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9 days - Self Drive highlights of Iceland, done simply.
Experience Iceland with the kids on an unforgettable drive, being your own master to decide stops and highlights. You self-drive the detailed itinerary with unlimited mileage and all accommodation is arranged in local small hotels and farm stays.
Highlights include the Golden Circle region, National parks and family friendly places to visit. Farms, whale watching and lots of swimming (hot springs and pools) can make this a great family holiday.
Highlights include
- Spot seals basking on the beach at Vatnsnes peninsula
- Visit Akureyri town, the capital of the north!
- View the tall mountains and friendly fishing villages of the East Fjords
- Marvel at the floating icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Drive through spectacular scenery and visit volcanic sites by lake Mývatn
- Day 1
- Arrive Reykjavik and transfer from the airport
- Day 2
- West Iceland
- Day 3
- Northwest Iceland & Akureyri
- Days 4 - 5
- Lake Mývatn and Whale Watching
- Day 6
- The Eastfjords
- Day 7
- Vatnajökull National Park
- Day 8
- South Iceland
- Day 9
- Gullfoss & Geysir then drop off car at airport
- Start/End Place
- Reykjavik, Iceland tours
- Country Visited
- Iceland tours
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Start Date
- Flexible
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Suitability
- Independent self-drive tour with some basic accommodation
- Code
- 50DN0445
Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.
Details
Transportation
Skoda Octavia Combi, family size. Upgrades to 4WD are possible.
Included
- 8 nights accommodation, rooms with private facilities incl. breakfast.
- Rental manual car for 8 days, with unlimited milage and CDW insurance, pick up in Reykjavik & drop off in Reykjavik Airport.
- Whale watching tour (3 - 3.5 hours)
- Free Wi-Fi Hotspot through tablet
- Private transfer from airport to hotel on arrival
- E-Itinerary with the tour map, location points, and pictures for you to view before you arrive.
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Not Included
- Flights to and from Iceland.
- Meals other than specified.
- Airport transfer upon departure.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra car insurance, such as S-CDW and gravel protection.
- Optional activities are not included. Please inquiry approx. prices for activities such as Horseriding, 'Inside the Volcano" (children over 12) and Rafting.
- If you wish to hire an automatic car, these are 'on request' and can be difficult to obtain. Please seek further advice with us.
- If you are planning on visiting the Blue Lagoon, book early for your final day or we can help you.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Reykjavik and transfer from the airport
Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Explore the city's attractions: Tjörnin Lake, Hallgrímskirkja church tower, the old harbour and Harpa Concert & Conference Centre. Or head to one of the many pools in town or even the artificial beach, Nauthólsvík which has hot tubs next to the water- be brave and jump from one to the other. Reykjavík Art Museum is free for under 18's and has a lovely cafe.
Restaurants
Optional Add Ons
Day 2 - West Iceland
Today, explore the pearls of West Iceland, starting with Borgarfjörður, whose every single corner is tied to a surfeit of sagas and stories, adding depth and mystery to the region. Visit Reykholt, one of Iceland's most notable historical sites, housing a cultural centre dedicated to medieval studies, along with a nice quaint church and an ancient geothermally-heated pool. Let your mind wander to the magnificent contrasts of the blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls and surrounding snow-covered lava cliffs. End the day at Europe’s highest flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver, which feeds the scenic Geothermal Baths and Spa Krauma nearby.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Accommodation for one nights Borgarnes or Borgarfjörður areaDay 3 - Northwest Iceland & Akureyri
View the majestic Hvítserkur Cliff off Vatnsnes peninsula that legend claims is a petrified troll. Seals can be seen basking on the shore but the area is one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland. Tour Skagafjörður, an area known for its horse breeding so keep an eye out for the Icelandic horse, visit the old farmhouse museum at Glaumbær and the old turf Víðimýrarkirkja Church. End the day at Akureyri, a charming town that has beautiful landmarks and great restaurants.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Accommodation in Akureyri areaDays 4 - 5 - Lake Mývatn and Whale Watching
Head to the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, which includes some of the most spectacular and diverse sights in Iceland such as Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hljóðaklettar Cliffs and the stunning landscapes before driving onwards through the mystical barren landscape of Möðrudalsöræfi on your way to Egilsstaðir town.
