Welcome to Iceland! We'll be picked up at the Keflavík international airport by our driver/guide with our private minibus.

We'll stop for included breakfast (buffet) and then start our day of exploration.

We'll do our bonus Fagradalsfjall volcano hike, which erupted early this year (March), to the see this historic eruption up close. One hour hike each way.

Leaving southwest Iceland, today's journey takes us immediately into a world of diversity, comprising many of Iceland's unique features. We head through Reykjavík onwards to the western peninsula of Snæfellsnes. It is a legendary area of magic and beauty, immortalized in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. 

Traveling around the peninsula, we'll stop at Arnarstapi, a small local fishing village with its extraordinary columnar basalt and cliff formations from ancient lava flows cooled by the sea. Arnarstapi also has one of Iceland's most beautiful natural harbors. We'll pass around the peninsula and enjoy views of the ancient 700,000-year-old glacier-capped volcano of Snaefellsjokull. We'll also have views of the iconic 1,500 foot mountain peak Kirkjufell, (also known as Church mountain) that juts out into the sea and was made famous (or not) in Game of Thrones. This marvelous landmark near the town of Grundarfjörður is said to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location.

Overnight in the village of Borgarnes at Hotel Hamar. Dinner included.

[B,D] 

Mileage 157 miles, 4 hrs. 

Overnight - Hotel Hamar

After breakfast, we'll continue on to the quaint seaside fishing village of Stykkishólmur (approximately an hour drive). The idyllic town has an old center with renovated houses and a strong cultural foundation. It is situated to the south of the Breiðafjörður Bay – the bay of a thousand islands.

Our morning plan is to split the group in two and take turns enjoying a leisurely tour of the coastline by kayak in the morning on sit-on-top boats, which are very stable & suitable for all kayakers.

In the afternoon, we will board the ferry Baldur for the 1.5 hr journey to the remote Flatey island in Breiðafjörður bay. Flatey is the largest island among a cluster of about forty other small islands in the area.

One of Iceland's gems, Flatey has a scarce population of five year-round inhabitants. This tiny, remote island is about one mile long and about half mile wide. There is only one dusty road leading from the ferry dock to the old village. The old village consists of several beautifully kept old and restored houses in cheerful colours. There is plenty to see on the island: a tranquil setting of old buildings, unique natural scenery and diverse birdlife. 

Staying at the hotel we'll have transportation of our luggage by tractor or we can grab one of the wheelbarrows from the harbour and transport our luggage like the locals.

[B]  

Mileage 50 miles (1-2 hrs)

Overnight - Hotel Flatey 

We'll enjoy a leisurely day on Flatey strolling around the island and exploring its uniqueness. We'll have included lunch at the hotel. In the late afternoon, the ferry Baldur will take us to the south coast of the remote Westfjords peninsula. Our minibus awaits us and we continue westwards.

[B,L,D] 

Mileage 62 miles (2 hrs)

Overnight - Hotel Breiðavík

Today from Breiðavík we'll get to explore the sights in the vicinity. 

Rauðasandur (Red Sand) is a 6-mile stretch of a beach with, yes, red sand, at least in certain conditions. On sunny days, it is quite a sight to see as it scintillates like a shoreline covered in diamonds. Sunny days are by no means a constant in Iceland. This amazing beach is like an instrument being played by high and low tides as well as lights and shadows. The sands are equally impressive on rainy days, constantly changing colors from red to yellow to white to red to black – with amazing hues ranging throughout.

We will also visit the westernmost point of Europe, Látrabjarg cliffs, truly being the edge of the world! This astounding line of cliffs, nearly 9 miles long and 1,500 feet high, is the largest sea-bird cliff in Europe! It's home to birds, including puffins, in unfathomable numbers. The puffins are particularly tame and are the ones frequenting the grassy, higher part of the cliffs.

En route we have the option of exploring Örlygshöfn, a great museum by Hnjótur farm at the bottom of the small valley. The museum gives an insight into the harsh life and isolation of the people who lived in this area throughout the centuries. (Entrance fee included)

[B,L] 

Mileage 143 miles (3 hrs). Walking on uneven ground, no incline.

Overnight - Hotel Breiðavík

We'll continue north on the most interesting and spectacular part of the Westfjord drive, we'll be driving over a high mountain pass and along the roots of very steep mountain slopes.

Our adventure of the day is hiking to one of the most interesting and beautiful waterfalls in the country, Dynjandi. It actually consists of seven waterfalls that each has its name and identity. So Dynjandi is more than just a waterfall; it is a feast of waterfalls. Dynjandi is the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords and is considered the jewel of the Westfjords. The source has its origin in mountain lakes and spring fed rivers. The hiking trail will take us all the way up to the highest, and most impressive part. 

Our options in the afternoon include a visit to a rural hot pool or Viking Thing. One of the gems of the area, at the bottom of Reykjarfjörður fjord, is a small geothermal swimming pool nestling at the edge of the ocean. A so called “farmers pool” it was like many rural pools built by the locals to enjoy the natural hot water. For us it is a great place to stop and relax out in nature in a warm pool (no dressing facilities). The oldest Viking Thing area is in the Westfjords. A Thing is a chieftain council site. With a local guide we'll get to relive the Viking era with food and ale tasting, bread baking, viking era handcrafts, and period dress. (Admission fee included) 

[B]

Mileage 124 miles (3 hrs). 1 hr hiking on uneven ground, 265 ft incline

Overnight - Hotel Ísafjörður

Today we explore Ísafjörður village, the largest town in the Westfjords peninsula, with some 3000 inhabitants. It is an ancient church site and a trading post since at least the 16th century. The town has an interesting political and economic history and has always been a highly cultural town in the forefront in music and education. Since the town is very old in Icelandic historical terms, there are more old and interesting houses in Ísafjörður than in any other town in Iceland of comparable size. Folk museum visit fee included.

In the afternoon we will take a boat tour to the remote Vigur island. Although Vigur is the second largest island in Isafjordur Bay, it only has five inhabitants – a farmer and his family! Experience the beautiful seascapes and landscapes and an abundance of birdlife.

Evening dinner (not included) at one of the best and most original restaurants in Iceland, Tjöruhúsið. It is a restaurant operated in one of the oldest houses in Ísafjörður built in 1781. 

[B]

Mileage minimal (0-1). 2 hours walking on uneven ground, no incline.

Overnight - Hotel Ísafjörður

This morning we'll take a flight to Reykjavík to maximize our time in lieu of doing the long drive.

Free day in the city! Tons of things to do and explore.

Our guide will drive our minibus to Reykjavík. We'll meet up for our evening farewell dinner!

[B, D]

Overnight - Hotel Alda

Sadly, its depature day and time to say goodbye.

We'll have some morning free time for last minute shopping and exploration.

Transfer to the Keflavík International Airport approx 1.00 pm.