You’re dreaming of some breathtaking holidays but you have only a week left ? Why not flying to Iceland and taking the amazing self drive tour in the South and West region. A trip where you can pamper yourself, bath in hot spring water, in winter gazing the dancing northern lights above your head, taste local gastronomy, walk inside magnificent landscape, discover volcanoes, glaciers, impressive waterfalls and have this unique feeling to be alone in this world !
Your itinerary is given as an indication. We can arrange this self-drive trip according to the time you have, with a minimum stay of 10 days. A domestic flight is possible between Reykjavik and Akureyri, if you don’t have enough time to go around the island.
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you pick up your rental vehicle and head to your accommodation, located along the South coast of the country, in the small town of Hveragerði, known for its intense geothermal activity.
For late arrivals, you can stay near the airport, by the coast. Driving distance about 90 kms.
You start this trip driving along the South coast. En route, you have several possible stops at the few small town who tell the story of Iceland and it’s natural wonders such as the volcanoes and the glaciers. A highlight of today and to walk behind the curtain of water of Seljalandsfoss and be above the large flow of Skogafoss. A little further, you will be facing the impressive basalt organs at Reynisfjara beach and have a superb walk along the black sand beach of Vík.
Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur region. Driving distance about 180 kms.
The first thing today is to drive accross a huge lava fields covered by thick moss, result of the Laki’s volcano eruption in 1784. You’ll then arrive in Skaftafell national park where you have numerous options for hikes, short and long. You’ll spend your afternoon facing the glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon where icebergs from the glacier, melt and roll down into the sea. From here, there is an outstanding view of the ice cap.
Night in the surrounding. Driving distance approx. 200 kms.
We suggest to visit again Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon under different lights and for the more adventurous do a walk on the glacier with an experienced guide that you can combine in winter with an ice cave excursion. It’s now time to drive back in direction of the West to your destination for tonight : the town of Hella. On the way, you have enough time for a few stops either at places you already enjoyed or for new discoveries.
Night in the surrounding of Hella. Driving distance approx. 300 kms.
Today is dedicated to the visit of the Golden Circle and its three emblematic sites: Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. You can go to the foot of Gullfoss, one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in the country, before continuing towards the famous Geysir, to let yourself be surprised by the power and spontaneity of its geyser. Finally, you can walk in the middle of the lava formations where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate, in the heart of the Þingvellir national park, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Night in the surroundings of Borgarnes. Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
Today you explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Along the peninsula there are numerous possible walks by the sea, in the heart of the lava fields, to some delicate architectural sites such as the church of Búðir, along the pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur or up to the orange lighthouses at Öndverðarnes.
Night on the peninsula or in Borgarnes at the same accommodation. Driving distance approx. 250 kms.
We recommend to add an additional day to explore the peninsula, in order to be able to see more sites and embark on a whale watching excursion to observe humpback whales in summer and orcas in winter.
Free time before your international flight.
