Must-See Series: Iceland in a Week

Settled by Vikings, on this tour you’ll soon come to realize why Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice. It is home to volcanos as well as glaciers like Sólheimajökull, and well over a thousand waterfalls, like multi-tiered Gulfoss, or ones that can be viewed on both sides, like Skógafoss. Be amazed by its black sand beaches, like Reynisfjara, along with the charming villages like Vik along its South Coast. Strokkur & Geysir hot springs and other geothermal features like the Blue Lagoon are just some of the many natural wonders here. Explore its 200-mile scenic route, the Golden Circle, visit Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s oldest parliament, sitting atop the Eurasian and American tectonic plates, so you can stand on two continents while you visit. Reykjavik is a compact and colorful city, the world’s northernmost capital, featuring striking architecture like HARPA Concert Hall and Halgrimskirkja Church, which mirror the stark rock formations found along the island’s coast. Easily walkable, this young city is filled with an array of charming shops, quirky museums, lively restaurants, and exciting bars waiting right outside your hotel.

Day 1: Reykjavik• Arrival at Keflavik Airport;
• Transfer to Shuttle from the airport to Reykjavik city center.
• Check into the Storm Hotel by Kea Hotels (or similar) for 4 nights
• Your afternoon is free to explore

Day 2: Golden Circle• Full day, 8-hour guided small group tour

Day 3: Reykjavik• Morning 3-hour guided, small group tour of Reykjavik (walking or bike)
• Your afternoon is free to explore

Day 4: South Coast Treasures• Extended full-day, 10-hour guided small group tour

Dubbed the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is Iceland’s 4th largest city and, despite being only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, its temperature is relatively mild, owing to the surrounding mountains which protect the city from the country’s blowing winds, so that this city can even feature botanical gardens. Here is what many consider a more authentic and hidden away area of Iceland, fewer city-dwellers, small artisan workshops and farms, as well as more, wide-open spaces. Here you’ll also find more of the fascinating geological features that add to Iceland’s appeal. A full-day Lake Mývatn adventure through an area with active volcanic activity will reveal the undulating Skútustaðagígar, formed by gas explosions as boiling lava flowed over the wetlands and the boiling Hverir Mud Pools. But the earth isn’t always raging, there’s the lovely Grjótagjá Rift, a lava cave with hot springs tucked away inside, the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields like nature’s own sculpture garden and the Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the “waterfall of the gods” is a can’t miss. When you tour the area, you won’t want to miss a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, offering thermal relaxation with amazing views.

Day 5: Depart Reykjavik/Arrive Akureyri• Check out of hotel; travel light and take a smaller bag with you; you can check your luggage with the hotel
• Depart Reykjavik for 45-minute flight to Akureyri
• Check into Hotel Kea for 2 nights
• Your afternoon is free to explore

Day 6: Akureyri/Lake Mývatn• Full day, 8-hour small, guided group tour

Back to the vibrant Reykjavik to finish out your must-see week in Iceland. You’ll have more of an in-depth tour of Reykjavik with a key feature of Icelandic culture: its culinary appeal with a visit to – and tastings at several local restaurants. And, yes, we saved the best for last; Iceland’s most popular site, The Blue Lagoon, is on the way back to the airport and you’ll have a chance for another relaxing soak in its mineral-rich waters before you return home.

Day 7: Depart Akureyri/Arrive Reykjavik• Check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to the airport
• Leave Akureyri for 45-minute flight back to Reykjavik
• Take a 5-min taxi ride back to your hotel, where the remainder of your luggage has been stowed; Check into Storm Hotel by Kea for 1 night and claim bags
• Afternoon guided, small group tasting tour

Day 8: Blue Lagoon and Home• Check out of hotel
• Shuttle transfer to Blue Lagoon to enjoy (entrance included)
• Shuttle to Airport for your return home.

We hope Iceland’s beauty, culture, food, and people will make you want to return soon. Discover Scandinavia Tours will enjoy welcoming you back as we help you plan your next, in-depth Nordic journey.