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  • The Ultimate Iceland itinerary

14 days - Independent deluxe self-drive tour in Iceland

See the untamed, majestic Iceland on this two-week journey travelling from Reykjavik to Akureyri, seeing all the iconic sights along the way. This self-drive journey allows you to explore the sights at your own pace and includes countryside boutique accommodation that let you fully recharge for each day’s adventures. Many private activities are included, making it an unforgettable adventure.

This Iceland itinerary can be tailor made to suit your plans. Flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik Domestic Airport included.

Highlights include

  • Tour the Golden Circle: erupting hot springs at Geysir, Gullfoss waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park
  • Stay at the Blue Lagoon to enjoy a soak in the hotel's own private bathing lagoon, not available to the general public
  • Day tour to the Volcanoes and Glaciers of South Iceland
  • Self-drive exploration heading north/west towards the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Kayaking and puffin tours
  • Whale watching tour
  • Flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik Domestic Airport
Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavík and local guided tour
Day 2
Guided day tour of the Golden Circle
Day 3
Day tour to the south coast of Iceland
Day 4
Explore the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord, self driving north/west towards the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 5
Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 6
Morning kayaking tour in the fjord
Day 7
Head north to Blönduós
Day 8
Morning boat on the stunning Skagafjordur to Drangey island, a bird watchers paradise
Day 9
Whale watching tour on an electrical boat in the fjord
Day 10
Super Jeep tour to the Highlands
Day 11
Explore Lake Myvatn on your own
Day 12
Drive to Akureyri via Godafoss waterfall and fly back to Reykjavik
Day 13
Relax in the SPA and the Blue Lagoon waters
Day 14
Transfer to the airport
Start Place
Keflavik
End Place
Blue Lagoon, Iceland , Iceland
Country Visited
Iceland
Duration
14 Days
Start Date
Flexible
Travel Style
Independent
Suitability
Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
Code
50DN0995

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.

Details

Transportation

Transfers & self-drive car, such as Kia Sorrento 4x4 or if preferred, Range Rover Discovery.

Included
  • Transfer from the airport
  • Hotel pick-up for car rental
  • Guided tour of Reykjavik
  • Rental car for 9 days Car type (Kia Sorrento 4x4 or if preferred, Range Rover Discovery - Automatic), with unlimited mileage, CDW insurance and GPS, VIP service
  • Best available accommodation outside of Reykjavik in our recommended country hotels with private facilities and breakfast included
  • Entrance to Hvammsvik Hot springs
  • Day private tour to see the Golden Circle
  • Day private tour to the South coast of Iceland
  • Kayaking tour on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Puffin tour to Drangey
  • Whale Watching cruise
  • Visit GeoSea infinity pools and SPA
  • Full day highland exploration by super jeep
  • 2 three-course dinners showcasing local ingredients in Blönduós
  • 2 nights at the Silica Hotel Blue Lagoon, breakfast included
  • Flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik Domestic Airport
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Taxes and service fees
Not Included
  • Extra car insurance, such as S-CDW and gravel protection.
  • Flight tickets to/from start and end points, any airport taxes, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.

Additional optional activities can be arranged before you leave. During peak season, they can book out early so please ask us for further details.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Reykjavík and local guided tour

Early arrival Keflavik International Airport and private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Rest for a bit, freshen up and enjoy lunch, then meet your local Reykjavik guide for a 2hr private guided city walk of the charming Icelandic capital.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure - visit the charming design shops and cafés. If you want to do what the locals do - visit Hlemmur Mathöll (food court) and one of the local swimming pools.

Accommodation
Kvosin Hotel or similar
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Restaurants
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar and Cocktails
Optional Add Ons
Puffin Watching from Reykjavik

Day 2 - Guided day tour of the Golden Circle

After breakfast your driver guide will pick you up and take you out to the countryside, exploring the Golden Circle. See the tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, the roaring Gullfoss Waterfall and the amazing Geysir geothermal area as well as locals sites. If your lucky on return to Reykjavik, you may catch a glimpse of Northern Lights if conditions are good.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Day 3 - Day tour to the south coast of Iceland

Meet your guide for a daytrip to the south coast of Iceland, the area is known for the high waterfalls, beautiful black sand beaches and high cliff/rock formations, as well as the Volcanoes and Glaciers. During the day you can also include an easy glacier walk if you like or perhaps visit a natural Ice Cave - this is magical, and the colours are amazing!

