Trip to Iceland: Grand Circle self-drive tour

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Keflavik – Hveragerði

  The village of flowers – Geothermal greenhouses Your vehicle will be ready for you upon your arrival at the airport to start your stay in Iceland. From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend that you drive along the south coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first night in the charming village of Hveragerði. The village is one of the few places in the world located directly above a geothermal area. Due to its many greenhouses heated by hot water from these nearby sources, it is often called the village of flowers.

• day 2

  Thingvellir – Gullfoss – Flúðir

  National park, UNESCO World Heritage Site – Geyser – Golden Waterfall – Flúðir Take the road to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. The park is located on the edge of Iceland's largest lake and is part of a sensational volcanic landscape, with its mountains and lava flows. Continue your journey to the Gullfoss waterfall and the hot springs of Geysir. Optional: rafting in the Geysir area, boat trip to the Vestmann Islands.

• day 3

  Thjórsárdalur – Hella – Vík – Kirkjubæjarklaustur

  Hekla Volcano – Waterfalls – Puffin Colony – Black Sand Beaches – Lava Fields Continue your journey along the spectacular south coast. Discover sites such as the Skógafoss waterfall, the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Dyrhólaey*, and the black sands of Vík. Cross the Eldhraun lava field to reach the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. *Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during the nesting period, from mid-May until mid-June. Optional: visit to the Skógar Folk Museum, Eyjafjallajökull information center.

• day 4

  Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn

  Largest national park in Europe – glacial lagoon and its icebergs – largest glacier in Europe Visit the extraordinary Skaftafell National Park, which is located at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier, thus offering the possibility of several hikes. Continue your journey to discover the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where icebergs detached from the Vatnajökull glacier float. Then continue to the fishing village of Höfn, in the Hornafjörður region. Optional: boat trip on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

• day 5

  Djúpivogur – Reyðarfjörður – Egilsstaðir

  Enclosed fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline – Mineral collection Cross the magnificent Eastern fjords, with their imposing mountains and charming fishing villages, to reach the fertile region of Egilsstaðir. Take the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. You can also visit Petra's famous mineral collection, which is located in the Stöðvarfjörður region. Optional: jeep excursion on the Vatnajökull glacier, visit to Petra's mineral collection.

• day 6

  Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Húsavík – Mývatn

  Most powerful waterfall in Europe – Glacial canyon – Whale watching Cross the interior plateau of Mödrudalsöraefi, known for its beauty, as you head towards Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Discover the wonders of Jokulsárgljúfur National Park, such as the strange formations of Hljóðaklettar and the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon. Continue your journey towards the Tjörnes peninsula and the fishing village of Húsavík. Optional: whale watching from Húsavík.

• day 7

  Mývatn – Akureyri

  Strange volcanic formations – Geothermal phenomena – Varied winged fauna – Akureyri, the capital of the North Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and its surroundings. Visit sites such as Dimmuborgir, the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, the Námaskard fields burned by sulfuric acid, and the volcanic region of Krafla. Continue your journey to Akureyri, the capital of the North. Optional: Mývatn ornithological museum, hot baths at Mývatn "Jarðböðin".

• day 8

  Free day in Akureyri and its surroundings

  2nd largest city in Iceland – Botanical Garden – Museums – Arctic Circle Enjoy the comfort of two consecutive nights in the same place. Explore the city and its many attractions or its surroundings. For example, you can visit the Botanical Garden, swim in one of the city's geothermal pools, or visit the Christmas House. Possibility to go whale watching from the village of Dalvík, take a boat trip to the islet of Hrísey, or a boat excursion to the island of Grímsey, the only part of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle at 66° north latitude. Optional: sea fishing from Akureyri, whale watching from Dalvík, boat trip to Hrísey, and flight to Grímsey.

• day 9

  Akureyri – Laugarbakki

  Fertile agricultural regions – Folk museum – Icelandic horses Cross the fertile valley of Skagafjörður, known for its horse breeding, to arrive in the Hrútafjörður region. Optional: rafting in the Skagafjörður region, horseback riding in the Skagafjörður region, visit to the Glaumbær museum, seal safari from Hvammstangi.

• day 10

  Stykkishólmur – Arnarstapi – Borgarnes

  Place of birth of Leifur Eiríksson – Snæfellsjökull glacier – fishing villages – volcanic craters Explore the Dalir region, home of Erik the Red and birthplace of Leifur Eiríksson. At Eiríksstaðir, a replica of the old farm has been created. Next, discover the Snæfellsnes peninsula by passing through small fishing villages. The beautiful beach of Djúpalónssandur and the strange sea rocks of Arnarstapi are among the natural wonders of the peninsula. Continue towards the Borgarfjörður region.

• day 11

  Borgarfjörður – Reykholt – Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík

  Scenic waterfalls – Most powerful hot spring in Europe – Fjord – Blue Lagoon Discover the Borgarfjörður region and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the historic site of Reykholt, and the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. Take the road via the Hvalfjörður fjord to reach Reykjavík. You have the option to visit the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in pleasantly warm geothermal waters before returning to Reykjavík. Optional: swimming in the Blue Lagoon, massage, and spa treatment.

• day 12

  Reykjavik - Paris

  Departure from Reykjavik airport towards Paris.