Family Explorer the Icelandic Way
Overview
Anyone for whale watching, horse riding, snowmobiling or a superjeep safari...? Iceland is Europe’s ultimate adventure playground. It not only blows children away, but they also get a geography lesson the fun way. This two-centre self-drive is ideal for a family or group of friends. Self-catering in cosy cottages, it’s how Icelanders like to go on holiday themselves.
Highlights
- Stay in well-equipped self-catering accommodation in the heart of Iceland’s countryside
- Visit Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle
- Spend a day exploring the volcano-studded Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Discover black-sand beaches and magical waterfalls on the South Coast
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- Unlimited mileage
- No charge for additional driver
- Exclusive use of iDiscover app
Full description
Two beautiful locations
With the freedom of self-drive and the flexibility of self-catering, this nine-night holiday is great value for families. About 75km north of Reykjavik, your first base is a renovated farm within easy striking distance of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Langjokull icecap and Hraunfossar waterfall. About the same distance southeast of Reykjavik, base number two brings the terrific trio of the Golden Circle within reach – as well as the black-sand beaches, waterfalls and glaciers of the South Coast.
What shall we do today?
That’s not a particularly vexing question on this holiday! Optional excursions include horse riding along the empty beaches of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a superjeep safari to the legendary Thorsmork valley, ice cave exploration on Langjokull and whale watching in Faxafloi Bay.
Prices & Dates *
Airfares start from around £70 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Prices are in £ per person based on 4 sharing (two adults and two children 11 or under) in a cottage, unless otherwise stated.
| Departure | Duration | Car category | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2018 - April 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £647 |
| Oct 2018 - April 2019 | 7 nights | G-Toyota Rav4 | £755 |
| Oct 2018 - April 2019 | 7 nights | I - Mitsubishi Shogun | £885 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £893 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | G-Toyota Rav4 | £1,055 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | I - Mitsubishi Shogun | £1,179 |
| June - August 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1208 |
| June - August 2019 | 7 nights | G-Toyota Rav4 | £1,505 |
| June - August 2019 | 7 nights | I - Mitsubishi Shogun | £1,775 |
| September 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £932 |
| September 2019 | 7 nights | G-Toyota Rav4 | £1,094 |
| September 2019 | 7 nights | I - Mitsubishi Shogun | £1,218 |
Note Other variations such as single rooms, rooms without facilities, three or four adults sharing a vehicle, will be quoted on request.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- 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
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: Keflavik-Bjarg
Fly to Keflavik, collect your rental vehicle and drive to Bjarg Guesthouse for a 4 night stay in a 2 bedroom cottage, located close to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We suggest you stop in the town of Borgarnes to pick up a few supplies before checking in to your accommodation. Alternatively you can travel to the Snaefellsnes peninsula and stay at our privately owned Glacier Lodge in Hellnar.
Days 2-4: exploring Snaefellsnes
Spend your time at leisure exploring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Perhaps hike to the nearby fishing village of Arnastapi with its striking rock formations, join a snowmobile tour on the glacier, go horse riding or take a bird watching tour from Stykkisholmur.
Day 5: Bjarg - Minniborgir
Drive to Hveragerdi/Selfoss area and stay at Minniborgir Cottages for the next 5 nights.
Days 6: exploring the South West
See the sights of the south at your own pace taking in the iconic Golden Circle, comprising Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, the dramatic south shore and perhaps the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula, home to Iceland's most famous attraction, the Blue Lagoon.
Day 7: exploring Reykjavik
Make the one hour journey west to Iceland's capital city Reykjavik for a day visit. Here there are plenty of optional excursions to choose from, including whale watching, or simply take some time to walk the streets and soak up the atmosphere of this lively city.
Day 8: Minniborgir - Keflavik
Drive to Keflavik, drop off your rental vehicle and fly back to your destination.
Glacier Lodge, Snaefellsnes
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Self Catering
Located in a spectacular rural location near to Hellnar, Glacier Lodge offers magnificent views of Snaefellsjokull to the north and a panorama across Faxafloi bay to the south.
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Minniborgir Cottages
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Self Catering
A collection of 45 summerhouses, the Minniborgir Cottages are found in the isolated Hveragerdi/Selfoss area, only 75km from Reykjavik.
Discover MoreExcursions
Whale Watching from Olafsvik
from: £77
3 hours May-Sep
Iceland
Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There are opportunities to spot blue, fin, humpback, minke and killer whales as well as numerous seabirds.
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Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull
from: £149
2.5, 4–14 hours Year round
Iceland
The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the south west.
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Snowmobiling on Langjokull
from: £173
4 hours Year round
Iceland
An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a mind-boggling 953km².
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Horse Riding in Snaefellsnes
from: £52
1 hours May-Sep
Iceland
Imagine riding along a beach of golden sand, while watching seals playing in the sea.
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Horse Riding in the South West
from: £56
1–3 hours Year round
Iceland
Experience riding the world's most pure-bred horse on a choice of riding excursions close to Hveragerdi, around a half hour drive from Reykjavik. From Eldhestar Horse Riding Centre (Vellir Farm) choose excursions lasting from one to three hours. Riders are matched with horses according to experience.
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Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier
from: £187
From 2 hours Year round
Iceland
This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland, one of the most scenic regions of the country.
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Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep
from: £296
8–9 hours Jun-Sep
Iceland
A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.
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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.
Alternatively, consider renting a motorhome and use this itinerary as a route outline. You'll have complete flexibility on where you overnight.
iDiscover digital app
If you book any self drive in Iceland with us you will also get free use of our exclusive digital travel app, iDiscover, pre-loaded with your personalised itinerary. With 4G connectivity, the app allows you access to a vast travel directory featuring scenic wonders, 'must-visit' sites as well as hidden gems and activities.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
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