Day 1:
Geothermal Lagoon – Flower village – Geothermal Greenhouses Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles
Pick up your car at the airport and start your Iceland self drive experience.
From Keflavík International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerði. The village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and because of its pretty greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the flower village.
Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is possible to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water. A great start to the holiday! Note you can also do this on your departure day depending on your return flight time.
Day 2:
National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Exploding Geysers – Puffin Colony – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles
Today’s highlights include Thingvellir National Park a place of great geological and historical interest, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the other worldly black sea sand beaches around Vík and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Optional: Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center, ferry transfer to the Westman Islands.
Day 3:
Lava Fields – Europe’s Largest National Park – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier Approximate mileage: ca. 270 km / 168 miles
Drive through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestling below the great Vatnajökull glacier surrounded by the imposing black desert sands. Continue to teh famous Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and onwards to the charming harbor town Höfn known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.
Optional: Boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon; glacier hike in Skaftafell area.
Day 4:
Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline – Mineral Collection Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles
Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages. On the way you have the option of taking a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer or visit Petra’s famous collection of local stones and minerals at Stöðvarfjörður.
Optional: Boat tour to Papey Island, Petra’s stone collection. *Recommended!*
Day 5:
Highland Desert – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall – Glacier Carved Gorge – Whale Watching Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles
Travel across Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe’s mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi. Drive onwards to Tjörnes peninsula and the friendly Húsavík fishing port.
Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík *recommended
Day 6:
Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal & Volcanic Activity – Rich Birdlife – Waterfall “Of the Gods” – Iceland’s Second Largest City Approximate mileage: ca. 130 km / 81 miles
Explore highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcanic area. Drive to Goðafoss waterfall, the capital of the north Akureyri or Skagafjörður area.
Optional: Bird museum in Mývatn.
Day 7:
Fertile Farmlands – Glacial Rivers – Folk Museum – Scenic Fjord Approximate mileage: ca. 490 km / 305 miles
Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær a great example of old Icelandic architecture. Continue to the bay of Húnaflói and across Holtavörðuheiði plateau, enter the Borgarfjörður area. Return to Reykjavík in the evening.
Another option is to travel across the barren Kjölur highland road (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), to the geothermal oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavík.
Optional: River rafting in Skagafjörður; horse riding in Skagafjörður; seal watching tour from Hvammstangi.
Day 8:
Sadly today is your departure day but we hope you are leaving with some magical memories of Iceland.
If you have an afternoon flight it is possible for us to arrange a transfer to the airport including a 2 hr stop at Iceland’s blue lagoon. This is a great way to finish your holiday in style.
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