Discover the magical natural wonders, the majestic landscapes and the unique character of Iceland. This self-drive tour provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility to experience Iceland at your own pace. You will see and explore all major attractions around Iceland's main ring road, including the mighty Geysir and the spouting Strokkur hot springs, Waterfalls, National Parks and other nature wonders.

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, and the world's most northern national capital. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity.  Today, Reykjavík  is the only metropolitan area in Iceland.   As it is only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in winter. During the summer, the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in past years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.

Relax on your airport transfer in Reykjavik with a private vehicle and driver. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Take time to explore Reykjavik at leisure. Surrounded by sea, its waterfront paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll, some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. The city's northern waterfront is a popular area, with a beautiful view of Reykjavik's landmark mountain, Mt. Esja.  The city is an intimate size with a big personality and some striking landmarks, including mountains, beautiful buildings both old and modern, a lake and intriguing sculptures. City Hall is an impressive building on the northern shore of Lake Tjornin; stark and modern, it is the neural centre of Reykjavik, connecting nature, water and bird life to the centre of town. Hallgrimskirkja church, the largest church in Iceland, is Reykjavik's main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.  Hofdi House, built in 1909, might be one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Reykjavik. It is best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature, and is only a few minutes away from the city by boat. Archaeological excavations have disclosed the fact that the island was inhabited already in the 10th century. In more modern times, the Imagine Peace Tower was inaugurated on the island and is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon on what would have been his 67th birthday.

The contemporary Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (4*) is situated in the financial district of the capital and is only 5 minutes’ walk from the outdoor park, Laugardalur and a complimentary shuttle bus journey from the city center. Be pampered with a treatment in the NordicaSpa and savor a gourmet meal at VOX, renowned in Scandinavia for its emphasis on traditional Nordic cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens or treat yourself at the nearby Kringlan shopping centre.

Overnight at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (4*) (B) (Standard).

The village of Vik i Myrdal is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the main ring road around the island. A remarkable nearby feature is the beautiful black beach with the Reynisdrangar, black basalt columns sculpted by the sea. A folk tale says that they are former trolls which were caught outside at dawn. The sea around them is rather wild and stormy, so travelers will not be surprised to discover a monument to the memory of drowned seamen on the beach. The nearby Reynisfjall mountain is very famous in ornithology circles. Many species of birds are to be seen there in summer, especially puffins. These may also be observed on the Dyrholaey peninsula. 

Today's highlights include Þingvellir National Park a place of great geological and historical interest, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot-spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vík and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Approximate mileage:ca. 310km/193 miles.

Enjoy a boat tour around the islands, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and seabirds. The volcanic eruption in the Westman Islands in year 1973 is, without doubt, considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland in recent history. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary. This tour is optional and can be purchased locally.

The Vík Hotel Edda (3*) benefits from a superb location on the south coast of Iceland. The hotel is a comfortable cozy accommodation in the town of Vik i Mydral. A short distance away, guests can view the stunning Myrdalsjokull glacier and the small peninsula of Dyrholaey. This welcoming hotel offers modern standards of comfort and amenities, allowing for a great vacation on Iceland.

Overnight at Vik Hotel Edda (3*) or similar.

Höfn is an Icelandic fishery town in the southeastern part of the country. As of 2004, the population was 1,783. Trips are offered to the nearby Vatnajökull glacier. A cultural highlight of the town is the annual Humarhátíð (lobster festival) held on the first weekend of July, though today the Humarhátíð has been described by some as a "drink'n fun festival". Höfn Airport is located nearby. Eagle Air carries passengers to and from Höfn. All flights are domestic.

Drive through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestling below the great Vatnajökull glacier surrounded by black desert sands. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and onwards to the charming harbor town Höfn known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Approximate mileage: ca. 270 km / 168 miles.

