Overview:
The grand tour of self drive Iceland covers all the sights and attractions along the main circular highway around the country, as well as Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. Enjoy self drive holidays in Iceland with this 2 weeks grand tour of Iceland that promises a great vacation with cheap car hire for Iceland circle.
Holiday price is from £3,995 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard double/twin room.
Departure Dates:
| Season |
Departures |
| 01 June - 20 September |
Daily (except no Thursdays on September) |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Keflavik Airport - Reykjavik(45 km)
Upon arriving in Iceland at Keflavik Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik by the local representative where you can check in before exploring the city.
Some of the must see attractions include Althingi Parliament, Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, the Pearl, and the Solar sculpture, as well as Hofdi House which was the meeting point of Presidents Reagan and Gorbatchev which signalled the Cold War's end in 1986.
Overnight in Reykjavik area.
Tour Category:
Standard:
Our standard self-drives offer you the chance to travel around Iceland in a worry free spirit, staying in accommodation with private facilities without stretching your budget. Throughout your stay you‘ll be residing in a combination of standard hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses.
- Private facilities
- Accommodation at good value hotels, guesthouses and/or farmhouses
Comfort:
Our comfort self-drive holidays allow you to spend your days exploring rural Iceland, knowing your nights will be spent in the most comfortable accommodation each area has to offer. Throughout the tour you‘ll stay in quality guesthouses and hotels where all rooms have a private facilities.
- Private facilities
- Rooms in the best quality accommodation available at the time of booking
Day 2: Snæfellsnes peninsula (280 km)
Once you have collected your car head west from Reykjavik towards the Peninsula, stopping en route at the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borgarnes. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula separates the west coast into two enormous bays, Faxaflói and Breiðafjörður, boasting stunning natural sights. Continuing across the plains of Mýrar to the Peninsula’s southern tip you will witness vast volcanic craters lining the roads, in particular the infamous 200 metre long Eldborg Crater.
Not only does the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offer natural wonders, but there is also a thriving birdlife to witness as you continue driving to Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and geological marvels in the Snæfellsjökull National Park such as the namesake glaciated volcano, Snæfellsjökull, which featured in the novel “The Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. End your sightseeing at the former fishing stations and stroll along the path to the beach in Djúpalónssandur.
Overnight in Snæfellsnes area.
Day 3: Breiðafjörður Bay & Látrabjarg Cliff (100 km)
Begin your day by driving east along the northern coast of Snæfellsnes. We recommend taking a spectacular cruise from Stykkishólmur to relax and observe the wildlife which resides among the islands of Breiðafjörður Bay, in particular the numerous bird species including Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Eiders and the White Tailed Eagle. That afternoon, take the ferry through the Bay to the port of Brjánslækur on the coast of the Westfjords. Here you can drive to the folk museum in Hnjótur, and then to Látrabjarg which boasts the world’s most crowded bird cliffs.
Overnight in Patreksfjörður / Látrabjarg area.
Day 4: The West Fjords (220 km)
Head northwards to the largest town in the region, Ísafjörður, characterised by the steep, mountainous landscape and deep fjord, and famous for the Dynjandi waterfall and the Synjandisheiði Pass. Driving through the tunnel from Flateyri to Ísafjörður, where you can stop to explore the nearby towns of Bolungarvik and Suðureyri. During the summer months you can also kayak on the Ísafjörður Fjord and we also recommend a visit to the Natural History Museum of Bolungarvik.
Overnight in Ísafjörður / Suðureyri area.
Day 5: The West Fjords (240 km)
Today take the boat tour from Ísafjörður to the beautiful Vigur Island, before cruising along the shores of the fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp to see its resident seals and crashing waves. Proceed to the idyllic fishing village Drangsnes, which is located at the Steigrímsfjörður Fjord, to take a dip in the natural outdoor heated pool.
Overnight in Strandir area.
Day 6: North West Iceland (300 km)
You will head towards the valley of Skagafjöður, which is known for its horse breeding. En route there are a few fascinating stops that are worth making, including the Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi and the Vatnsnes peninsula to see various species of seals (specific locations include Svalbarð, Illugastaðir and Ósar). Eventually you will cross the Vatnsskað Pass into the Skagafjörður district where you can embark on a horse riding tour, no matter your proficiency, or have some fun white water rafting. Finally, spend some time exploring the Glaumbær Folk Museum in the summer, the historical church in Viðimyri, and the town of Hofsós with its interesting old buildings and Emigration Centre museum.
Overnight in North-West Iceland.
