Itinerary

The Tour in a Nutshell
During this drive you will make a complete circle around Iceland, stopping at some of the volcanic island´s greatest natural attractions. Among the most notable sights you will visit include: Þingvellir National Park;, the Gullfoss and Goðafoss waterfalls, the fascinating Lake Mývatn and its surroundings, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, the Vatnajökull glacier and the huge national park encircling it. Accommodation will be in Reykjavík, and near to Hvolsvöllur, Klaustur, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri and Húnaflói, Hólmavík, Ísafjörður, Látrabjarg and Grundarfjörður, is included.



Highlights:
Reykjavik, Vatnajökull Glacier, Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Akureyri, Lake Mývatn and Vík, Westfjords, Djúpavík, Cliff Látrabjarg.

Tour Outline

Day 1: Arrival/Reykjavík
Arrival at Iceland’s international airport. Spend the night in central Reykjavik; at Fosshótel Barón or similar. Transfer from the airport to Reykjavík is not included.

Day 2: The Golden Circle
In the morning, you will pick up your rental car. You have a full day´s scenic drive ahead of you, taking in some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland on the popular “Golden Circle” route. You start at Þingvellir, at the edge of the geographical rift between the American and European continents. As the ancient venue of the world´s oldest parliament, the Alþingi, this site recently made its way onto UNESCO´s world heritage list. Make a brief stop at the now dormant volcanic caldera Kerið on your way to the very active geothermal area around Geysir, where hot springs blast their steaming water into the air. Your last stop on the Golden Circle is the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss. Spend the night at Hótel Hekla or similar. -Driving distance approx. 260 km.

Day 3: Along southern shores
Today you will drive from Hvolsvöllur to see 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. On your way, don’t miss taking a walk up to the picture-perfect waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Further east, close to the village Vík, you can have 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. Spend the night at Fosshótel Skaftafell or similar. -Driving distance approx. 250 km.

Day 4: 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 go on an optional organized boat trip that takes you around the lagoon—your guide will skillfully navigate you between the enormous icebergs from the calving glacier. A voyage to remember! Spend the night at Hótel Höfn or similar. -Driving distance approx. 150 km.

Day 5: The East Fjords
Enjoy the day, slowly zigzagging through the enchanting East Fjords. Be sure to stop and enjoy some of the scenic little fishing villages along the way. Other sights of special interest include Mt. Búlandstindur and the mysterious 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 a visit. Borgarfjörður Eystri gives you somewhat of a detour, but when the season is right it is one of the best spots for watching the affable puffins, easily recognized by their brightly colored beaks. Spend the night guesthouse Egilsstaðir or similar. -Driving distance approx. 250 km.

Day 6: Moonlike Landscape and Lake Mývatn
Cross the desert-like Möðrudalsöræfi to explore Lake Mývatn and its moonlike surroundings. See the hot springs in Námaskarð and 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 some exciting activities that will suit your tastes. Spend the night at Hótel Reykjahlíð or similar. -Driving distance approx. 180 km.

Day 7: 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—might be an option. This drive 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. Make sure to visit Goðafoss (the waterfall of the Gods) as you wind your way along the main road to Akureyri. Spend the night at KEA Hótel Harpa or similar. -Driving distance approx. 150 km. (not including the Dettifoss (Diamond) Circle).

Day 8: 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. For more natural scenery, drive around the Tröllaskagi peninsula if road and weather conditions allow. Set your course Northwestward to visit the main horse breeding county in Iceland. Apart from the horses, you will be able to explore the Glaumbær folk museum and the countless mounds of Vatnsdalshólar. If you get there early, you might consider driving 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 9: The neck of the Westfjords
Take it easy in the morning and rest up a bit after your long journey. With renewed strength, it’s time to drive up along the “neck” of the Westfjords where you will visit the sorcery museum in Hólmavík to pick up a few spells and learn about the magical history of the fjords. A dip in the hot tubs by the seaside in Drangsnes or a boat tour to the nearby island might be of interest. A second option might be to drive to Djúpavík, which seems to be another world altogether. Visit the old and now abandoned herring factory and the empty eco tanks. Spend the night at Hótel Laugarhóll or similar. -Driving distance approx. 180 km.

Day 10: Ísafjörður and its surroundings
Carry on through the mountainous landscape and the ever changing scenery of the fjords. You have a choice of different optional activities: glide alongside the seals on a sea kayak tour from Heydalur, or take a dip in one of the Westfjords´ charming open access pools. If you arrive early to Ísafjörður, perhaps a journey into the past—a boat trip to the island Vigur—is in your future! Spend the night at Hótel Ísafjörður or similar. -Driving distance approx. 230 km.

Day 11: The Wild West
Drive to Hrafnseyri, where you can visit the museum dedicated to the Icelandic independence hero, Jón Sigurðsson. Next up is the impressive Dynjandi waterfall at the bottom of the fjord Arnarfjörður. Now head to the spectacular 14-km-long, 444-m-high cliff of Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe. On Látrabjarg, you will get a close-up of the puffins and razorbills and the millions of other birds that inhabit the cliffs. Spend the night at Hótel Látrabjarg or similar. -Driving distance approx. 280 km.

Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Journey to the Center of the Earth?
After driving to Brjánslækur, you will board the ferry Baldur and sail for three hours on the wide fjord Breiðafjörður to reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull glacier, renowned for being the entry point for the expedition to the center of the earth in the famous novel by Jules Verne. The dominant Snæfellsjökull is commonly believed to have energizing powers; although, truth be told, there is a greater consensus on the dazzling beauty of the glacier and the surrounding National Park. Spend the night at Hótel Framnes or similar. -Driving distance approx. 300 km.

Day 13: Reykholt – Back to the Capital
Close the circle and drive back to Reykjavík via the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, worthwhile sight en route include Skarðsvík, Búðir, Hellnar, Arnarstapi and the cove Dritvík. If you have time and energy to spare, take the drive around Borgarfjörður. Along the way, you can stop by the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, the medieval research institution Snorrastofa, and the largest hot spring in Europe, Deiltartunguhver. 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 wondrous adventures in 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
• 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	€4025	€2321	€1827	€1725
B	€4172	€2394	€1876	€1762
C	€4443	€2530	€1966	€1829
D	€4644	€2631	€2033	€1880
E	€5310	€2963	€2255	€2046
F	€6618	€3618	€2691	€2373

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation The hotels and guesthouses we offer are mostly in the 3-star range and the rooms are with private shower/WC. The hotels are a mixture of comfortable tourist class hotels, country hotels, farmhouses, and well-appointed guesthouses. All supply breakfast (included in price) and most have an on-site restaurant. Please note that although we have included specific hotels within our holiday packages, these may be subject to change. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard or higher, and we will ensure that our clients are notified in advance of the departure date. About the accommodation in this package
Fosshótel Barón This modern hotel in downtown Reykjavik is just steps from the capital’s lively hub of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Fosshótel Baron offers 121 well-equipped rooms and suites, breakfast room, bar, laundry services, and other conveniences with busy tourists and business travellers in mind.
Hótel Hekla With a convenient location on your route around Iceland, Hotel Hekla is an ideal stop during your trip around Iceland. This hotel, named for the famous volcano nearby, offers comfortable rooms, friendly service, and short driving distances to some of southern Iceland’s most popular natural attractions.
Fosshótel Skaftafell With Vatnsjökull National Park and Iceland’s highest mountain in the background, Fosshótel Skaftafell is a great starting point for exploring South Iceland’s glacial attractions. This hotel includes several guest rooms, some with glacier views, along with a gift shop, bar, and restaurant that seats 90-100.
Hótel Höfn Hótel Höfn, centrally-located in the south coast village of Höfn, has been proudly serving guests since 1966. It offers 68 recently-renovated rooms, bar, two restaurants, easy travelling distance to Iceland’s largest glacier, and impressive views in all directions from the ocean to ice-capped mountains.
Guesthouse Egilsstaðir Located just outside the East Iceland town of Egilsstaðir, the cosy Egilsstaðir Guesthouse features a charming décor in a serene countryside setting. It includes two banquet rooms, restaurant, and 18 recently-renovated rooms, all with wood floors and comfortable furnishings.
Hótel Reykjahlíð Located on the banks of Lake Mývatn in the village of Reykjahlíð, Hótel Reykjahlíð offers comfort and convenience to guests with marvellous views of the lake. The hotel features a restaurant, 9 well-equipped rooms, ample opportunities for bird watching, and easy walking distances to village shops.
Hótel Harpa Hótel Harpa, in cooperation with Hótel Kea, offers conference facilities, restaurant, bar, and 23 recently-renovated rooms with a bright and comfortable atmosphere. Located in the heart of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, Hótel Harpa is just steps away from the city’s vibrant shops and restaurants.
Gauksmýri Farm Accommodation This guesthouse in north-western Iceland lets travellers reconnect with nature. The hosts provide beds in 18 rooms with private facilities or 9 rooms with shared facilities. Guests can enjoy the TV room, restaurant, hot tub, bird-watching house, and horse centre with optional riding lessons.
Hótel Laugarhóll Hótel Laugarhóll is a small country hotel in the West Fjords featuring 11 rooms with private facilities, 5 rooms with shared facilities, restaurant, TV lounge, and facilities for group events. Nearby, guests can enjoy a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a number of outdoor activities.
Hótel Ísafjörður Located in central Ísafjörður—the capital of the West Fjords—this modern hotel features a restaurant and 36 well-furnished rooms decorated in a pleasant Scandinavian style. Hótel Ísafjörður is an ideal base for experiencing this stunning region, and is conveniently located near shops, museums, and other services.
Hótel Framnes This cosy waterfront hotel in the fishing village of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula was built in 1954 originally as a fishermen’s hostel. Since then, Hótel Framnes has been renovated for comfort and features a sauna, hot tub, 29 well-appointed rooms, and a restaurant specializing in gourmet seafood

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