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Wonders of the South West

From £1349

Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Year Round

Overview

Showcasing the spectacular sights of of Iceland’s south west, this independent self drive offers a touch of class based at two of our favourite rural properties – Hotel Ranga and Hotel Husafell. Long days exploring an array of natural wonders including volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers are topped off with fine dining and stylish relaxation.

Location, location, location

Surrounded by wide-open plains near Hella, ranch-style Ranga is well placed for visiting keys sites in south Iceland including Thorsmork valley, black sands beaches and the beautiful waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. The hotel blends quirky decor and a laid-back charm with high levels of service. Relax in the outdoor hot tubs and enjoy a first-class dining experience, some of the finest dining in the country.

Further north and set amidst the mountains of Borgarfjordur, Husafell is a stylishly modern hotel boasting 100% pure energy and sophisticated dining. Offering convenient access to nearby Langjokull glacier and the striking glacial falls Hraunfossar, the hotel also provides a good base for exploring the majestic Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Conclude your adventure with a stay at the Northern Light Inn on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a short distance from the Blue Lagoon as well as being conveniently located near to the airport.

Itinerary

On arrival at Keflavik International Airport collect your rental car before driving to Hotel Ranga for a three night stay in the heart of the Icelandic countryside.

hotel ranga restaurant exterior rowellphotography

Hotel Ranga, near Hella

Around an hour's drive from Reykjavik, this cosy riverside lodge offers four-star comfort and fine dining in the volcanic heart of rural Iceland.

Make a stop at the iconic Seljalandsfoss and the magical Gljufrafoss waterfalls then continue to the famous Skogafoss, amongst the finest of Iceland’s many waterfalls. Continue towards the beautiful small village of Vik, stopping on the way by Reynisfjara black sand beach and Dyrholaey bird cliffs and rock formations. After an adventurous day return to Hotel Ranga and a relax in the hot tub.

Take an optional superjeep tour into Thorsmork, a valley named after Thor the Norse god of thunder. The guide with take on a thrilling journey through the valley crossing glacial rivers and visiting waterfalls as well as onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop a volcano which infamously erupted back in 2010. After an exciting day return to Ranga for another cosy evening.

Optional Experiences

Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

After breakfast make your way towards the famous Golden Circle. Begin by visiting Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall often framed by a rainbow on sunny days. Continue to Geysir hot spring area and witness Strokkur erupting 30 ft into the air. Finally head to Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It is also the site of the world’s oldest parliament – Althingi, which was formed by the vikings in AD 874.

Continue to Husafell valley in West Iceland where you’ll spend the next three nights at Hotel Husafell.

west hotel husafell exterior summer driveway

Hotel Husafell

A stunning property full of contemporary flair, Hotel Husafell nestles in the magnificent landscape of Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Reykjavik.

Optional Experiences

iceland snorkelling at silfra thingvellir div

Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a wonderful snorkelling experience.

Explore the nearby area and visit striking Hraunfossar waterfall, where the stream of water flows deep in the lava field until emerging through the river bank in a broad cascade. Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, providing 180 litres per second of boiling water. Explore the vast Hallmundarhraun lava field and take part an optional excursion to visit Vidgelmir lava cave, the biggest in Iceland.

Optional Experiences

iceland husafell canyon baths

Husafell Canyon Baths

Hike through the surreal landscape of the highlands followed by a relaxing soak in a natural geothermal pool
iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave

Cave Explorer

Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of Snaefellsnes. On a clear day you are able to see the top of Snaefellsjokull glacier, a dormant volcano which is the starting point of Jules Verne’s novel – Journey to the Centre of the Earth. As you drive around the peninsula, make sure to visit Londrangar basalt cliffs, Djupalonsandur beach and now famous Kirkjufell mountain.

Alternatively take an optional excursion ‘Into the Glacier’. The unique adventure on Langjokull glacier begins with a journey by super truck – an old NATO missile launcher converted to a comfortable passenger vehicle, which takes visitors to the impressive man made ice tunnel on top of the glacier. The guided tour offers information on glaciers, past volcanic eruptions in Iceland and how this impressive project was conceived.

Return to Husafell for a peaceful evening and a delicious dinner (additional cost).

Optional Experiences

Into the Glacier at Langjokull - Ice Cave tour

Into the Glacier - Ice Cave in Langjokull

The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the south west.

Leave Husafell valley and head south taking a scenic detour around Hvalfjordur bay. Then head to Reykjanes Peninsula where you can choose to visit the world famous Blue Lagoon or explore the many sights. The Bridge Between Two Continents is a structure built to symbolise the close connection to both Europe and North-America. See the boiling mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver geothermal area and drive around Kleifarvatn lake. Check into the Northern Light Inn for you final night and enjoy the complimentary spa access.

northern light inn aurora overhead feb19 bw

Northern Light Inn

A delightful, well-appointed hotel in a great location.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

Drive the short distance to Keflavik airport to drop off your rental vehicle and board your flight home.

Prices and Departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage

  • No charge for additional driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £1349 Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Year Round

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Bruno
27

Years visiting Iceland

100

Kilometers snowmobiled

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience