Iceland : Wild Iceland

1880 km (approx)

Day 1 Reykjavik fly from the UK to Keflavik and transfer to Reykjavik for an overnight stay at Hotel Cabin.

Day 2 Reykjavik-Hveragerdi collect your vehicle this morning and use your first day to explore the natural wonders of the Golden Circle route: Thingvellir National Park; two-tiered Gullfoss and the geothermal wonders of the Geysir but beforehand, why not begin with a dip in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s world famous attraction (entry at additional cost – prepayable). Check in at Hotel Ork in the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi for an overnight stay. 

Day 3 Hveragerdi-Snaefellsnes a scenic drive today through yet more incredible volcanic scenery, perhaps taking in the waterfalls and hotsprings near historic Reykholt, to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which protrudes from West Iceland. Spend two nights at the friendly and relaxed Hotel Hellnar, which enjoys amazing sea views. Time-permitting, why not take a boat trip from the north of the peninsula (prebookable - contact us) out into Breidafjordur Bay to see abundant bird life, including hopefully the white-tailed sea eagle. 

Day 4 Snaefellsnes use a full day to explore the Snaefellsnes region: enjoy exploring little fishing villages and the glacier-topped volcano, as well as a combination of windswept sandy beaches and craggy coastline.

Day 5 Snaefellsnes-Latrabjarg from Stykkisholmur on the north coast of the peninsula, take a scenic ferry ride across to the island of Flatey, set almost in the middle of Breidafjordur Bay. Should the ferry timetable permit, then stop off here to explore this charming settlement of just a few timber buildings set amidst colourful meadows, please let our sales staff know you would like to do this. Once an important cultural centre, the quaint little island (with a population of just a handful of people in the winter), welcomes summer visitors and treats them to marvellous views of the mountainous West Fjords and impressive Snaefellsjokull. Please note that vehicles are not permitted on Flatey and therefore should you choose to stop here (whether for a few hours or overnight stay - contact us for additional cost), then your vehicle will travel onwards to Brjanslaekur and be ready for you there (additional cost payable). Continue across the bay by ferry (total duration from Snaefellsnes to West Fjords is 3 hrs), enjoy a scenic few hours driving towards Bardastrond and check in for a two night stay, near the westernmost point of Iceland and the bird cliffs of Latrabjarg. 

Day 6 Latrabjarg a day to explore the area; hiking along the rugged coastline to Raudisandur, a vast expanse of golden sand usually deserted except for a flock or two of sheep. Early evening is understood the best time to see the puffins and razorbills at the Latrabjarg bird cliffs; Europe's largest - reaching up to 440 metres high and an incredible 14km in length. 

Day 7 Latrabjarg -Isafjordur travelling north, visit the spectacular fan-shaped Dynjandi waterfalls and spend a leisurely day discovering the fishing villages and unique atmosphere of the West Fjords. Spend two nights at Hotel Isafjordur in the region's delightful main town. 

Day 8 Isafjordur at leisure to explore this stunning area; perhaps take an optional excursion from Isafjordur (kayaking, biking, hiking and boat tours are prebookable - contact us). 

Day 9 Isafjordur-Drangsnes take a scenic drive past tranquil fjords to Kaldalon, for views of the Drangajokull icecap. Continue to Drangsnes on the Strandir coast, where you'll find a tempting hot pool on the shoreline. Check in at the log cabin style Hotel Malarhorn for two nights. 

Day 10 Drangsnes day at leisure to explore this stunning area. Perhaps take a slow drive up to Djupavik, and visit the old herring factory, lovingly restored and which now houses a fascinating exhibition about life in this remote Strandir area. Alternatively, why not take a boat trip (arranged locally) over to the small island of Grimsey; trips are run by Hotel Malarhorn. 

Day 11 Drangsnes-Varmahlid travel east across the top of Iceland through one of the country’s most prosperous agricultural regions and overnight at Hotel Varmahlid set in the broad valley of Skagafjordur. This is an area renowned for sheep and dairy farming as well being hugely significant for horse breeders. 

Day 12 Varmahlid-Lake Myvatn visit the Botanical Gardens in Akureyri and continue to Godafoss, ‘the waterfall of the Gods’, en route to Lake Myvatn. Stay two nights at your hotel overlooking the lake. 

Day 13 Lake Myvatn drive to Husavik and visit the Whale Museum. Perhaps take an optional whale watching trip out into the bay (prebookable - contact us). Drive the impressive Tjornes Peninsula coast road to the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. Should you have a 4WD vehicle then drive to mighty Dettifoss; Europe's most powerful (and possibly noisy) waterfall! Please note that a new road is hoped to open to Dettifoss in 2011 which will be suitable for non-4WD vehicles; the present road is very rutted (contact us to book a superjeep excursion to Dettifoss). 

Day 14 Lake Myvatn-Akureyri-Reykjavik explore abundant volcanic and geothermal features and enjoy the bird life on and around the lake. Then drive back to Akureyri to drop off the car at the airport before taking the afternoon flight to Reykjavik. Transfer by taxi to Hotel Cabin (approx. 5-10 mins, payable locally). 

Day 15 depart Keflavik transfer to Keflavik and fly back to the UK. 

Please note: This itinerary may be booked in reverse (ie. starting with a flight up to Akureyri, then driving back to Reykjavik). Please contact our team for your tailor-made quotation.  As with all of our self-drive holidays, we specialise in tailor-making your itinerary to your exact requirements. Please contact our team to talk through your travel plans.