Itinerary
The Tour in a Nutshell
This package is ideal for the fan of slow traveling who wishes to get a closer look at each area visited. By covering less area, you will spend less time driving and find more time for activities, short hikes. chatting with the locals, and breathing the fresh air. The tour is also well-suited for those who wish to visit Iceland in the winter, when each day´s driving distance is limited. You will be able to make more use of the daylight when it is scarce.
Highlights:
Reykjavik, Reykjanes, Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Vík, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík and Snæfellsnes National Park.
Tour Outline
Day 1: Arrival/Reykjavík
Arrival at Iceland’s international airport. Spend the night in central Reykjavík at Fosshótel Barón or similar Transfer from the airport to Reykjavík is not included.
Day 2: Open day in Reykjvík and surrounding areas
This morning, you will pick up your rental car. Use the day to navigate around Reykjavík and its surrounding area—take a drive to Krýsuvík cove and Reykjanesviti, with a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way back. For a longer drive, enlarge the circle and follow the coastline to the greenhouse town Hveragerði. From Hveragerði, you can hike to Reykjadalur and bathe in the natural warm springs. From Reykjavík, another well-loved hiking trail leads up the hills of Mt. Esja. Another option is to follow the lead of the locals and head up to the blue mountains of Bláfjöll, a popular place with city dwellers for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Second night on location.
-Driving distance depends on which places are visited.
Day 3: The Golden Circle
Drive to some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland. Start at Þingvellir, the site of the geographical rift between the American and European continents. This is the ancient venue of the world´s oldest parliament, the Alþingi, and is now designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Make a brief stop at the now dormant volcanic caldera Kerið on your way to the very active geothermal area around Geysir, where you will see a number of hot springs spewing water into the air. Your last stop on the Golden Circle is the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss. Close to your accommodation for the night lies Stokkseyri, with its famous seafood restaurant, Við Fjöruborðið. Spend the night at Hótel Selfoss or similar. -Driving distance approx. 200 km.
Day 4: The South Coast
Today you will drive from Selfoss towards Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull National Park. The shifting landscape, combined with the awesome presence of the snow-capped giant, Vatnajökull glacier, make this area clearly one of Iceland´s most beautiful places. You won’t reach the glacier today but on your way to it you’ll have plenty to see and do. Don’t miss the walk up to the picture-perfect waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Further east, close to the village Vík, take another short walk along the stunning black volcanic sand beach. From the beach, you have an excellent view of the rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar, shaped by—and still gracefully resisting—the pounding waves of the Atlantic. A hike up the beautiful canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur is highly recommended End today´s drive in the friendly town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Spend the night at Hótel Laki or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 220 km.
Day 5: Skaftafell and Vatnajökull Glacier
Start the day in Skaftafell, a nature reserve with many interesting hiking trails, including a short path leading up to the beautiful waterfall Svartifoss. Drive on to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón. From mid-April till the end of September, you can take an organized boat cruise that takes you around the lagoon, as your guide skillfully navigates through the floating icebergs calved from the surrounding glaciers. Spend the night at Hótel Höfn or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 150 km.
Day 6: Additional night in Vatnajökull area
The area around the national park has countless places of natural beauty and limitless leisure options in the surroundings of Europe’s largest glacier. Hikes, snowmobiling, quad bikes, and sightseeing flights are among the many possible undertakings and you should have no problem finding some agreeable pastime for today. Spend the night at Hótel Framtíð in Djúpivogur. -Driving distance approx. 100 km.
Day 7: The East Fjords
Enjoy the day as you slowly zigzag through the enchanting East Fjords. Make sure to stop at some of the many small traditional fishing villages along the way. Other sights of special interest include Mt. Búlandstindur and the enigmatic Lake Lagarfljót—said to be the abode of a mythical monster. The charming town Seyðisfjörður, with its old wooden houses, is a special treat and well worth the visit. Borgarfjörður Eystri will take you on a brief detour, but when the season is right, your extra miles are rewarded by some of the best views of the flocks of affable puffins, easily recognized by their brightly colored beaks. Spend the night at Guesthouse Egilsstaðir or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 250 km.
Day 8: Moonlike Landscape and Lake Mývatn
Cross the desert-like Möðrudalsöræfi to explore Lake Mývatn and its moonlike surroundings. See the hot springs in Námaskarð, the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, enjoy the view from the top of mount Hverfell and loosen up by immersing yourself in the geothermal water of the Mývatn nature baths. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or an active hiker, or somewhere in between, you are certain to find any number of exciting activities to match your interests. Spend the night at Sel Hotel or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 180 km.
Day 9: The Noble North
Take your time to enjoy the beauty of Lake Mývatn. If you feel like covering more ground, a drive to Ásbyrgicanyon in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, is a great option. This possibility will depend on seasonal road conditions and your time schedule. Yet another option would be a trip to Húsavík, an excellent spot for whale watching from mid-April till mid-October. Be sure to visit Goðafoss (the waterfall of the Gods) on your way along the main road to Akureyri. Spend the night at KEA Hótel Harpa or similar. -Driving distance approx. 150 km.
Day 10: Akureyri and the North West
Spend the morning and early afternoon in Akureyri: visit a museum, stroll around the streets of the “Capital of the North” and then relax in its great outdoor pool. If you want to see more natural scenery, the Tröllaskagi peninsula makes a nice drive, if road and weather conditions allow. Set your course towards the Northwest coast and see the main horse breeding county in Iceland. Apart from the horses, the Glaumbær folk museum and the countless mounds of Vatnsdalshólar are also great spots. If you get there early, you might drive to Vatnsnes Peninsula for a view of the many seals lounging by the shoreline. Spend the night at Gauksmýri farm accommodation or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 170 km.
Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Still southbound, today you will reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula with plenty of time to explore your surroundings. The magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the scenery of the surrounding National Park. Other worthwhile sights include Skarðsvík, Búðir, Hellnar, Arnarstapi and Dritvík cove. Spend the night at Hótel Framnes or similar.
-Driving distance approx. 300 km.
Day 12: Second night in Snæfellsnes - Journey to the center of the earth?
Enjoy the renowned powers of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. You might want to attempt to find the entrance to the Center of the Earth—Jules Verne speaks of this in his novel. Hike in Rauðfeldsgjá, drink the natural mineral water in Ölkelda, walk along the breathtaking sandy beaches and allow yourself to be hypnotized by this extraordinary peninsula. From late spring to fall, you can embark on a magical adventure boat tour of the thousand isles of Breiðafjörður and observe its rich birdlife. Second night on location (availability dependent) -Driving distance depends on which places are visited.
Day 13: Borgarfjörður – Back to the Capital
Close the circle and drive back to Reykjavík via the south coast of Snæfellsnes. Stop by the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, the medieval research institution Snorrastofa and the largest hot spring in Europe, Deiltartunguhver on your way to the historical town of Borgarfjörður, before you set off on the last leg of your journey, reaching Reykjavík in the evening. Spend the night in central Reykjavík, at Fosshótel Barón or similar.
-Driving distance approx.185/ 350 km.
Day 14: Departure
Time to head back home after your adventures in wondrous Iceland. Transfer to Keflavík Airport is not included
Additional nights can be added in Reykjavík, upon request.
Contact us at iex@nordicvisitor.com
Prices & Details
Included
- Accommodation with en-suite facility and continental breakfast for 13 nights
- Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 12 days
- Map of Iceland and detailed itinerary
- Information booklet about driving in Iceland
- 24-hour emergency service
- Delivery of travel document to your address
- Taxes and service fee
Not Included
- Flight to and from Iceland
- Airport Transfer
- Meals and drinks at restaurants (unless otherwise stated)
- Personal travel insurance
TOUR PRICES
* The displayed "price from" is per person when booking for 2 adults with a type A car in low season
High Season - 01.06.11 – 31.08.11
| Type of car |
1 Adult |
2 Adults |
3 Adults |
4 Adults |
| A |
€4052 |
€2331 |
€1768 |
€1735 |
| B |
€4199 |
€2404 |
€1817 |
€1771 |
| C |
€4470 |
€2540 |
€1908 |
€1839 |
| D |
€4671 |
€2640 |
€1975 |
€1889 |
| E |
€5337 |
€2973 |
€2197 |
€2056 |
| F |
€6645 |
€3627 |
€2633 |
€2383 |
All prices are per person and in Euro (EUR).
Discount
25% off above prices in Low Season - From 1 October through 30 April
10% off above prices in Shoulder Season - From 1 May through 31 May and from 1 September through 30 September.
Children
Children age 0 – 2: Free of charge
Children age 3-11: 421 Euros - 1 child sharing room with adult /s
Children age 12+ Full price
Rooms
1 Person = Single room
2 Sharing = One twin/double room
3 Sharing = Triple room
4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms
If you do not find prices for your ideal room combination by clicking “book now” then please contact us with your requirements and full details of your party.
Contact us at
iex@nordicvisitor.com
Booking
After booking a car rental package, you will be contacted within 2 working days by your designated travel consultant who will assist with your booking and serve as your point of contact for any travel needs during your stay. You will receive the full name and direct contact information for your travel consultant along with information about your booking, payment and what to expect. Your documents will be sent to your address but if booked with less than 30 days before arrival then it will be delivered to you your first hotel in Iceland
Travel Documents
Our travel documents consist of: booking overview with information about all your services in Iceland; electronic vouchers for each of your services; map of Iceland with the route and highlights and accommodations marked; information booklet about driving in Iceland; and a detailed itinerary with information about the highlights in Iceland, optional activities and general information about travelling in Iceland. Recommended booking advance is three weeks minimum.
Rental Cars
Rental Cars
A. Ford Fiesta or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5
Operation: Manual |
B. Ford Focus or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Operation: Manual |
C. Ford Focus Wagon or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5
Operation: Manual |
D. Ford Mondeo or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 4
Operation: Automatic |
E. Ford Escape or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5
Operation: Automatic 4x4 |
F. Ford Explorer or similar
 |
Passengers: 5
Suitcases: 5
Doors: 5
Operation: Automatic 4x4 |
All rentals include a standard insurance policy and include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Unlimited mileage, one driver and Icelandic VAT @ 25.5%. Fuel or oil is not included.
Optional insurance upgrade, additional drivers, child seat and GPS navigation system are available and payable locally at car rental office.
When staying in Reykjavik, you will be collected from your hotel between 09:00 and 10:00 on day 2 and taken to the car rental depot where you will complete the rental documentations, have the option of additional service and pick up your rental car.
Valid credit card is required by the car rental company. A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons. Your voucher will covers the cost of the rental but the credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges or cost due to the use of the rented vehicle.
From 15 October to 15 April we recommend you to book E or F type 4X4 vehicle