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10 day Self-drive tour | Around Iceland

Name: 10 day Self-drive tour | Around Iceland
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2888.75 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Iceland

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

173465

Operator:

Iceland Travel
Length:

10 days
Group size:

4 pax
Age:

1 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

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Itinerary

This best-selling self-drive tour explores Iceland’s rich natural treasures, including national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, magnificent volcanoes and hot springs.

Tour program

Day 1

Arrival

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of Iceland’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 eruptions. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus. Overnight in Hveragerdi. (Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles)Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Day 2

Hveragerdi - Geysir - Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur

Geysers – Gullfoss Waterfall – National Park with Geological WondersEnjoy a day visiting the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.Drive through the scenic area of Hvalfjordur fjord to Borgarfjordur, a region known for its Viking-age history and beautiful glacier-carved landscapes. Borgarfjordur is a popular local getaway for Icelanders. It has been gaining popularity among international visitors for its special focus on home-made local foods and handicrafts.20.6. – 15.9.2024: If you have a 4WD vehicle (we recommend category 5.0 or higher), you can also take the scenic highland wilderness track, Kaldidalur, alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.Approximate distance: 240 km / 150 miles

Day 3

Borgarfjordur - Blonduos - Varmahlid - Akureyri

Picturesque Waterfalls – Powerful Hot Spring – Heritage FjordSpend part of the day exploring enjoyable activities In Borgarfjordur. This is one of our favorite areas to find local handicrafts and taste treats. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the enormous Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot springs in Europe. Nearby is the lovely Krauma Natural Geothermal Spa where you can relax in a variety of hot pools and take in the beautiful views. Enjoy adventure with a visit to the multi-colored Vidgelmir cave or take a guided trip up Langjokull glacier to the fascinating “Into the Glacier” ice cave. Walk in the footsteps of the Medieval chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson at his home in Reykholt.The scenery changes to towering mountains and fertile valleys as you head into Skagafjordur,an area known for horse breeding and some of Iceland’s best- preserved historical buildings. One of these is Glaumbaer (Skagafjordur Heritage Museum), where you can visit a turf manor farm dating back to the 18th century and two charming 19thcentury timber houses.Overnight in Northwest Iceland.Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Day 4

Akureyri - Lake Myvatn

Botanical Gardens – Quality Museums – Waterfall of the GodsContinue your journey towards the town of Akureyri. The town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” You can stroll the street, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious local cuisine. Several museums are worth a visit, including the Akureyri Art Museum and Nonnahus, the childhood home of a 19thcentury Icelandic author who enchanted European children with his stores about growing up in Iceland. The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants.Akureyri is also home to the new Skogabod geothermal baths. Here you can relax in soothing warm water while enjoying the views of the nearby woodlands and fjord.In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Myvatn. First, you’ll stop to view the beautiful Godafosswaterfalls, which has a unique connection to Iceland’s Viking Age.Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area.Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.Approximate distance: 190 km / 117 miles

Day 5

Lake Myvatn Area

Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal Activity – Rich BirdlifeToday you are in for a treat: a wonderland of fantastic volcanic features you can explore in the Myvatnnature reserve! Stroll along footpaths circling the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the surreal area surrounding Krafla, the volcano whose natural forces provide geothermal power to the area. Check out the otherworldly setting and colorful slopes of Namaskard pass — it’s almost as though you are walking on the surface of Mars! Explore the Skutustadir “pseudo” craters and the strange lava columns rising out of the lake itself. This area was used in filming several film productions, including Game of Thrones. If you enjoy birdwatching, Myvatn is a popular resting spot for migrating birds from Europe and North America. May and June are the best months for birdwatching, but you can also view water birds throughout the spring, summer, and fall.After a day of exploration and fun, why not relax with a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths? Join area locals and enjoy the pools and the natural steam baths in a spectacular setting.Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area.Distance is variable

Day 6

Husavik - Tjornes - Dettifoss - Egilsstadir

Whale Watching – Vatnajokull National Park – Vast HighlandsDrive north to the charming fishing port of Husavik, where we suggest a whale watching boat tour (available Mar. – Nov.) The nearby Whale Museum should also be on your list. If you want to indulge in some hot spring relaxation, we definitely recommend the unique geothermal sea bathing at the new GeoSea Natural Baths.Head around the fossil rich Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern entrance of Vatnajokull National Park. Check out Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe shaped canyon in the park. Trails wind through peaceful forested areas to a hidden canyon lake. The national park roads take you through dramatic canyonlands created by a river flowing from Vatnajokull glacier. The crown jewel of the area is surely Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful cascade in Europe.* Continue across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.*Possible between late May and September. It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are closed for winter travel. We then recommend following scenic Ring Road 1 from Myvatn to Egilsstadir.Important - Roads 864 and 862 near Dettifoss are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.Overnight in the Eastfjords.Approximate distance: 310 km / 193 miles

