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8 days - Whale Watching and boutique accommodation on this independent tour of Iceland.
Take a journey into the Icelandic countryside with this 8-day self-drive tour. North Iceland is also well know for a number of historic coastal towns, each with its own character that builds on the history and culture of the locals. Stay in some of these coastal towns as you explore this unique region.
Your drive brings you to numerous historical sites, intimate fishing villages and natural attractions, including the magical Snæfellsjökull glacier, Kirkjufell Mountain, Hvitserkur stack, Kolugljúfur canyon and secret hotsprings.
Whale watching is the final highlight of the week where you will be surrounded by birds and beautiful scenery, while observing dolphins and minkes, humpbacks or even blue whales.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
On arrival, transfer to your central hotel. After settling in, start exploring this lovely capital. Be sure to check out the design stores and cool cafes in central Reykjavik.
In the evening you can enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Reykjavik's many fine restaurants - taste the fresh Atlantic seafood or free-range lamb that Iceland is famous for.
Reykjavik is an easy city to explore on foot or bike. Feel the fresh air on your face with a visit the harbour and perhaps enjoy a food tour of this small capital. If you're interested in experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, to enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.
Optional day tours include the 'Inside the Volcano', the Blue Lagoon or the 'Inside the Glacier' tour which we would recommend booking before you travel.
Pick up your car today and drive north to the heart of Stykkisholmur (2hrs 15 mins driving time direct). On the way, take a tour of known as the Golden Circle: erupting hot springs at Geysir, Gullfoss waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park. The Gullfoss waterfalls are Iceland's most popular and easily accessible from Reykjavik, therefore, rather crowded in the peak season. These two-tiered waterfalls are spectacular and involve a short walk from the car park.
Þingvellir is one of the most frequently visited tourist sites in Iceland where you can become better acquainted with Iceland's history and traditions. You can join guided tours of the site and also find short hiking trails to help you explore Þingvellir National Park.
As you drive towards your accommodation, stop at the beautiful Hvammsvík Hot Springs for a soak and coffee.
Your stay tonight is in a small fishing town by the beautiful Breiðafjörður with it´s numerous islands. Everything is within walking distance from your hotel such as museums, restaurants, the swimming pool and the beautiful harbour; the gateway to Breidafjordur Bay.
Options today include exploring Snæfellsjökull glacier and it´s surrounding area. You can take an organised tour to reach the top of the glacier by either ski touring, ice-climbing or on a SnowCat.
From the top of the glacier it´s possible to go underground while exploring Vatnshellir Cave, an 8000 years old lava tube. It´s also possible to go horseback riding and birdwatching today.
Just thirty minutes away is the town Grundarfjörður where Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland, is located. Go for a boat ride touring Breidafjordur Bay with it´s innumerable islands, it´s various wildlife and try some local sushi.
Today, head north east to Laugarbakki (approx 2hrs driving time). You can take a detour to visit the unique sea front hotsprings at Drangsnes. Alternatively, swim beach front at Hvammstangi or arrange a seal watching and sea angling tour. If you have time, we recommend a visit to Hvítserkur, a 15 m-high sea stack just off shore on the eastern side of Vatnsnes. There is a good seal spotting place at the estuary of the Sigridarstadir lake, south from the stack.
This morning on your drive, be sure to explore the Kolugljúfur canyon, near Víðidalur. You will come to Kolugil Farm which stands beside the Víðidalsá river. Just below the farm, the waters flow peacefully downwards to plunge into the deep, rugged gorge called Kolugljúfur. Their journey then sends them cascading over many waterfalls which bear the name Kolufossar Falls in honour of the giantess, Kola.
It is a breathtaking sight to drive across the bridge and watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive falls - a sight which will leave no one unmoved.
Another two hour drive will have you arriving in a small local fishing village, Siglufjörður. With a community of only 1,300 people, you will feel welcomed and can enjoy a wide range of local activities and things to see. Firstly, check into your newly built hotel and take a walk along the charming marina to watch the 'catch of the day' being brought in. You can also observe the comings and goings with an outdoor table at one of two nice marina-side restaurants which also is a great spot for a chance to chat with the friendly locals.
Visit the Folk Music Centre, the award-winning Herring Era Museum or go hiking, the best way to explore Siglufjordur’s stunning surroundings. You can either hike cross-country with a map and compass, use one of the marked-out routes or visit the northernmost planted forest on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with a beautiful little waterfall as its hidden gem. Sigló is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with a number of species nesting in the town during the summer months, including the Arctic Tern, which has the longest regular migration by any known animal.
This morning, we have included a whale watching sailing boat tour as it is one of the highlights of the North. The tour included will vary depending on the time of year and involves a return drive to Hjalteyri.
Be sure to arrange a dinner on the hotel pier tonight to celebrate your final night in Iceland.
After breakfast, return your car to the Akureyri airport and fly to Reykjavik.
Price per person, twin share. Due to the current volatility of the Icelandic Króna (ISK) and car hire costs, this price is indicative. We are happy to individually quote this tour for you.
The accommodation in this itinerary comprises some of Iceland’s best countryside boutique properties, which are in short supply during the peak summer season Jun-Aug. Booking early is essential. Should our selected properties not be available for your specific dates, we will look for alternatives, which in most cases will mean a downgraded standard.
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.
Activities in Iceland:
Along our self-drive routes of Iceland, there are many different options for things to do, with new activities becoming available virtually every second month. Along with a GPS, map and driving notes included on arrival in Iceland, we include suggested activity sheets with our documents for each of the main driving regions. If you are trying to decide which self-drive itinerary to do, based on activities available, let us know and we will give you more specific details.
If you are travelling during the peak period, we suggest asking us about what you might like to book beforehand. But, each traveller is different and a lot of the experience of Iceland is just to be there and take things as they come. We do suggest doing a little research yourself if you have a particular focus and then let us help you out.
This new hot springs centre has eight natural hot springs that evolve into the ocean with temperatures ranging from ocean temperatures (around 10°C) to 42°C in the old original hot spring. It is included in many of our tours and has been awarded 'best thing to do in the world' by TIMEOUT magazine, 2023.
Soak in a lava field & fine dine in your dressing gown - make the most of your visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Our guest, Barry Stone, spent 8 days on our Iceland Circle self-drive this year. Here is his story.
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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.
