Iceland

Day 1 | Monday 31 August
Arrive Reykjavík
Founded in 874 CE, Reykjavík has grown from a humble Norse settlement into the vibrant cultural and political heart of Iceland. Today, it stands as a modern Nordic capital, where centuries of history meet contemporary design and innovation. In the early evening, we gather at our hotel for an introductory talk and welcome drink, followed by dinner together. Overnight Reykjavík (D)

Day 2 | Tuesday 1 September
Reykjavík Revealed | Harpa Hall
Perched on the edge of the North Atlantic, Reykjavík offers a striking first impression – a city where snow-dusted peaks meet sleek modern design, and where a rich Norse heritage underpins a thriving contemporary culture. Its harbour was the landing point of Iceland’s first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, and remains the historic and cultural anchor of the city. This morning, we explore Reykjavík on foot with a guided walking tour of its downtown district and scenic harbour. Highlights include the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, an iconic expressionist landmark inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows, and Parliament House, built in 1881 from local basalt stone and home to one of the world’s oldest parliaments. Lunch is then enjoyed at the nearby Nordic House. Designed by the celebrated Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, this architectural gem with spectacular views was created as a cultural bridge connecting Iceland with its Nordic neighbours. Completed in 1968, late in Aalto’s career, the building exemplifies his signature modernist approach, featuring clean lines, organic shapes and a sensitive use of natural materials. After our lunch, we take a stroll around the grounds of the University of Iceland and the buildings that house the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, the former workplace of our tour leader. This evening (schedules permitting), we conclude our day with a performance at Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík’s award-winning cultural venue with a shimmering glass facade designed to reflect the play of Icelandic light. Overnight Reykjavík (B, L)

Day 3 | Wednesday 2 September
The Golden Circle
Iceland’s Golden Circle is steeped in both the natural drama and political heritage of the island, offering a compelling glimpse into the forces that have shaped its landscape and identity. This celebrated route links three of the country’s most iconic sites: Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient Alþingi parliament first convened over a thousand years ago; the Geysir geothermal area, a showcase of Iceland’s volcanic energy; and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, a breathtaking cascade plunging into a glacial canyon. Together, these remarkable sites capture the very essence of Iceland and our day is devoted to exploring all three. Within our day of exploration, we pause at Friðheimar Farm for a fascinating insight into Iceland’s pioneering greenhouse agriculture, where geothermal energy enables the year-round cultivation of tomatoes in an otherwise inhospitable climate. Here we also meet Iceland’s much-loved native horses and enjoy a lively demonstration of their abilities before enjoying lunch in the farm’s charming greenhouse restaurant, surrounded by rows of thriving tomato plants. In the early evening, we return to Reykjavík. Overnight Reykjavík (B, L)

Day 4 | Thursday 3 September
Saga Museum & Natural Springs
From the earliest days of Viking settlement in the late 9th century, Iceland’s story has been one of resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to the natural world. This morning begins with a journey into that past at the engaging Saga Museum, highlighting moments that have determined the fate of the people and an insight into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium. Just a short distance away, at FlyOver Iceland, we shift from history to spectacle with an exhilarating flight simulation. This immersive experience carries us across glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and waterfalls, offering a breathtaking introduction to the landscapes that define the island and setting the scene for the journey to come. After a break for lunch, we then leave the city behind to unwind in the tranquil Hvammsvík Hot Springs, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Whale Fjord. Here, geothermal pools blend seamlessly with the rugged coastline – a fitting pause amid Iceland’s dramatic contrasts. Overnight Reykjavík (B)

Day 5 | Friday 4 September
Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Southern Iceland’s dramatic landscape has been sculpted over millennia by the powerful forces of fire and ice. This striking juxtaposition of molten lava and ancient ice has given rise to black sand deserts, jagged lava fields, glacial rivers and ice-capped peaks, making the region one of the most geologically diverse and visually arresting in the world. Today we journey along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast toward the remote village of Vík, pausing to admire two of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss, enjoy the rare opportunity to walk behind the cascading curtain of water, while at Skógafoss, take in sweeping views from both the base and the summit of this powerful 60-metre cascade. We then make a side trip to Sólheimajökull glacier, where a short walk brings us up close to this striking outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. As we travel along the coast, we pass some of Iceland’s most infamous volcanoes – Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Katla – arriving in Vík in the late afternoon. After time to settle in, we reconvene in the evening for dinner in the hotel. Overnight Vík (B, D)

