West & North: Iceland Through the Ages

Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Northwest Iceland → Akureyri → Tröllaskagi Peninsula → Skagafjörður → West Iceland → Reykjavík

Travel through Iceland’s western and northern regions, where breathtaking landscapes and historical sites combine to tell the story of the country’s settlement, cultural development and regional traditions. From Viking farmsteads and saga sites to fishing villages and former centres of power, each region reveals a different chapter of Iceland’s history while showcasing some of its most beautiful and least-visited landscapes.

Day 1 – Arrival in Iceland & Reykjavík

Arrival in Iceland and transfer to Reykjavík.

The journey begins with an introduction to Iceland’s capital, a city that offers an accessible first insight into the country’s culture, history and connection to nature. Guests may explore the old harbour, colourful neighbourhoods, waterfront landmarks and contemporary architecture, while learning how Reykjavík has grown from a small coastal settlement into Iceland’s cultural and political centre.

In the evening, the group gathers for a welcome dinner featuring Icelandic ingredients and local flavours. This first evening sets the tone for the journey ahead: a route focused not only on landscapes, but also on the communities and stories that shape Icelandic life.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Day 2 – Borgarfjörður: Sagas, Hot Springs & West Iceland

Leave Reykjavík and travel into Borgarfjörður, one of Iceland's most historically significant regions and an area closely connected to the Icelandic sagas.

Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before continuing to the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water emerges through an ancient lava field. The day also includes a visit to Reykholt, the home of medieval chieftain, writer and historian Snorri Sturluson, whose writings preserved much of Norse mythology and Iceland's early history.

Surrounded by fertile farmland, geothermal landscapes and historic sites, Borgarfjörður provides an ideal introduction to the stories and people who helped shape Iceland's cultural heritage.

Overnight: Borgarfjörður / West Iceland

Day 3 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Today is dedicated to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as “Iceland in miniature” because of the variety of landscapes found in one region. The peninsula combines lava fields, fishing villages, black beaches, sea cliffs, mountains and views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier, creating a powerful sense of Iceland’s natural diversity.

The route may include coastal villages, dramatic rock formations, historic churches and scenic viewpoints along the peninsula. Unlike the busier south coast, Snæfellsnes often feels more open and atmospheric, with long stretches of coastline and mountain scenery that invite slower exploration.

This day gives guests the feeling of travelling through a complete landscape story: from rural farmland to volcanic coastline, from small communities to glacier views.

Overnight: Snæfellsnes / West Iceland

Day 4 – Viking Heritage & Northwest Iceland

Travel north through the historic settlement regions of western Iceland.

Along the way, visit Eiríksstaðir, the reconstructed farmstead of Erik the Red, one of Iceland's most famous Viking settlers. The site offers fascinating insight into daily life during the Viking Age and tells the story of Erik's son, Leif Eiríksson, who voyaged across the Atlantic and reached North America centuries before Columbus.

As the journey continues north, guests experience landscapes that played an important role in Iceland's early settlement history, providing a deeper understanding of how people adapted to life on the edge of the North Atlantic.

Overnight: Northwest Iceland

Day 5 – Akureyri & The Capital of the North

Continue toward Akureyri, Iceland’s largest town outside the capital region and an important cultural centre in the north.

Set at the end of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri combines mountain scenery, harbour life and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Guests can explore the town centre, visit local museums or gardens, and learn about the role Akureyri plays as a service, education and cultural hub for North Iceland.

The experience here is different from Reykjavík. Akureyri feels smaller, calmer and closely tied to the surrounding fjord landscape. For groups, it offers a valuable opportunity to see how life in Iceland functions outside the capital area.

Overnight: Akureyri

Day 6 – Skaftafell & Return Through South Iceland

Spend the morning exploring the remarkable landscapes of Skaftafell, a scenic area within Vatnajökull National Park known for its glacier views, mountain peaks and hiking trails.

As the journey continues westward, travel through vast lava fields, glacier outwash plains and fertile agricultural regions that reveal the powerful natural forces that have shaped Iceland throughout the centuries. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and appreciate the ever-changing landscapes of the South Coast.

Return to the Hella or Hvolsvöllur area, surrounded by some of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes and river valleys.

Overnight: South Iceland

Day 7 – Buggy Adventure in Þórsmörk

Today is dedicated to exploring the dramatic wilderness of Þórsmörk, one of Iceland’s premier outdoor destinations.

Nestled between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull, this spectacular valley is known for its rugged mountain ridges, glacial rivers and thriving vegetation. Reaching the area is an adventure in itself, requiring river crossings and travel through remote terrain.

A guided buggy tour offers an exciting way to explore the region, following trails through volcanic landscapes shaped by the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of glaciers, valleys and black sand plains that highlight the raw power and beauty of Iceland’s interior.

Overnight: South Iceland

Day 8 – Borgarfjörður & Snowmobiling on Langjökull

Travel to West Iceland and the historic region of Borgarfjörður, known for its geothermal activity, waterfalls and saga heritage.

From Húsafell, head into the highlands surrounding Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Here, embark on a snowmobiling adventure across the glacier’s expansive ice fields, enjoying breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and wilderness.

Following the excursion, discover some of Borgarfjörður’s natural highlights, including Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water emerges through an ancient lava field.

Overnight: Borgarfjörður

Day 9 – Snæfellsnes & Vatnshellir Cave

Explore the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” due to the variety of natural attractions found within a relatively compact region.

Travel past fishing villages, dramatic coastlines and lava fields beneath the glacier-capped peak of Snæfellsjökull, which famously inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Highlights may include Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur and the iconic mountain Kirkjufell.

One of the day’s adventures is a guided descent into Vatnshellir Cave, an ancient lava tube formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption. Exploring the cave reveals a hidden world of lava formations and volcanic geology beneath the peninsula’s rugged surface.

Return to Reykjavík for a farewell dinner celebrating the experiences and adventures of the past 9 days.

Overnight: Reykjavík

Day 10 – Departure

Transfer to Keflavík International Airport for departure.

Depart Iceland having experienced its landscapes from every angle: on foot, by kayak, by buggy, by snowmobile and beneath the surface of an ancient lava field.