Iceland Highlands & Lowlands

Iceland Highlands & Lowlands – Iceland –9 days / 8 nights, Reykjavik - Geysir - Gullfoss - Kjölur - Akureyri - Lake Myvatn - Godafoss - Fjords - Jökulsargljufur - Dettifoss - Skogafoss - ReykjavikA Circle tour of Iceland offers a chance to experience the contrast between the deserted, sandy yet colorful thermal highlands and green fertile fields in the lowlands along the coastline. Travel off the beaten track through two of Iceland's highland tracks, Kjölur and Landmannalaugar, offering exotic landscapes. Geyser, Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls, black beaches plus several National parks are destinations in this great tour.


Operation	June 1 - September 15, 2012
Departure	Daily
Price	From $2,420 per person in double room, car group 5 From $2,075 per person, based on 4 persons traveling together, 2 x double rooms Children 2-11 years old: USD 54 per night (Add the total to the rate for 2 Adults in 1 double room). Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults. 15% discount on September departures.
Included	Rental car for 7 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT and one authorized driver Delivery of rental car to hotel on day 2 Accommodation for 8 nights including breakfast, a combination of farmhouses, guesthouses and hotels Detailed road map (1:600 000) Road book Emergency phone line available 24/7 (May-September)
Not Included	Airport transfers, see Flybus Fuel expenses Meals Optional tours Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items $25 service fee
Please Note	Types of car recommended: No. 5.0 (Medium 4wd) and higher. Drop off at Keflavik airport or in Reykjavik on departure day before 09:00. If the car is delivered outside this time range, an extra day will be charged. Due to road conditions routes may be altered without prior notice. The highland tracks of Iceland are not expected to be open until the middle of June. A final list of accommodations will be sent with your documents. Hotels are selected at the discretion of the local tour operator.
Tour Options	Additional nights in Reykjavik Visit to the Blue Lagoon East Greenland excursion, 1-3 days
More Information	Iceland Car Types Driving in Iceland Iceland Highlands & Lowlands map

DAY 1 ARRIVAL KEFLAVIK - REYKJAVIK Arrival at Keflavik airport and pick up of travel documents. Transfer with Flybus to accommodation in Reykjavik.

DAY 2 THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK - GULLFOSS (B) National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Erupting Geysers - Massive Waterfall
From Reykjavik to Thingvellir National park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park offers a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows. Visit the geothermal area of Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall.
Approximate mileage: ca. 240 km / 150 miles

Optional: River rafting in the Geysir area
ATV-quad biking in Haukadalur
Entrance to Geysir Geo Center

DAY 3 KJÖLUR - SKAGAFJÖRDUR (B) Uninhabited Interior - Geothermal Area - Natural Bathing Pool - Viking Horses - Glacial Rivers
Today's route leads over the highland track Kjölur (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), driving through the colorful thermal area Hveravellir between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjördur fjord.
Approximate mileage: ca. 230 km / 143 miles

Optional: Horse riding in Skagafjördur
Horse show in Skagafjördur

DAY 4 AKUREYRI - LAKE MYVATN - GODAFOSS (B) Iceland's Second Largest City - Waterfall "Of the Gods" - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife
Drive to Akureyri, the second largest town in Iceland outside the capital area. Stop at Godafoss waterfall before driving to the beautiful Lake Myvatn area. The natural wonders of Lake Myvatn area include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.
Approximate mileage: ca. 190 km / 118 miles

Optional: Bird museum in Myvatn.

DAY 5 HUSAVIK - DETTIFOSS - EGILSSTADIR (B) Whale Watching - Glacier Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
From Lake Myvatn you drive around Tjörnes peninsula. Travel through the fishing village of Husavík to Jökulsargljufur National Park, including the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Continue east to Egilsstadir.
Approximate mileage: ca. 320 km / 199 miles

Optional: Whale watching from Husavik

DAY 6 EAST FJORDS - HÖFN (B) Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection
Drive south through the spectacular coast line of the East Fjords with charming fishing villages and towering mountains that plunge vertically into the sea. Stop at Almannaskard pass which offers a striking view of Vatnajökull glacier and the coastal area.
Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Optional: Boat tour to Papey Island
Petra's stone collection

DAY 7 GLACIAL LAGOON (B) Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest National Park
Jökulsarlon Glacial Lagoon by Vatnajökull glacier offers a beautiful view of the glacier and the floating icebergs will leave a deep impression on you. Onwards to Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis with various hiking possibilities. Continue along the south coast for an overnight stay.
Approximate mileage: ca. 220 km / 137 miles

Optional: Jeep tour to Vatnajökull Glacier
Boat tour on Jökulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Glacier hike in Skaftafell area

DAY 8 VIK - SKOGAFOSS - SELJALANDSFOSS (B) Multicolored Mountains of the Highlands - Lava Fields - Hot Springs with Bathing - Hekla Volcano
Travel along the Fjallabaksleid highland interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, with the option of bathing in a natural warm pool (do not forget to bring swimsuit). Spot the towering Hekla, the legendary Icelandic volcano, after exploring Thjorsardalur Valley, before heading back to Reykjavik.

If you prefer, instead of heading to Landmannalaugar, you can continue along the south shore exploring black sand beaches, bird colonies, towering waterfalls and crossing fertile farmlands towards Reykjavik.
Approximate mileage: ca. 240 km /149 miles

Day 9 REYKJAVIK (B) After breakfast check-out and end of program. Transfer on your own (not included).