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Iceland active
Places visited in this self-drive trip include Þingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Gullfoss & Geysir, Lake Mývatn and the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
This great Iceland travel package is our most popular tour to date. It takes you on a round trip of the island to many of the island’s finest natural wonders. Places visited include Þingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Gullfoss & Geysir, Lake Mývatn and the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula.If you are looking for the ideal Iceland self-drive vacation, this might be the one for you!
Day 1
Welcome to Iceland! Once you arrive in Keflavik International Airport, you will be met by our driver in the arrival hall. He will have a sign with your name on it so he should be easy to spot. Our driver will take you to your accommodations in Reykjavík where you will stay for the next two nights. The hotel is located within walking distance from the city centre. Enjoy a cosy night at your accommodations and rest up for the days ahead. If you are looking for a late night snack outside of the hotel, there is a 10-11 store nearby (similar to 7/11) and in the city centre you will find some restaurants that are open late. There is also a bar and restaurant at your hotel.
Day 2
Today you have an exciting adventure ahead of you! Please be ready in the lobby of your hotel at 10:15 and look for a Greyline Bus which should be marked with a “Inside the Volcano” sign. Please note that pickup starts at 10:15 and stops at several hotels. Your pickup time may be a little bit later so please be patient. The bus will take you to the starting point for the Inside the Volcano tour which we have booked for you at 11:00. The tour takes about 5-6 hours to complete in total. Please wear appropriate clothing and you may want to have some lights snacks in your backpack.
During the tour you will enjoy a 45-50 minute hike before getting to Þríhnjúkagígur volcano which you will ascend into. Afterwards you will hike back to the meeting point, again about 45-50 minutes.
After the tour you will be dropped off again at your hotel, Fosshótel Reykjavík. In the evening you can enjoy visiting some of the sights of the city, such as the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Harpa Music & Conference centre, the Hallgrímskirkja church and more. If you would like to dine out tonight at one of Reykjavík’s gourmet restaurants he highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Bars and pubs are open until 01:00 tonight but please note that restaurants close earlier
Sites recommended in Reykjavik:
- Inside the Volcano tour (included)
- Hallgímskirkja church
- National Museum
- Laugavegur shopping street
- Harpa concert and conference centre
- Old harbour of Reykjavík
- and more
Day 3
Today your Iceland travel begins for real! Please be ready in the lobby of your hotel at 08:30. A representative from our car rental will pick you up and transfer you to the office where you will receive your rental car. Please have your driver’s license and credit card ready for insurance purposes.
Afterwards we invite you to come for a private information meeting at our offices.
Once you are on the road start by driving to Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir, because of its beauty and its geological and historical value, was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the site where the Vikings first assembled in ancient times. A short walk within the park will bring you to Öxarárfoss waterfall. After exploring the treasures of the park, head south to see Geysir Spouting Spring and Stokkur. Geysir very rarely erupts but it’s little brother Strokkur erupts with regular intervals. After visiting the hot springs, drive to Gullfoss waterfall to complete the “Golden Circle”. Enjoy the afternoon seeing the sizzling hot springs and geysers and the force of the great waterfall
Highlights of the day
- Þingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Geysir
- Kerið
- Sólheimar
- and more
Day 4
Today you will enjoy a full free day on the South Coast. Spend the day exploring this area, which is full of interesting sights Brúarfoss waterfall, Kerið crater, the hot river in Reykjadalur (about one hour hike from the Hveragerði area), the charming seaside villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki and more. After a day of exploring you will head to the town of Hella, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Approximate driving distance: Optional
Highlights of the day
- Charming seaside villages
- Hot River in Reykjadalur
- Waterfalls
- And more…
Day 5
Today you’ll be joining a guided hike to Þórsmörk, one of the pearls of the Icelandic highlands. Make your way to Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you will meet up with your group and guide for the day. The tour departs from Reykjavík at 08:30 so you should be ready at Seljalandsfoss at 09:30. Please note that you need to be timely for this tour and the operator wants you to be on location this early to make sure you are not late to meet with the main group.
The Super Jeep will take you across glacial rivers and past glaciers before arriving in the heart of Þórsmörk. From there you will enjoy hiking in the area, viewing volcanic craters, lava and spectacular landscape. After this full day of exploring you’ll return to your vehicle by Seljalandsfoss and return to hotel for another overnight stay.
Please note: It is extremely important to have warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket & pants, headwear, and gloves. Good hiking shoes are essential on this tour.
