Self Drive Holidays
Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, please pick-up your Luggage and head through Customs. Collect your rental car at the Airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark Site, before you head to Reykjavík. Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of eruptions between 2021 and 2025. You will see unusual and stunning features around the Peninsula including craters, lava cliffs and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Krýsuvík area where you can view quirky colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important Information: Admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance (not included, at an additional cost). Afterwards, drive to your hotel in Reykjavík, the colourful Capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavík. Please Note: Check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00pm–16:00pm.
Today, you will visit the Golden Circle natural wonders. Start with Þingvellir National Park, the site of the Ancient Icelandic Viking Parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. If you enjoy adventure, you might wish to try Snorkelling in the clear waters between the two continents. Explore Gullfoss, the 'Golden Waterfall' and the nearby Geysir Hot Spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other Hot Springs and boiling mud pools. While in the area, take advantage of relaxing in one of the Hot Spring fed pools that make Iceland so famous. The Secret Lagoon is a historical swimming pool with an all natural feel and its own little Geyser. The Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths are a local favourite, natural steam soothes away aches and pains, followed by relaxation in a series of Hot Spring pools. Complete the Golden Circle with a visit to the impressive Kerið implosion crater that has a pool of blue water in the centre. There is a small admission fee required and the money goes into protecting the landscape and the nature of the area. Overnight in Hveragerði. Meals: Breakfast
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Today, your day is free at leisure so you can discover more of the local treasures South Iceland holds. Try activities like hiking, guided mountain biking or horseback riding in this scenic Hot Spring filled area or you can simply spend the day relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the town and its galleries and cafés. You might take the South Coast Road to the charming coastal Villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, both with lovely old buildings and great Seafood restaurants. You could also drive through the beautiful Þjórsárdalur Valley towards the Hekla Volcano. This area was a filming location for the Game of Thrones series. For those up for some hiking, the walk up to Háifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland, it is worth the trip! Overnight in Hveragerði. Meals: Breakfast
Today, drive along the spectacular South Coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Seljalandsfoss has a hiking trail that leads behind the Waterfall. Skógafoss is a perfectly shaped Waterfall that legends say hides buried treasure. Near Skógafoss is a fascinating Folk Museum with buildings and everyday items showing how locals lived over the centuries. Sólheimajökull Glacier offers great opportunities for guided Ice hiking tours. You can even try kayaking in the small Glacier lake near Sólheimajökull. Head to Vík, Iceland's Southernmost Village. In the area you can view the Seabird cliff of Dyrhólaey and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Continue over Eldhraun, Iceland's largest single Lava flow, the result of a devastating 18th Century eruption. A final stop of the day might be to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, which is a treat to photograph and roam. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. Please Note: Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until late June. Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will be in the Southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe's largest Glacier. Visit the park's amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between Glaciers that offers many hiking possibilities. During the Summer months, a popular trail leads you to the Basalt lined Svartifoss Waterfall. Skaftafell is also a beautiful area to enjoy guided hiking on one of the Glaciers. We suggest stopping at the Visitor’s Centre to see what trails are open during the time of your visit. Continue to the shimmering Icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you should take time to admire the views of the Icebergs floating in the cool waters. An interesting experience you might enjoy is an Amphibian or Zodiac boat tour that sails between the Icebergs (in Summer only). Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area of glittering bits of glass like Ice scattered across black sands. Continue onwards, perhaps taking a detour to the beautiful and much photographed mountain of Vestrahorn. Head on to the harbour Town of Höfn, also known as the Langoustine Capital of Northern Europe. This is a local speciality at several restaurants. Overnight in the Höfn area. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive through the spectacular Eastfjords region with towering mountains and charming fishing villages to the fertile Egilsstaðir area. On the way, you might opt to visit the quirky Egg Sculptures in the harbour of charming Djúpivogur Village. Anyone who enjoys offbeat attractions, particularly Geology buffs or garden enthusiasts, will want to visit Petra's Mineral Collection, a Museum of natural stones and mineral rocks createed by a local resident.. You can either drive straight to Egilsstaðir or head along the Eastfjords, which is one of the oldest regions in Iceland and was shaped by Glaciers during the Ice Age. Although many are uninhabited, each Fjord has its own grandeur. Some of the unique villages include Fáskrúðsfjörður and its interesting French connection, Reyðarfjörður and its World War II Heritage and Eskifjörður with its fishing traditions. In the Egilsstaðir area, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstaður Forest and a river reputed to be the home of a friendly Sea Monster. Perhaps you will end the day at Lake Urriðavatn's Vök Baths, where you can unwind in untouched nature in distinctive floating Geothermal pools. Overnight in the Eastfjords area. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Seyðisfjörður Village with its well preserved wooden houses, steep mountains and picture perfect Fjord scenery. The town has become a residency for artists and you will certainly enjoy viewing interesting artistic works around the area. Summer Suggested Route: Then head to Bakkagerði (Borgarfjörður Eystri), one of Iceland's smallest villages. What it lacks in human population, it makes up for with other 'residents'. Local lengends say it contains the largest colonies of Elves and Fairies in the country. There is also a Bird viewing platform where you can glimpse many Seabirds including curious and colourful Puffins, up close (Puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and mid-August). Other places you could visit in East Iceland include the ribbon like Hengifoss Waterfall or the serene Hallormsstaður National Forest. Another unique and highly reviewed place to visit is the Wilderness Centre. This old Farm turned into a living history exhibition sits at the edge of the wild Eastern Highlands. You will enjoy the interactive exhibit about the area’s history and wildlife. The Centre also offers Guided Horseback Riding and Hiking Trips and a relaxing Wilderness Spa. The Farmhouse café serves tasty treats with locally sourced ingredients from Farms and the Wilderness. Overnight in the Eastfjords area. Meals: Breakfast