Day 6 | Saturday 5 September
Coastal Vík and Volcanic Marvels
Nestled between steep sea cliffs and sweeping black sand beaches, the village of Vík offers a striking glimpse into Iceland’s raw natural beauty. This remote outpost, the southernmost settlement on the island, sits in the shadow of the mighty Katla volcano and the vast Mýrdalsjökull glacier that lies above it – a reminder of the powerful forces that continue to shape the land. Our day begins with a talk on Iceland’s volcanoes by our tour leader, followed by a walk through the village, including an optional visit to the iconic hilltop church. We then enjoy a warming lunch at The Soup Company, before turning up the heat once more at the Icelandic Lava Show – the only place in the world where you can safely witness molten lava indoors. This immersive experience recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava and pouring it into a showroom, allowing us to feel its searing heat just metres away. Our final stop for the day is at Reynisfjara beach to witness its striking basalt columns and sea stacks. Known for its unique geology, Reynisfjara has been used as a film location on multiple occasions and was named by National Geographic as one of the world’s Top 10 non-tropical beaches. Overnight Vík (B, L)

Day 7 | Sunday 6 September
Skaftafell National Park
Today we depart Vík and continue eastward towards our beautifully situated hotel on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Along the way, we make several stops to take in views of the glacier itself and the nearby volcano Katla – one of Iceland’s most powerful and closely monitored volcanoes – where we learn about the 1918 eruption and its impact on the local farming communities. We continue our journey through the vast lava fields left behind by the devastating Laki eruption of 1783 – a five-month-long event that reshaped the region and had far-reaching effects across Europe. We also stop at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where (weather permitting) we take a short hike to the striking basalt-columned waterfall of Svartifoss and enjoy views of the nearby glacier tongues that spill down from the ice cap. We arrive at our accommodation in the mid-afternoon with dinner this evening in our hotel. Overnight Suðursveit (B, D)

Day 8 | Monday 7 September
Jökulsárlón & Glacial Landscapes
One of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon at the edge of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an outlet of Vatnajökull. Here, massive icebergs break away from the glacier and drift slowly through the luminous blue waters toward the sea, creating a surreal and ever-changing landscape. This morning we embark on a boat tour through the lagoon, with the contrast of bright white and crystal-blue ice against black volcanic sands creating a truly striking visual. Seals can often be spotted swimming among the icebergs or basking on their surfaces, while seabirds wheel overhead. We then continue to nearby Diamond Beach, where smaller icebergs wash ashore and glisten on the black sand like scattered jewels, completing the otherworldly scene. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Suðursveit (B)

Day 9 | Tuesday 8 September
East Fjords
Departing Suðursveit this morning, we journey north along the scenic coastline of the East Fjords on a four-hour drive to our hotel near Egilsstadir. En route we pause in Höfn, a picturesque fishing town, renowned for its panoramic vistas of Vatnajökull. Our journey continues with a visit to Petra’s Stone Collection, an extraordinary display of rocks, crystals, and minerals gathered over 80 years. Housed in what was once Petra’s private home and garden, the collection is not only a geological treasure but also an important historical and social record of local life. Our accommodation for the next two nights is on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, where the Icelandic version of the Loch Ness monster is supposed to have roamed. Our family run hotel offers stunning views through floor to ceiling windows with outdoor hot tubs to relax in after a long day. Dinner tonight is in our hotel. Overnight Egilsstaðir (B, D)

Day 10 | Wednesday 9 September
Stuðlagil Canyon
Carved by the powerful Jökla River, Stuðlagil Canyon is one of the country’s most dramatic and lesser-known natural wonders. Framed by towering basalt columns and filled with turquoise glacial water, the canyon offers a visually arresting landscape that rewards adventurous travellers. Our day of touring brings us to the eastern side of the canyon for the best up-close experience, requiring a scenic hike across farmland and rocky terrain. After exploring the canyon, we travel to Vök Baths, a serene geothermal spa on the banks of Lake Urriðavatn. Its unique floating geothermal pools – the only ones of their kind in Iceland – provide the perfect setting for relaxation, offering a tranquil and rejuvenating conclusion to our adventure. Dinner this evening is again in our hotel. Overnight Egilsstaðir (B, D)

Day 11 | Thursday 10 September
Seydisfjordur
After checking out of our hotel this morning, we drive to Seyðisfjörður on the coast, stopping en route at Gufufoss Waterfall – one of the most scenic in East Iceland. Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjord towns boasting colourful wooden houses, a vibrant arts scene, and the famous Rainbow Road which offers a beautiful contrast between the mountains and the deep fjord. On arrival, we explore the village before gathering for a farewell lunch at the prestigious Hotel Aldan, housed in a historic building in the heart of town. Afterward, those continuing on the extension tour remain in Seyðisfjörður for a few more hours before embarking on the overnight ferry to the Faroe Islands. Travellers concluding the tour are transferred to the airport for their return flight to Reykjavík, with accommodation this evening at a nearby airport hotel. Overnight Reykjavík (B, L)

Day 12 | Friday 11 September
Depart Reykjavík
The tour concludes after breakfast at our airport hotel. (B)