Included
Departure
May 1 - September 30
Travel Style
Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 16 days
Wi-Fi
Free, in-car, unlimited Wi-Fi
Driver
Two persons from your party can be authorized as drivers of your rental car
Accommodations
Budget / Comfort for 16 nights with Continental breakfast
Navigation
Detailed driving itinerary
Emergency
24 hour emergency service
Tax & Fee
Taxes and service fee
Ferry
Tickets to the Baldur Ferry
Tour ID
SD26
Not included
Travel
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & Parking
Fuel expense and parking fees
Meals & Drinks
at restaurants (unless otherwise stated)
Insurance
Personal travel insurance
Museums & Activities
Entrance to museums and optional activities
Transport
Duration
17 days / 16 nights

Tour Map and Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Iceland

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Your memorable Iceland adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly to Reykjavík for your exciting, first night in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Driving Distance
Approximately 50 km (30 miles)
Reykjavík

Day 2 - Borgarfjörður and Snæfellsnes peninsula

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Today you will be discovering an interesting area, rich with cultural and historical heritage. As you head toward Borgarfjörður, we recommend stopping by the magnificent, Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flows from the lava bed into the river below. Heading to Snæfellsnes peninsula you should visit the beautiful places all around the peninsula; for example Búðir, Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the way to your accommodation on the peninsula.

Driving Distance
Approximately 300 km (186 miles)
Snæfellsnes area

Day 3 - The wonders of Snæfellsnes

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Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the stunning Snæfell Glacier. This journey is perfect for nature lovers where you will explore the adventurous world of the ocean, coastline and beach.

Drive along the coast and visit many popular sites such as the basalt pillars of Gerðuberg, Búðir with its small wooden church surrounded by a lava field, Arnarstapi, a small fishing village where you can have a look at the fascinating rock formations by the old pier and Djúpalónssandur, a black sand beach.

On the north part of the peninsula you will drive along the shore of the Breiðafjörður bay, passing through charming fishing villages.

Driving Distance
Approximately 200 km (124 miles)
Snæfellsnes area

Day 4 - Ferry across Breiðafjörður bay

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Your day will start with a boat ride on the Baldur ferry, taking you to the beautiful Westfjords. You will depart in the morning from Stykkishólmur, heading to Patreksfjörður and sailing through Breiðafjörður bay.

Driving Distance
Approximately 150 km (93 miles)
West Fjords South area

Day 5 - Westfjords and Dynjandi waterfall

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Today you continue up north along the Westfjords, one of the most remote regions of Iceland. The landscape is breathtaking as you cross mountains and heaths and drive along the dramatic fjords at the foot of steep cliffs.

Dynjandi is a beautiful waterfall that lies in the northern arm of the fjord Arnarfjörður.

You continue toward the north until you reach the village Flateyri and from there you drive on to reach your accommodation near the Ísafjörður town.

Driving Distance
Approximately 200 km (124 miles)
West Fjords North area

Day 6 - The Westfjords: Iceland’s remotest region

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Today your journey through the most remote places in Iceland continues. Next up is Strandir, the eastern part of the Westfjords. You’ll thrill to the spectacular landscape, while driving along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp and passing Vigur Island along the way.

Driving Distance
Approximately 360 km (223 miles)
Hrútafjörður area

Day 7 - North Iceland and Akureyri, the capital of the north

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Today your journey will take you up north to the town of Akureyri. First you will go by Hvammstangi where you can see some seals and the Skagafjörður valley. This area is known for it´s horse breeding and many Icelandic horses can be seen grazing. A fun extra stop is also to take a small detour to Hvítserkur, a 15m high basalt stack.

Driving Distance
Approximately 200 km (125 miles)
Akureyri area

Day 8 - Goðafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn

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In the morning you can spend some time in Akureyri before heading to the Lake Mývatn area. It is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most renowned areas, due to its volcanic activity and its amazing bird life.

On the way to Mývatn, plan to stop at the impressive, Goðafoss waterfall, known as “the waterfall of the gods”.

Driving Distance
Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Mývatn / Húsavík area

Day 9 - Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve

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Your whole day is dedicated to the marvels of the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, renowned as one of Iceland’s most inspiring, natural wonders. Of particular interest are two steam baths built for superb relaxation that sit straight on top of a geothermal area; the sulphur-free steam rises up through holes in the floor. Typically the temperature is around 50°C (120°F) and the humidity is close to 100%. Guests can take a few turns in the steam baths and cool down in the outdoor shower in between.

Driving Distance
Approximately 50 km (30 miles)
Mývatn / Húsavík area

Day 10 - Dettifoss waterfall and Ásbyrgi

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Your day starts in the charming fishing village of Húsavík. After Húsavík, you will drive the Tjörnes Peninsula coastline, where you can make a quick stop on the way at the extremity of the peninsula to enjoy the view and spot some seabirds. The journey then continues to the eastern part of Iceland, with a few stops on the way, for your next evening’s stay.

