The Grand Guided Tour of Iceland

The departure is early in the morning to enjoy the Golden Circle before the crowds arrive. The first stop is Thingvellir, the Valley of the Parliament. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history and geology. It was here that the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, met as early as 930 AD. The route continues to Strokkur, a spectacular geyser whose jets of water can reach twenty meters in height every five to ten minutes, a reminder of the Earth's power. The final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the "Golden Falls," an impressive two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a deep ravine, creating rainbows in the mist and leaving an unforgettable memory.

In the afternoon, we drive to the south coast and the small port of Landeyjarhöfn. From there, a 30-minute boat trip takes us to Heimaey Island, the only inhabited island in the Westmann archipelago. During the crossing, the islands rise from the ocean like enormous basalt sculptures, home to bird colonies and unique volcanic landscapes.

The day is dedicated to exploring Heimaey Island and hiking up the Eldfell volcanic cone. This mountain bears witness to the 1973 eruption that profoundly altered the island's history. At the time, lava flows and scoria eruptions expanded the island by 2.3 square kilometers and destroyed nearly 400 homes. The climb to the summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire archipelago and the surrounding ocean. Hiking along the rugged trails reveals diverse landscapes, alternating between steep rocky coastlines, verdant valleys, and remnants of lava flows. The evening can be spent strolling through Heimaey's small harbor, where the recent history of the eruption intertwines with the daily lives of the locals.

The return trip by boat marks the end of the island adventure. On the way east, the first stop is the Skogafoss waterfall, an immense curtain of water that falls with a deafening roar onto the volcanic ground.

The journey continues to the village of Vik and its famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara, where basalt columns form natural organs and create an almost supernatural setting.

Not far from there, the cliffs of Dyrhólaey offer a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and surrounding beaches. It's a prime spot for wildlife observation, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and other seabirds soar above the waves, dive into the water, and return with their prey. This aerial ballet, punctuated by the sound of the waves and the calls of the birds, perfectly illustrates the richness and vitality of the Icelandic ecosystem.

The route then continues to the Skaftafell region, where overnight accommodation allows you to rest before exploring the glacier the next day.

This day is dedicated to Skaftafell National Park, part of the vast Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, with an area equivalent to that of Corsica. The park's trails offer the chance to discover diverse landscapes, from dwarf birch forests and glacial plains to basalt cliffs. The hike to Svartifoss waterfall reveals perfectly vertical basalt columns, forming fascinating geometric patterns unique in the world. From the viewpoints, the view extends to the glaciers descending from Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland's highest peak at 2,119 meters.

In the late afternoon, the road leads to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Floating icebergs create a mesmerizing spectacle, while seals, sometimes seen, come to hunt among the ice floes. The cracking of the ice and the shifting reflections on the water create a unique and magical atmosphere, offering a moment of intense and memorable contemplation, a true encounter with the grandeur of Icelandic nature.

A long day's drive begins amidst jagged seascapes. Leaving southern Iceland, the road winds between steep headlands and deep fjords, revealing wild and unspoiled panoramas. We reach Fáskrúðsfjörður, a small village that welcomed many French sailors between the 19th century and 1914. A visit to the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of these fishermen from Brittany and northern France, particularly through the reconstruction of a schooner's hold, where one can imagine the living conditions on board and the hardships of exile in the middle of the Atlantic.

The road continues towards Seyðisfjörður, a charming village nestled in a narrow fjord, with colorful houses and a picturesque harbor. We spend the afternoon strolling through the narrow streets, discovering small art galleries, and sampling local specialties in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay.

Leaving the East Fjords, the route traverses lunar landscapes, including the lava fields of the Ódáðahraun desert. The itinerary leads to Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, where the impressive flow and continuous roar of the water create an atmosphere of raw, untamed force. The road continues to Husavik, considered Iceland's whale-watching capital. After strolling through this charming and colorful fishing village, the more adventurous can embark on a whale-watching excursion in Skálfandi Bay (optional, bookable locally). Each trip is unique and may offer sightings of minke whales, humpback whales, playful dolphins, or even majestic blue whales, the largest mammal on the planet. Two-night stay in the Mývatn area.

A day dedicated to discovering the volcanic and geothermal region of Mývatn. We explore the Námafjall-Hverir site, where fumaroles, solfataras, and bubbling mud pools offer a fascinating and surprising spectacle. The Hverfjall explosion crater and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters reveal the region's intense geological history. The Krafla lava fields, some of whose 1984 flows are still degassing, bear witness to the power of the subterranean forces. The sulfurous odor creates a unique sensory experience. An optional visit allows you to relax in the Mývatn hot springs, a soothing break in naturally heated waters.

Head west with a first stop at Goðafoss waterfall, the "Waterfall of the Gods," where the tumultuous waters are framed by impressive basalt columns. A visit to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city with 20,000 inhabitants, offers the chance to discover this charming northern capital, its bustling harbor, and its verdant gardens. The road then stretches south of the Troll Peninsula, crossing meadows dotted with free-roaming Icelandic horses, an iconic symbol of the country. The beauty and diversity of the landscapes mark every kilometer traveled.

The day begins with a stop at Hvítserkur, a double-arched rock formation rising from the water, often called the "stone dragon." A short walk along the Miðfjörður fjord offers the chance to observe seals basking in the sun on the rocks. The rest of the route crosses the Northwest Fjords, a wild and isolated territory sometimes called the "capital of the Arctic fox." Although difficult to spot, this Arctic predator is fascinating, and with a bit of luck, we might see one during our hikes between the Arctic plateau and the coast. We'll settle in for two nights at our accommodation.

Today, we're heading to Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, 12 km long and 510 meters high. It's Iceland's largest bird cliff and a unique opportunity to observe puffins, common and Brünnich's guillemots, as well as razorbills, just a few dozen centimeters away. On a clear day, the coastal road offers panoramic views of vast, light-sand beaches stretching to the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and its iconic volcano.

Depart by ferry to cross the vast Breiðafjörður fjord, passing by the small, peaceful, and charming island of Flatey. The drive offers views of Mount Kirkjufell and its waterfall, made famous by the Game of Thrones series, providing a photogenic panorama. The day continues on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, dominated by the stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull, famous for its perfect shape and immortalized by Jules Verne in Journey to the Center of the Earth. Check into your accommodation for the night.

Explore the peninsula on foot between Hellnar and Arnarstapi. The trail follows cliffs adorned with basalt columns, home to numerous kittiwakes. The lava arch of Gatklettur and the black church in the village of Búðir, perched amidst a lava field, offer remarkable viewpoints. The golden sand beach, dotted with black rocks, creates a striking and photographic contrast. At the end of the day, return to Reykjavik and check into your accommodation.

Today, several options are available to you to fully enjoy this last day in Iceland.

You can stroll leisurely through the colorful streets of Reykjavík, go on a whale watching excursion, and depending on the conditions, you may have the chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, porpoises or white-beaked dolphins.

You can also discover the unique world of Icelandic horses on a horseback ride or relax in the famous Blue Lagoon, with its naturally heated waters of 39°C thanks to geothermal energy – a true haven of peace. And don't forget the opportunity to shop on Laugavegur, the capital's main thoroughfare, lined with boutiques and inviting cafes.

Activities such as whale watching cruises, horseback riding, or entry to the Blue Lagoon are offered as optional extras, subject to availability at the time of booking.

For this last evening, we will share a dinner in the Icelandic capital, our hearts filled with memorable recollections of this fascinating country.

Last moments in Iceland before the transfer to Keflavik International Airport.

Flight back to France, head full of images and memories.