Iceland: Best of North Iceland
Discover a realm of captivating landscapes
Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland has possibly one of the most diverse landscapes on Earth. A North Iceland holiday lets you tour the highlights in the spectacularly scenic north of the country, visiting some of the most famous sites as well as a few of Iceland’s best kept secrets. Volcanic landforms are scattered all around and glaciation has clearly left its mark across the entire island. Volcanoes dominate the skyline, magnificent fjords punctuate the coastal regions, waterfalls plunge over lava plateaus and steam rises from volcanic vents, creating an utterly spellbinding world of geological wonders in North Iceland.
The flora and fauna of Iceland is equally enthralling. In the summer, numerous species of birds flock to the country to breed, taking over lakes and colonising cliff faces. Several varieties of whales enter the bays, especially in North Iceland, in order to find food. On a Nordurland Vestra holiday you have the option to go on a whale watching cruise to see these mighty creatures for yourself.
A North Iceland holiday begins and ends in the capital, Reykjavík. They take a circular route up to the north of the country and return through Iceland’s dramatic interior along the popular Kjolur Highland Road.
Day 1 -
Fly to Iceland
Fly to Iceland and transfer to the Grand Hotel Reykjavík for a one-night stay.
Day 2 -
Depart from Reykjavík
Your North Iceland holiday will depart from the city in the morning. On the journey north, sit back and relax as you gaze out at the stunning views of mountains and fjords. Stops along the way include a visit to Hraunfossar waterfall, a series of falls that stretch for almost a kilometre along a lava field. There is also the chance to take a short hike to the top of Grábrók Volcano where efforts will be rewarded with fabulous views of the surrounding North Iceland countryside. Later, arrive in Akureyri and check into your selected accommodation.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 3 -
Explore Akureyri
Unofficially known as the ‘Capital of the North’, Akureyri is one of the oldest towns in Iceland. This morning on your North Iceland holiday, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the town and visit some impressive sights such as the eye-catching church and the pretty botanical gardens which are home to various exotic plants and trees. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish on your North Iceland holiday. Many decide to take the short ferry ride across to Hrísey Island which was once inhabited by the notorious Vikings. The charismatic village there is surrounded by stunning scenery and the island is an important breeding ground for the Arctic Tern.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 4 -
Lake Mývatn
En route to the lake, the tour makes a stop at the magnificent horseshoe-shaped Goðafoss waterfall, which translates as ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and is definitely one of the highlights of a North Iceland holiday. Later, the tour continues to the idyllic Lake Mývatn area. The lake was formed during an eruption that occurred over 2000 years ago. Nowadays, thousands of birds flock there every summer and the lava formations that are scattered all over the area instil a real sense of intrigue.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 5 -
At leisure
A North Iceland holiday gives its guests plenty of free time to make their holiday their own. Perhaps spend the day in Akureyri visiting museums and galleries, browsing the shops and relaxing in the local cafés. On your North Iceland holiday there is also an optional tour to Siglufjörður, a small fishing community located within a narrow fjord of the same name. Colourful buildings nestle in the bottom of the valley, and the dramatic scenery that surrounds can only truly be appreciated by taking one of the marked hiking trails into the mountains.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 6 -
Húsavík
Another highlight of a North Iceland holiday is a whale watching cruise in Húsavík. As you sail around the bay, learn about these mighty creatures as you wait for them to make their appearance. Larger whales are often spotted feeding in the bay during the summer months in North Iceland and you may get the chance to see orcas, humpbacks and blue whales among others. The boat tours on a North Iceland holiday are optional and you are free to explore the town if you prefer. In the afternoon, continue to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, which is an impressive 44 metres in height.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 7 -
Kjolur Highland Road
Today on your North Iceland holiday there is the opportunity to relax as the coach takes you on an incredible journey south along the infamous Kjolur Highland Road. Enjoy views of jagged mountains, barren wilderness and two spectacular glaciers. Along the way, the North Iceland tour makes a stop at Hveravellir nature reserve where bubbling springs and smoking fumaroles make up a geothermal wonderland. Take a dip in the sumptuous warm waters of the geothermal pool before you board the coach for your return journey to Reykjavík for the final night of your North Iceland holiday.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 8 -
Depart Reykjavík
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included:
Breakfast