Leisurely South Iceland - 4 days / 3 nights
Day 1 - Arrival – Reykjanes Peninsula - Selfoss
Upon your arrival you will receive your rental car and start your journey at the Reykjanes Peninsula heading to Reykjavík – capital of Iceland.
Reykjanes is a peninsula and a volcanic system situated at the south-western end of Iceland, near the capital of Reykjavik. The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation. There are numerous hot springs and sulphur springs in the southern half of the peninsula, around the Kleifarvatn Lake and the Krysuvik geothermal area. The Leif the Lucky Bridge spans the Alfagja rift valley (60 feet wide and 20 feet deep) near Grindavik, which marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American continental tectonic plates.
When you reach Reykjavík take your time to drive around our capital and its vicinity, take a look on our old town centre, the Parliament, the Cathedral, the harbour, the National Museum and Hofdi house, the summit site of 1986. Then drive past the city´s Salmon River and past the Arbaejarsafn outdoor folk museum. It offers and interesting contrast to the modern buildings of the most recent part of Reykjavik. Driving onwards out of Reykjavík, you head to the village of Selfoss near the south coast. Accommodation in Selfoss area.
Optional activities available on this day :
Whale watching : Whales most frequently seen in Iceland are the Mink whales, groups of White-beaked dolphins and Porpoises. Very often we see the popular humpback whales and the Killer whales (Orcas) and Fin- Sei- and Blue whales.
Blue Lagoon : The Blue Lagoon is a natural geothermal spa surrounded by lava field and black sandy beaches. Have “the swim of your life” enjoying the comfort of the warm lagoon water.
Day 2 - Golden Circle Tour
The drive goes 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 very 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 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 every 5 – 20 minutes.
Afterwards 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 Accommodation in Selfoss area.
Optional activities available on this day :
Diving/snorkeling : 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. 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.
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 known for its 5 different gaits.
ATV´s / Quad biking : Amazing scenery that will take your breath away. Scary mountains, raw nature, dirt and often wet weather, extreme off road conditions like you have dreamed off. The raw nature is your playing field. Tracks that guarantees fun for everyone. Going over the rough terrain doesn´t take much effort for the super sized quads. This is a family sport and no danger what so ever if you take the time to listen to your guide. Your guide will go over every safety rule and teach you how to operate the quad before you take on this amazing journey.
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 compare to nature.
Day 3 - South Coast
Drive along the south shore on our way to the east. Enjoy some of the most spectacular waterfalls you will encounter, one of which you can walk behind, black sandy beaches, mountains and strange lava formations that are 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. The close by transportation museum is an attraction for the younger ones.
Drive down to the black sandy beach Reynisfjara. According to legend the Reynisdrangar needles were formed when two trolls were trying to drag a three-master ship to land. When daylight broke they turned to stone. The Needles can be seen clearly from the village of Vík and are 66 meters above sea level at their highest. Afterwards head back to your hotel in Reykjavik area.
Day 4 Departure day.
Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights
Included: Accommodation ( Budget; Comfort; Quality) with breakfast, Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 4 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.