Best of Iceland & Greenland - 15 Days

You will transfer by included Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik International Airport to our accommodation in Reykjavik.

You will have free time to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. You might like to visit landmarks such as the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, take a stroll around the colourful streets of the old town, or relax at one of the many cafés. You could also explore the lively harbour area or visit museums like the National Gallery of Iceland.

Reykjavik - Borgarnes - Grabrok - Akureyri. At 09:00, we will meet our tour guide before heading out west along the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord, passing the town of Borgarnes. Then, we will enjoy an easy hike up the Grabrok volcano crater, set amidst a striking greenish lava field.

Further north, we will stop at the charming turf church of Vidimyri before continuing through the beautiful fjord landscape and over several mountain passes to reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Our overnight stop in Akureyri gives you the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.

Akureyri - Godafoss - Lake Myvatn. In the morning, we will explore the town of Akureyri, also known as the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjordur fjord.

In the afternoon, we will travel to Godafoss, the famous "Waterfall of the Gods." Afterward, we will explore Lake Myvatn, a geological wonderland renowned for its abundant birdlife. We will visit the strange lava formations at Kalfastrond, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, and the tephra cone Hverfjall. To end the day, we will relax in the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths, where we can enjoy a fantastic view over the entire area.

Please Note: From April to October, there are optional whale watching tours available from 09:00-12:00 in Akureyri. For more information please refer to the trip notes.

Lake Myvatn - Dimmuborgir - Namaskard - East Fjords - Bakkagerethi. In the morning, we will explore the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir, known as "the dark castles," and perhaps catch a glimpse of the trolls that are said to dwell there.

In the afternoon, we will visit the hot spring area of Namaskard, famous for its bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. We will then journey through the remote highlands and moon-like terrain on our way to East Iceland.

Please Note: From June to August, our route will also include a detour to the powerful Dettifoss waterfall.

Bakkagerethi - East Fjords - Vatnajokull - Oraefi. Today, we will take in the dramatic fjord landscape and explore the tiny fishing villages tucked away at the end of winding roads in the East Fjords. Along the way, we will visit an interesting collection of stones and minerals. In the afternoon, we will see Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, which dominates the landscape of Southeast Iceland.

Oraefi - Jokulsarlon - Vik - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara - Seljalandsfoss - Hella. We will begin the day with a visit to Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, where we can explore the stunning scenery and possibly spot seals swimming in the Arctic waters. Next, we will walk along Diamond Beach, just across the road, where large icebergs often wash up on the shore. We will then continue our journey along the southern edge of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, and take in views of Europe’s second-largest national park, which boasts Iceland’s highest mountains and an alpine landscape.

In the afternoon, we will drive through a landscape full of natural wonders, crossing the Eldhraun lava field and the vast sandy desert of the south coast, with towering cliffs, glaciers, and waterfalls all around. We will take a walk along the black lava beach at Reynisfjara, near Vik, and visit the impressive Skogafoss waterfall, which drops 60 metres. In the village of Skogar, we will explore the Skogar Folk Museum, home to traditional turf houses and a collection of historical artefacts. Our day will conclude with a visit to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where we can walk behind the falls, just be prepared to get wet! We are staying in the town of Hella for tonight.

Please Note: From May to September, a boat tour among the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Lagoon is included in the programme.

Hella - Fridheimar - Geysir -Gullfoss - Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik. Today, we will explore the iconic Golden Circle route, beginning at Fridheimar, where we will discover the unique qualities and history of the Icelandic horse and visit a geothermal greenhouse.

We will then head to the Geysir geothermal area, where we’ll see steam rising from various hot springs and bubbling pools. While the original geyser is dormant, we’ll witness the eruption of Strokkur, known as "the Churn," which erupts every 5-7 minutes. Our next stop will be Gullfoss, “the Golden Falls,” a stunning double waterfall that drops 32 metres into the Hvita River, drawing visitors all year round.

We’ll continue our journey to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On our return to Reykjavik, we’ll take a brief city tour to showcase the highlights of the world’s northernmost capital.

Reykjavik - The Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik. Today you will travel through rugged lava fields to the Blue Lagoon (unescorted - without a guide), where you can unwind in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters renowned for their healing properties.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, or stay longer at the Blue Lagoon to enjoy an optional spa treatment (entrance fee and towel are included). You will have to make your own way back to the hotel if you stay behind.

Reykjavik - Ilulissat (Greenland). Today you will transfer from our accommodation to Keflavik International Airport for your included 3-hour flight to Ilulissat. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to our hotel. After a welcome meeting with our new guide, we will enjoy a guided city walk around Ilulissat.

Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the town, visit the local museum, or observe Greenlandic life at the lively harbour. A 2-course welcome dinner is included at our hotel in Ilulissat.

Around 22:00, we will set off for a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The ever-changing lights and colours make the experience truly unforgettable. During the tour, we can enjoy a late drink on “the Greenlandic rocks.” The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, so make sure to dress warmly.

Please note: Travel in Greenland depends on weather, fog, and ice conditions, so day tours and excursions may change, and alternatives will be offered when possible. Delays or cancellations between Iceland and Greenland can also occur. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover unexpected expenses. To avoid missing international flights, plan to stay at least two nights in Iceland after your Greenland trip.

Ilulissat - Sermermiut - Ilullissat. We will start the day with breakfast at the hotel before taking a bus as far as the road goes. From there, we’ll embark on a guided hike to the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, located on the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004. The settlement, 1.5 km south of the town, is surrounded by Ilulissat's stunning icebergs. Various Inuit cultures have inhabited this area for the past 4,000 years, and you can still see remnants from ancient times. We will learn about the local history and customs before the arrival of Europeans, visit plots settled thousands of years ago, and admire the views across the majestic icebergs.

After the hike, we will visit a local family in their home. Here, we can enjoy a cup of coffee while they share the latest news and offer insights into life in this remote part of the world.

Please Note: Please wear suitable footwear or hiking boots for today's excursion. The 3 km round-trip hike takes about 1 hour on mostly bridged paths, with some uneven and rocky terrain.

Ilulissat - Ilimanaq - Disko Bay - Ilulissat. Today we sail south along the Ilulissat Icefjord, taking in the towering icebergs and observing local fishermen in their small boats. We visit the Ilimanaq settlement, where hunting and fishing still play a central role in daily life. We can see the historic wooden houses from the old Danish trading station, which date back to 1730.

After exploring the settlement, we enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling Greenlandic specialities. On our way back to Ilulissat, we enjoy a whale watching cruise through Disko Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for minke, fin, humpback and blue whales, as well as orcas, beluga whales, and maybe even a narwhal or two.

Ilulissat - Eqi Glacier- Ilullissat. After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart early for our boat trip to Eqi, the calving glacier. Located 80 km north of Ilulissat, the Eqi Glacier is one of Greenland’s most stunning sights. We will get close to the 5 km wide glacier front and witness massive chunks of ice breaking off. The sound of the active calving glacier is truly remarkable, and the sight of icebergs crashing into the water is breathtaking. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours before we return to Ilulissat.

Ilullissat - Reykjavik (Iceland). In the morning, you can explore the town of Ilulissat and do some last-minute shopping. We will then fly back to Keflavik, and you will be transferred to our hotel in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik - Raufarhóolshellir Lava Tunnel - Reykjavik. Today's excursion is unescorted, meaning you will not have a guide with you. A driver will collect you and take you out to the magnificent lava tunnel, Raufarholshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. A local guide will conduct a tour lasting around 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the cave. You are then transferred back to Reykjavik, where your final evening is at leisure.

After breakfast, you will take the Flybus shuttle bus from our accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight.