"Pearls of Iceland" is a jeep tour around Iceland including sites in the central Highlands like: Dimmuborgir Nature Reserve, Laki crater, Askja volcano and in the northwest of the island the wild West Fjords.
"Pearls of Iceland" is a jeep tour around Iceland including sites in the central Highlands like: Dimmuborgir Nature Reserve, Laki crater, Askja volcano and in the northwest of the island the wild West Fjords. This trip, which is a unique and unforgettable experience, will take us across the fascinating Iceland.
No off-road driving experience is required.
Route Length: 3000 km. (Nerarly)
Season: July1st - Sep15th
You will pick up the car at the airport. 45-minutes driving distance is what separates us from Reykjavik, the capital and the main city of Iceland. Reykjavik, the name that in Icelandic means "smoking bay", is the economic, cultural and political capital of Iceland with a population of about 70% of the overall population of Iceland. Its picturesque streets with colorful houses and cozy atmosphere earned it the name of one of the most attractive capitals in Europe. It is much recommended to take a walk along the main streets of the city to the main square and the nearby lake.
Today's main sites: Reykjavik.
Accommodation: Reykjavik.
From Reykjavik you will turn clockwise to the Borgarfjörður. The village Borgarnes is the main village in West Iceland and the gateway to the wilderness of the nature in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Between Borgarnes and the Snæfellsnes peninsula is located the Eldborg crater - one of the best examples of perfect volcanic crater in nature. Snæfellsnes Peninsula is considered Iceland in miniature: many spectacular natural phenomena are all concentrated in a relatively small geographic area. From a bird's-eye view, the peninsula looks as a long tongue with a bulge at the western end. This bulge is one of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland. The Mount Snæfellsjökull is located at the base of the national park with the same name. At the top of the volcano you will find a glacier, which dominates its surrounding from the height of 1440 meters. It can be seen even from Reykjavik – a distance of 160 km. There are several interesting sites around the mountain, like the lava stones beach Djúpalónssandur and two picturesque fishing villages Arnarstapi and Hellnar connected by a walking trail with the dramatic scenery around. Estimated driving distance: 270 km.
Today's main sites: Borgarnes - Eldborg crater - Stykkishólmur - Snæfellsjökull Glacier -
Arnarstapi and Hellnar – Dritvik.
Accommodation: Snaefellsnes.
Stykkishólmur is the main village in the Snæfellsnes peninsula and there you will take a ferry for the two-hour cruise to the West Fjords. The cruise passes by the bay lined with small islands and you will see an impressive view of the volcano on the one side and table-shaped mountains on the other side of the ferry. West Fjords is the most isolated region in Iceland, on its western edge is located the Látrabjarg cliff. The cliff's height is over 400 meters and the length 14 km. The cliff is also the westernmost point of Europe and standing on the edge of it is elevating the soul. This is one of the world's best nesting areas of the puffins and various other seabirds. Near the cliff is located one of the most enchanting beaches in Iceland - "the red sands beach". The red sands meet the bay and from the opposite stands proudly Snæfellsjökull volcano. Estimated driving distance: 110 km.
Today's main sites:Ferry boat cruise to the Breidafjordur Bay- Látrabjarg Cliff - red sands
beach.
Accommodation: Látrabjarg.
Very few people live in the West Fjords and those who do live here, live in the fishermen's villages in different fjords scratching the mountains. Travelling north along the fjords is an experience of a journey back in time - to the fjords and villages where the time stands still. Nature rules here and no one is challenging it. The table-shaped mountains are protruding around the plateau with their royal garnet touch and it is hard not to indulge in the special atmosphere there. Dynjandi Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, stands on the way that connects the southern coast of the West Fjords with Ísafjörður, the main town in the region. Ísafjörður is the jewel in the crown of the villages in the fjords and is also a great starting point for the tours in the area and to the nearby villages - "the original fishermen's villages" Suðureyri and Bolungarvík located at the edge of the cliff. Estimated driving distance: 220 km.
