Country
Iceland
Duration
19 Days/18 Nights
Travel Type
Self Drive
Iceland is typically divided into seven different geographical regions, including the Reykjavík capital area. Each region differs slightly with respect to both culture and landscape, but all are uniquely Icelandic. This 19 day tour will allow you to discover Iceland in all it’s northern wonder!
Inclusions
18-night accommodation
Daily breakfast
Baldur ferry crossing fee
19 x 24-hour car rental, category Y Toyota Yaris Automatic (or similar), including unlimited kilometers, CDW insurance, unlimited WI-FI in the car for your phone’s apps (GPS, PLAN, WAZE, GOOGLE MAPS) and taxes, second driver (see car rentals Terms and Conditions)
24 /7 emergency service from the car rental and from our local office
Service, and VAT fees
Exclusions
Not included: Flights – Airport fees for rental pick up of 35€ on site – Road maps (as your phone apps can be used in WI-FI) – Meals and drinks unless indicated in the inclusions – Travel insurance – Optional excursions – Other car supplements – All other items not mentioned in the inclusions.
Not included in car rental: Gasoline – Fees if the car is not returned to the airport – Deductible in case of damage, theft, vandalism, punctures – Insurance costs for the deductible (optional).
1
DAY 1 WELCOME TO ICELAND
Arrival at Keflavik Airport. Pick-up of rented vehicle and drive to
Reykjavik for your first night’s stay in Iceland. Depending on your arrival time, we recommend you make a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way and have a swim in the warm geothermal water.
Reykjavik for your first night’s stay in Iceland. Depending on your arrival time, we recommend you make a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way and have a swim in the warm geothermal water.
Accommodation : Reykjavík for 1 night
2
DAY 2 BORGARFJÖRÐUR AND SNÆFELLESNES (approx. 300km)
Today you will be discovering an interesting area, rich with cultural and historical heritage. In Borgarfjörður you must visit the splendid waterfalls of Hraunfossar, where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below, Reykholt, where the 13th century author Snorri Sturluson lived, and Deildartunguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (in terms of water production per second). Continue towards Snæfellesnes peninsula and make a stop at the crater Eldborg.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Snæfellsnes area for 1 night
3
DAY 3 WONDERS OF SNÆFELLSNES (approx. 200km)
Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the stunning Snæfell Glacier. This journey is perfect for Nature lovers where you will explore the adventurous world of the ocean, coastline and beach. Drive along the coast and visit many popular sites such as the basalt pillars of Gerðuberg, Búðir with its small wooden church surrounded by a lava field, Arnarstapi, a small fishing village where you can have a look at the fascinating rock formations by the old pier and Djúpalónssandur, a black sand beach. On the north part of the peninsula, you will drive along the shore of the Breiðafjörður Bay, passing through charming fishing villages.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Overnight in Snæfellsnes area
4
DAY 4 SNÆFELLSNES AND BREIÐAFJÖRDUR BAY (approx. 140km)
From Stykkishólmur you take the car ferry Baldur across the scenic Breidafjörður bay to the West Fjords. Today you start your visit of some of the most secluded places in Iceland, where steep mountains and deep fjords are predominant. Visit Látrabjarg, a huge bird cliff and on the way back you can stop at the folk museum of Hnjótur. Carry on along the fjords passing white sand beaches and bizarre cliffs heading to your accommodation near Patreksfjörður.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Patreksfjörður area for 1 night
5
DAY 5 WEST FJORDS AND DYNJANDI WATERFALL (approx. 200km)
Today you continue up north along the West Fjords, one of the most remote regions of Iceland. The landscape is breathtaking as you cross mountains and heaths and drive along the dramatic fjords at the foot of steep cliffs. Dynjandi is a beautiful waterfall that lies in the northern arm of the fjord Arnarfjörður. You continue toward the north until you reach the village Flateyri and from there you drive on to reach your accommodation in Isafjordur town.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Isafjörður area for 2 nights
6
DAY 6 ISAFJÖRÐUR
Today you will have time to visit Isafjordur. It is the main city in the west fjord, and it is really nice to walk around. You can relax at the swimming pool. You can visit the fishing village around the area, Bolungarvik, Flatery or Sudureyri.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation :
7
DAY 7 THE MOST REMOTE PLACE IN ICELAND: THE WEST FJORDS (approx. 350km)
From Isafjordur you continue your journey of the West fjords. You drive along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp passing the Vigur Island on the way. After Steingrímsfjarðarheiði heath you reach the Northwest region. You arrive in the village of Hólmavík where you can visit an interesting museum dedicated to the ancient Icelandic magic. Continue along the Hrútafjörður fjord until you arrive at your accommodation in the region.