Day 7: Akureyri The Capital of the North (130 km)
Following a good night’s rest, continue your journey to Akureyri, the largest town in Northern Iceland. The surprisingly pleasant weather (especially compared with the rest of the country) is perfect for exploring the Botanical Gardens and the Eyjafjörður Fjord. If the weather is not as nice, there are many cultural points of interest including museums and art galleries to walk around and enjoy.
Overnight in Eyjafjörður area.
Day 8: Lake Myvatn's Amazing Landscape (45 km/124 miles)
Continue the road trip today towards the incredible Lake Myvatn, which is filled with and surrounded by stunning waterfalls and a rich birdlife, as well as being home to highlights such as the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Námaskarð geothermal area, Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the Nature Baths and the Krafla Volcano.
Spend the rest of the day in Húsavik, also known as “The Whale Watching Capital of the World”, with whale watching cruises or visit The Whale Museum to learn more about these creatures and the extensive marine wildlife.
Overnight in Húsavík/ Lake Mývatn area.
Day 9: Jökulsárgljúfur National Park (310 km)
Once you have left Húsavik, drive northwards to the Bay, but make a detour to Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar; the Echo rocks canyon which was carved out by the river Jökulsa á Fjöllum. In this area you can hike, watch wildlife or just take in the beautiful views of the National Park. Take the scenic route to Dettifoss Waterfall, the largest in Europe, and continue along the highlands to Egilsstaðir town. Nearby you can visit the vast forest of Hallormsstaðaskógur and the Lagarfljót River, a frequent feature in folklore legends. If you wish, it is worth paying a visit to the small and quaint port village of Seyðisfjörður for some food and a wander around.
Overnight in Egilsstaðir / Seyðisfjörður area.
Day 10: The East Fjords (250 km)
Today you will drive through the picturesque East Fjords and have the chance to see the phenomenal stone collection of Petra or take a boat to Papey Island to watch the seabirds settling for the summer. Heading south you will pass Lónsöræfi and Almannaskarð Pass for some breathtaking, vast views, before arriving in Höfn. This town is a buzzing fishing scene, with lobster caught at the foot of Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Overnight in Djúpivogur / Höfn area.
Day 11: The East Fjords (280 km)
Proceed west to the famous Glacial Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, where enormous icebergs float around the deep blue waters of the lagoon at the bottom of the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. As you drive along the south coast you will reach Skaftafell National Park where the hiking trail will bring you right to the stunning Svartifoss Waterfall, and then the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. Spend the rest of the day driving across the Skeiðarársandur floodplains to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where nearby attractions include Kirkjugólfið, a column shaped by the elements, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Finally, cross the magnificent black sand plains of Myrdalssandur to arrive in Vik where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur / Vík area.
Day 12: Golden Circle (300 km)
Leave Vik and drive to Reynishverfi for the coastal views, and stop at the Skógar Folk Museum and the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall en route towards Reykjavík. In the summer months it is also possible to walk behind the Waterfall which is an incredible experience. In the village of Hvolsvöllur visit the Icelandic Saga Centre and see the landscape of the famous Njáls Saga, and on your way to the Geysers spot the volcanic crater Kerið and the Faxi Waterfall. The Strokkur geyser is still very much alive, with visible activity every few minutes. Nearby you will find the magical Gullfoss Waterfall which is almost overwhelmingly large, and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Finally, stop by Thingvellir National Park which is excellent for geological exploration, before heading back to Reykjavik for the night.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 13: Blue Lagoon (100 km)
On your last full day in Iceland you will have the chance to bask in the calming Blue Lagoon where the ethereal blue geothermal water both relaxes and invigorates your mind and body after a long and active trip. The Blue Lagoon is known for aiding with skin disorders, as well as purely offering a serene setting for its visitors.* Return to Reykjavik where you will hand back your car and enjoy your final night in Iceland.
* It is essential to book the Blue Lagoon in advance.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 14: Departure
Following breakfast at your hotel, take the Flybus shuttle to Keflavik Airport for your flight home.
Package Includes:
- Direct return flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Dublin to Iceland (other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- Meet and greet at KEF airport and transfer to Reykjavik
- 13 nights’ accommodation in your selected accommodation category
- Breakfast daily
- Rental car for 12 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT
- GPS system with car and additional authorized driver
- Fuel discount card valid at more than 90 N1 Gas stations around Iceland
- Iceland Road Guide Book in English
- Detailed itinerary and road map of Iceland with your personal route & accommodation marked in
- Baldur ferry across Breidafjordur bay
- Departure transfer from Reykjavik to KEF airport by Flybus
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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