Head North towards Iceland’s seal sanctuary, Vatnsnes Peninsula, where seals can be seen in large flocks basking in the sun, resting on drifting icebergs and very often entertaining humans! Hvítserkur sea stack is a sight to behold regardless of when you visit - at dawn, at dusk, but it gets beyond magical when bathed in northern lights. Take a small detour around Skagafjörður area, the cradle of the Icelandic horse and home to a jaw-dropping swimming pool in Hofsós, with an infinite view over the Greenland Sea, with a few small islands breaking through. Continue onwards on a scenic drive around Tröllaskagi Peninsula before checking in at your accommodation for the night in Eyjafjörður.

Accommodation is in Eyjafjörður area for 2 nights.

Soak in the atmosphere of North Iceland with a stop at Dalvík fishing town, the departure point for the ferry Sæfari, sailing to Grímsey Island, Iceland's northernmost community, which lies on the Arctic Circle. With less than 100 inhabitants, light pollution is not an issue, making for the ideal conditions to observe northern lights from September until the end of April. Alternatively, you can sail to Hrísey, a beautiful serene island in the middle of Eyjafjörður with the most breathtaking view over the mountains and fjord mouth, where we recommend a visit to the museum tracing the island’s rich history.

Discover the charm of Iceland’s second largest city, Akureyri, covered with a thick blanket of snow. Get the thrill of a downhill or cross-country skiing adventure at Hlídarfjall Ski Resort, walk Akureyri’s streets consisting of beautifully-restored colourful timber houses before chilling in one of the town’s friendliest cafés. Families and independent travelers alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor recreation options near Akureyri, from whale watching and dog sledding to ice fishing and sightseeing flights (need to be booked in advance). After an intense day, head to Mývatn Lake area, your home for the next two nights.

Accommodation in Mývatn area for 2 nights.

Wake up to the silence and tranquility of Lake Mývatn Area, an area of diverse and stunning scenery, shaped by volcanic activity. Make a first stop at Goðafoss Waterfall, the so-called 'Waterfall of the Gods', glorious in its winter coat, before exploring the natural wonders in the immediate vicinity of Lake Mývatn, including Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, Skútustaðargígar Pseudo Craters, Grjótagjá Lava Cave, Námafjall Geothermal Field, and Krafla Crater whose intense blue is truly something special. Unwind your day of sightseeing in the healing waters of Mývatn Nature Baths, under starry skies and even northern lights if you are lucky.

Visit Húsavík town, the capital of whale watching (limited in winter), and the ideal gateway connecting most of the highlights in The Diamond Circle. Hop on a boat and quietly approach the humpback whales, for a timeless moment in their natural environment. Watch them swim under the boat, blow in the waves, and even make incredible acrobatics. Soak in the view over the ocean and snow-capped mountains from Húsavík Geothermal Sea Baths, a real temple of relaxation, before taking the direction of the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, where the rugged beauty of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls, set in a rocky canyon, is guaranteed to steal your breath away.

Accommodation is in Egilsstaðir area for 3 nights.

Experience the charm and magnificent surroundings of Egilsstaðir, a town located on Lagarfljót riverbanks, where you won’t be surprised to come across Lagarfljótsormur, the alleged sea worm! Take your time and visit the beautiful Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss Waterfalls, both testifying of past volcanic eruptions in the area. Reach Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, offering plenty opportunities for outdoor recreation. Alternatively, stop at the Wilderness Center, which has not only an interesting museum, but also offers a wide range of guided tours with a focus on authenticity, a great way to meet the locals and get a glimpse of the Icelandic highlands.

Borgarfjörður Eystri deserves a trip by itself, its natural beauty making it one of Iceland’s most expansive hiking areas. Experience a landscape shaped by glaciers, located on the western flank of Dyrfjöll Mountains. Visit the peaceful town of Bakkagerði, where lies one of the very few turf houses in Iceland to be still inhabited, Lindarbakki. We recommend checking out the Wilderness Center themed tours, the best way to discover the Eastern region’s history and cultural heritage.

