SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Keflavik – Hella

Fly to Keflavik airport and collect your hire car. Drive through the lava landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula and on to Road 1 for the journey to Hotel Ranga in the heart of the Icelandic countryside for a three night stay.

Day 2 - Explore the Golden Circle

Comprising a trio of natural wonders, this is Iceland's most iconic road route. Explore the Geysir geothermal area with its famous ‘Strokkur’ geyser that spouts fountains of hot water every few minutes, visit the beautiful 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and walk in Thingvellir National Park, an ancient parliamentary assembly site in a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates above the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

If time permits, also visit historic Skalholt church.

Day 3: South Coast

Explore the beautiful south coast today. Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls, and the more hidden yet stunning Gljufrafoss waterfall.

Continue to 60m high Skogafoss waterfall, where you can hike to the top for amazing views of the south coast and the sea.

Dyrholaey has a spectacular rock arch and cliffs teaming with seabirds. Until mid-August, you normally find a colony of puffins here.

You can also drop in at The Lava Centre, a great place to learn more about the volcanoes of Iceland, many of which you can see on your drive along the south coast.

Perhaps add a super jeep tour to Thorsmork Valley to see the rugged landscapes and experience adventurous river crossings, or visit the top of Eyjafjallajokull volcano on one of these beastlike machines.

Day 4: Hella - Jokulsarlon – Hofn

Head east today, stopping along the way at the charming village of Vik, with its black sand beach. Continue across the eerie, moss-clad lava field at Eldhraun, the largest lava field in Iceland formed in 1783 after the Laki eruption, and east towards the wilderness area of Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park.

Be sure to take a walk up to the nearby lake of Systravatn, view the delightful waterfall at Systrafoss and the eroded basalt columns of Kirkjugolfid.

Continue along Road 1 to Skaftafell and take an easy walk to beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, which is framed by black basalt columns.

Then continue to Jokulsarlon, a stunning glacial lake full of icebergs. You will spend 2 nights in this area.

Day 5: Exploring around Hofn

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring this scenic south-east corner of Iceland. Visit the nearby small fishing village of Hofn, and get closer to Mount Vestrahorn for a perfect photo opportunity (small admission fee, payable locally).

If you are feeling more energetic, drive further east to visit the small villages of Djupivogur, Breiddalsvik and Stodvarfjordur.

Day 6: Hofn – Egilsstadir

Spend today travelling through the charming small villages that are dotted around the Eastfjords region. One of them is Faskrudsfjordur, which has strong French connections and street signs in both Icelandic and French.

Spend the following two nights at the Fosshotel Eastfjords or at the Lake Hotel.

Day 7: Exploring the Eastfjords

Spend a day exploring the area, driving along coast roads between scattered fishing villages, enjoying puffin watching and discovering some wonderful trails.

We recommend visiting the town of Seydisfjordur, located at the coast. The town is known for its 19th century timber houses and is the cultural centre of eastern Iceland. On returning to Egilsstradir, continue pass Hallormsstadur Forest and walk up to the Hengifoss waterfall.

Day 8: Egilsstadir - Lake Myvatn

Spend a leisurely day heading west, crossing the highland desert and visit the delightful farm at Modrudalur, with its turf buildings.

Visit the mighty Dettifoss waterfall and then continue to Myvatn for a three night stay.

Day 9: Exploring Myvatn

Explore the area's curious volcanic features from the pseudo craters around the lake and the lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Perhaps drive to the mudpools at Namaskard or take a dip in the milky waters of the Nature Baths (entrance fee payable locally).

Day 10: Visit Husavik

Drive north to Husavik fishing village, often referred to as the whale watching capital of Iceland. You can book an optional whale watching boat trip to get a chance to witness these magnificent creatures. Return to Myvatn via Asbyrgi, a striking horseshoe-shaped canyon.

Day 11: Myvatn – Hvammstangi

After breakfast continue your journey west towards Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland, stopping en route at the stunning Godafoss waterfall.

Choose to explore Akureyri or alternatively continue along Eyjafjordur Bay, driving through the coastal towns of Olafsfjordur and Siglufjordur whilst enjoying the stunning scenery of this this lesser-explored road. Continue to Hvammstangi for an overnight stay at Hotel Laugarbakki outside of town.

Day 12: Hvammstangi - Snaefellsnes – Husafell

Continue driving southwards to the jaw-dropping scenery of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, with its mystical snow-capped volcano and Snaefellsjokull ice cap visible on a clear day.

First visit the fjords and fishing villages on the north side of the peninsula. Kirkjufell, near the town of Grundarfjörður, is claimed to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Also look out for orcas and dolphins patrolling the coastline.

The western tip of the peninsula is scattered with extinct volcanic craters, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves, sandy beaches, lava flows and amazing bird colonies. Be sure to explore the wave-gnawed cliffs and sea arches of the quaint fishing village of Arnarstapi and the black pebble beach at Djupalonssandur, before driving to Husafell. Check into Hotel Husafell for two nights.

Day 13: Explore around Husafell

Explore the Husafell Valley with its vast lava fields, Hraunfossar waterfall and Deildartunguhver hot springs.

You can join an optional excursion 'Into The Glacier' - an ice cave tour on nearby Langjokull glacier, or visit the natural caves of Vidgelmir, the largest lava tunnel in Iceland.

Day 14: Husafell - Reykjanes Peninsula

Head south to the Reykjanes peninsula, either travelling through the tunnel or taking the scenic route around Hvalfjordur fjord.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the lava fields, hot springs and dramatic coastline of the peninsula and perhaps end your day taking a dip in the hot milky blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon (pre-booking required). Overnight at the Northern Light Inn.

Day 15: Depart Iceland

Return your hire car to Keflavik airport in good time for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two people sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Car hire is included, with unlimited mileage and no charge for an additional driver. Flights are extra and will be quoted at time of booking.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.