Black Diamonds & Geysers

Tour Details

Experience: Active Holiday, Self-drive

Prices p.p from: 1480 EURO in double room

10 days / 9 nights

Guaranteed departure: Not applicable for this tour

What is included

– 9 nights in mentioned hotels or similar
– 9 breakfasts
– Car rental for the duration of the stay, category A (type TOYOTA YARIS or similar). Incl. unlimited mileage, partial waiver of excess in the event of an accident, local taxes, 2 drivers over 25 years old, picked up and returned to Airport.

 

What is excluded

– Flights
– Tolls, gasoline
– Lunches, dinners and drinks
– Carrying luggage
– Personal expenses

 

 

Day 1 Arrival to Iceland

On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and head to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
Overnight at Cabin Reykjavik hotel or similar.

Day 2 Discovery of the Golden Circle and the south coast (280km)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Take the road to the sites of Gullfoss and Strokkur which are part of the famous Golden Circle. Strokkur is a geyser that erupts about every 7 minutes and spouts a fountain into the air, sometimes reaching 40 meters high. Gullfoss is an iconic waterfall in Iceland that you can discover from several angles, each more spectacular than the next. The water pours over 32 meters of drop to reach a canyon whose walls reach 10 meters in height. Then continue to the south coast of Iceland. You will see the splendid waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Proceed to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland. On your way, you will see Reynisfjara beach, known for its black sand and bizarre cliffs. It is also in this area that you are sure to spot the charming puffins – unofficially the national bird of Iceland.
Overnight at Hotel Hvollsvollur or similar.

Day 3 Passage through the Jökulsarlon glacier (270km)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. First stop at Skaftafell National Park, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park. The visit to the park is a real pleasure because you can see the tongues of the glaciers crawling towards the earth. Although surrounded by glaciers, the park is one of the few regions that receives very little snow during the winter, due to the southerly winds. The landscapes of Skaftafell are often compared to the Alps, it’s up to you to see if you agree. At Skaftafell you will also find the Svartifoss waterfall, popular as it plunges down from hexagonal basalt columns. Then continue to Jökulsarlon Glacier – part of the largest glacier in Europe. You can take the boat tour (not included) to navigate between the icebergs, or enjoy the view from the shore. Your final destination is the Hornafjördur region, from where you can see the impressive Vatnajökull in the distance.
Overnight at Jokull hotel or similar.

Day 4 The East Fjords (190km)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. The East Fjords are a beautiful and unspoilt region. You can take the coastal road and pass steep cliffs, fishing villages and deep valleys, or you can choose to go inland and discover the mysterious Hallormsstadur valley and its Lagarfljot lake. Since the time of the Sagas, legends have it that a sea monster lives in its depths. You will also discover the largest forest in Iceland. Hengifoss waterfall will also be on the program, after which you will drive to Egilsstadir.
Night at the Eyvindara hotel or similar.

Day 5 & 6 Lake Myvatn and Akureyri (265km)

Breakfast buffet at the hotel. You head to Lake Myvatn, located in a very active volcanic region – the Katla Volcano is not far away. The surroundings of the lake are dominated by volcanic landscapes, including lava pillars and pseudo craters. A very popular place in these surroundings is Dimmuborgir (Dark Castle). Dimmuborgir is made up of several volcanic caves and rock formations. Moreover, Myvatn is known for its rich birdlife. The next stop is at the Waterfalls of the Gods – Godafoss, before heading to Akureyri. Another day full of highlights awaits you. Eyjafjordur bay has one of the best whale watching locations in the world: a chance for you to see humpback and minke whales. The avifauna is also unmissable. Recommended visit to a small fishing village not far from Dalvik and its fish factory, one of the few last in North Iceland to import its salted cod. Continuation towards the north then the west of the Trollaskagi peninsula, discovery of Olafsjordur, Siglufjardur and Holfos.
Overnight at Natur Hotel or similar.

Day 7 & 8 The Snæfellsnes peninsula (370km)

Breakfast at the hotel. You drive south through Icelandic horse land – Skagafjördur. Thereafter, you discover the two waterfalls nicknamed “lava waterfalls“ Hraunfossar and Barnafossar. Enjoy the view they offer while listening to the saga to which they are linked. You are heading towards the land of Icelandic horses, along the Skagafjördur. Horse of the Vikings, accustomed to wild life and independent for centuries, it draws its strength from nature and fears neither rain nor wind. Exploration day on the Snӕfellsnes peninsula dominated by Snaefellsjökull – nicknamed the “snowcapped volcano” – a glacier-volcano that inspired Jules Verne for his Journey to the Center of the Earth. The highest point is 1,446 meters above sea level. The volcanoes in this region have been inactive for thousands of years, however the moss-covered lava makes the landscape unique. Do not miss a stop at the famous Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland. A very beautiful road, between sea and mountains, leads to the village of Arnarstapi, an adorable miniature port nestled at the bottom of a cove. Continuation around the volcano-glacier Snaefellsjökull by a lava track, through lunar landscapes.
Overnight at Hotel Framnes or similar.

Day 9 Return to Reykjavik (180km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Road to the south, where you will discover the charming Hvalfjördur. You can go around the fjord or cross the tuner. Today you head to Thingvellir National Park, where parliament was born in the year 930. It is also the location of a Rift Valley marking the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. You then continue to Reykjavik which you will have time to explore.
Overnight at Cabin Reykjavik hotel or similar.

Day 10 Farewell

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the morning before your departure for the airport. Return of the rental vehicle to the airport before departure.
End of stay.

New Year Cruise

Fjords in Winter Colors

Norway in a Nutshell