Inclusions

• International flights from UK
• Accommodation with breakfast
• Car Rental - 13 days
• Unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and GPS system.
• Customer Care Service during office hours.
• Use of Tablet with Iceland Travel Companion, Weather & Road Apps.
• Airport Service Charge.
• Emergency Phone Line Support 24 hours.
• Service Fees & Taxes.
• Iceland Map & Guide.
• ATOL Protection.
• Travel Trust Protection.

Accommodation

• 14 nights Accommodation

Day 7: North Iceland

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area.

Visit highlights such as the lava citadels at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skutustadir, the colorful sulphurous slopes of Namaskard and the Krafla volcano area.

Depart Myvatn and drive westward, visiting beautiful Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Take some time to visit Akureyri, Iceland’s colorful northern “capital.”

Drive to Siglufjordur 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 Siglufjordur itself has many beautifully restored, colorful buildings and excellent options for outdoor recreation, from golf to hiking to whale watching.

This town was the filming location for both seasons of the popular Icelandic suspense series Trapped.

Overnight in the Siglufjörður area.

Day 8: North Iceland

Thread around the peninsula, heading from Eyjafjordur into Skagafjordur. Explore the fascinating area of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding and medieval history.

The town of Hofsos has a unique swimming pool that seems to float into infinity. The pool looks towards Drangey, known from the famous Viking-age Saga of Grettir the Strong.

If you are a history buff, we suggest a stop at Holar. This cultural centre has buildings from nine centuries of Icelandic history. The new 1238: Battle of Iceland virtual reality experience in Saudarkrokur town puts you back into the 12^th century to learn about one of Iceland’s most pivotal battles, which occurred close to here.

The manor farm of Glaumbaer is a turf home that dates back to the 18^th century. Visiting here gives a sense of life in Iceland in the old days. Glaumbaer was an inspiration for Hannah Kent’s famous novel Burial Rites, now being produced as a movie.

Near Varmahlid town, you might enjoy visiting Lytingsstadur family horse farm.

Meet Icelandic horses, see the replica of a turf stable and learn about why horses are important to Icelandic history. You can also arrange guided riding tours here.

Another interesting place to visit today is Borgarvirki, a natural rock formation that has been used as a citadel since Viking times.

Head along beautiful coastline where the sea seems to meet the sky as you drive to your evening accommodation.

Overnight stay in the Laugarbakki area.

Day 9: West Iceland

Today you enter into a part of Iceland most visitors never experience: the hauntingly beautiful, remote Westfjords.

Head across Steingrimsfjardarheidi and into the spectacular region of the Westfjords, the oldest part of Iceland.

Visit Holmavik, a village renowned for its museum of witchcraft.

Ancient Icelandic tales depicted the Westfjords as an area full of sorcery, magical spells and witchcraft.

The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft gives an insight into this eerie aspect of Iceland’s history.

Take your time with the drive and enjoy the amazing views; it’s an amazing experience to pause during the day and just take in the sounds of the birds and wind and the smells of the sea.

The place has a real timeless feel to it. You’ll be in an area rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the coast.

Thread around the numerous uninhabited fjords of Isafjardardjup, a beautiful coastline alive with seals and birds. Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the area.

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Day 10: West Iceland

Spend time in Isafjordur and the surrounding area, including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvik and Sudureyri.

In Sudureyri you might opt to take a pleasant walking tour around the town, getting acquainted with the town’s unique sustainable fishing industry.

Try samples of gourmet and traditional seafood products along the way. Bolungarvik has a renovated fishing camp from the 19th century that shows you how people made their living, fishing from wooden row boats.

The once-inhabited Hornastrandir is now a remote nature reserve where you can take a tour that includes a boat trip and guided hiking or Arctic fox viewing.

Or take a day tour to Vigor Island and its tiny community where you’ll learn about how the inhabitants sustainably collect eider down.

Isafjordur also offers several interesting guided walking tours that take you through historical back streets and up into the hills overlooking the town.

A pleasant activity to try in the area is sea kayaking in the calm, peaceful fjord waters.

Overnight in the Isafjordur area.