Today's main sites:Dynjandi waterfall - West Fjords – Ísafjörður.
Optional activities: cruise to the Vigur Island.
Accommodation: Ísafjörður.
The deepest fjords are in the northern part of this wild region. On the way east you will surround the fjords and look out over the glacier Drangajökull – the northernmost glacier in Iceland. Colonies of seals tend to lie on the rocks along the coast of fjords and road signs indicate the best places to stop and watch them. The largest thermal pool in Iceland is located at the isolated hostel Reykjanes and you should not miss an excellent opportunity for a dip in this extraordinary place. Before you leave the West Fjords, you will reach other villages in this area of the fjords. The town Hólmavík is the capital of the Strandir coast, cultural and historical center of many stories of witchcraft and magic that are so common in Iceland. Estimated driving distance: 240 km.
Today's main sites: Súðavík - Island Vigur - Hólmavík.
Optional activities: bathing in geothermal pool in Reykjanes.
Accommodation: Strandir.
You will leave the fjords behind and proceed northwest. Vastnes Peninsula separates the fjords from the horse-breeding area Skagafjörður. Large colonies of seals can be found along the coast of the peninsula and also huge lava rock formations that look like black trolls frozen in the sunrays. Slowly the landscape is changing and the table-shaped mountains become higher and jagged. Many horse farms are scattered along the way and this is an excellent opportunity to get to know the robust Icelandic horse. The rich peasant families in Iceland are from here and the Vikings-style houses and churches can be found throughout the region. The grass houses museum Glaumbær illustrates how Icelanders lived ages before in an unforgiving environment fighting against the forces of nature. Skagafjörður is also one of the best places in Iceland for river rafting. Estimated driving distance: 280 km.
Today's main sites: Lava rock formation Hvítserkur - Vatsnes Peninsula - Glaumbær turf houses.
Optional activities: horseback riding.
Accommodation: North West Iceland.
The main town in the north of Iceland is Akureyri - economic and cultural center with a population of 35,000 people. Akureyri is located at the mouth of a long narrow fjord, on the east side of which there is a mountain pass to the "Waterfall of the Gods" (Goðafoss) and Lake Mývatn. Around the Lake Mývatn there are some well-known attractions in Iceland on relatively small geographic area. The landscape looks like another planet and a strong smell of sulfur from the cracks in the soil enhances the experience. In the lake itself, studded with many craters, swim various species of ducks. It is one of the world's best nesting areas for many species of ducks, some of them extremely rare. One of the well-known sites around the lake is the "City of Black Lava" (Dimmuborgir) and an active volcano Krafla, which last eruption is still clearly felt in the entire region. Estimated driving distance: 230 km.
Today's main sites: Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall - Lake Mývatn.
Accommodation: Mývatn area \ Húsavík.
One of the best places in the world to watch whales is in a cruise from the beautiful town of Húsavík. The town is also the first stop on our way to the Diamond Circle that includes the Ásbyrgi, a U-shaped valley created by a tremendous glacier flood. Pastoral green valley surrounded by a high stonewall conceals the catastrophe that led to its creation in the first place. The second stop is Dettifoss waterfall, which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The mighty roar of the falling water create the vibrations that shake the bones. The melting glacier Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, is flowing down the river Jökulsá. The intensity and height differences create the Dettifoss waterfall that accelerates this intensive flow to the North Sea. You will come back to the Lake Mývatn where you will finish the day. Estimated driving distance: 250 km.
Today's main sites: Hljóðaklettar - Ásbyrgi Canyon - Jökulsárgljúfur - Dettifoss Waterfall -
Egilsstaðir - Hallormsstaðarskógur Forest
Optional activities: whale-watching cruise - entrance to the Mývatn baths.
Accommodation: Mývatn area.