Today you will also join a Húsavík Whale Watching tour. Discover the magnificent nature of Skjalfandi bay observing whales, dolphins and sea birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy the smooth, safe sailing of a traditional Icelandic oak boat and treat your self to a cup of hot cocoa and traditional Icelandic scones.
Meals
2 BreakfastsAccommodation
Accommodation in Lake Mývatn areaDay 6 - The Eastfjords
The drive along the Eastfjords is truly beautiful and breathtaking with dramatic mountains, narrow fjords and quaint fishing villages. Visit Djúpivogur from where you can view Papey Island a nature reserve of seabirds and eider ducks, Seyðisfjörður, surrounded by sheer mountains, or Fáskrúðsfjörður, which has a great view of a hollow cliff island, Skrúður. Continue southward to Höfn town set in stunning scenery and famous for its delicious lobster.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Accommodation in Höfn area.Day 7 - Vatnajökull National Park
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the southeast coast. Stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the biggest glacial lagoon of its kind, and sail between the towering icebergs on the lagoon. Continue to Skaftafell National Park, Iceland’s most popular wilderness area, and an ideal destination to enjoy outdoor activities as there are both short and easy trails that lead to Svartifoss Waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull Glacier.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Accommodation in Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur areaDay 8 - South Iceland
Relish in the marvellous views of the south coast and one of the country’s most beautiful attractions including Vík village and Dyrhólaey Peninsula. Enjoy the magnificent scenery with its breathtaking view to all directions; Mýrdalsjökull Glacier to the north, Reynisdrangar rock formation to the east and the west the endless black coastline before driving onwards to view the picturesque waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Accommodation in Gullfoss/Geysir areaDay 9 - Gullfoss & Geysir then drop off car at airport
Discover the inland by driving through the fertile farmlands and settings of famous sagas. Spend the day exploring the Golden Circle area which comprises of the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to visit Skálholt one of the most important places in Iceland throughout the Middle Ages and Kerið, a volcanic crater lake.
On your drive to the airport, you can stop via the Blue Lagoon. You can also add another night to your itinerary and stay close to the airport this evening.
Meals
1 BreakfastAdult prices are twin share per person unless otherwise specified. Please ask us for your child price which will apply when travelling with 2 adults between the age of 2 & 11 years of age. Due to the current volatility of the Icelandic Króna (ISK), this price is indicative. We are happy to individually tailor make and quote this tour for you.
30 Sep 2024
Important Information
Optional Activities:
Please let us know if you wish to prebook any optional activities before departure; some get very busy during the peak summer period.
- Horseriding
- Inside the Volcano
- Blue Lagoon
- Fly Fishing
- Glacier walks
- Kayaking
- Seal Safaris
- River Rafting
- Bird Watching
Driving in Iceland:
In regards to gravel roads; technically you’re not recommended to take a hire car on gravel roads, but in Iceland you may not have a choice. Some guesthouses are located on gravel roads. Consider getting extra car insurance with gravel protection if it is something that might worry you.
The hire car cannot be driven in the Highlands area. If you wish to 4WD, please ask us about our Highlands Self-Drive itinerary.
Please note that the authorities of Reykjavik City has announced changes to the current arrangement for tour bus traffic in Reykjavik City Centre, effective from 15th of July, 2017. The area where buses are not allowed to drive has been increased in size, and locations, numbers and names of the designated bus stops have been changed.
This may affect the pick-up and drop-off locations for your activities and transfers. If you have airport transfers with FlyBus, you will need to carry your luggage (200 metres to 300 metres) to / from the bus stop to your hotel.
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Travel Insurance and Safety
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.