Topdeck Coach Tour - 8 Day Iceland Uncovered 2012

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Arrive today and make our way to our accommodation in Reykjavík. Here we meet our local Trip Leader.

Day 2 Reykjavík to Skógar.

Today we drive to the famous Golden Circle of South Iceland. Our first stop is Pingvellir National Park, the great lava area in a rift valley, where the Icelandic Parliament met for centuries from 930 AD. We then visit the geothermic region, home to many hot springs, mud pools and geysers. Here we see Strokkur, the world’s most active geyser. It is likely to erupt several times during our visit to heights of 100 feet. We continue our trip to Gullfoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland before heading through the farmlands of South Iceland to our overnight stay in Skógar. (B,D)

Day 3 Skógar to Glacier Lagoon area.

Today our first stop is at Vík’s beautiful black beach, known for its Reynisdrangar, black basalt columns sculpted by the sea. A folk tale says that they are former trolls which were caught outside at dawn. We go via the sand plains of Mýrdalssandur and Skeidarársandur to the Skaftafell area where we have the chance to go on a leisure hike. This afternoon we visit Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon, the largest lake in Iceland. The famous glacial lagoon is full of icebergs where we can take an optional boat trip. Don’t be surprised if it looks familiar – a couple of James Bond films, Tomb Raider and Batman Begins were all shot here. (B)

Essential Info:

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 7 breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
• 7 nights accommodation in twin share guesthouses and farm stays
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Escorted services of an experienced English speaking guide and Driver

Day 4 Glacier Lagoon area to Egilsstadir.

We continue our drive along the south coast, now heading for the eastern fjords. We pass through fishing villages with stops at the harbours where you may see fishing boats bringing in the catch of the night. In the southern most fjords the young wild swans flock and in this area you also might come upon a group of reindeer. We stop at Petra’s stone museum, a private collection of rocks and minerals where the home and garden have been turned into a museum. Our day ends in the town of Egilsstadir. (B,D)

Day 5 Egilsstadir to Lake Mývatn area.

Today we head to Lake Mývatn, crossing the north east highlands with a visit to the farm Sænautasel, an old turf farm that has been rebuilt. On the way we stop at the Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall. The area of Lake Mývatn is a beautiful landscape with many interesting geological and volcanic features. The lake is known for the huge number of ducks that call it home. We visit pseudo-craters, solfataras with boiling sulphuric mud pools and a lava-labyrinth. (B,D)

Day 6 Lake Mývatn area to Akureyri via Húsavík.

This morning we spend more time exploring the Lake Mývatn area before we head to Húsavík, a picturesque fishing town in the north, only 50km away from the Arctic Circle! We spend some time down by the harbour, where we can visit the largest whale museum in Iceland. Late afternoon we arrive in Akureyri, Iceland’s main town in the north. Today there may be a chance to go on a whale watching excursion on route! (B)

Day 7 Akureyri to Reykjavík.

We come full circle and today it’s back to Reykjavik. We may be able to travel over the Kjölur, which is one of the two main routes across the Icelandic highlands and offers a scenic view of hot pools and mountain ranges. (B)

Day 8 Reykjavík.

Today we say goodbye to new friends with fresh memories of Iceland. (B)