SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Keflavik - Northern Light Inn

Fly to Keflavik airport and collect your hire car. Take the short drive to Northern Light Inn and, if time allows, drive around the rugged coastline of the western tip of the peninsula. Scenery here is dramatic, with waves crashing onto black lava fields. Visit Brimketill, a small marine pool carved by erosion where, according to legend, a giantess called Oddny used to frequently bathe. Overnight at Northern Light Inn.

Day 2: Northern Light Inn – Snaefellsnes

Following the coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula, drive north past the capital of Reykjavik and mighty Mount Esjan (Esja) to the beautiful Hvalfjordur fjord, continuing through the tunnel to Borgarnes and the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

If you wish, in the summer you can take the scenic route around the edge of the Hvalfjordur fjord to visit Glymur waterfall. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today is free to explore the jaw-dropping scenery of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, with its mystical snow-capped volcano and Snaefellsjokull ice cap visible on a clear day. The western tip of the peninsula is scattered with extinct volcanic craters, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves, sandy beaches, lava flows and amazing bird colonies, offering fantastic walking opportunities. Be sure to explore the wave-gnawed cliffs and sea arches of the quaint fishing village of Arnarstapi and the black pebble beach at Djupalonssandur.

You can also visit the fjords and fishing villages on the north side of the peninsula. Kirkjufell, near the town of Grundarfjörður, is claimed to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Also look out for orcas and dolphins patrolling the coastline, or take a whale watching boat ride for better sightings. In summer you can enjoy horse riding along the coast.

Day 4: Snaefellsnes - Westfjords

Spend the morning at leisure or perhaps join a 3 hour whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik.

In the afternoon make your way to Stykkisholmur for the ferry departure at 15:00. The Baldur ferry calls in at the beautiful island of Flatey, before arriving in Brjanslaekur at 18:00. Spend the next two nights in the southern part of the Westfjords.

Day 5: Explore Latrabjarg

Enjoy stunning fjord and mountain views as you drive to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Take your time here to enjoy the most spectacular views and teaming birdlife.

The nearby Raudasandur beach is a beautiful reddish colour and can be viewed from a distance or take the 1 km hike down, which involves wading through a shallow river.

Day 6: Dynjandi – Isafjordur

Heading north along Road 2, the scenery becomes more dramatic and there is a new view around every corner. The highlight of today is the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall. This fan-shaped collection of falls cascades 100m down, blending with six smaller falls as they descend. Take a short hike up to the viewing area to fully enjoy this spectacular natural site.

Continue northwards, making stops at the tiny fishing villages of Flateyri and Sudureyri before arriving in Isafjordur for a three night stay.

Day 7: Isafjordur

It is easy to explore the town on foot before getting in the car and driving to the nearby town of Bolungarvik. Take the road up to the radio mast station for the most amazing views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Day 8: Isafjordur

Explore the area by foot, bike or kayak today, or perhaps take an optional day trip by boat to the isolated and uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This remote area is now protected and thriving with flora and fauna such as Arctic foxes, birds, seals and plants.

Hiking in the mountains and past abandoned settlements, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Isafjardardjup Bay and the Jokulfirdir (glacier fjords) to the Drangajokull glacier.

Day 9: Isafjordur – Holmavik

The snaking coastline guides you in and out of the narrow fjords, finally reaching the mountain plateau leading to Holmavik and the beautiful Strandir coast.

Take the panoramic drive along the coast to Djupavik and look out for seals along the way. There are many scenic stops and the old herring factory in Djupavik is an interesting and dramatic building to photograph. Overnight in Laugarholl or Drangsnes.

Day 10: Holmavik – Husafell

Today head south to Husafell. At Reykholt visit the church and cultural centre of Snorrastofa, named after Iceland’s best-known author Snorri Sturluson. Here you will also find Snorralaug, a geothermally heated pool preserved from Iceland’s medieval period.

Also visit Iceland’s largest geothermal area, Deildartunguhver, and the nearby Krauma Spa for a relaxing bathe before heading to Hotel Husafell for a two night stay.

Day 11: Around Husafell

Spend the day exploring the area on foot or by car. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Vidgelmir Caves or into the glacier. Also enjoy the thermal baths at the hotel.

Day 12: Husafell – Hveragerdi

Today’s journey will take you to the stunning Hvalfjordur fjord and then on to Thingvellir National Park, an ancient parliamentary assembly site in a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates above the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Continue to the beautiful 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, then explore the Geysir geothermal area, with its famous ‘Strokkur’ geyser that spouts fountains of hot water every few minutes.

If time permits also visit historic Skalholt church, or stop at the Faxi waterfall on your way to Hveragerdi for a two night stay.

Day 13: Exploring the South Coast

Take a leisurely drive along the beautiful south coast. Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls, and the more hidden yet stunning Gljufrafoss waterfall.

Continue to 60m high Skogafoss waterfall, where you can hike to the top for amazing views of the south coast and the sea.

Dyrholaey has a spectacular rock arch and cliffs teaming with seabirds. Until mid-August, you normally find a colony of puffins here.

You can also drop in at The Lava Centre, a great place to learn more about the volcanoes of Iceland, many of which you can see on your drive along the south coast.

Perhaps add a super jeep tour to Thorsmork Valley to see the rugged landscapes and experience adventurous river crossings, or visit the top of Eyjafjallajokull volcano on one of these beastlike machines.

Day 14: Hveragerdi - Reykjanes Peninsula

A leisurely day exploring the Reykjanes peninsula, which is on the drift zone between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Visit the Krysuvik hot springs, the mudpools and steam vents at Gunnuhver, walk across the bridge between the continents, drive along the shores of the Kleifarvatn lake and perhaps end your day taking a dip in the hot milky blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon (pre-booking required). Overnight at Northern Light Inn.

Day 15: Depart Iceland

Return your hire car to Keflavik airport in good time for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two people sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Car hire is included, with unlimited mileage and no charge for an additional driver. Flights are extra and will be quoted at time of booking.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.