This is a full day tour so please remember to bring with you snacks, lunch and a refillable water bottle.
Highlights of the day
- Þórsmörk Volcano Hike (included)
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Eyjafjallajökull glacier
- Gígjökull
- Fimmvörðuháls
- Lava fields and craters
- And more…
Day 6
After breakfast and packing, and drive along the south shore. On the way you can stop at Skógarfoss waterfall and visit the folk museum there where you can view a traditional Icelandic turf house. In this area you will also find Kvernufoss waterfall. Next up is Dyrhólaey – a 120 meter high headland into the sea. Dyrhólaey is a natural reserve where you can find one of the best seabird colonies in Iceland, this time of year this area is home to thousands of puffins. Nearby you’ll find the village of Vík where you’ll find black sand beaches and rock pinnacles rising from the sea. Please note that the tide in Reynisfjara beach is very strong and you need to show caution. Observe warning signs and stay safe! Continue on towards the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you’ll find sights such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and the “church floor” – natural columnar basalt stacks that look like a man-made church floor. You will spend the night here.
Approximate driving distance: 165 km
Highlights of the day
- Skógafoss
- Dyrhólaey
- Vík
- Black sand beaches
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- And more…
Day 7
After breakfast at your accommodations, drive to Skaftafell where you can enjoy an early morning hike up to Svartifoss waterfall, which drops from the edge of a wide cliff of basalt columns. We highly recommend stopping by the visitor centre in Skaftafell where you can get up to date information about hiking trails in the area, along with local advice. You can also visit Svínafellsjökull glacier fall, where the opening sequence of Batman Begins was filmed. On this route you will also find Hofskirkja, an old church with a traditional Icelandic turf roof.
After what has hopefully been a lovely morning in Skaftafell, head towards the Ingólfshöfði peninsula.
Ingólfshöfði is an isolated headland on the coast half way between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This nature reserve is home to thousands of nesting seabirds, such as puffins and great skuas.
After the tour make your way to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, during summer time you can take an optional boat tour on the lagoon where you will sail between the icebergs while the local guides tell you the story about this great phenomenon (last amphibian boat tour leaves around 18:00, price is 5,000 ISK per adults). Afterwards head to the town of Höfn where you will find your accommodation. Höfn is known as the “Lobster capital of Iceland” so you may want to enjoy a nice lobster meal here in the evening.
Approximate driving distance: 200 km
Highlights of the day:
- Vatnajökull National Park
- Svartifoss waterfall
- Glaciers
- Ingólfshöfði puffin watching tour (included)
- Glacier lagoon – Jökulsarlon
- Höfn
- and more
Optional activities (not included):
- Amphibian boat tour: 5,000 ISK per adult
Day 8
Time to travel the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. When approaching the town of Djúpivogur you will be able to view the impressive Búlandstindur mountain. After passing Djúpivogur, you will explore the East Coast of Iceland. Travel through tranquil coastal villages, all with their own unique characteristics. In Breiðdalsvík you have the option of joining a boat tour to Papey Island where you can enjoy seal- and puffin watching and even have a cosy picnic on the island. In Stöðvarfjörður you will find the impressive Petra’s Stone Collection, a beautiful collection of national stones. In Fáskrúðsfjörður you’ll find remnants of it’s French history as this town used to be a French shipping post and still today street signs are both in Icelandic and French. On the way you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to stop at beautiful waterfalls and enjoy short hikes.
Continue on along the winding fjords You will spend the night at your Guesthouse located just outside of the town of Eskifjörður.
Approximate driving distance: 215 km
Highlights of the day:
- Djúpivogur
- Kárahnjúkavirkjun
- Fjord scenery
- Hallormsstaðarskógur
- Egilsstaðir
- and more
Optional activities (not included):
- Papey boat tour: 10,000 ISK per person
Day 9
Today you will start your travel towards the amazing and surreal Lake Mývatn area. Drive towards the town of Egilstaðir. If you wish, you can make a detour here either to the small but picturesque town of Seyðisfjörður or to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a small village where there is a great viewpoint to see puffins.
Once past Egilsstaðir you will drive past a black sand desert to Lake Mývatn. Just before reaching Lake Mývatn you can turn onto road nr. 862 and view the west side of the Dettifoss Waterfall. Here you can also add a short hike to the Selfoss waterfall, you will find signs pointing towards this smaller waterfall.