Day 11: West Iceland

Drive from Isafjordur through the beautiful northern Westfjords.

This is an area whose population has been declining, but the people who still live here love this area and its peaceful way of life.

The town of Thingeyri is a nice place to stop, especially its Simbahollin Café.

The owners restored a beautiful old house for the café, sparking a community-wide renovation.

The village is charming, and the café has legendary Belgian waffles. The café also offers guided horseback riding tours in the area.

The town of Bildudalur has a curious and entertaining Sea Monster Museum where you can discover local legends of mysterious ocean creatures.

View the stunning multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall, one of the symbols of the region. As you walk to Dynjandi from the parking lot, you’ll actually walk by a series of six smaller waterfalls.

Visit Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. In the summer, these high sea cliffs are teeming with millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills.

This is one of Iceland’s best areas for bird watching, as well as an amazing area to capture views of the sea cliffs

Head onwards to the southern coast of the Westfjords. Raudasandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see different colors of sand ranging from white to yellow to red to black. Definitely take your time here and enjoy the different moods of the sea and sands.

Depending on your schedule, maybe you’ll stop to take a dip in the Hellulaug natural geothermal pool in Vatnsfjordur fjord.

This is a simple little natural pool with a lovely view over the ocean. There are no changing facilities.

There is no admission fee, but we encourage you to leave some money in the donation box since this is how the locals ensure the pool is regularly cleaned and safe to use.

This part of the Westfjords was home to one of Iceland’s first settlers, a Viking named Raven -Floki. He is the one who first called the island “Iceland.”

Overnight in the Flokalundur area.

Day 12: West Iceland

Today you have two options: you can either drive the coastal road to Stykkisholmur town or take the ferry across Breidafjordur to the town.

Driving: Drive along the coast of Bardarstrond and into West Iceland. You can explore Dalir, the region of Eric the Red and birthplace of his son, the great explorer Leif Eiriksson at a living replica museum before driving to Snaefellsnes peninsula. Approximate distance: 279 km / 174 miles

Ferry option: Head to Brjanslaekur ferry dock. Sail with the ferry Baldur across Breidafjordur bay with its countless islands and rich birdlife. (Please note ferry trip is not included in the price).

You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders. Enjoy the ride and the views of islands and birds. Approximate distance: 64 km / 40 miles (the ferry ride is about 2,5 hours)

Please note: After Sept. 1 the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays.  If you are planning this trip in late August or September, please make sure Day 12 is not on a Saturday.

The final destination today is the charming village of Stykkisholmur. This eco-friendly town has beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s.

Stykkisholmur is a lovely place to take an evening walk, and you will surely enjoy the nice selection of cafes and restaurants available.

Overnight in the Stykkisholmur area (Northern Snaefellsnes).

Day 13: Snaefellsnes peninsula - Reykjavik

Today you will explore the ever-changing beauty of Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull National Park.

Continue around the Snaefellsnes peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Grundarfjordur and Hellissandur.

Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. as well as the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi.

The crown jewel of the region is Snaefellsjokull, a glacier-topped volcano that is said to be the home of a benevolent troll spirit.

You can enjoy guided activities in the region such as glacier hiking on Snaefellsjokull, visiting Vatnshellir lava cave, whale watching near Olafsvik, and sea kayaking in the vicinity of Kirkjufell.

Explore the gem of Borgarfjordur, a charming area of volcanic landscapes and Viking history.

This is one of our favorite areas to find beautiful handicrafts and taste local farm products. Visit the brilliantly blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls, and the 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. Continue via Hvalfjordur fjord to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 14: Reykjavik

Today you can add on a whale watching excursion if you would like (ask us for costs and details).

The cruise departs from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik and last about 3 hours. You'll have the chance to see seabirds as well.

You'll be dropped back at the harbour from where you'll be able to make your own way back to the hotel (we can include a transfer if required, but it's a good chance to explore a bit of the Old Harbour area and get some lunch).

The Old Harbour area of town has developed quite a bit in recent years and there's a nice Maritime Museum here.

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. Walk down the main shopping streets of Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur, or go up to the top of Hallgrimskirkja church and take in the view of the entire city. Feeling hungry? Try the Reykjavik Food Walk Tour.