Driving Distance
Approximately 310 km (192miles)
Egilsstaðir area

Day 11 - Egilsstaðir

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The day is for relaxing or for excursions around Egilsstaðir. It is worth making a trip to Bakkagerði, or walk around the lake Lögurinn and Hengifoss Waterfall for hiking. Accommodation as on the previous day.

Driving Distance
Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Egilsstaðir area

Day 12 - The Eastfjords

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Today is the day to discover the Eastfjords. Starting toward the fjord Reyðarfjörður, where a small-but-fascinating World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. At times, the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Finally, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region, where you will spend that night.

Driving Distance
Approximately 260 km (161 miles)
Höfn area

Day 13 - Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and waterfalls

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Your next stop is Iceland’s scenic southeast. After passing various, outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at the stunningly surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

Skaftafell National Park is another area definitely worth a visit. This oasis, surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offers a broad range of options for great hiking. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain, before you arrive in the Vík area.

Driving Distance
Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
Kirkjubæjarklaustur / Vík area

Day 14 - Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls

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Today you can start by taking a look at the black sand Reynisfjara beach, famous for the Reynisdrangar rock stacks that rise from the sea and for its basalt columns. Dyrhólaey cape is the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see a large number of puffins. (Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season from May 15 til June 23 and from mid- August the puffins will have gone to sea!).

Continuing westbound you arrive at Skógar and pass Skógafoss waterfall, one of the highest in Iceland. As you continue towards Selfoss you pass Seljalandsfoss waterfall and you can actually walk behind it.

Driving Distance
Approximately 130 km (80 miles)
Selfoss / Hveragerði area

Day 15 - Golden Circle

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Today you will explore and marvel at the attractions of the famous the Golden Circle. First, the imposing Gullfoss waterfall, followed by the steaming power of Geysir. Here you can witness the Strokkur geyser propel warm water columns in the air every 5-10 minutes. Last but not least, the Þingvellir National Park. This is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating this impressive landscape.

Later, you’ll reach Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.

Driving Distance
Approximately 200 km (125 miles)
Reykjavík

Day 16 - Free day in Reykjavík

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Reykjavík offers a wide range of sights to visit and lots of activities. Among the things you can visit in Reykjavík are the old city center where you can walk by the lake, Tjörnin, visit the Town Hall, and walk through the Austurvöllur square, where the Parliament building stands, and down to the harbor.

You can stroll along the main street Laugavegur to have a look at the shops and the art galleries and find a restaurant or a café to your liking. Do not miss the church Hallgrímskirkja or the dome Perlan, a modern building from where you have a magnificent view over the whole city.

There are several museums worth visiting in Reykjavík, for example the National Museum of Iceland near the University, the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Gallery (includes 3 different collections).

A whale-watching tour from Reykjavík harbor is also a wonderful experience or you can take a half-day excursion from Reykjavík to the Reykjanes Peninsula, taking you to the geothermal springs in Krýsuvík.

Driving Distance
Approximately 70 km (43 miles)
Reykjavík

Day 17 - Departure

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Now it’s time to head back home, after an amazing journey through one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes.  You will drive back to Keflavík Airport for your flight back home. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík. Or, even better, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to really give yourself time to experience all the amazing things Iceland’s capital city has to offer.

Driving Distance
Approximately 50 km (30 miles)

Accommodation on this tour

When we design our tours we book the best accommodation available, in order to make the trip as comfortable and enjoyable for you as possible.
We offer a great selection of hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses for our clients. You can be assured of a warm welcome and an enjoyable stay at all the options offered by us.
Below you’ll find examples of the type of accommodation you could be staying in.

Please note

The accommodation options are shown as examples of the types of accommodation we book. Due to high demand during the summer time and limited accommodation capacity in some regions we cannot always guarantee availability. In these circumstances, we will supply an accommodation of an equal standard in the same region before your travel dates. We highly recommend you book as well in advance as possible.

Quality accommodation:

Rooms with private shower (or private bath) and WC. Quality accommodation may be in country hotels (3- or 4-star) or the best accommodation available in each area at the time of booking. Breakfast is included.

Comfort accommodation:

Rooms with private shower (or private bath) and WC. Comfort accommodation may be in country hotels (mostly 3-star range) , farmhouses or guesthouses. Most of the facilities booked by Iceland Tours offer dinner during the summer time. Breakfast is included.

Budget accommodation:

Rooms without private facilities. Budget accommodation may be in country hotels, farmhouses and/ or guesthouses. All rooms have made-up beds; some of these rooms have washbasins with hot and cold water. Showers and WC in shared facilities. Most of the facilities booked by Iceland Tours offer dinner during the summer time. Breakfast is included.

Car Rental

Iceland Tours cooperates with the best and most reliable car rental suppliers in Iceland. You can be sure that the cars you rent through our service will be in excellent condition.

Please note

All rates are based on a rental period of 24 consecutive hours. If a rental exceeds the 24 hour period an extra day will be charged.

Car type example
Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park, Iceland

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