Afterwards head to the Lake Mývatn area where you will find your accommodations for the next three nights at Hótel Laxá. In the evening you may want to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths or, if the weather is good, enjoy a nice hike by the lake itself. Around the lake you will find horses and plenty of nice, lush landscape.
Approximate driving distance: 280 km
Highlights of the day:
- Egilsstaðir
- Black sand desert
- Dettifoss
- And more..
Day 10
Today you will be doing the so called “diamond circle” in reverse. Start your day by driving towards the Dettifoss waterfall, but this time take the gravel road number 864. You will first arrive on the east side of Dettifoss waterfall which gives you a different perspective. Continuing on you will reach the beautiful Ásbyrgi area. He highly recommend stopping by the visitor centre at Ásbyrgi where you can get up to date information about hiking trails. Those who are not scared of heights can climb up a ladder which is bolted to the cliffside, to reach the top for amazing views.
After visiting Ásbyrgi you have the option of making a detour to Hljóðaklettar or “echo cliffs”. Please consult with the visitor centre first as the road was very bad last year, but this year there has been an effort to improve the road. It is planned that most of this road will be paved by the end of summer. Hljóðaklettar is a beautiful location where you can see unique rock formations and enjoy a nice hike.
Afterwards head to the small seaside town of Húsavík. This town is known as the “whale watching capital” of Iceland, once you get into town you will surely see why! Here you will find the Whalewatching museum of Iceland along with the Exploration Museum and the local natural museum.
At 17:00 please present your voucher at ticket office, located by the main street in Húsavík. You will get a ticket for the boat and directions to the harbour. You will be supplied with an overall to wear on the boat but we recommend having warm clothes on underneath, sunglasses and something to cover your ears. It can get cold out at sea! The boat leaves the harbour promptly at 17:30.
On the tour you will pass by Lundey Island which is home to thousands of puffins this time of year. Afterwards you’ll start your journey further onto the open ocean and look for whales. You will be able to participate in the tour as you will be asked to keep your eyes open and alert the crew if you spot a whale blowing on the horizon.
After the tour we recommend having dinner at one of the restaurants found by the harbour, before continuing on to your accommodations by Lake Mývatn.
Approximate driving distance: 265 km
Highlights of the day:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Ásbyrgi canyon
- (Hljóðaklettar)
- Húsavík
- Whale watching from Húsavík
Day 11
Today you have a full day to explore Lake Mývatn. Sights in this area include Hverir and Námaskarð pass geothermal areas, the Skútustaðir pseudo craters and the Dimmuborgir lava formations. You can also visit the volcanic area of Krafla and hike up to the smaller of the two Víti craters and/or . Before starting the day we highly recommend stopping by at the Mývatnsstofa visitor centre where you can get up to date information about hiking trails, access to sights and more.
After a day full of exploring you may want to take another (optional) dip into the Mývatn Nature Baths and enjoy the views over the Lake Mývatn area.
Driving distance today: Optional
Highlights of the day:
- Dimmuborgir
- Krafla
- Geothermal area Námafjall
- Mývatn
- and more
Optional activities (not included):
- Mývatn Nature Baths: 4,000 ISK per person
Day 12
Today you have a full day to drive from Lake Mývatn to the area of Hvammstangi. This gives you the opportunity to explore some of the lesser visited highlights of the North. Start your day by driving to the town of Akureyri, the largest township in Iceland outside the greater Reykjavík area. On the way you can stop at the charming Goðafoss waterfall. In Akureyri you can visit many interesting museums and run up the iconic church steps before continuing on. Next up is Tröllaskagi peninsula, we recommend making a lunch stop at the charming town of Siglufjörður before continuing on and enjoying a dip in the infinity pool in the town of Hofsós. In the afternoon you’ll drive though lush farmlands until you reach Hvammstangi where you will stay overnight. We recommend making a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula where you can view the Hvítserkur basalt stack and the seals that bask on the beach.
Approximate driving distance: 350 km (not including Vatnsnes peninsula detour)
Highlights of the day:
- Akureyri
- Tröllaskagi peninsula
- Siglufjörður
- Infinity pool in Hofsós
- Skagafjörður
- Vatnsnes peninsula
- And more…
Day 13
It’s time to continue your Iceland travel. Leave Hvammstangi behind and start making your way to the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. We recommend driving to the town of Borgarnes and from there driving to the peninsula. Road 54 will look like a short-cut on the map but in reality this is a bad gravel road which will in the end rob you of precious time.
