6 days / 5 nights Around Iceland Express Self Drive Tour
Suggestion for day 1 - Golden Circle Tour and South coast
The drive goes from Reykjavik into the countryside to Thingvellir, the site of the original Althing, the actual founding place of the oldest democratic parliament in the world. This area is noted for its spectacular lava formations and being one of the few places in the world where you can actually see the tectonic plates drift apart.
Today Thingvellir is a National Park by many considered the most important one where the protected area will always be the property of the Icelandic nation.
Walk down the main rift. Research has made it clear that Thingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale, with the geologic history and the bios stem of Lake Thingvallavatn forming a unique entity. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earth's crust and the ecosystem of Lake Thingvallavatn is a perfect example of species evolution in nature. The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, an international agreement adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972, was founded on the premise that certain placed on Earth are of outstanding universal value and as such should form part of the common heritage of humankind.
From there you will proceed to the Geyser area, the “geyser” which gave its name to all other erupting hot springs. You will see one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, spouting up to 90 feet into the air.
Afterwards you will drive to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall). Here you will see thousands of tons of icy glacial water thunder majestically down in a double-fall into a deep gorge from the glacier Langjokull.
Drive along the south shore on our way to the east on your right side you will see waterfalls one of which you can walk behind, black sandy beaches, mountains and strange lava formations along the way. Solheimajokull glacier tongue extends down from its mother glacier Myrdalsjokull, Iceland's fourth largest.
The collection at Skogar museum contains a large variety of objects, large and small, each with its own story to tell; the collection provides insight into life in Iceland in past times, both at work and play like tools and utensils of various kinds, works of art and craft, and personal possessions. Additional transportation museum is an attraction for the younger ones.
Accommodation in Vík area
Optional activities available on this day
Horseback riding : The Icelandic horses are often called ponies and have been a part of the Icelanders life since the Viking age. Today they are preferred by thousands of Icelanders who enjoy the comfortable ride close to nature, going through lava fields, by lakes and through wooded areas. The riding centre offer very good facilities and spacious changing rooms for overalls, raingear, boots and helmets. The Icelandic horse is unique for its 5 different gaits.
Diving/Snorkling : Completely surrounded by blue water in Iceland, you see vertical cliffs fall dramatically from the surface to the bottom of a long crevasse in front of you while diving/snorkling. This site has become world renown among sports divers and now ranks among many of the other "must-experience" places like the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, Thailand and Indonesia. A visibility like this is one of those things that have to be seen to be believed. Cold and very old.
Ice walk : Easy walk on crampons up on to the ice field where a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses awaits discovery. Ice climbing and hiking is getting more and more popular as a sport in Iceland, as conditions are quite good most of the year.
Suggestion for day 2 - The Southeast and the East coast
In the morning drive to Skaftafell National Park, an oasis wedged between sand and glacier. Its unique natural beauty is a result of favourable weather conditions and the interplay between fire and ice.
Walk up to one of the most renowned waterfalls of Iceland – Svartifoss. The narrow strand of water framed with dark and long basaltic columns in the horse shaped gorge.
The drive to the ice lagoon goes along the south coast. The glacier lagoon in Iceland is just by the highway, about 350 km east from Reykjavík, and it is said to be one of Iceland greatest wonders. The surface is at sea level and the sea flows into the lagoon at high tide. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the Breidamerkur glacier tongue and large icebergs from the glacier float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not wide but up to 160 meters deep. The glacier Breidamerkur glacier is an outlet of the Vatnajokull glacier.
Accommodation in Hofn area.
Optional activities available on this day
Sailing on the ice lagoon : At the lagoon you will have time to view this stunning area before taking a boat ride. But these are no ordinary boats! They are capable of driving short distances as well as sailing on water.
After the cruise we take a part of a 1200 years old glacier with us and smash it into ice cubes. If you put it in your drink you will notice that the ice cubes hardly melt. The glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon was also a film location for the James Bond movie, Die another day. Among other things to see on this trip are beautiful waterfalls, and the southernmost point of Iceland Ingolfshofdi, where if you sailed due south, you would not touch land until Antarctica.
