Classic Iceland
Duration : 04N DUBAI + 01N ATLANTIS THE PALM
Day 1: WELCOME TO REYKJAVÍK:On arrival to Keflavík Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Once you arrive in Reykjavík and after settling in, head to the main street, Laugavegur, to enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.
Day 2: WONDERS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Collect your rental car in the morning and begin your journey on the classic “Golden Circle” route, starting with Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next is the Haukadalur geothermal area, home of Geysir—the original “geyser”—and the more active Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. End the circle with visits to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the implosion crater of Kerið.
Day 3: WATERFALLS AND BLACK SAND BEACHES
Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk right behind the misty cascade, then head to the equally impressive Skógafoss waterfall just a short drive down the road. South of the village of Vík, make a stop at the volcanic black sand beach* for dramatic views of the Dyrhólaey island and Reynisdrangar rock formations rising above the crashing waves. You can even take part in a glacier hike, visit to an ice cave or snowmobile tour today. Click on our optional activities for more information.
Spend the night in Vik.
Day 4: GLACIERS AND FLOATING ICEBERGS
Spend some time exploring Skaftafell*, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty. Then head to the smaller Ice lagoon, Fjallsárlón before heading to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and enjoy the surreal scene of icebergs floating by. Afterwards you will stop by the Diamond Beach, where you will see chunks of ice glistening on the black sands. Since the town of Höfn has been nicknamed the “Lobster Capital of Iceland” we highly recommend ending the day with a delicious lobster dinner here!
Spend the night in the Höfn area.
Day 5: ROAM THE EAST FJORDS & SPOT REINDEERS
Your drive along East Iceland today is characterized by long and narrow fjords with steep mountainsides and rugged tundra. Each fjord has its own unique qualities, with small fishing villages in postcard-perfect settings and friendly locals. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a reindeer or two as this is the part of the island they inhabit. The east is also great for northern lights viewing, if the conditions are right, since there are vast stretches just outside your accommodation with no light pollution.
Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area.
Day 6: THE IMPRESSIVE NORTH: DETTIFOSS & LAKE MÝVATN
If you’re up for seeing more natural wonders today, visit the majestic Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, before heading to the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. This part of North Iceland boasts an abundance of unusual natural wonders to explore, like the Krafla volcano, the mud pools and curiously-coloured terrain of the Námaskarð pass and the massive crater of Hverfell. Other highlights of the region include Dimmuborgir, a magnificent lava landscape of caves, columns, and arches, as well as the option of relaxing at Mývatn Nature Baths.
Spend the night in Lake Mývatn area.
DAY 7: NATURAL CHARMS OF THE NORTH
Spend the first half of the day exploring more of Lake Mývatn and perhaps participating in an activities like dog-sledding or snowmobiling. Later we visit Goðafoss waterfall on our way to the charming town of Akureyri, where you can take a stroll through the town centre and enjoy a variety of little shops, cafes and museums. You can next make your way toward Skagafjörður, an area known for its abundance of adorably stocky Icelandic horses. if time and weather conditions allow, you may choose to take a detour around Tröllaskagi Peninsula known for beautiful scenes of mountains, cliffs and fjords.
Spend the night in Akureyri.
DAY 8: ADVENTURES OF THE WEST COAST
Drive to the historical Borgarfjörður region of west Iceland today. Worthwhile natural sights in the region include the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls that tumble over a lava field and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. You have the option of signing up for optional activities today like the manmade ice tunnel Into the Glacier and a visit to Krauma, the newly-opened baths adjacent to Deildartunguhver. For those interested in the history of Iceland, a visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre in the town of Borgarnes is recommended.
Spend the night in the Borgarnes area.
DAY 9: SPLENDID SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Today we drive to the the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Enjoy the natural beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Highlights of your driving route today include the Dritvík Cove, the dramatic bird cliffs of Lóndrangar, Hellnar and Arnarstapi as well as idyllic seaside villages.
If you prefer an active day outside, you can choose one of many optional activities, depending on your personal interests. Choices include exploring a lava cave or manmade ice tunnel, snowmobiling, or visiting the Krauma baths in the west.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
DAY 10: BLUE LAGOON/ NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
Breakfast at Hotel. Today, drive down to Silica Hotel - Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon comfort entrance incl. (towel, 1 beverage & silica mask). The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn on Reykjanes Peninsula, in a location favourable for geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station.
Later, in the night, we leave for our Northern Lights tour in a Super Jeep ! Venturing off the beaten track in the powerful Super Jeep grants you exclusive access to the best spots in Iceland to admire the dancing lights in all their glory. We’ll drive where big buses can’t get to, away from the crowds and light pollution. Wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while gazing up at the Aurora Borealis in the heavens!
Spend the night in Reykjavik/ Grindavik.
DAY 11: FLIGHT BACK HOME
As per your flight schedule, drop off your rental vehicle at the airport & check in for your flight back home.