There is an information centre in Bogarnes where you get nice hiking maps to enjoy the Snæfellsnes area to the fullest. Once on the Snæfellsnes you can drive clockwise around the peninsula. You’ll pass sights such as the Eldborg crater, the old black church in Búðir, the amazing cliffs and lava field by Arnarstapi and Hellnar, the Lóndrangar rock pinnacles rising from the sea, the Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, the lighthouse by Svörtuloft, and many more.
Enjoy and take in the Snæfellsjökull glacier’s alleged supernatural energy. The Snæfellsjökull glacier in the Snæfellsjökull National Park was the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
You will be staying the night in a nice hotel located in the town of Grundarfjörður. This is where you’ll find Kirkjufell mountain. If you still have some energy left in the evening we recommend a visit to the charming seaside town of Stykkishólmur where you can get great views over the Breiðafjörður bay.
Approximate driving distance: 300 to 390 km
(with Stykkishólmur)
Highlights of the day:
- Skagafjörður Fjord
- Snæfellsjökull glacier
- Stykkishólmur
- Hellnar Café
- Old church in Buðir
- and more
Day 14
It’s sad to admit but your Iceland holiday is coming to an end. Make your way towards Reykjavík but on the way you can detour to sights such as the Hraunfossar waterfalls and Deildartunguhver hot springs. To do this, make a turn just before reaching the town of Borgarnes and head in the direction of Húsafell. Afterwards make your way towards Reykjavík though the Hvalfjörður underwater tunnel (toll booth, 1,000 ISK fee).
You’ll drive through Reykjavík to the Reykjanes peninsula where you can enjoy sights such as the Eldvörp crater, Krýsuvík and Seltún geothermal area, The Bridge Between Continents and Gunnuhver hot spring.
At 18:00 we have reserved for you two comfort packages to the Blue Lagoon where you can say goodbye to Iceland with a relaxing soak. Afterwards head to the hotel in Grindavík where you will stay overnight.
Approximate driving distance: 350 km (with Húsafell detour)
Highlights of the day:
- Hraunfossar
- Deildartunguhver
- Reykjaes peninsula
- Blue Lagoon Comfort packages (included)
- And more…
Day 15
It’s time to say goodbye! Drive to the airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle at the Enterprise offices. You will be offered a shuttle service to the departure hall of the airport. Please note that travellers are advised to be at the airport at least 2,5 hours before departure. The driving distance from your hotel to Keflavík International Airport is approx.. 30 km.
Price per person, based 2 partecipants, with 4×4 Skoda Octavia Manual or similar: from 4’340 Euro
Included:
- 14 nights accommodation in Comfort category with continental breakfast (minimum 3star hotels or better guesthouses with private bathroom. Breakfast included.
- Rental car for 12 days with unlimited mileage/CDW & VAT/extra driver/drop off fee. 4×4 Skoda Octavia Manual or similar – intermadiate car category. Mini, Economy, Compact, Intermediate & Full size categories are NOT allowed to be driven on F Roads (strade di montagna), Kjölur (road nr.35) and Kaldidalur (road nr.550). The driving of rental vehicules in prohibited areas is not covered by insurance.
- Private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavík
- Private pick-up at Keflavík Airport and transport to your hotel in Reykjavik
- Inside the volcano tour
- Þórsmörk Volcano Hike excurion
- Ingólshöfði puffin tour
- Whale Watching from Húsavík (Whales, Puffins and Sails tour)
- Blue Lagoon Comfort packages
- Detailed map of Iceland with route and accommodations identified
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fee
Not Included:
-
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Meals, drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional Insurance: Gravel Protection Pack
- Gasoline
Trip to Iceland and Norway – April 2022
I wished to take a traveling trip to Iceland and Norway. But between planes, hotels, car rentals, and the different trips, it would have been difficult for me to make everything fit together. I therefore turned to Tim Travel Tours because I needed personalized advice. Tim immediately contacted me and the planning of the trip took place together, fully respecting my interests and wishes; in fact, some proposals turned out to be really successful.
Everything went very smoothly; flights/accommodations/activities always worked and matched perfectly.
The flight back from Lofoten had been cancelled by the airline due to weather, and Tim, despite it being Easter Day, immediately contacted me (the airline had already arranged an alternate flight in the meantime). I really appreciated his professionalism.
Thank you Tim and see you next trip!
Loris