ICELANDIC HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1
Start Reykjavik.

Day 2
Leaving Reykjavik for the north, we pass Hvalfjordur (Bay of Whales) - during World War II this was an important harbour for US convoys heading for Britain. As we enter the volcanic country called Myrar, we stop for the 1-2 hour hike to the extinct Eldborg crater. Climbing to its low rim gives excellent views on a clear day. Heading west towards Snaefellsness we pass some interesting columnar basalt cliffs at Gerduberg. Our destination is the farm of Langaholt where our guesthouse looks south over a windswept sandy bay towards the towering Snaefellsjokull volcano

Day 3
Snaefellsness is perhaps best known for the glacier-capped strato-volcano 'Snaefellsjokull' and its literary and mystical associations. Jules Verne in his classic 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' describes this as the start point for the protagonist's journey. New-age followers consider this area as one of the earth's seven major energy centres. With the volcano as a backdrop we visit the cliffs of nesting seabirds at Arnastapi, before a coastal walk to Hellnar, and discover the old cod-fishing community at Dritvik. Time allowing we can enjoy a soak in the warm swimming pool of mineral waters at Lysuholl geothermal area. The waters are said to have healing properties.

Day 4
Crossing to the north side of the peninsula we head to the fishing village of Stykkisholmur - an old trading post where a modern fishing industry sits alongside old timber houses from Danish times. Here there is the option to take a 3-hour boat ride through the thousands of islands of the Breidafjordur Marine Conservation Area Archipelago; an excellent place for birdlife and we may also see seals. From Stykkisholmur we travel to Eiriksstadir, a reconstructed Viking house once home to Erik the Red and his son Leif Eiriksson - the two most famous travelling Vikings. The 'Eirikstadir' gives an interesting insight into the way of life for the early settlers. From Eiriksstadir we head south via Borgarfjordur with a stop and a short walk to the top of Grabrok crater. From Grabrok we head inland on a more remote mountain road Uxahriggir and head south to the Thingvellir area.

Day 5
Today we head for Thingvellir, the old site of Iceland's early parliament. This area became Iceland's first National Park in 1928 and a World Heritage area in 2004. It sits right on top of a major fault line and abounds with waterfalls, immense fissures and the largest lake in the country. We then move on to see the world famous geysers, the most reliable eruption comes every 5-10 minutes from one called 'Strokkur'; the 30-metre jet of water and steam is spectacular. To top the day off, we drive a short distance to Gullfoss - a dramatic waterfall located in a 70m deep canyon of River Hvita (White River). We continue further south and head for the south coast to visit two of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

Day 6
We begin heading east to Dyrholaey, a dramatic 120 metre high promontory and the southernmost point in Iceland. This area is particularly rich in birdlife, and is a nesting site for thousands of puffins and arctic terns. If we are lucky we might see whales and seals from here on calm days. From here we visit the columnar basalt pillars at Reynisfjara beach, before continuing to the village of Vik with its black sand beach. From here we begin our journey back to Reykjavik, stopping en route at the town of Hveragerdi.

Day 7
A free day for further optional activities or exploring Reykjavik on your own. The town centre is within walking distance of the guesthouse, with plenty of cafes to sit and relax in. There are a number of activities and excursions available from Reykjavik and the guide will explain these during the tour - we strongly suggest you book these (through your guide) before you return to Reykjavik. Possibilities include: further whale watching, horse riding, and sea kayaking. Not forgetting the cities reputation for a busy nightlife.

Day 8
End Reykjavik.