A long and exciting day travelling around the mountainous Iceland. NASA has picked Askja volcanic zone as its astronauts training center before flying to the moon because it is the area closest to the lunar landscape found on Earth. Well-known writer called the place "the Lunar Embassy on Earth". Askja volcano is located in the heart of the island reachable by the hilly dirt road passing on its way a number of streams. Passing through the desert, you will make a stop at the oasis and get to know the king of the Icelandic mountains - Mount Herðubreið. There are two craters at the top of Mount Askja: giant lake crater and a small crater with turquoise waters called the "gateway to hell". The walkway to the craters is around 45 minutes. After visiting the moon ... sorry, the Askja volcano, you will continue east through the mountainous road passing the dam Kárahnjúkar to the Eastern Iceland to the town Egilsstaðir, which will be our starting point for further trips along the East Fjords. Estimated driving distance: 330 km.
Today's main sites: Herðubreiðalindir - Askja - Viti crater - Godafoss Waterfall –Akureyri.
Accommodation: Egilsstaðir.
Egilsstaðir is the main town in eastern Iceland and the starting point for our trips in this unique region. Nearby is the picturesque village Seyðisfjörður located at the entrance to one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland, which is also a port for the ferries arriving from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The way south is passing through the long narrow fjords with isolated fishermen's villages. The pace of life in this region is completely different from the pace in Reykjavik, the capital city. One of the famous places is the village Stöðvarfjörður where is a unique collection of stones and minerals of a local woman who turned her house into a museum. The southern entrance to the East Fjords is the village Djúpivogur adjacent to the Papey Bird Island. Cruises to the island are available all summer until the migration of the puffins, which are the symbol of this place. The trip ends near the foot of the glacier Vatnajökull in the town Höfn. Estimated driving distance: 250 km.
Today's main sites: East Fjords - Höfn.
Optional activities: cruise to the Papey Island - Petra's stone and mineral museum.
Accommodation: Höfn.
Today the trip continues from the foot of the largest glacier in Europe. Glacier Vatnajökull influences everything in its surrounding and covers about 8% of the entire island. The most spectacular natural phenomena in Iceland can be seen at the foot of this glacier. The most famous is probably the Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlón. The fragments of icebergs break away from the giant glacier and flow slowly along the picturesque lagoon towards the sea. Iceland is changing right before our eyes. During the summer, you can take a cruise in an amphibian boat in the lagoon and view glaciers from different angles, bright, changing colors like the chameleon depending on the angle of the sunlight. Often you can see the seals swimming in the lagoon. The next stop is the National Park Skaftafell, which is now part of the largest national park in Europe. This area is perfect for hiking in the low birch forests that do not hide the view. The famous waterfall Svartifoss, with the basalt columns surrounding it, is one of the known stops in the park. The area between the glacier and the sea is an area of sand drift created by the floods coming unpredictably from the glacier. You will move with the nearby road to the flooding areas on our way to the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur connected historically to the site you will visit tomorrow. Estimated driving distance: 240 km.
Today's main sites: Glacier Lagoon - national park Skaftafell.
Optional activities: cruise in an amphibian boat in glacier lagoon - snow scooters tour.
Accommodation:Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Laki's craters are the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history – the geological Armageddon on the global scale. One hundred thirty-five craters created after a series of eruptions that lasted several months, scar the earth for the distance of several kilometers. From the Ring Road branches out hilly dirt road, that crosses several rivers and leads to the nature reserve Lakagigar. There you can explore beautiful hiking trails between the craters and witness the eruptions remainders that in the 18th century covered large parts of the world with an ash cloud. This event caused panic, drought and hunger in Europe and even in as faraway places as Japan. The nearby village Kirkjubæjarklaustur miraculously survived the eruption and in the village center there is an interesting exhibition on the history of the eruption. The way to the Laki Craters passes through the canyon (Fjadrargljufur) considered by many the most beautiful in Iceland. Estimated driving distance: 140 km.
Today's main sites: Craters of Laki - Fjadrargljufur - Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Accommodation: Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
You will take a path through the back of the mountain (Fjallabak), leading to the colorful rhyolite mountains nature reserve in Landmanalaugar, which is the jewel in the crown for many travelers in the center of Iceland and the pilgrimage site of geologists. "Fire Canyon" (Eldgja) nicked in the earth 30 km along is the "official opening" of the day full of breathtaking landscapes. On the mountainous road crossed by several rivers, many movies were filmed in the recent years when the director wanted to show a "different world" view. Nature reserve Landmanalaugar itself is a gem made of mountains of different colors, which were created a result of the existence of many minerals in this area, abundant with hot springs creating a great natural pool for swimming. In the reserve itself there are a number of walking trails for all levels and also this is the starting point for the most famous trek in Iceland. Estimated driving distance: 180 km.
Today's main sites: Fjallabak - Reserve Landmanalaugar - Eldgjá - Waterfall Ófærufoss.
Accommodation: Gullfoss \ Selfoss area.
You cannot travel in Iceland without visiting the most well-known sites. The first stop on this route called "the Golden Circle", and perhaps it is not a coincidence, is a huge waterfall also called the "Golden Waterfall" (Gullfoss). It is the most famous and incredible waterfall in Iceland and it is quite an achievement when it was compared to thousands of other amazing waterfalls. Not far from there is the famous Geyser (Geysir), the water eruptions of which are one of the most photographed events in Iceland. This Geyser is just one of several dozens of geysers that are also in the same area. The third stop of the day is the most important national park in Iceland. Thingvellir Park (Þingvellir) is a forty minutes' drive away from Reykjavik. This is the establishment site of the first parliament in the world. Moreover, this is one of the few places, where you can walk between tectonic plates through a kind of transcontinental bridge that separates Europe and Asia from America. Probably there is no more proper ending for this day than a visit to the Blue Lagoon, the famous blue thermal pool in Iceland. You will return to Reykjavik where you will spend the rest of the evening. Estimated driving distance: 240 km.
Today's main sites: Thingvellir Park - Blue Lagoon - Geysir.
Optional activities: Blue Lagoon entrance.
Accommodation: Reykjavik.
You will enjoy the beautiful Reykjavik until the flight. The car will be returned back at the airport before the flight.
"Pearls of Iceland" is a jeep tour around Iceland including sites in the central Highlands like: D...
All of our tours include high quality accommodation! – Accommodation levels are divided into three categories: budget, comfort and quality. Great variety of suppliers who work with us all over Iceland allow us to find for you the best accommodation available in each category.
Rooms with private bathroom (shower and/or bathtub and toilet). This category includes the best hotels available in each area. All hotels provide breakfast which is included in the price,
Address: Silfurtorgi 2, 400 Ísafjörður
Address: Olnbogaás, 660 Mývatn
Address: SIGTÚN 38, 105 REYKJAVÍK
Address: 310 Borgarnes
Address: Ránarslóð, 780 Höfn í Hornafirði
Address: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, Thingvallastraeti 23, 600 Akureyri
Address: Borgarbraut, Stykkishólmur
Rooms with private bathroom (shower and toilet). This category includes hotels, guest houses and farms with high tourist class. Breakfast is included.
Address: Sudurlandsbraut 12 108 Reykjavik
Address: Gullfoss, Iceland.
Address: 320 Reykholt
Address: Aðalstræti 100, 450 Patreksfjörður
Address: 531 Hvammstangi, Iceland
Address: Tjarnarbraut 25, 700 Egilsstadir
Address: Geislagata, 600 Akureyri
Rooms with shared bathroom, which are often in the corridor or on the same floor. This category includes hotels, guest houses and farmhouses. In some rooms there is a sink in the room. Breakfast is included. Outside Reykjavik, in more remote areas, most of the places in this category offer dinner for an additional fee.
Address: Skúlagata 21, 310 Borgarnes - Iceland
Address: Laugar in Saelingsdalur, 371 Búðardalur
Address: Þórsgata 26, 101 Reykjavík
Address: Breiðavík / Látrabjarg - 451 Patreksfjörður
Address: Hrífunesvegur