
Fire & Ice
Choosing between Iceland and Greenland is as tough as it gets, so we thought, we’d better come up with something great, melting both of these Arctic highlights into one unbelievable adventure.
This individual journey takes you on a self drive around Iceland, touring its most iconic sights and exploring the dramatic beauty of the country. And that is just what we get started with.
Once been there done that, you continue your exploration by heading further north beyond the Arctic Circle, to witness the highlights of famous Disko Bay in Greenland. Here, be greeted by massive icebergs calving from the UNESCO Icefjord. Our plentiful options allow for easy customisation of this odyssey.
So, let there be fire - let there be ice!
Rough summary
Day 1:
Arrival in Iceland - Reykjavik
Day 2:
Golden Circle incl. Þingvellir, Gullfoss & Geysir
Day 3:
South Coast incl. Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey & Vík
Day 4:
Skaftafell National Park & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 5:
East Fjords - Egilsstaðir
Day 6:
Waterfall Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn
Day 7:
Lake Mývatn
Day 8:
Akureyri & Skagafjörður
Day 9:
Borgarfjörður incl. Reykholt & Hraunfossar - Reykjavik
Day 10:
Flight to Ilulissat, Greenland - Evening Iceberg Sailing
Day 11:
Guided walk at Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut
Day 12:
Free day in Ilulissat
Day 13:
Free day in Ilulissat
Day 14:
Flight back to Keflavik / Copenhagen
Prices and dates
Price per person from:
Package based on: | Double | Single |
---|---|---|
Guesthouse incl. VW Golf / Kia Ceed or similar | 4305 | 5970 |
3* hotel incl. VW Golf / Kia Ceed or similar | 5100 | 7485 |
Dates:
daily departures, June 01, 2023 – August 31, 2023 (available)
Further details
Price includes:
- 9 nights in Iceland according to category
- 9 rental car days in Iceland according to category
- return flight Keflavik (Iceland) - Ilulissat (Greenland) incl. airport taxes
- 2 hour iceberg sightseeing tour by boat
- 2 hour walk at Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut
- 4 nights in Ilulissat
- breakfast included
- airport transfers in Greenland
Type of trip:
This pre-arranged adventure is an individual trip, meaning you are discovering Iceland and Greenland on your own but joining selected guided group activities during your stay. You will receive comprehensive travel information such as where and when to meet for the activities.
Minimum age:
8
Options
Flight connections
Flights to Iceland are not included, but can be added to your offer.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland - Reykjavik
Your Arctic adventure is about to get going. After arrival in Keflavik, you will pick up your rental car at the airport and head to the vibrant capital city Reykjavik. There, a Greenland Tours representative welcomes you for a briefing about your self drive. Having received a detailed road book, with all the practical information and maps, you will be more than ready to dive into your Iceland adventure. Get prepped for the days to come and join the buzzing street life of downtown Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Golden Circle incl. Þingvellir, Gullfoss & Geysir
Today you depart for the famous Golden Circle, first stepping back deep into history and geology at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, has met for centuries, and where two tectonic plates drift apart causing a great lava arena in a rift valley with huge fissures, such as Almannagjá. You continue to the geothermal area, where the famous Geysir is situated, from which all spouting hot springs take their name. Only a few minutes drive from there is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfall - feeling the raw power of Hvítá’s cascading deluge of water. Overnight in Hella or Skógar.
Day 3: South Coast incl. Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey & Vík
This day is devoted to discover the beautiful south coast of Iceland with all its magnificent sights. Follow our advise and start early, as there are many places calling to be explored by you. Do not miss to stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black beach of Reynisfjara near Vík and the impressive cliffs of Dyrhólaey (closed until June 25th). All this is beautifully framed by the shimmering glacier volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull, looming large along the coast. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or near Skaftafell.
Day 4: Skaftafell National Park & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Our recommended stop of the day is the gorgeous Skaftafell Nature Reserve, situated just below the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. The reserve offers various hiking routes, including a two hour loop, which takes you to the dramatic waterfall Svartifoss. Driving further along the southern road will take you to Svínafellsjökull, that has served many blockbuster movies, such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars or Batman, as icy backdrop.
Next stop on the list is a big one - the ever changing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, massive chunks of ice calve from the glacier edge and float across the lagoon in a truly awe-inspiring scene. The melting icebergs wash up on the black sand shore near the lagoon, creating an exceptional sight - also known as Diamond Beach. Overnight in Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón area.
