Iceland : Essential Iceland

1040 km (approx)

Day 1 Reykjavik fly from the UK to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay at Hotel Cabin, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 Hveragerdi spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss. Head south and check in at Hotel Ork at Hveragerdi for an overnight stay.

Day 3 Hveragerdi-Kirkjubaejarklaustur travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur; overnight at Hotel Klaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the ‘Sister’s falls’ - Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns.

Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur-Smyrlabjorg visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Continue to Smyrlabjorg where you will overnight.

Day 5 Smyrlabjorg-Skaftafell spend the day hiking in the national park then overnight at Hotel Skaftafell (note: during the winter months, Hotel Skaftafell is closed, therefore you will spend a further night at Smyrlabjorg, and Day 6 will involve a longer drive back to Hveragerdi).

Day 6 Skaftafell-Hveragerdi on the drive back along the south coast stop off at the stunning cliffs and beaches of Vik where the summer wildflowers are wonderful. Continue west to Myrdalsjokull Glacier (optional snowmobile tours on the glacier are available; please contact our team to book in advance) and visit Njal’s Saga country at Hvolsvollur en route to Hveragerdi. Spend another night at Hotel Ork.

Day 7 Hveragerdi-Reykjavik hike in Reykjadalur or perhaps go horse riding before driving back to Reykjavik. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Day 8 depart Keflavik head to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle and catch the flight home.

Please note if travelling from October to April it is recommended that you opt for a 4WD vehicle (minimum category D). As with all of our self-drive holidays, we can tailor-make your itinerary to suit your requirements; please contact us to discuss your travel plans.