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Winter Wildlife and Aurora Self Drive

From £830

Excluding Flights

5 Nights

Feb-Mar

Overview

This self-drive holiday combines time in Reykjavik with a stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Staying at a countryside hotel, you’ll be in an ideal rural location for viewing the northern lights should they grace the skies as well as heading onto the bay in search of orca. Two nights spent in Reykjavik will also give you the chance to get a taste of Icelandic culture, take an additional whale watching trip, or even explore the nearby Golden Circle route.

This exciting independent self drive break is based in West Iceland’s mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With sweeping lava fields and the recognisable Snaefellsjokull dominating the landscape, this stunning region was the setting and inspiration for Jules Verne’s famous ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

With the freedom that comes with a self-drive holiday, you will be able to explore the many natural treasures that Iceland’s western shores have to offer. You’ll also have the chance to head out on a boat trip with the hope of encountering orcas, dolphins and seabirds.

During winter and early spring, orcas visit the waters off Grundarfjordur on the north coast of Snaefellsnes following the migration of herring. While in past seasons sightings have occurred as early as November and December, more recent behaviour patterns suggest that February, March and early April provide the optimum time for orca watching. Of course, as with all wildlife encounters, sightings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.

Itinerary

Arrive at Keflavik and collect your rental vehicle at the airport. Drive through the dramatic lavascapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik for an overnight stay.

After breakfast make your way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This 2.5 hour drive is a scenic route, with plenty of stop off points along the way. Check in to your hotel for 3 nights.

Take a morning whale watching trip out into the fjord . Hot chocolate and a snack will be provided on board. The length of the boat trip will depend upon whale sightings but is usually around 2-3 hours. Return back into Olafsvik for lunch (payable locally) and to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You can either opt to explore the village on foot or explore the local area by car. Enjoy a relaxing evening and keep an eye out for the northern lights.

Optional Experiences

Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There are opportunities to spot blue, fin, humpback, minke and killer whales as well as numerous seabirds.

Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we recommend you visit the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi, as well as the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.

Leave Snaefellsnes Peninsula and drive back to Reykjavik for the last overnight stay to explore the numerous restaurants and bars in the capital. Perhaps detour via Thingvellir National Park and if time permits visit the other icons of the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss and Geysir.

Optional Experiences

Fontana Spa

Soak in a natural pool, listen to the bubbling hot spring in the steam rooms, or for the adventurous take a dip in the refreshing lake.

Transfer to Keflavik Airport, perhaps via the Blue Lagoon (pre booking essential) before dropping off your vehicle before your flight.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

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

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • Car rental (Group D) throughout with unlimited mileage

  • No charge for additional driver

  • Whale watching excursion

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £830 Excluding Flights

5 Nights

Feb-Mar

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. 

Eric in Norway
Eric
5

Successful whale watching trips

8

Sea turtles snorkelled with

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