Dec 17

Dec 17 Reykjavik & Northern Iceland Tour

At Curious Travel we are Iceland fans and aficionados. We love the country, especially Northern Iceland, and our founder Becky has experience of setting up an operator there and we love our partners there who are all devoted to supporting us in the design and execution of the best travel experience possible for you. Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary to explore the highlights and off the beaten track more curious experiences that Iceland has to offer.

Iceland is a country as no other. From volcanoes to glaciers, geothermal pools to stunning waterfalls, whales to puffins, Iceland is overflowing with incredible landscapes and travel experiences which include the world-famous Northern Lights. Iceland is an all year round destination where you will find new experiences and emotions every time you visit.

For more information on Iceland don't forget to check out our Iceland Destination Guide

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Iceland.

DAY 1: Reykjavik

On your arrival at Keflavik airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall and will transfer you 45 min to your hotel in Reykjavik. We can select the best hotel for your preference and for this example we are mentioning Sand Hotel.

Sand Hotel is a luxury property located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. The hotel's relaxed atmosphere and boutique-style design make it a popular place to stay, within easy access of the bustling city life and rich culture just around the corner.
The historic Sandholt Bakery and Gudsteinn Eyjólfsson haberdashery, (which have been in continuous business for over 100 years), are located on the hotel's ground floor. In front of the hotel, is an engraved stone slab in memoriam of the Nobel Prize writer Halldor Laxness who was born in one of the buildings in the back courtyard. A number of art pieces by contemporary artists adorn the rooms and common areas of the hotel in addition to carefully selected sculptures that are located in the back courtyard.

DAY 2: Discovering Reykjavik through your senses

One of the best ways of exploring a new city is through their culture. Food, gastronomy, plays an important role in every single country. On this cultural and gastronomical tour today you will uncover stories and details about the real Reykjavik, its people and its culture. Your guide will involve you in the humour, gourmet food, history, and love affairs of this great city. This experience is operated on a shared basis and includes beer tasting inside a local brewery and visits to selected restaurants and locations.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Iceland.

DAY 3: Internal flight Reykjavik - Akureyri

Lava fields, whale-watching and multiple Game of Thrones film locations. Northern Iceland calls to those who crave real adventure and like to wander off the beaten track.

Today you will transfer to the airport for an internal flight into the more remote area of northern Iceland - to Akureyri and onto Husavik. Upon arrival, you will be transferred for 1 hour to your hotel. For this example, we are recommending the Fosshotel Husavik

Fosshotel Húsavík is a well-equipped hotel in the heart of Húsavík, just walking distance from the scenic harbour (Yes, as seen in the recent film about the Eurovision Song Contest.) Húsavík’s main attraction is the sensational whale watching tours. Húsavík is called the "Whale Watching Capital of Europe" and Fosshotel Húsavík has a whale-themed bistro & bar named after the famous Moby Dick.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Northern Iceland.

For more information on Iceland don't forget to check out our Iceland Destination Guide

DAY 4: Whale experience in Husavik

With speedboats, passengers can cover more area in which to search for whales and so that is what you will experience for your whale watching experience today. The RIB speedboats we use are faster than the wind and make it even more likely for you to find big whales. Normally you do not have to leave Husavik bay to look for whales but on this tour, we focus on finding the bigger, more unique whale sightings – further out to sea. Nothing is guaranteed of course but on this tour, your chances to encounter some of the world's biggest animals is very much enhanced.

After your whale watching experience, it is time to learn more about whales in the Husavik whale Museum located just a few steps far away from the harbour. The Húsavík Whale Museum is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1997. The aim of the museum is to convey information about whales, marine ecology and the interaction of whales and humans throughout history in an entertaining and interesting way. Focus on collaboration and working with educational institutions at home and overseas strengthens the foundation of the museum. We really recommend having lunch at the Museum restaurant which serves some of the best and freshest fish and seafood soup in Iceland.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Northern Iceland.

Next, you will take part in a longstanding local tradition of bathing in Iceland’s geothermal waters. Throughout its history, Icelanders have met in hot pools to relax and relieve themselves of the day’s hard work. Since opening, GeoSea in Northern Iceland has been popular among Icelanders and locals alike. In a way, our sea baths serve as a cultural centre where locals come to discuss the day’s happenings - taking part in a custom that is ingrained in the cultural fabric of Iceland.

GeoSea is not only a world-class geothermal bathing mecca — it is an experience that taps into the historical roots of a small fishing town in North Iceland that has harnessed the earth's geothermal waters for centuries. It is a rare union of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the Earth's core. Perched along a western-facing cliffside that overlooks the Skjálfandi Bay and the Article Circle to the north, their baths provide the ultimate vantage point for whale watchers. Reconnect, decompress, and enjoy Icelandic nature in a unique way at GeoSea.

Day 5 - Cultural day in Myvatn area

Today's tour takes you through the area of Lake Mývatn with a local guide showing you their home and telling stories of their people along with visiting the natural highlights of the area and tasting the local food. You’ll have a chance to taste a bread baked with the geothermal heat from a Geysers and smoked arctic char and lamb right out of the hands of a farmer. Stepping even further off the beaten track we include a visit to a local farm smokehouse to learn about the art of cold-smoked food. From there you will visit the steaming grounds in Bjarnarflag where the famous Geysir bread is baked and explore the boiling mud pits of Hverir. From there you head to the old bathing cave of Grjótagjá located on the continental rift. Included is a "Farm to Table" lunch at Vogafjós restaurant is waiting for you.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Northern Iceland.

After Lunch you visit Dimmuborgir Lava fields and explore this incredible maze of lava pillars, Your last stop in Mývatn area will be the Höfði region, where the lava fields meet the lake, famous for being the land North of the Wall in the TV series, "Game of Thrones."

The final two nights you will stay at Fosshotel Mývatn, designed by award-winning architects and featuring almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.

Day 6 - Diamond circle tour

This tour will show you stunning parts of Northern Iceland that are considered hidden gems. First, you hike to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall to get up close and personal with this amazing spot in nature. From Dettifoss, you head down along the canyon and visit Hafragillsfoss waterfall. Along the Canyon, there are numerous stops such as Hljóðaklettar basalt columns, Cliffs, honeycomb weathering and caves.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Northern Iceland.

Ásbyrgi Canyon is one of the day’s main stops. A stunning canyon that is believed to have been formed by Óðinn's eight-footed horse Sleipnir. This incredible canyon also boasts incredible flora. You can enjoy an easy walk to the end of the canyon and soak up the peace and quietness of Ásbyrgi.

For a late lunch, you will stop at Skúlagarður Hotel Restaurant. A local hotel/restaurant, run by young farmers that live in proximity of the Ásbyrgi canyon. There you can expect to taste local food that comes directly from the farm. From Ásbyrgi, you will follow the Arctic Coast way towards the town of Húsavík. On the way, you encounter incredible views of the coastline, snowy mountains, and during the summer months, you can stop to admire the Puffins. The road of Tjörnes is truly an Arctic Coastline Drive.

Please contact us here at Curious Travel for help and support with your dream trip to Iceland.

Day 7 - Transfer and Flight to Keflavik

Today it is time to head home but with many wonderful memories. You will transfer to Akureyri airport for your flight to Reykjavik airport and from there you will be met for your short transfer to Keflavik International airport for your international flight home.

For more information on Iceland don't forget to check out our Iceland Destination Guide

Of course, if you would like to arrange a longer stay in Iceland just contact us and we would be delighted to design a trip with more of Iceland's amazing sights and cultural and wildlife experiences included.