Iceland : Iceland Connoisseur

1020 km (approx)

Day 1 Keflavik-Blue Lagoon fly from London to Keflavik. Collect your rental vehicle and drive to the Northern Light Inn close to the Blue Lagoon and perhaps take an evening dip in its therapeutic waters (entrance fee at extra cost - prepayable).

Day 2 Blue Lagoon-Budir see the sights of Borgarfjordur, which include the beautiful Hraunfossar falls, historic Reykholt and the island’s most productive hot spring, Deildatunguhver. Travel along the north shore of Snaefellsnes to Stykkisholmur and perhaps take an optional bird watching cruise on Breidafjordur Bay (May to Aug only). Discover fjords and fishing villages set among dramatic mountains. Check in for two nights at Hotel Budir, which boasts a wonderful gourmet restaurant.

Day 3 Budir a day at leisure to perhaps walk through lava fields surrounding Budir, stroll along the beautiful shoreline or take a drive around Snaefellsnes Peninsula at the foot of the volcano and see the glacier. Take a walk by the coastal rock formations and bird cliffs of Arnarstapi.

Day 4 Budir-West Iceland travel south to Hvalfjordur ('Whale Fjord') on the coast and then walk to Iceland's highest waterfall Glymur, at the head of the fjord. Perhaps visit the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borganes, before spending the night at Hotel Glymur,  expect excellent service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable rooms in a truly unique setting.

Day 5 West Iceland-Hotel Ranga head south to the ancient assembly site at Thingvellir National Park, and visit Geysir, home of spectacular spouting geysers and other hot springs. Gullfoss, Iceland’s two-tiered waterfall is nearby. Spend the next two nights at the superb Hotel Ranga. The hotel's restaurant offers the very best mouthwatering gourmet fare, thanks to a creative and exquisitely produced menu, accompanied by an extensive wine list.  With views out across the river, a dining experience here is sure to be one of the absolute highlights of your holiday.

Day 6 Hotel Ranga see Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most well known waterfalls and continue to the Myrdalsjokull icecap where you may choose to do an optional snowmobile trip (at additional cost). Visit the fascinating museum and 60 metre high waterfall, Skogafoss. Explore the Reynisfjara pebble beach with caves and basalt formations. Take a look at the majestic bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk along the famous black sand beach (closed until 25th June so as not to disturb nesting birds).

Day 7 Hotel Ranga-Reykjavik drive back to Reykjavik past the charming villages of Stokkseyri (the lobster feast at Restaurant Fjorubordid is very much recommended for lunch) and Eyrarbakki (try Rauda Husid or Blaa Hafid for dinner - two very good restaurants). Check in for an overnight stay at the chic and stylish Hotel Thingholt.  Domo Restaurant is adjacent to the hotel, offering an Asian/French dinner menu in a trendy but laid-back atmosphere. Diners can choose from a fine selection of around 90 wines and an extensive whiskey collection.  Alternatively, thanks to your hotel's central location, Reykjavik's restaurants are within walking distance, and are yours to explore!

Day 8 depart Keflavik head to Keflavik and drop off the rental vehicle at the airport, before taking the flight back to the UK.

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.