Tour of Iceland: glaciers, volcanoes and whales

After leaving Reykjavík, you'll drive towards Borgarnes , then on to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula . The day begins with Hvalfjörður Fjord , whose winding road hugs the tranquil shores, offering a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of the capital. You'll continue along the peninsula's southern coast , dominated on the horizon by the majestic Snæfellsjökull , the region's iconic volcano. Along the way, an optional hike to the Eldborg crater , nicknamed the "fire fortress," allows you to explore an impressive volcanic landscape. You'll also discover the stunning basalt columns of Gerðuberg , the charming church of Búðir , and enjoy a stroll along the seafront , ideal for spotting potential seal colonies .

This day is dedicated to exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park , dominated by the eponymous volcano-glacier , made famous by Jules Verne in Journey to the Center of the Earth . You'll set off on a walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar , two coastal hamlets connected by a path along coves and cliffs teeming with seabirds such as kittiwakes, guillemots, and Arctic terns. The route continues towards the dramatic landscapes of Djúpalónssandur and the cliffs of Svörtuloft , where ancient lava flows meet the ocean. On the north coast, you'll discover Grundarfjörður fjord , dominated by the striking silhouette of Kirkjufell , one of Iceland's most iconic mountains.

You will participate in a guided tour of Vatnshellir Cave , formed over 8,000 years ago. Accessible to anyone in good physical condition, the exploration lasts 45 minutes (English-speaking guide, helmet, and torch provided). The temperature inside is approximately 0°C: please bring warm clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes.

You'll head north along the island , aiming for the Skagafjörður region, known for its equestrian traditions and open landscapes. Along the way, you'll stop at the fishing port of Stykkishólmur , a charming village nestled among a myriad of islets, near the colorful slopes of Drápuhlíðarfjall . The road also skirts the impressive Bersekjahraun lava flow , a volcanic remnant frozen in time. If conditions permit, a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula offers the chance to observe seal colonies along wild and uncrowded coastlines.

Night in the Skagafjörður region.

You follow the wild road of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula , between imposing mountains and the Arctic Ocean , passing through the fishing villages of Siglufjörður , Ólafsfjörður , and Dalvík . Along the way, a stop at the Hofsós geothermal pool , overlooking the fjord, offers a unique moment of relaxation. From Dalvík, you embark on a whale-watching cruise in the heart of Eyjafjörður. You set off in search of humpback whales, fin whales, orcas, porpoises, and other marine giants , before experiencing an introduction to sea fishing , followed by a tasting of your catch .

The route continues to Akureyri , the charming capital of the North, then on to the volcanic landscapes of Mývatn . At the end of the day, a stop at the famous Goðafoss waterfalls , whose name evokes the ancient Norse gods.

Night in the Goðafoss region.

The day begins with initial explorations around Lake Mývatn , including the striking pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir and the volcanic formations of Dimmuborgir , resembling fantastical ruins. You continue your exploration of the region with the steaming mud pots of Hverir , the lava flows of Leirhnjúkshraun in the Krafla caldera, and their desolate landscapes shaped by geothermal activity.

Next, head towards Jökulsárgljúfur National Park for a hike to Selfoss and Dettifoss waterfalls , the most powerful in Europe, plunging into an impressive canyon. At the end of the day, cross the semi-desert landscapes of Möðrudalsöræfi before reaching the Egilsstaðir region, on the shores of Lake Lagarfljót.

Optionally , enjoy a relaxing moment at the Vök Baths , recently built geothermal baths offering a soothing view of Lake Urriðavatn. Towel provided.

Night in the Egilsstaðir region.

This day trip takes you along Iceland's east coast , between deep fjords and secluded coves . You'll travel at a leisurely pace from one shore to the other, sometimes along more direct routes, sometimes hugging the coastline, at the rhythm of the landscapes and unexpected encounters . Several stops are possible depending on your preferences: observing seals in Lónsvík Bay , spotting, depending on the season, the swans of Álftafjörður , or strolling through the narrow streets of Djúpivogur harbor , an authentic village facing the sea.

The day begins with a visit to the unmissable Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon , where icebergs drift slowly beneath the imposing presence of Vatnajökull , Europe's largest glacier. Next, you'll enjoy a Zodiac cruise on the Fjallsárlón lagoon , taking you up close to the floating icebergs in a breathtaking setting. The route continues to the foot of Hvannadalshnjúkur (2,110m), Iceland's highest peak, to reach Skaftafell National Park, where a walk leads you to Skaftafellsjökull or the Svartifoss waterfall , framed by basalt columns.

Continuing west, you'll pass through the verdant Kirkjubæjarklaustur region, marked by the ancient lava flows of Laki , before stopping at the Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge . You'll then reach the south coast with the black sand beach of Vík , overlooked by the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. From the volcanic promontory of Dyrhólaey , you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the ocean. At the end of the day, you can stop at one of the iconic waterfalls of the south: Skógafoss , Seljalandsfoss , or the more secluded Kvernufoss .

Night in the Hella region.

For your last day in Iceland, you'll explore the famous Golden Circle . You'll begin at Gullfoss waterfall , an impressive cascade where the Hvítá River plunges into a deep canyon. A few kilometers away, the Strokkur geyser erupts at regular intervals, offering a consistently breathtaking spectacle. You'll then continue to the historical and geological site of Þingvellir , where tectonic faults have created a unique landscape, a symbol of the meeting of the North American and Eurasian plates, and the site of Iceland's very first open-air parliament .

Along the way, you can choose to take a relaxing break at the Laugarás geothermal baths , nestled in nature on the banks of the Hvítá River (towel included, open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM). At the end of the day, return to Reykjavík for some free time in the city before your transfer to Keflavík Airport .

Dinner at leisure. Overnight flight to Paris.