Iceland Self-Drive Tour

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A self-drive tour that allows you to choose whether to follow the Ring Road or take an highland track (4WD necessary). You will experience Iceland's contrasting nature in the deserted, sandy yet colorful thermal highlands and the green fertile fields of the lowlands along the coastline.

Key benefits of this tour:

* You get the opportunity to travel off the beaten track through two of Iceland’s highland tracks, Kjölur and Landmannalaugar, both offering magnificent and exotic landscape.

* You will drive past all major attractions in Iceland, except in the western part of the country. Geysir, Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls (and many more), black beaches, plus several National parks are among your destinations in this great tour.

* Types of Car recommended: 5.0 or higher.

Itinerary

Arrive in Keflavik and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik on your own.

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers - Massive Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 240 km / 150 miles

From Reykjavik to Þingvellir National park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park offers a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows. Visit the geothermal area of Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall.

Optional: River rafting in the Geysir area, ATV-quad biking in Haukadalur, entrance to Geysir Geo Center.

Uninhabited Interior - Geothermal Area - Natural Bathing Pool - Viking Horses - Glacial Rivers

Approximate mileage: ca. 230 km / 143 miles

Today's route leads over the highland track Kjölur (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), driving through the colorful thermal area Hveravellir between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður fjord.

Optional: Horse riding in Skagafjörður, horse show in Skagafjörður

Iceland's Second Largest City - Waterfall "Of the Gods" - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife

Approximate mileage: ca. 190 km / 118 miles

Drive to Akureyri, the second largest town in Iceland outside the capital area. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall before driving to the beautiful Lake Mývatn area. The natural wonders of Lake Mývatn area include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir.

Optional: bird museum in Mývatn.

Whale Watching - Glacier Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 320 km / 199 miles

From Lake Mývatn you drive around Tjörnes peninsula. Travel through the fishing village of Húsavík to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, including the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Continue east to Egilsstaðir.

Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive south through the spectacular coast line of the East Fjords with charming fishing villages and towering mountains that plunge vertically into the sea. Stop at Almannaskarð pass which offers a striking view of Vatnajökull glacier and the coastal area.

Optional: Boat tour to Papey Island; Petra's stone collection.

Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest National Park

Approximate mileage: ca. 220 km / 137 mile

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon by Vatnajökull glacier offers a beautiful view of the glacier and the floating icebergs will leave a deep impression on you. Onwards to Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis with various hiking possibilities. Continue along the south coast for an overnight stay.

Optional: Jeep tour to Vatnajökull glacier; boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon; glacier hike in Skaftafell area.

Multicolored Mountains of the Highlands - Lava Fields - Hot Springs with Bathing - Hekla Volcano

Approximate mileage: ca. 240 km /149 miles

Travel along the Fjallabaksleið highland interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, with the option of bathing in a natural warm pool (do not forget to bring swimsuit). Spot the towering Hekla, the legendary Icelandic volcano, after exploring Þjórsárdalur Valley, before heading back to Reykjavik.

If you prefer, instead of heading to Landmannalaugar, you can continue along the south shore exploring black sand beaches, bird colonies, towering waterfalls and crossing fertile farmlands towards Reykjavik.

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Notes