosshotel Nupar offers panoramic views of Vatnajokull’s lava...

A Hidden Gem

We are so excited to welcome guests on this new tour for 2023! Of course we’ll show you all of Iceland’s magical beauty, but you’ll also learn more about the history of Iceland, from settlement times until more recently, the Sagas, and the extraordinary lives the Icelanders lead today.

Robert, CIE Tours Product Manager