Day 5: East Fjords - Egilsstaðir
Passing the fishing town Höfn, you will soon wind your way through the calming East Fjords. Here, nature is always close and the scenery breathtaking. On your way towards Egilsstaðir, you will encounter coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls and mountains. You will stay overnight in the Egilsstadir area, which is situated on the shore of the Lögurinn Lake.
Day 6: Waterfall Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn
Get a glimpse of the Icelandic Highlands as you travel north across the vast desert area Möðrudalsöræfi. Approaching north, stop first at the mighty Dettifoss, Iceland's most powerful waterfall that plunges 44 meters into a gorge below. We also recommend to scout the impressive horseshoe shaped Asbyrgi canyon in Vatnajökull National Park´s northern rim, before continuing to the lovely fishing town of Húsavík. Overnight in Húsavík.
Day 7: Lake Mývatn
Use the day to discover the highlights of Lake Mývatn. This area is full to the brim with things to marvel at. Walk among the weird lava formations at Dimmuborgir, hike up the nearby crater Hverfjall and visit the bubbling blue-grey mud pools, sulfur pits and roaring steam vents at Námaskarð. Make sure you stop at Mývatn Nature Bath, being the perfect place for you to relax. Overnight in Mývatn area.
Day 8: Akureyri & Skagafjörður
Continuing through North Iceland, you will soon reach Goðafoss, the majestic “Waterfall of the Gods”, before arriving at the town of Akureyri. Roam its charming city center to find cool cafés, quality restaurants and a handful of art galleries. Continuing your drive eastwards through Skagafjörður, the valley of the horse breeders, we recommend to visit the beautifully restored farm museum at Glaumbær, housed in original turf buildings, as well as the turf church in Víðimýri. Overnight in Varmahlið.
Day 9: Borgarfjörður incl. Reykholt & Hraunfossar - Reykjavik
This day will take you back to the nation's heart - Reykjavik. On your way to the capital you will drive through the fertile farming district of Borgarfjörður. Here you visit the enormous Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, yielding 200 litres of boiling water per second. If you fancy a bit of culture, the historic Reykholt, home of 13th century historian and writer Snorri Sturluson, is just around the corner. Thereafter, the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls are a must-see. A final drive takes you along Hvalfjörður "Whale Fjord" or, if preferred, it is possible to cross the fjord through the tunnel under the sea (toll ca. ISK 1.000). Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 10: Flight to Ilulissat, Greenland - Evening Iceberg Sailing
After dropping the car off at the airport, you continue your Arctic adventure by flying to Greenland's northwest coast. After settling into your accommodation in Ilulissat, you will join an iceberg sailing cruise in the evening. Have your camera ready to capture massive sculptures made of ice. Those majestic icebergs were calving from the UNESCO Icefjord Sermeq Kujalleq, which is the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere. We keep fingers crossed for you, there is a chance to see whales on this boat trip. You will spend the night in Ilulissat.
Day 11: Guided walk at Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut
Coming all the way to Greenland, we need to make sure that you get to marvel at all the icebergs you came here to see. And you do not mean the small ones, you are looking for the massive ones. Certainly the best place to do that is the Ilulissat Icefjord. Standing at this UNESCO world heritage site will make you feel small and humble. An endless amount of ice is pushing down from the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq, where ice is calving constantly, towards the sea, creating those majestic icebergs floating in Disko Bay. You will also stop at Sermermiut, an abandoned Inuit settlement, which had been used by Saqqaq, early Dorset and Thule cultures. Your guide will provide you with exciting insights into Inuit culture. Overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 12: Free day in Ilulissat
Today the adventure is yours. You have the chance to make this trip your very own and choose from our optional tours, wether you are looking into a sightseeing trip or more active outings. Take a boat tour to the impressive and constantly calving Eqi glacier, visit an old Inuit settlement or try kayaking in Disko Bay among icebergs (have a look at our suggestions in the options). Overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 13: Free day in Ilulissat
It is tough to choose between all those fantastic options we offer in and around Ilulissat. Therefore, we thought it is good, you have another free day in Ilulissat. Let's customise! Overnight in Ilulissat.
Day 14: Flight back to Keflavik / Copenhagen
It's sad but true, time to head home. From Ilulissat airport you have the possibility to fly back to Keflavik/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark.
All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Greenland Tours does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realise that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.