Enjoy the beautiful south shore of Iceland to the extraordinary glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. You will pass charming villages in the south as well as the Skaftafell National Park before reaching the lagoon. Once there, enjoy a stunning boat tour floating past large blocks of ice that have broken off of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The tour includes a Boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

Höfn Hotel (3*) was founded in the year 1966 and is one of the better established hotels in the country. It's located in the center of town and has a breathtaking view over the magnificent glaciers, the circle of mountains and the fjord. Hótel Höfn has 68 comfortable rooms all equipped with a TV, radio, telephone, computer access and a private bath. A dining room/board room, seating 140 guests is situated at the top floor. A smaller restaurant "Ósinn" featuring courses such as pizza, steak and lobster is on the ground floor. The hotel has a bar and great facilities for conferences and all kinds of gatherings.

Overnight at Hofn (3*) or similar.

Egilsstadir is a town in east Iceland on the banks of Lagarfljot river. The town is young, even by Icelandic standards where urbanization is a fairly recent trend compared to mainland Europe. It was established in 1947 as an effort by the surrounding rural districts who felt the need for a service center in the region.

Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages. Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles.

On the way you have the option of taking a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

The Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) is located in the thriving centre of Egilsstadir, an area that continues to grow. The three-storey hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a break in Iceland and explore some of the eastern region’s natural, awe-inspiring sights. Well-equipped, stylish rooms offer a relaxing stay and a great night’s sleep and there’s always the chance for dining, as well as socialising, in the superb restaurant and bar. The balcony is the perfect place to drink in the unforgettable hues of the midnight sun.

Overnight at Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) or similar.

Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbeds with a variety of aquatic birds swimming about. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents (pseudocraters). The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake"); the lake of midges) comes from the huge numbers of flies (midges) to be found there in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve (The Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area). Since the year 2000, a marathon around the lake takes place in summer.

Travel across Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi. Drive onwards to Tjörnes peninsula and the friendly Húsavík fishing port. Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles

Experience the original Húsavík Whale Watching tour that has given the town the reputation of being Europe's whale watching capital. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

Hotel Gigur (3*) is situated in one of Iceland´s most popular and beautiful tourist attractions, on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn. The hotel has 38 comfortable rooms, all with private bathrooms and magnificent dining rooms, with a fantastic view over the lake. Hotel guests and other diners can choose from a number of delectable meals from the a la carte menu. The hotel also has a bar and a lounge.

Overnight at Gígur Hotel (3*) or similar.

Akureyri is a town in the northern part of the Republic of Iceland. Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. The area where Akureyri is located was settled in the 9th century but did not receive a municipal charter until 1786. The town was a site for Allied units during World War II.

Explore highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcanic area. Drive to Goðafoss waterfall, the capital of the north Akureyri or Skagafjörður area. Approximate mileage: ca. 130 km / 81 miles.

The bird museum is located on the farm Ytri-Neslönd beside Lake Myvatn. Sigurgeir’s bird museum is considered the largest known  private bird collection in Iceland. There is a multi-lingual computer guide to Iceland's birds, a shop with refreshments, bird books are available, there is a logbook of recent sightings, telescopes are set up to watch the birds on the lake and a remote camera displays live wildlife images from one of the lake's islands. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

The Hotel Edda in Akureyri (3*) is located in the student residence of the Akureyri High School, in the heart of the town. It is ideal for those who are looking for good accommodation and service at a reasonable price. This year the hotel adds 122 new rooms, all with TV, telephone and private bath.

Overnight at Akureyri Hotel Edda (3*) or similar.

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, and the world's most northern national capital. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. It is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity.  Today, Reykjavík  is the only metropolitan area in Iceland.   As it is only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in winter. During the summer, the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in past years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.

Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær a great example of old Icelandic architecture. Continue to the bay of Húnaflói and across Holtavörðuheiði plateau, enter Borgarfjörður area. Another option is to travel across the barren Kjölur highland road (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), to the geothermal oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavík. Approximate mileage: ca. 490 km / 305 miles.

River rafting or horse riding in Skagafjörður. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

Overnight at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (4*) (B) (Standard).

Enjoy a shared transfer with a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik.  This transfer departs at multiple times throughout the day.  Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is Included.

There is a secure location to store your luggage while at the Lagoon.  Also, lockers are available in the change rooms.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).