Accommodation : Hrútafjörður area for 1 night
8
DAY 8 SEALS, HORSES AND BIRDS (approx. 350km)
Your first visit will be the Vatsnes area. You can make a stop at
Hvammstangi and drive around the peninsula. It is the best place to spot some seals. You can make a stop at Hvitserkur a 15 m high basalt stack where several species of birds live. Driving on the main road heading to Akureyri be sure to make a stop in the Skagafjörður region. This area is known for horse breeding and many Icelandic horses can be seen grazing in the fields of the Skagafjörður valley. Just before arriving at the village of Varmahlíð you can make a stop at Víðimýri church, a small traditional turf church. Then, you can make your way just north of Varmahlíð to visit the Glaumbær museum, which is one of the best-preserved turf farmhouses in Iceland.
Hvammstangi and drive around the peninsula. It is the best place to spot some seals. You can make a stop at Hvitserkur a 15 m high basalt stack where several species of birds live. Driving on the main road heading to Akureyri be sure to make a stop in the Skagafjörður region. This area is known for horse breeding and many Icelandic horses can be seen grazing in the fields of the Skagafjörður valley. Just before arriving at the village of Varmahlíð you can make a stop at Víðimýri church, a small traditional turf church. Then, you can make your way just north of Varmahlíð to visit the Glaumbær museum, which is one of the best-preserved turf farmhouses in Iceland.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Akureyri area for 2 nights
9
DAY 9 AKUREYRI
You will visit Akureyri, the capital of the North. You can either take the day to relax in the city or you can drive around the Tröllaskagi
peninsula (the peninsula of the Trolls). Drive toward the fishing village of Dalvik where you can take a whale watching tour, Olafsfjordur and Siglufjörður. You can take a short ferry ride to the island of Hrísey. On the way back to Akureyri, you could make a stop at the geothermal pool in Hofsos with an impressive view
over the islands.
peninsula (the peninsula of the Trolls). Drive toward the fishing village of Dalvik where you can take a whale watching tour, Olafsfjordur and Siglufjörður. You can take a short ferry ride to the island of Hrísey. On the way back to Akureyri, you could make a stop at the geothermal pool in Hofsos with an impressive view
over the islands.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation :
10
DAY 10 WATERFALL AND LAKE MÝVATN (approx. 120km)
In the morning you can spend some time in Akureyri before heading to the Lake Mývatn area. It is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most renowned areas, due to its volcanic activity and its amazing bird life. On the way to Myvatn, you will have the opportunity to take a look at the picturesque Godafoss waterfall. At Mývatn there are various exciting places of interest that you can visit such as the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters and the mysterious lava formations of Dimmuborgir. Two nights in or near the Mývatn area.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Mývatn area for 2 nights
11
DAY 11 LAKE MÝVATN NATURE RESERVE (approx. 50km)
The whole day is dedicated to the marvels of Lake Mývatn Nature
Reserve. One of its main attractions is the Námaskarð geothermal area where you will find bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents. You must not miss the Krafla area with the crater Víti and the Leirhnjúkur area. This leads you to a small geothermal area and then to a line of craters surrounded by chaotic black lava fields. Later on, you can venture a walk up to the top of Hverfjall crater or dip into the geothermal water of the natural baths located east of the Lake. Second night in or near the Mývatn area.
Reserve. One of its main attractions is the Námaskarð geothermal area where you will find bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents. You must not miss the Krafla area with the crater Víti and the Leirhnjúkur area. This leads you to a small geothermal area and then to a line of craters surrounded by chaotic black lava fields. Later on, you can venture a walk up to the top of Hverfjall crater or dip into the geothermal water of the natural baths located east of the Lake. Second night in or near the Mývatn area.
Meals : Breakfast
12
DAY 12 DETTIFOSS WATERFALL AND ÁSBYRGI (approx. 340km)
You start your day by driving to the charming fishing village of
Husavik. Then you drive along the coastline of the Tjörnes peninsula and if the weather conditions are good, you can make a small stop at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. Ásbyrgi is your next stop, a horseshoe shaped gorge with its impressive rock walls and abundant vegetation. Heading south from Ásbyrgi the road leads you to the mighty waterfall Dettifoss where you will feel the earth tremble beneath the force of the glacial water. The road continues across the lunar landscape of Möðrudalur highlands until you reach the fertile valley of Hérað where the village of Egilsstadir lies. Two nights in Egilstaðir area.
Husavik. Then you drive along the coastline of the Tjörnes peninsula and if the weather conditions are good, you can make a small stop at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. Ásbyrgi is your next stop, a horseshoe shaped gorge with its impressive rock walls and abundant vegetation. Heading south from Ásbyrgi the road leads you to the mighty waterfall Dettifoss where you will feel the earth tremble beneath the force of the glacial water. The road continues across the lunar landscape of Möðrudalur highlands until you reach the fertile valley of Hérað where the village of Egilsstadir lies. Two nights in Egilstaðir area.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Egilsstaðir area for 2 nights
13
DAY 13 EGILSSTADIR
The day is for relaxing or for excursions around Egilsstadir. It is worth making a trip to Bakkagerði or maybe to Seyðisfjörður village, Karahnjukar power plant. Or walk around the lake Lögurinnand Hengifoss for hiking. Accommodation as on the previous day.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation :
14
DAY 14 THE EAST FJORDS (approx. 270km)
Now it is time to discover the East Fjords: Starting towards the
fjord Reydarfjörður where a small history museum about World War II is situated. In Stöðvarfjörður there is Petra’s stone collection, a private collection which includes most of the Icelandic minerals. As you continue you might want to make a stop in the village of Djúpivogur, located in a charming setting. Now you continue along the fjords towards Southeast Iceland, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region where you will stay for the night.
fjord Reydarfjörður where a small history museum about World War II is situated. In Stöðvarfjörður there is Petra’s stone collection, a private collection which includes most of the Icelandic minerals. As you continue you might want to make a stop in the village of Djúpivogur, located in a charming setting. Now you continue along the fjords towards Southeast Iceland, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region where you will stay for the night.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Höfn area for 1 night
15
DAY 15 SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK, WATERFALLS AND ICEBERGS (approx. 280km)
After passing various outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you will arrive at the glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon. This is an exceptional sight at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. You can walk along the banks of the lagoon or take a 30-40 min boat trip to admire the fantastically shaped icebergs. Skaftafell National Park is another area worthy of your attention. This oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains has many hiking possibilities. Continue through Kirkjubaejarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain before you arrive in the Vík area for your night’s accommodation.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Vik area for 1 night
16
DAY 16 WATERFALLS AND BLACK SAND BEACHES (approx. 120km)
Today you can start by taking a look at the black sand Reynisfjara
beach, famous for the Reynisdrangar rock stacks that rise from the sea and for its basalt columns. Dyrhólaey cape is the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see a large number of puffins. (Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from May 15 til June 23 and from mid- August the puffins will have gone to sea!).
beach, famous for the Reynisdrangar rock stacks that rise from the sea and for its basalt columns. Dyrhólaey cape is the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see a large number of puffins. (Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from May 15 til June 23 and from mid- August the puffins will have gone to sea!).
Continuing westbound you arrive at Skógar and pass Skógarfoss
waterfall, one of the highest in Iceland. As you continue towards Hella you pass Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and you can actually walk behind it. Overnight at Hella.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hella/Hvolsvöllur area for 1 night
17
DAY 17 THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (approx. 220km)
Now it is time to visit some of the most interesting and famous
areas of Iceland. You drive through the village of Flúðir to reach
the famous geothermal area of Geysir where the Strokkur hot
spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10
minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble.
Close by is Gullfoss, surely the country’s most famous waterfall.
Continuing towards Thingvellir (Þingvellir) consider one of the
geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects
of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. It was here that the Icelandic Parliament was founded in the 10th century. Continue to Reykjavík for your overnight stay.
areas of Iceland. You drive through the village of Flúðir to reach
the famous geothermal area of Geysir where the Strokkur hot
spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10
minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble.
Close by is Gullfoss, surely the country’s most famous waterfall.
Continuing towards Thingvellir (Þingvellir) consider one of the
geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects
of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. It was here that the Icelandic Parliament was founded in the 10th century. Continue to Reykjavík for your overnight stay.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Reykjavík for 2 nights
18
DAY 18 FREE DAY IN REYKJAVÍK
Reykjavík offers a wide range of sights to visit and lots of activities. Among the things you can visit in Reykjavík are the old city centre where you can walk by the lake, Tjörnin, visit the Town Hall, and walk through the Austurvöllur square, where the Parliament building stands, and down to the harbour. You can stroll along the main street, Laugavegur to have a look at the shops and the art galleries and find a restaurant or a café to your liking. Do not miss the church Hallgrímskirkja or the dome Perlan, a modern building from where you have a magnificent view over the whole city. There are several museums worth visiting in Reykjavík, for example the National Museum of Iceland near the
University, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Gallery (includes 3 different collections). A whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbour is a wonderful experience or you can take a half-day excursion from Reykjavík to the Reykjanes Peninsula, taking you to the geothermal springs in Krýsuvík.
University, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Gallery (includes 3 different collections). A whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbour is a wonderful experience or you can take a half-day excursion from Reykjavík to the Reykjanes Peninsula, taking you to the geothermal springs in Krýsuvík.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation :
19
DAY 19 DEPARTURE (approx. 50km)
Drive back to Keflavík airport for your flight back home. Or book an extra night in Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland!
Meals : Breakfast
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Rates in $ CA, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
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| Daily departures 2023 | Hotel Category COMFORT (similar to 3*) with private bathroom | ||
| May 1 – 14 | 5120 | ||
| May 15 – September 21 | 5885 | ||
| September 22 – 30 | 5120 | ||
| Daily departures 2023 | Hotel Category SUPERIOR (similar mix of 3*/4*) with private bathroom | ||
| May 1 – 24 | 6180 | ||
| May 25 – September 30 | 7525 | ||
| October | 6180 | ||
| Supplements | |||
| Single | on request | ||
| Car Upgrade: Category P Skoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 Automatic | Starting at +2500 per vehicle | ||
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*Rates are estimated and based on season. When reserving, hotels type is confirmed but hotel names are going to be sent only 3 weeks prior to departure. Low and high season prices available on request with supplement ($) – Ask your travel agent. |
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**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.
