Iceland : Iceland Odyssey

2750 km (approx)

Day 1 Keflavik-Hveragerdi fly from the UK to Keflavik, collect rental vehicle and head off through stunning scenery to Hveragerdi and check in at Hotel Hlid for a two night stay.

Day 2 Hveragerdi explore the natural wonders on the famed Golden Circle route: the tectonic rip in the earth's crust at Thingvellir, the thundering falls of Gullfoss and the bubbling Geysir geothermal area.

Day 3 Hveragerdi-Skaftafell continue around the south coast, stopping no doubt many times to admire the views, including Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls and the Myrdalsjokull icecap, where you may wish to take an optional snowmobile trip (prebookable - please contact our team). You may also choose to visit the little museum at Skogar and the famous waterfall with an impressive 60 metre drop (perhaps walk the path to the top). Explore the Reynisfjara pebble beach with its caves and basalt formations. Investigate the bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk along its black sand beach (closed until 25th June so as not to disturb nesting birds). Continue east past Vik for a two night stay at Hotel Skaftafell.

Day 4 Skaftafell you will be spoilt for choice today as there is much to see and do in the area: walking in sthe stunning Skaftafell National Park; discovering the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its immense icebergs (boat trips are prebookable - contact us for further details). Perhaps take an optional snowmobile trip on Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull – to name buta few options!

Day 5 Skaftafell-Djupavogur further east, located in the delightful fishing village of Djupavogur, is the waterfront Hotel Framtid, built in the style of a large log cabin where you will spend the night.

Day 6 Djupavogur-Seydisfjordur spend the day enjoying the sweeping fjords of the east coast.  The road winds high into the clouds before dropping down into the delightful town Seydisfjordur, with its picturesque timber buildings, art centre and selection of museums. Here you will overnight at Hotel Aldan.

Days 7-9 Seydisfjordur-Lake Myvatn continue to the Myvatn region; with a possible visit enroute to Iceland's highest farm with a cafe and turf buildings at Modrudalur.  Spend three nights at the lovely Hotel Reykjahlid close to the northern shores of the lake where you will have plenty of time to explore the area and its volcanic wonders.  Visit the relaxing Nature Baths (the north's answer to the Blue Lagoon), grab a snack at milking time at the Cowshed Cafe, take a hike at Dimmuborgir or venture up to the pretty village at Husavik and experience a thrilling whale watching trip on an old fishing boat (prebookable - contact us for details).

Day 10 Lake Myvatn-Hvammstangi stay overnight at Hotel Gauksmyri, which provides an opportunity to experience the pure-bred Icelandic horse thanks to its Horse Centre.

Day 11 Hvammstangi-Drangsnes drive along the spectacular Strandir coast and overnight at the cosy logcabin style Hotel Malarhorn in Drangsnes; the hot tubs in the village are perched on the water's edge and are a great place to meet the locals.

Day 12 Drangsnes-Isafjordur continue deep into the West Fjords taking the road that follows the water's edge to Hotel Isafjordur located in the town of the same name; with its towering mountains, lovely shops and restaurants.  Should you wish to stay an extra night here then there ar plenty of activities to keep you occupied; from day hikes to fishing and kayak tours (prebookable - contact our team).

Day 13 Isafjordur-Latrabjarg travel down along the northwest coast of the region, with stunning views as you cross over the mountaintops of the fjords to your hotel, near to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Early evenings are often the best time to visit this area.  Overnight in Hotel Latrabjarg.

Day 14 Latrabjarg-Snaefellsnes drive to Brjanslaekur and take a ferry (3 hrs) across Breidarfjordur Bay to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You may wish to consider adding an extra night and staying on the tiny island of Flatey (the ferry stops here enroute, however vehicles are not permitted on the island). Check in at the lovely Hotel Hellnar, almost at the tip of the peninsula and nestled in the shadow of the glacier, for a two night stay.

Day 15 Snaefellsnes time to explore the volcanic landscape of Snaefellsnes including a drive around the impressive glacier, a visit to the sea stacks at Arnarstapi and the pretty fishing villages sheltered by colourful looming mountains and interspersed by sweeping lava fields.

Day 16 Snaefellsnes-Reykjavik on the final leg of the odyssey, drive south to Reykjavik, taking in the sights of Borgarfjordur including the beautiful Hraunsfossar falls spilling out from underneath the lava, the islan'd's most productive hot spring at Deildatunguhver and the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borganes (entry payable locally). Overnight at Hotel Cabin in Reykjavik; a popular and simple hotel, with ample parking and within a 20 minute walk from the city centre.

Day 17 depart Keflavik drive towards Keflavik. Time-permitting, perhaps taking a final dip in the relaxing waters of the Blue Lagoon (entry payable) before dropping off the rental vehicle at the airport and catch the flight home to the UK.

Please note: 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.