Take two points in Iceland – Reykjavik in the southwest and Akureyri in the north. Start at either one and join the dots in-between. The result: a stunning 10-night self-drive through a succession of scenic wonders. Thingvellir and Vatnajokull national parks are the stars of this free-spirited odyssey, but you’ll also visit natural beauties like the East Fjords and Lake Myvatn.
Iceland’s all-action national parks
Vatnajokull covers no less than 13% of Iceland. Much of it is frozen wilderness. Scaling the Vatnajokull icecap by superjeep or cruising through the icebergs at Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon are two of the optional activities available on this trip. You can also go glacier walking or snowmobiling. Thingvellir National Park, meanwhile, is not only a superb hiking spot, but you can also snorkel or dive in the flooded Silfra fissure at the margin between the Eurasian and North American plates.
Non-stop natural wonders
They come thick and fast on this trip. You’ll lose count of the waterfalls (Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Svartifoss, Hengifoss and Dettifoss are just the famous ones). There’s wildlife too: seabirds on the Vopnafjordur coast; reindeer in the East Fjords and whales in the north. You’ll see volcanic wonders at Lake Myvatn: steaming lava flows, seething mud pits and explosion craters. And you’ll even see trees (a rarity in Iceland) when you delve into the birch forest of Hallormsstadur. Geysers, fjords, canyons, glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches… Iceland is, in fact, just one big natural wonder.
Itinerary
Fly to Keflavik, transfer to the city and overnight in Reykjavik. If you have time why not visit the Blue lagoon enroute though pre-booking is essential.
Fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri, collecting your rental vehicle on arrival. Explore this quaint northern town located almost at the head of Eyjafjordur then drive to Myvatn, making a detour at picturesque Godafoss for a photo stop. Spend two nights at Lake Myvatn.
Spend the day exploring the area and its volcanic wonders. Visit the relaxing Nature Baths (the north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon), grab a snack at milking time at the Cowshed Cafe, take a hike at Dimmuborgir or venture up to the pretty village at Husavik and experience a thrilling whale watching trip on an old fishing boat.
Optional Experiences
Myvatn Nature Baths
Bird Watching at Lake Myvatn Nature reserve
Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip
Visit the Jokulsa Canyon National Park and explore its gorges and waterfalls, including a possible visit to the immense waterfall Dettifoss. Continue to remote village of Raufarhofn for an overnight stay.
Drive the 4×4 track to view the monumental basalt columns and sea birds on Langanes, a lonely windswept peninsula. Return through Vopnafjordur and travel to Egilsstadir for an overnight stay.
Optional Experiences
VOK Baths
Spend the day enjoying the sweeping fjords of the east coast until you reach Breiddalsvik, where you will spend the night in the area.
In the morning, set off to the charming village of Djupivogur. After this begin your journey south, where one eye-catching view follows another on the drive through the fjords to Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull. Travel around the base of the icecap, in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift – this is Jokulsarlon. Take a boat trip (at additional cost) and head over to the beach to watch as they drift out to sea.
Optional Experiences
Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
You will be spoilt for choice today as there is much to see and do in the area: walking in the stunning Skaftafell National Park. Perhaps take an optional snowmobile trip on Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull. Continue to Kirkjubaeklaustur for an overnight stay.
Optional Experiences
Snowmobiling on Vatnajokull Glacier
Journey along the south coast, visit the fascinating Skogar Folk Museum and the thundering falls, Skogafoss. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Spend two nights in Hveragerdi.
Optional Experiences
Lava Centre
Explore the natural wonders on the famed Golden Circle route: the tectonic rift in the earth’s crust at Thingvellir, the thundering falls of Gullfoss and the bubbling Geysir geothermal area.
Drive back to Keflavik, dropping off your rental vehicle at the airport before your flight back home
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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No charge for additional driver
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1749
10 Nights
May-Sep
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 destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Eric
5
Successful whale watching trips
10
Visits to Iceland
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