Essential Iceland
Essential Iceland
from £797 excluding flights
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Highlights
See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and enjoy the view from the top of Skogafoss
Experience the ice wonders of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon
Stroll along black-sand beaches at Vik
Take a dip in the naturally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon
Try exciting optional excursions, from snowmobiling to superjeep safaris
Why this trip...
Nordic Heritage
With over 37 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out
Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Overview
Visit some of Iceland’s best-known natural wonders on this year-round self-drive adventure to the Golden Circle and South Coast. With a whole week to explore, you’ll see majestic waterfalls, mighty glaciers and the sublime iceberg lagoon of Jokulsarlon. It’s the perfect introduction to Iceland – summer or winter – for first-time visitors and independent-minded travellers.
The Golden Circle’s triple whammy
Iceland’s famous trio of natural wonders – Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir – are easily combined in an unforgettable day touring the Golden Circle. At Thingvellir you can stroll along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and visit Iceland’s ancient parliament. The 32m-high, twin-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss pours into a narrow gorge, while Strokkur erupts like a steaming exclamation mark at the geothermal site of Geysir.
Waterfalls, glaciers and icebergs of the South Coast
Driving to the east, two of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls – bridal-veil Seljalandsfoss and thundering Skogafoss – lead a succession of natural wonders along the South Coast. From the frozen snout of the Solheimajokull glacier and Vik’s black-sand beaches to the basalt cliffs at Svartifoss and the icebergs of the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, this world-class drive transports you into a head-spinning realm of volcanoes, icecaps and surf-raked beaches.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Iceland's vibrant capital city, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the naturally heated waters. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Iceland's vibrant capital city, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the naturally heated waters. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Day 2 Hveragerdi
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss collectively known as the Golden Circle. Head south to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay at Hotel Ork.
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss collectively known as the Golden Circle. Head south to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay at Hotel Ork.
Day 3 Hveragerdi - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the 'Sister's falls' - Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns. Overnight at Hotel Klaustur,
Travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the 'Sister's falls' - Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns. Overnight at Hotel Klaustur,
Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skaftafell
Visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland's largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.
Visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland's largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.
Day 5 Skaftafell
Spend the day exploring the area hiking in the national park. One of the highlights is the 20m high waterfall Svartifoss, which cascades down a basalt cliff in the shape of a horse tail.
Spend the day exploring the area hiking in the national park. One of the highlights is the 20m high waterfall Svartifoss, which cascades down a basalt cliff in the shape of a horse tail.
Excursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Prices and Departures
Price from £797 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £250 per person with Icelandair (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
- No charge for additional driver
- Exclusive use of iDiscover App
- 24-hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices for other combinations of passengers and rooms available on request. Other vehicle types also available.
| Departure | Duration | Car Category | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £939 |
| May 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,016 |
| May 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,073 |
| Jun - Aug 2021 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,200 |
| Jun - Aug 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,318 |
| Jun - Aug 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,447 |
| Sep 2021 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,012 |
| Sep 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,089 |
| Sep 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,146 |
| Oct 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £858 |
| Oct 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £895 |
| Nov 2021 - Apr 2022 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £797 |
| Nov 2021 - Apr 2022 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £856 |
Choice of Vehicles
We offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday provided by the local Europcar franchise. Our long-standing relationship with them means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available on the day.Meet our expert
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
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