(A UNIT OF NOVA GROUP OF COMPANIES)

NOVA TRAVEL

Colours of Iceland-11 Days

Itinerary-11 Days

Day 1: To Hveragerði

Fly to Keflavik International airport. On arrival drive along the Reykjanes peninsula towards the south coast and the town of Hveragerði. Stay overnight at the Hotel. (N)

Day 2: To Fludir

Today, drive to Thingvellir National Park and see the site of the world's oldest parliament before visiting the geothermal area of Haukadalur, known for the geysers of Stokkur and Geysir and the thundering Gullfoss waterfalls. Continue on to the picturesque Thorsardalur valley and visit the ruins of the Viking settlement at Stong. Stay overnight in Hotel. (B)

Day 3: To Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Continue south and visit the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss (40 metres tall) before continuing to Thoraldseyri Farm, which houses an exhibition of photos and films chronicling the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. Further along Route 1 are the Skogar waterfalls and Folk Museum, where the first wooden house in Iceland can be visited, built entirely of driftwood. Before reaching Vik, take the road to the isolated Dyrholaey headland for panoramic views out to sea and along the coast. From Vik, continue east over the Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)

Day 4: To Egilsstadir

Depart your accommodation and head to the Skaftafell National Park, Iceland's largest and best-known national park. Visit the Vatnajokull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, and the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, which was created by the meltwater from the nearby Breidamerkurjökull glacier. Continue via the village of Hofn, known as the lobster capital of Europe, along the rugged eastern coastline to Egilsstadir. Stay two nights at Hotel. (B)

Day 5: At leisure

Day at leisure to explore the surrounding area around Egilsstadir. Visit Hallormsstadur, the largest forest in Iceland, set along the shores of the picturesque Lake Lagarfljot, which, legend has it, has its own Loch Ness type monster. (B)

Day 6: To Raufarhöfn

Journey north, off the beaten track, following the coastline via the villages of Vopnafjordur, with its natural hot springs, and Thorshofn on the Langanes peninsula. Stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)

Day 7: To Lake Myvatn

Today travel across the Oxafjardarheidi plateau and visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon in the Jokulsargljufur National Park before continuing to along Tjornes peninsula to the fishing port of Husavik. Finally drive to stunning area of Lake Myvatn. Stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)

Day 8: To Akureyri

Today, visit the natural attractions of Lake Myvatn including the volcanic area by Krafla, the sulphur slopes and boiling mud pools of Namaskard, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudocraters near Skutustadir. The area is also renowned as Europe's largest bird sanctuary where numerous species breed. Continue on to Akureyri and stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)

Day 9: To Snaefellsnes

Drive west through the historic region of Skagafjordur, which is known for its horse breeding as well as agriculture, and visit the Glaumbaer farmstead museum for a glimpse of an Icelandic homestead. Continue to the Snaefellsnes peninsula where you will overnight at Hotel. (B)

Day 10: To Reykjavik

Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and visit the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi, known for its multitude of seasonal birdlife, explore the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur and stare at the impressive Snaefellsjokull glacier. Continue south to the Borgarfjordur area and visit Borgarnes and the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Finally, return to Reykjavik and stay overnight at the Hotel. (B)

Day 11: Depart Home

Transfer to Keflavik airport for your flight back home. (B)