Snowmobiling : Snowmobiling is full action on either glaciers or heaths all depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for extreme adrenaline adventure. Bear in mind that you will see both beautiful sights and get closer to nature. Our clients describe it as a reminder of how small we are comparing to nature.
Suggestion for day 3 - The coast and Eastern Fjords
Scoured by Ice Age glacier, the dramatic mountains of the East Fjords are spectacular as are the many fjords. Each fjord is unique and the mountains surrounding them are all shapes and sizes. The Centre of the eastern fjords is the town of Egilstadir. Places of interest in the Egilstadir area are: Logurinn lake , the third biggest lake of Iceland, on the southwest side of the Lake the third biggest waterfall - the Hengifoss and the Halloramsstadur forest, the largest in the country.
Accommodation in Egilstadir Area
Suggeestion for day 4 - Lake Mývatn area
Drive to the North of Iceland and explore Lake Myvatn area. The first site on your way is Krafla Mountain, past the power station bearing the same name. This power project is unique because it relies on geothermal steam energy for its operation.
Stop at Viti, or Inferno, an explosive crater in the slopes of Krafla. After visiting this volcanic location, travel on for a view of Hverir, with its sizzling and bubbling sulphur mud pots.
Grjotagja - a cave, under a lava layer, was used to be a natural, geothermal bathing spot. Visit scenic district Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) where towering lava formations characterize the landscape.
Accommodation in Myvatn area
Optional activities available on this day
Bird watching : During the day we will be exploring, among other things, a range of pseudo-craters, volcanoes of different sizes, hot springs and recent lava fields with lava pillars. We'll see birds in thousands, including species such as Great Northern Diver (Common Loon), Horned Grebe (Slavonian Grebe), Barrow's Golden eye, Harlequin duck and Long - tailed Duck, Eurasian Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Greater Scaup and Tufted Duck. Species such as Red-necked Phalarope, Redwings, Common Snipe and Redshank will also be abundant all around us during the day.
Suggestions for day 5 - Akureyri and the North of Iceland
On the way to Godafoss waterfall we travel through the valley of Fnjoskadalur with its lovely meandering river.
This drive to one of the loveliest spots in Iceland focuses on the most attractive features of the area. The drive along the fjord of Eyjafjordur provides us with a splendid view of Akureyri, often referred to locally as the Capital of the North.
Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær, which is a great example of old Icelandic architecture.
Accommodation in Hrutafjorður / Skagafjordur Area
Suggestions for day 6 - The North and Southwest of Iceland.
In the morning, you continue on the main road to the Borgarfjordur area where you can explore Deildartunguhver; the hot spring that releases most hot water per second in Europe. Afterwards you head to the waterfalls Barnafossar and you will then be able to explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Tour ends in Reykjavík, accommodation in Reykjavik not included.
Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
Included: Accommodation ( Budget; Comfort; Quality) with breakfast, Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 6 days, Map of Iceland and detailed itinerary, Information booklet about driving in Iceland, Free use of Icelandic mobile phone number and 500 ISK worth of calls, Shuttle Service transfer on arrival / departure day, Taxes and service fee.
Not Included: Admission to museums and optional activities, Pre and post night in Reykjavik, International flights, Petrol, Meals other than breakfast.
Discount: Low season – October and April 20% off, Shoulder Season- May and September 10% off.
Children: Children age 0-2: Free of charge, Children age 3-11: Pay 20% of the package price, Children age 12+ : Full Price.
Accommodation: 1 Person – 1 Single room, 2 Persons – 1 Twin/Double room, 3 Persons - 1 Triple room, 4 Persons - 2 Twin/Double rooms, 5 Persons - 1 Double , 1 Triple room, 6 Persons - 3 Double rooms.
Rental Cars: Z class - Toyota Yaris or similar, A class - Toyota Yaris or similar, B class - Toyota Corrolla or similar, C class - Toyota Avensis or similar, O class - Toyota RAV 4 or similar, J class - Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, G class - Lincoln Navigator.