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Day 4 - Explore the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord, self driving north/west towards the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula

After breakfast you are picked up from your hotel and taken to the car depot to get your rental car and drive off to the countryside! Start your self-drive exploration by heading north/west towards the amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

On the way, included visit to the the new Hvammsvík geothermal sea baths. These are luxury geothermal sea baths located in Hvalfjörður (whale fjord) and there you get the most stunning view while relaxing both mind and body. Then venture on to enjoy a short hike if the weather is pleasant, visit an operational farm for lunch and why not the Settlement Centre Museum in Borgarnes. In the afternoon/evening, arrive at Hotel Budir and stay here for 3 nights.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Búðir

Day 5 - Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Enjoy today´s round trip exploration of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Enjoy sights such as Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Londrangar, Djúpalónssandur, Svörtuloft Lighthouse. A visit to the Vatnshellir Lava Cave is also possible.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Búðir

Day 6 - Morning kayaking tour in the fjord

Morning kayaking tour in the fjord, see the Kirkjufell Mountain from sea, and perhaps also meet seal and other wildlife during the trip. You can either explore further on your own, or we can include a horse-riding tour on the beach, or a boat tour with raw sea food straight from the sea!

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Búðir

Day 7 - Head north to Blönduós

After breakfast head north to Blönduós.
On the way, we suggest a stop at the Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi where you can learn everything there is to know about the seals around Iceland. The little town of Hvammstangi also has a rich history and vivid culture. The town is the home of the largest wool factory in Iceland, Kidka.

Check in to the charming Brimlod Atelier run by Inga Elsa and Gísli Egill who are passioned about food and local culture, spend 2 nights. Enjoy dinner in the evening.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Brimlod Atelier

Day 8 - Morning boat on the stunning Skagafjordur to Drangey island, a bird watchers paradise

After breakfast a 45min drive will take you to the coastal village of Sauðárkrókur. Here you will meet your guide and boat driver for the day. Head out by boat on the stunning Skagafjordur to Drangey island, a bird watchers paradise! It is a bit late in the season for puffins, but you may see other wildlife and birds such as kittiwakes, fulmar and perhaps even a falcon. The full tour is about 4hrs return, including a walking tour of the island with breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs. Your guide will tell you about the Viking Grettir the Strong who lived on the island and history until today.

Return to Brimslod in the afternoon.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Brimslod Atelier

Day 9 - Whale watching tour on an electrical boat in the fjord

Todays drive will take you via Akureyri, the biggest town of north Iceland, and onwards to the Whale capital Husavik. Visit the Husavik Whale Museum before you head out on a whale watching tour on an electrical boat in the fjord. On return enjoy a late lunch at Gamli Baukur before you visit Geosea infinity pools and SPA. After the visit, drive to Lake Myvatn, where you spend 3 nights.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Icelandair Hotel Myvatn or similar

Day 10 - Super Jeep tour to the Highlands

Meet your local adventure guide this morning for a full day highland exploration by super jeep. The main highlight of the day is the Askja Caldera in the heart of the Highlands. The beautiful blue water crater lake and the surrounding mountains are an amazing sight. The day trip also includes the open deserts area, freshwater springs of Svartá and the lava field Holuhraun. Returning to hotel in the evening.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Icelandair Hotel Myvatn or similar

Day 11 - Explore Lake Myvatn on your own

Day at leisure, explore Lake Myvatn on your own, visit the Myvatn Baths, go for hikes in the area and enjoy the day.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Icelandair Hotel Myvatn or similar

Day 12 - Drive to Akureyri via Godafoss waterfall and fly back to Reykjavik

Time to head back towards Reykjavik. Drive to Akureyri via Godafoss waterfall and explore the town on your own before you drop off the car at the airport and fly to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Transfer to the Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon for your final 2 nights in Iceland.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Silica Hotel, option to upgrade to the The Retreat, Blue Lagoon

Day 13 - Relax in the SPA and the Blue Lagoon waters

Enjoy the Blue Lagoon waters and additional pampering (secure your treatments at the time of booking as well as restaurant reservations as these sell out).

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 14 - Transfer to the airport

Transfer to airport in time for flights home.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Dates & Prices

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.

Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
1 May 2024
30 Sep 2024
1 May 2024
30 Sep 2024
NZD 20,563
On request
Superior
1 May 2025
30 Sep 2025
1 May 2025
30 Sep 2025
NZD 22,207
On request
Superior

Important Information

The accommodation in this itinerary comprises 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.

Driving in Iceland:

A hire car cannot be driven in the Highlands area (we have included this as a guided super jeep tour). 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. Ask us about what car would suit you - as it depends on the time of year and where you want to go!

When driving in Iceland, plan that all your destinations are going to take longer to reach than planned. Most of the time it is because you are going to make unanticipated stops to check out a waterfall, a viewpoint, a museum, or a shop. Sometimes it is also that traffic is just slow, animals may be crossing the road, or there is bad weather. If you build some extra time into your day, you won’t have to be rushing around at the end of the day.

For more Iceland driving rules and tips and to stay up to date on road conditions, check out the Road Conditions website and for all kinds of safety and travel information in Iceland check out the Safe Travel website. Bookmark both of these websites before you start your drive in Iceland.

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