Day 15: Reykjavik – UK 

Today you will drop your rental car at the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Fly back to the UK with Iceland Air (or with your preferred airline).

Arrive back in the UK.

Hofn

Set on a scenic peninsula in southeast Iceland, the town of Hofn, meaning ‘harbour’, serves as the capital of the region. It provides an excellent stopover for visitors travelling around Iceland’s ring road.

This picturesque Icelandic fishing town is conveniently situated close to the mighty Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

The town is surrounded by vast majestic landscapes featuring volcanic beaches, glacial rivers, and remote offshore islands.

Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including enjoying the annual lobster festival, visiting the town’s museums to learn about the surrounding area’s geographical history, and visiting the Gamlabuo, the ‘Old Shop’, one of the oldest buildings in Hofn.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe.

Eastfjords Iceland

Stretching from the fishing village of Borgarfjorour Eystri in the north, to Berufjorour in the south, Eastfjords is a long 120-kilometre stretch of coastline on the eastern coast of Iceland.

Home to incredibly beautiful scenery, glittering lakes, charming fishing villages, gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests; the stunning area is inhabited by some of Iceland’s best-known wildlife and is known for having the sunniest weather in the country.

Visitors can enjoy the remote landscapes, spot herds of wild reindeer and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the remote villages dotting the coast, relaxing at a quaint and colourful local cafe and exploring the numerous deep fjords that are carved into the coast namely: Borgarfjorour, Seyoisfjorour, and Faskruosfjorour.

Faskrudsfjordur

Over a century ago the town of Faskrudsfjordur in eastern Iceland became known as a hub for French fishermen, who came here every winter in sailing ships to fish on the Icelandic banks.

This connection is still felt today and French Days, which is held over a weekend, celebrates and commemorates this yearly migration of ages past.

There is also a French Hospital museum with a reconstructed hospital room, which gives insight into the medical history of the time.

For those who prefer physical to cultural activities, there are many trails around the village where you can enjoy arresting vistas of the Arctic woodlands, and catch glimpse of the diverse wildlife it shelters.

North Iceland

North Iceland’s mythical beauty lures countless artists and photographers to capture the jaw-dropping beauty of this paradoxical paradise.

Undoubtedly within the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’, the region intertwines bubbling hot springs, steaming lava fields, belching mud pots and gurgling geysers with glistening glaciers, snowcapped peaks and thousands of plunging waterfalls.

At the heart of this dreamlike setting is the town of Akureyri, an attractive urban hub filled with hotels, restaurants, and bars, serving as the perfect launch point to explore the idyllic fishing villages and the exquisite natural surroundings.

Marvel at the blue-green waters of serene Lake Mývatn, browse through Iceland's largest maritime museum at The Herring Era Museum and view the magnificent torrent of the Dettifoss waterfall, reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Egilsstadir

Egilsstadir is known as east Iceland’s capital and an optimal destination from which to take day trips to the numerous attractions in the eastern districts – including Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, Gufufoss waterfall, the Laki craters, the town of Seyðisfjörður and Stafdal ski resort.

While you’re in town, it’s worth checking out the Slaughterhouse Culture Center, which is the heart of culture and arts in Egilsstadir, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, art exhibitions and plays.

The East Iceland Heritage Museum showcases Icelandic traditions from the past and there is a 25 metre-long, warm public pool that has two hot tubs and a water slide.

Mývatn

Set in northern Iceland and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, Mývatn is a eutrophic lake in a geothermal valley.

Here, boiling mud pots and hissing fumaroles are surrounded by magnificent mountains of sulphur-streaked rock contrasted with snow and ice.

The valley hides a collection of caves containing surreal rock formations and is dotted with sweeping wetlands teeming with plant and birdlife.

The Mývatn Nature Baths is a bathing lagoon that contains around 3.5 million litres of water with a temperature of between 3 - 40 °C.

Places not to be missed include Hverfjall, Leirhnjúkur, Dimmuborgir, Höfdir, Grjótagjá, Skútustadagígar, Lofthellir, Krafla and the hot springs east of Námskardur.