Day 7

Reydarfjordur- Stodvarfjordur - Djupivogur - Hofn

Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque CoastlineA fantastic way to start the day is a refreshing swim in the Vok geothermal baths, where you can relax in unique floating pools set in a beautiful lake. Afterwards, you might enjoy visiting Hallormsstadur, Iceland’s first reforestation project and its largest woodland. It’s so peaceful to spend some moments here enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees and that special sense of nature unique to East Iceland.We also recommend a side trip to visit the award-winning Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. You can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. The Center is also famous for its farmhouse cafe. You can chat with the hosts as they prepare a meal made with ingredients gathered from the highlands and area farms.Drive south through the spectacular Eastfjords,where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Each fjord has its own charm and history. Leave yourself plenty of time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Perhaps you’ll try some of these langoustines for yourself at a local restaurant.Overnight in the Hofn area.Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles

Day 8

Hofn - Skaftafell – Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Europe's Largest Glacier – Iceberg Lagoon – Glacier-Ringed OasisYou’ve already visited the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park; today you will visit the southern area. You’ll get great views of Vatnajokull glacier as you drive along the Ring Road. View the shimmering icebergs and the still waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Some icebergs from Vatnajokull glacier have drifted down onto the black sands at the nearby Diamond Beach, a fantastic area for photographs. Many people enjoy the chance to take a boat tour in the lagoon. If you want a different sort of sailing experience, try the Zodiac boat tours offered on the nearby Fjallsarlon Lagoon.Continue to Vatnajokull National Park’s Skaftafell, a beautiful nature area surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here, the most famous one leading to the basalt rimmed Svartifoss,the Black Waterfall. You can also get closer to the park’s glaciers with a guided ice hike. You’ll see amazing ice formations and learn interesting facts about how glaciers are formed.Head onwards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, once the site of a medieval convent.Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.Approximate distance: 210 km / 131 miles

Day 9

Vik - Skogar - Reykjavik

Lava Fields – Black Beaches – Thundering WaterfallsDrive along the spectacular south coast and Katla Geopark, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains, and the ocean.First you will cross over vast black sand plains created by the outwash from glacial floods. Drive alongside Eldhraun, a massive and eerily beautiful lava flow covered in moss. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey.* There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid-May to early August).Visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandafoss. Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls and has stairs that take you to the top for an amazing view. Seljalandsfoss has trails that take you behind the waterfall. (Always check the trail conditions to make sure they are safe). If the skies are clear, you can also get a glimpse of the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption, and Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. The interactive LAVA Centre in the town of Hvolsvollur shows how powerful volcanoes and earthquakes have created Iceland.Drive to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is open to explore the colorful capital city.*Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25 JuneOvernight in Reykjavik.Approximate distance: 290 km / 180 miles

Day 10

Departure

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the Lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles

Tour Details

accommodation

Accommodation in a standard room for 9 nights

Our unique Iceland Travel App

transport

Rental car for 9 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT
Price is based on a rental car – Toyota Yaris 5 doors automatic or similar. (Between May and September)
For the period October - Mid November 2023 and Mid March - April 2024 we recommend a 4WD car - pls. remember to add this supplement during your booking process.

Upgrades available to following cars;

VW Golf 2WD Autom. or similar
Toyota Corolla 2WD Autom. or similar
KIA Sportage 4WD Autom. or similar
Dacia Duster 4WD Manual or similar
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Autom. or similar

Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9 day rental is up and use our flybus departure transfer.

Please note the ring road today contains a toll tunnel www.tunnel.is

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

optional

Other activities and services are not included.

flights

International flights are not included

others

Icelandic->

Rental car for 9 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT

For the period May - September the price is based on the rental car - Toyota Yaris 5 doors automatic or similar 1.1
For the period October - April we only offer 4WD cars. The price is based on the rental car - Suzuki Swift 5 doors manual 4wd or similar 1.3
Upgrades available, for an extra fee, to following cars ;
- VW Golf 2WD Autom. or similar 2.6 (only May - September)
  Toyota Corolla 2WD Autom. or similar 3.1 (only May - September)
  KIA Sportage 4WD Autom. or similar 5.1 (All year)
  Dacia Duster 4WD Manual or similar 5.2 (All year)
  Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Autom. or similar 7.1 (All year)
  Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
  Car pick-up/drop-off at Keflavik International Airport
  Authorization for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
  Customer care service during office hours
  24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
  Service fee and taxes

others

Breakfast on arrival day

International airfare

Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)

Petrol/Gasoline

Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified. More information here

Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary

Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary

Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts 14:00 (2:00pm) – 16:00 (4:00pm)

Guaranteed late check-out

Any service not specifically listed under "Included"

meals

9 x Icelandic style breakfasts (except arrival day)

guide

The Iceland Travel App. This new mobile-based app provides:

o Approximately 1500 star points all over Iceland, plus 35 points of interest with an audio guide! The star points include a selection of tours and activities in their area.

o Easy use with your personal phone, tablet or computer.

o Links to electronic versions of our Iceland Travel Roadbook in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch. The roadbook covers interesting places to visit, in addition to safety information and driving tips.

Good to know

Currency

ISK

Iceland Krona

Iceland

Customer reviews

Operator

4.7

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.