Winter Wonders & Delicious Detours

Day 1 Welcome to Reykjavik!

Say hello to Iceland! Upon arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your rental car, drive to your hotel in Reykjavik and spend the rest of your day at leisure in the world’s northernmost capital city. 

Day 2 Gullfoss - Geysir - South Coast

Head out of the city and drive to Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir hot spring, highlights of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Continue your trip, stopping at highlights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, and the majestic Eyjafjallajokull and surrounding area, the site of the infamous volcanic eruption in 2010.

Approximate driving distance: 200 miles

Culinary suggestions: Cafe at Fontana Geothermal Baths, Efstidalur restaurant and farm, Fridheimar greenhouse and restaurant, Farmers Bistro.

Day 3 Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Vik

Today, visit the majestic Skaftafell region in Vatnajökull National Park. Lace up your hiking boots and explore this beautiful area. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before returning to the charming village of Vik in the afternoon. Wander through this remote seafront village and walk along the famous black sand beach!

Approximate driving distance: 295 miles

Culinary suggestions: Thorbergur Cultural Centre & Cafe

Day 4 Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur

Leave Vik this morning and drive to the UNESCO-certified Thingvellir National Park, a popular stop along the Golden Circle and the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the edge of Iceland's largest lake.

Continue to Borgarfjordur fjord, where you'll visit the historic site of Reykholt, Hraunfoss and Barnafoss Waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe.

Why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating soak at the Krauma natural geothermal spa?  Relax in pools fed by a perfect blend of water from Deildartunguhver and nearby glacial springs.

Approximate driving distance: 208 miles

Culinary suggestions: The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, Stedji microbrewery, Ljomalind Country Market 

Day 5 Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Explore the countless natural wonders of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a 55-mile peninsula which is also a national park. With mountains to one side and the sea to the other, visit the wind-tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur before driving along the north coast through bustling fishing villages.

Approximate driving distance: 200 miles

Culinary suggestions: Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum

Day 6 Reykjanes Peninsula

Today, drive to the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the moon like lava fields around Lake Kleifarvatn. You could also stop at the Krysuvik geothermal area with its bubbling mud pools.

For a culinary treat, visit Grindavik fishing village, famous for its heritage of producing salt fish. Salt fish is undeniably responsible for the prosperity of the Icelandic nation, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th century when the industry was at its peak.

Approximate driving distance: 128 miles

Culinary suggestions: Vitinn Seafood Restaurant, Salthusid Restaurant 

Day 7 Depart Iceland

Your Iceland foodie vacation comes to an end today. Be prepared to leave the hotel about three hours before the departure of your flight to allow time to drop off your rental car at the airport.