Adventurous South Iceland Self Drive

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Experience the adventurous South Iceland in a week of amazing activities in the beautiful south shore, the perfect setting for unforgettable adventures.

From rushing rivers to jagged cliffs and glistening glaciers, Iceland‘s landscape of extreme contrasts provides the perfect backdrop for this adventurous road trip. Challenge the mighty forces of nature with a string of optional activities such as mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Best of all, our recommended options are great for beginners; you can learn a fun new activity in amazing, picture-perfect landscapes!

Customize your Adventure: We’ve suggested a variety of unforgettable adventures you can add to each day. Whether it’s by land or by water (or even ice), we’ve got an activity (or two or three) we’re sure you’ll like.

Our expert Sales staff is on hand to quote you the best price for each activity at booking time.

**Please note that the package price is based on 5 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 6, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 5-day rental is up and use our Airport Direct Transfer

Highlights

Pump up your adrenaline with a selection of uniquely Icelandic activities

Tailor your trip to fit your own personal “style” of adventure

Snap unforgettable pictures of those “must-see” amazing Iceland landscapes

Wander along the wonders of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, including Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park

View the photogenic Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, with its blue-tinted glaciers, and the nearby black Diamond Beach

Visit two of Iceland’s best-known national parks: Thingvellir and southern Vatnajokull

Explore the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park, home to two glaciers a basalt-lined waterfall.

Take advantage of the season‘s long daylight hours to enjoy a full day of adventurous activities in South Iceland

Itinerary

Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice

Approximate Distance:

50 km / 30 miles

Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental car and head for Reykjavík, Iceland’s colorful capital. If your flight gets you in early, we suggest making the most of it with a visit to the Blue Lagoon or the newer Sky Lagoon. There’s no better way to ease into Icelandic time than a soak in geothermal water before you’ve even checked into your hotel. Important: admission to both lagoons needs to be booked in advance, and we’re happy to help you with that.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins between 14:00 and 16:00.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Reykjavík – Skógafoss – Seljalandsfoss – Reynisfjara Beach – Vík

Approximate Distance:

187 km / 115 miles

Waterfall duo – Glacier adventure – Black sand beaches

Breakfast at your hotel. Follow Road 1 along the scenic south shore route. Here you can see the perfect blend of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers. Take some time to admire (and get fantastic snapshots) of two famous waterfalls: Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. If the skies are clear, you’ll also be able to see the beautiful and famous volcanoes of Mt. Hekla (last eruption: 2000) and Eyjafjallajokull (last eruption: 2010). South Iceland is also home to Myrdalsjokull, a perfect glacier to enjoy some guided outdoor activities! Visit Reynisfjara beach with its surreal basalt formations and thundering North Atlantic waves.

Overnight in Vik area

Today’s Adventure Options:

Black beach RIB speed boat adventure – Kick up your adrenaline with a thrilling speed boat ride. Feel the blood rush and excitement as you power by the scenic volcanic beaches.

Duration: 30-minutes. Includes: Speed boat trip, use of float suit and life jacket. Min. age: 6 years old

Glacier Walk – Strap on crampons, grab and ice axe and follow an expert glacier guide into a breath-taking landscape of ice sculptures swirled with black sand. Learn about how glaciers are formed and constantly change.

Duration: 2-2.5 hours (1-1.5 hours on the glacier). Includes: guided tour (in English) and safety equipment (helmet, crampons, ice axe, harness)

See South Iceland from the top! Shoot across the top of Myrdalsjokull on a Glacial Snowmobiling- snowmobile and enjoy the views far into the distance. Amazing photo opportunities await!

Duration: 2 hours (1-hour glacier truck ride up glacier and 1-hour snowmobile ride)

Includes: Guided tour (in English), Snowmobile ride (2 people per vehicle), Insulated coverall, helmet, snowmobile balaclava face mask. Min. age to ride snowmobile as passenger: 6 years old. Valid drivers (car) license required to operate snowmobile

ATV Quad Express- Gear up, board an ATV vehicle and head for the beach (crossing through some little rivers on the way)! Drive across the black sand beach and admire magnificent volcanic landscapes.

Duration: 1-hour Includes: Guided tour (in English), ATV ride (two people per vehicle), Insulated cover-all, helmet, balaclava face mask. Minimum age: 5 years to ride an ATV; you need a valid driver’s license (car) to operate an ATV vehicle

Black Sand Beach Horseback riding- Ride one of Iceland’s friendly, surefooted “Viking” horses on a guided tour along black sand beaches. This scenic ride in the beautiful environment of Vík includes crossing a little stream, a ride along the black sand beach and a good time with wonderful Icelandic horses.This tour is great for both novice and skilled riders, and you´ll make a four-footed friend!