Abrupt mountains, icy deserts, roadside waterfalls, hairpin turns... Today, expect the drive itself to the Eastfjords to be scenic, with a succession of diverse and breathtaking panoramas in the rearview! Visit Seyðisfjörður, a characterful village nestled between impressive mountains, where colourful, Norwegian-style wooden houses and little cheerful cafés create magic in the (crisp) air. Enjoy the moment at Djúpivogur, one of Iceland's oldest settlements, whose beauty and wintry scenery is hard to beat. Delight your tastebuds with the most delicious lobster soup at Höfn, a stone’s throw from the spectacular Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes Peninsula, the perfect foreground to photograph northern lights.

Accommodation is in Höfn area. 

Continue South in the direction of Iceland’s crown jewel, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs and moody skies reveal the brightest hues of blues, while the Sun gives the scenery a soft golden look. Walk along the neighbouring Diamond Beach, a shimmering world of stranded chunks of ice. Opt for one of the numerous outdoor activities available in winter in the South of Vatnajökull National Park, from glacier walking and icecaving to super jeep tours and hiking (must be booked in advance). Skaftafell National Park boasts a variety of trails, of which we recommend the one leading to Svartifoss Basalt Column Waterfall, and its spectacular meter-long icicles hanging from the basalt columns.

Accommodation is in Vík area for 2 nights.

Visit the highlights of the South Coast, starting with the charming town of Vík, characterized by Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Reach the lunar black sand beach of Reynisfjara, backed by an incredible stack of basalt columns, reminiscent of a church organ. Admire the open view from Dyrhólaey Promontory and its legendary rock arch, or what remains today of an ancient volcanic island. Drive past the glorious Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull ice-capped volcanos. From Landeyjahöfn, take the ferry to the Westmann Islands, the Pompeii of the North, where we recommend a visit to the local museum Eldheimar, retracing the events of the 1973 volcanic eruptions. Please note that the ferry sometimes departs from Þorlákshöfn depending on winter conditions.

Accommodation is in Vík area for two nights.

Start the day with a visit to the mighty Skógafoss Waterfall, splendid in winter. Make the most of the daylight to take the 1-hour hike, weather permitting, leading to the abandoned DC-3 plane in Sólheimasandur, for a magical, almost otherworldly scenery. Marvel at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where it is usually possible to walk behind except during the winter months when the path can get extremely slippery. Stop at Skálholt, one Iceland’s two bishoprics with Hólar, for more than 700 years, and home to a stunning modern cathedral contrasting with the old turf houses nearby. Sit back and relax in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon and visit the mini-geyser in the geothermal area.

Accommodation is in Gullfoss/Geysir area for two nights.

Today drive the Golden Circle and visit Iceland’s most famous landmarks with a twist . Walk at the heart of the continental drift at Thingvellir National Park, a huge crack in this white vastness, before exploring Gullfoss Waterfall, which remains strong in winter, plummeting down an impressive rocky canyon. Wait for Strokkur geyser to erupt, every 10 minutes on average, and enjoy the contrasts between the ice-cold surroundings and powerful steam rising from the grounds. Bonus stops include Þórufoss Waterfall, Brúarárfoss Waterfall and Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake, all very near the Golden Circle’s three main attractions and worth the small detour.

Your itinerary today depends on the time of your flight. Visit the Geothermal Park in Hveragerði and get an insight into the greenhouse process or take the hot spring river trail in Reykjadalur Valley for a last bath in the wilderness. Alternatively, take a small roadtrip around Reykjanes Peninsula, rich in natural wonders including Gunnhuver Hot Spring and Brimketill Lava Pool, and home to the infamous Blue Lagoon, for a relaxed moment before heading to the airport, with unforgettable memories to bring home.

Accommodation is in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the price).