Icelandic Mosaic Expedition

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland: Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve centre and government seat, is home to half the island's population. Overlooked by proud Mt. Esja with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a vibrant sight with its concrete houses painted in lively colours and topped by red, blue, and green roofs. The city stands in sharp contrast to the treeless countryside, with its tall native birches, rowans, willows, and imported trees such as aspens, pines, and spruces. Reykjavík's name originates from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and landed on a bay shrouded with steam from nearby hot springs. Today, most houses are heated by near-boiling water from these springs, offering an eco-friendly solution that avoids air pollution. However, you might notice a slight sulphur smell in the bathroom due to the hot water. Prices align with other major European cities, and a practical option is purchasing a Reykjavík City Card for unlimited bus usage and entry to various attractions, including the city’s pools, museums, and more.

Day 2 - Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island, Iceland: Strolling through Heimaey's idyllic streets of white wooden houses, it’s hard to fathom that this island was torn asunder by a volcanic eruption just over 40 years ago. The fact that you can visit incredible Heimaey at all is miraculous – as the lava from Eldfell volcano almost sealed off the harbour. Islanders heroically saved their fishing industry by dousing the advancing lava with gallons of seawater. Known for its picturesque scenery, Heimaey boasts dramatic volcanic rock formations rising majestically from the sea.

Day 3 - Grundarfjørdur

Grundarfjørdur, Iceland: Nestled in the embrace of striking mountains along the north coast of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjørdur is renowned for its remarkable landscapes and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. This quaint fishing village offers breathtaking vistas, from cascading waterfalls to lava fields, inviting visitors to explore its natural wonders through hiking and photography.

Day 4 - Grímsey Island

Grímsey Island, Iceland: Welcoming the adventurous, Grímsey Island is famed for its dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife, particularly its large puffin colonies. As the Arctic Circle passes through this remote island, visitors revel in the unique chance to cross it on land while immersing in the solitude and beauty of this northern locale.

Day 5 - Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland: Akureyri, dubbed the Capital of the North, is Iceland’s second largest urban area. Nestled by the Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri is sheltered from ocean winds and surrounded by mountains. Its late 19th-century wooden houses echo the past, while the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church provide a visual focal point near the waterfront. The nearby pyramid-shaped Súlur mountain and Eyjafjörður’s highest peak, Kerling, add to the majestic scenery.

Day 6 - Isafjørdur

Isafjørdur, Iceland: Framed by sheer rock terraces, Isafjørdur perches on a narrow spit of land, jutting into the arresting black fjord. Despite its remote location and compact size, Isafjørdur surprises visitors with its modernity and vibrant atmosphere. The town serves as an ideal base to explore Iceland's wilderness, with skiing, hiking, and water-sports among the popular activities.

Day 7 - Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland: Returning to Reykjavík, the bustle of Iceland’s nerve centre is felt once more. This unique city painted in lively hues, offers a perfect mix of modernity and tradition. Known for its eco-friendly heating system using hot springs, Reykjavík also provides cultural enrichment through its art museums and public facilities covered under the Reykjavík City Card. Whether exploring its history or enjoying its natural hot pools, Reykjavík completes the Icelandic expedition in memorable style.