Duration: 1-hour riding. Includes: Guided horseback riding tour (in English), riding helmet, rain gear and gloves. Min. age: 10 years old

Highlights: Vatnajokull National Park Skaftafell National Park Svartifoss Waterfall Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon Hofn

Massive Lava Field- Glacier National Park – Europe‘s Largest Glacier – Iceberg filled Lagoon

Approximate distance: ca 279km / 173 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Head over massive lava fields created by the 18th century Laki eruption. You will soon be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe, and you‘ll see amazing views of Vatnajokull through the day.

We highly recommend visiting the Skaftafell area of Vatnajokull National Park. This is a green oasis ringed by glaciers, truly a dramatic place for photos. A popular hiking trail leads to Svartifoss (the Black Falls), waterfalls framed in dark basalt columns. Near the park is the Glacier Lagoon (Jokulsarlon), where icebergs drift and collide with each other in a lake formed by Vatnajokull glacier. An unforgettable experience is to take a Zodiac tour amid the floating bergs.

Some icebergs have drifted up onto a nearby black sand beach that provides a dramatic setting for photos. Known as the Diamond Beach, this is a beautiful place to linger, catching views of icebergs and seals.

Head eastward to the village of Hofn, which lies in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier.

Overnight in Hofn.

Today’s Adventure Options:

Zodiac Boat Tour in the Glacier Lagoon- Sail amid the drifting blocks of ice, catching the beautiful details of the ice. The boat takes you as close to the main glacier as possible.

Duration: 1-hour. Includes: Guided boat ride in English, flotation suit, life jacket. Minimum age: 10 years old

Extreme Snowmobiling on Vatnajokull Glacier– Feel your spine tingle as you explore Europe’s largest glacier by snowmobile. Visit seldom-seen places and learn about glaciers and the secret volcanoes hidden under the ice.

Duration: 3-hours Includes: Guided tour in English, snowmobile ride (2 people per vehicle), protective suit and gear. Minimum age: 6 years as a passenger; a valid driver’s license (car) is required to operate a snowmobile

Coastal Puffin Safari- Here’s a different experience! Take a fun, tractor-drawn hayride (cart) to the seashore. Then you’ll walk with your guide to an area where you’ll be able to view puffins in their natural setting.

Duration: 2.5 hours (1.5 easy hiking, some uphill walking) Includes: Guided tour (in English) with hayride. Minimum age: 6 years old

A day of outdoor fun in South Iceland

Approximate distance: ca. 355km/ 221miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Take your time and enjoy the adventures of South Iceland as you head back along the Ring Road. Stop and catch a view of the Glacier Lagoon from a different angle and different light.

Overnight in the Hvolsvollur area (South Iceland)

Today’s Adventure Options

Kayaking by the Glacier – Enter into the world of an iceberg-filled lake near Solheimajokull glacier. Paddle a kayak, following your guide as you head between glaciers drifting in the calm waters.

Duration: 2.5 hours (1-1.5 hours kayaking) Includes: Guided kayaking tour in English, use of kayak, paddle and dry suit. Minimum age: 12 years old

Canyon Zipline Adventure- Take a hike through a breathtaking canyon, admiring views of rock formations and a waterfall. The hiking trail leads you to two different zipline platforms. You’ll feel your heart pump with excitement as you zip over amazing bird´s eye views of the canyon!

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (about 3 km/1-2 miles hiking total to reach zip platforms) Includes: Tour in English by certified guides, all required safety equipment. Minimum age: 8 years old

Highlights: Gullfoss Geysir Thingvellir National Park

Famous Golden Falls – Bubbling Geysers – National Park

Approximate distance: ca219km / 136 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is open for you to explore the wonders of the Golden Circle region. Visit the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest

Return to Reykjavik for overnight stay.

Today’s Adventure Options

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – Catch the excitement of paddling through a magnificent canyon carved by a glacier river. (Actually it’s the same river that creates Gullfoss Waterfall!) It’s a perfect blend of gorgeous, rugged scenery and rushing rapids that both beginners and experts can enjoy.

Duration: 4 hours Includes: River rafting by expert guides (guided in English), all rafting equipment, use of hot sauna and shower at rafting base camp. Option to add in barbecue lunch or dinner after tour. Minimum age: 11 years old

River Jet Speed Boat Tour- Feel your spine tingle and the adrenaline rise as your boat roars over the Hvita glacier river and its rapids. Satisfy that need for speed and breathtaking scenery in one amazing adventure.

Duration: 1 hour (40 minutes on the river). Includes: River jet boat tour with professional guide (in English), waterproof suit, gloves, helmet, life jacket. Minimum age: 8 years old

Silfra Snorkeling- Immerse yourself in the clearest snorkeling water in the world, Silfra fissure. You’ll float between two continents, an amazing experience.

Duration: 2.5 hours (including preparation) Includes: Guided snorkeling trip in English, use of dry suit and other necessary snorkeling equipment, hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip Minimum age: 14 years old

Return to Keflavik International Airport. **

Approximate distance: ca 50km / 30miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. ** We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

**Please note that the package price is based on 5 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 6, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 5-day rental is up and use our Airport Direct Transfer

Notes