Today, drive to the Volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area. Visit Volcanic highlights such as the Lava Citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo Craters at Skútustaðir, the colourful slopes of Námaskarð and the Krafla Volcano area. Some spots in the region look otherworldly, it's no surprise that several famous movies and television shows have been filmed in Mývatn. After a day of amazing sights, it is a wonderful option to take a dip in the soothing azure waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area. Meals: Breakfast
Drive North to the charming fishing Port of Húsavík, where we suggest you enjoy a Whale Watching Boat Tour. The internationally famous Whale Museum should also be on your list. If you want to indulge in some Hot Spring relaxation, we definitely recommend the unique Geothermal sea bathing at the new GeoSea Natural Baths. Head around the Fossil rich Tjörnes Peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to Jökulsárgljúfur, the Northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Check out Ásbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe shaped canyon in the park. Trails lead through peaceful forested areas to a hidden canyon lake. The National Park roads take you through dramatic canyon lands created by a river flowing from Vatnajökull Glacier. The crown jewel of the area is surely Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful one in Europe. Return to the Mývatn area for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Today, drive Westward, visiting the beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall, the Waterfall of the Gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri, Iceland's culturally lively Northern 'Capital'. This pretty town is full of interesting shops and museums, as well as a well kept botanical garden. Drive to Siglufjörður along one of Iceland's most dramatic coastlines, enjoying a unique view towards the North Atlantic. This is the region of the Troll Peninsula, where the steep Icelandic mountains drop towards the sea. The Town of Siglufjörður itself has many beautifully restored, colourful buildings. One of the most interesting (and unique) places to visit is the Herring Era Maritime Museum, where you will step back into the early 20th Century when this small town became an international fishing boom town. Once leaving Siglufjörður, you enter Skagafjörður, an area known for its historical heritage and an abundance of purebred Icelandic Horses. Overnight in Northwest Iceland. Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. Meals: Breakfast
Drive along the Northern Coast of Iceland on the way to the beautiful Western part of the Country. Explore the gem of Borgarfjörður, a charming area of volcanic landscapes and Viking history. This is a favourite area to find beautiful handicrafts and taste local Farm products. West Iceland was one of the Country’s areas to be settled by Viking Pioneers. If you are interested in Viking history, we suggest a stop at the interactive Icelandic Settlement Centre in Borgarnes Town. Visit the brilliantly blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Falls and the powerful Hot Spring Deildartunguhver. Near the Hot Springs is Krauma, the relaxing 'Fire and Ice' geothermal spa that uses a soothing blend of Hot Springs and Glacier water. There are several optional activities you can enjoy such as the lava tunnel Víðgelmir, venturing inside a glacier or taking a guided hike to a hidden canyon Hot Spring Pool (not included, at an additional cost). Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area. Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will explore the ever changing beauty of Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snæfellsnes is known as 'Iceland in a Nutshell' since you can see samples of most Icelandic landscapes in one area. Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs where many types of Seabirds live. If you enjoy hiking, there is a great nature trail you can hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar Villages. (4.3 kms). Crowning the area is the Glacier topped Snæfellsjökull Volcano, legendary home to a guardian spirit. Visit Djúpalónssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled Beach. Then head along the North Coast through lively Fishing Villages. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, the photogenic Church Mountain. You can enjoy Guided activities in the region such as visiting Vatnshellir lava cave, Whale Watching near Ólafsvík and Summer sea kayaking in the vicinity of Kirkjufell. Drive through scenic Hvalfjörður (a Fjord named after a legendary red headed Whale) on the way to Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant Capital. As you head to the City, you might enjoy the rustic and relaxing Hvammsvík Seawater Baths. You will feel close to nature as you relax in a series of stone lined pools with scenic views. Overnight in Reykjavík. Meals: Breakfast
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to Iceland's Capital City! Your day is open for you to explore the vibrant culture of the city on your own. Guided walking tours are a great way to learn about history and daily life of the city. One of our favourite tours is the Reykjavík Food Walk, a small group tour that includes stops to sample Icelandic taste treats. Stroll the Old Harbour area, known for its artistic shops and unique eateries including the Grandi Food Hall. Browse for Icelandic products on Laugavegur, Iceland's main shopping street. It is also fun to explore the areas around the city with your car. Wonders of Iceland is an intriguing interactive exhibit about Icelandic geology and nature. The Árbæjarsafn Museum is an open-air Museum with a collection of houses from two hundred years of Reykjavík's history. You can stroll around the 'village' and see how people lived in the past. Hafnarfjörður Town has an interesting connection to legends of Elves and Hidden People and a charming harbour area that is ideal for a seaside walk and a visit to a café or art shop. The Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík is another highly recommended experience. Step into a new type of wellness and relaxation with the Sky Lagoon’s Skjól Ritual, a truly unique seven step spa journey that’s at the heart of Iceland’s newest Geothermal experience. You can also enjoy year round outdoor activities in the area including horseback riding through Lava fields, a visit to a multicoloured Lava Cave, guided ATV tours up a nearby mountain and Whale Watching from the Old Harbour area. Overnight in Reykjavík. Meals: Breakfast
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure. If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the Airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2.5 hours extra so you will have ample time at the Lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the Airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the Airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (ic)
