This tour is a deluxe version of one of the best and easiest ways to explore Iceland; namely to take on what Icelanders call Hringurinn or The Ring Road. The great advantage of following Road 1 around the island is that in a relatively short time you can see all of Iceland’s main attractions such as the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, national parkSkaftafell, the ebony beach of Vík, the lava pillars and wildlife of Lake Mývatn, the great giants of Húsavík, historic Reykholt area, the mystical Snæfellsjökull along with the indispensable detour “The Golden Circle” where you will find the famous Geysir, the rift valley in Þingvellir and the magnificent Gullfoss
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our friendly staff who will transfer you from Keflavík Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík. Check into your hotel and relax after the journey. The rest of the day is all yours, free to explore Reykjavik, visit its many museums and landmarks, or perhaps to do a bit of shopping and unwind at one of the terrific thermal baths & spas in the city. Overnight stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Day 2: Gullfoss and Geysir
Take in some of the most celebrated natural attractions of Iceland. You can start the day by going horseback riding in Mosfellsdalur at the family-run farm Laxness. Visit the unique Þingvellir National Park; listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and a site of immense beauty and history. In the park, snorkelling or diving can be selected as an optional activity. On the way to the great Geysir area, where you can observe the bubbling mud pots and erupting geysers, you have the option of stopping at the Laugarvatn Fontana, an amazing natural spa with a lovely lake and mountain view. After the geysers, the next stop is the stunning and powerful waterfall Gullfoss. On your way back to route one and your accommodation in the Hvolsvöllur area, you can visit the old bishopry at Skálholt and the explosion crater Kerið, which is now partially filled with water. After a cosy evening trying local delicacies you can go out for exciting northern lights hunting far away from the distraction of the city lights.
Day 3: The South Coast
Before setting off on today‘s adventure you can get to know the history of the area at the Hvolsvöllur Saga Centre. Visit the mysterious Seljalandsfoss, experience walking right behind the flowing water and feel the light drizzle. Continue to the 60-meter free-falling Skógafoss waterfall in Skógar, where you will also find many interesting artefacts on display at the local folk museum. At Mýrdalsjökull, you will have the opportunity to experience a guided glacial hike. Enjoy your evening in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area and watch out for some more fascinating aurora borealis.
Day 4: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Today you may start by visiting the magnificent two-kilometre long canyon Fjarðárgljúfur., which was formed in huge floods thousands of years ago. Explore Skaftafell, a part of Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great beauty with many interesting hiking trails, including a short one to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. There you can also go glacier-walking or try your skills on ice-climbing. Head to the amazing Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón, where you can marvel at the enormous blocks of ice that have broken off Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. If you still want more activity you can go and visit the fishing village of Höfn and the Glacial Exhibition, where you can learn about the dynamic forces of ice and fire that have shaped the Icelandic nature. Return to your accommodation in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. Hopefully, the winter sky will provide you with a nice spectacle before getting your night’s rest.
Day 5: Black Volcanic Beach
Drive along the south coast to Vík. Worthwhile stops along the way include the Farm Zoo in Holmur and Dverghamrar Elve´s Cliffs. Experience the stunning black volcanic sand beach south of Vík, Reynisdrangar and last but not least the rock formations of Dyrhólaey. If you have an early morning flight tomorrow we suggest that you continue your journey to the volcanic wonderland of Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater spa, set in a magical black lava field. It is rich in silica and blue-green algae, which gives the lagoon its reputed healing powers. However, if your flight leaves in the afternoon the next day this can be saved on the way back to the airport.
Day 6: Thank you for your visit! – Activities depend upon flight time.
Different accommodation choices
There are 2 different types of accommodation we provide. Simple (private) and Comfort. These are aimed to fit most travellers needs. The reason for which we have 1 category without private facilities is that when travelling in Iceland you spend almost no time at the hotel. Our most common accommodation is Simple (private) but that gives you the privacy you want but still for a very reasonable price.
Comfort
The Comfort Class is for those who like to travel comfortably and with a touch of exclusivity whenever possible. The accommodation will always be at a respected hotel or guesthouse with a private room and private facilities. Breakfast included.
Simple Class
The Simple Class is for the traveller who would like a reasonable amount of privacy, but who also isn’t concerned with all the frills. This option is the ideal compromise between economy and luxury. Accommodation is provided in a hotel, guesthouse, or hostel in a private room without facilities. Breakfast is included.
Seasons
We divide the travel season in 3 different seasons. We are more flexible on the price in the low and shoulder season so please contact us for an offer if you are travelling in these 2 seasons.
The Summer season is from 1st of June-31st of August.If you are ordering outside that timeframe then contact us for a better price
Our rental cars
We offer wide variety of rental cars and can provide cars that are not listed below on request: If you are interested in driving in the highlands of Iceland the smallest car you can take is the Suzuki Jimny, That is also by far the most common car but you have to know that it only fits 2-3 persons since there is no space for luggage when four persons are travelling together.
Additional Equipment
-GPS navigation system (Free of charge)
-Mobile phone (Free of charge)
-Ipad with 3G internet (Free of charge)
Service Included
-Pickup from Keflavik Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik
-Meeting with your travel consultant
-Map of Iceland
-24-hour service phone
-Free dropoff at Keflavik airport at departure.
-Taxes and service fees
Do you want more information regarding prices or customization of this tour?
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My husband and I located Iceland Self Drive through Trip Advisor. They presented sample itineraries for the time we had available, discussed options, and booked our car and all our hotels for nine days. Two levels of hotels were offered -- with and without private...More