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iceland south east fjadrargljufur canyon istk

Fly, Drive and Hike

From £2240

Excluding Flights

14 Nights

May-Sep

Overview

The title of this two-week self-drive says it all. Fly to Iceland (three hours from the UK). Drive around the Ring Road (an adventure in itself). Hike at spectacular locations including the East Fjords, Skaftafell, Lake Myvatn and Snaefellsnes.

Although you go full-circle on this holiday, it’s far more than a road trip. We’ve picked a handful of overnight stays from which you can get footloose and fancy-free on Iceland’s fantastic hiking trails. Hveragerdi, for example, is in countryside not far from Reykjavik and makes a great base for exploring nearby geothermal sites and the natural wonders of the Golden Circle.

Skaftafell, meanwhile, puts you in a prime spot for hikes to the waterfalls and glaciers of the immense Vatnajokull National Park. It’s more a case of ‘stand-and-stare-in-awe’ at the nearby iceberg-filled lagoon of Jokulsarlon.

Once you reach the East Fjords there’s a huge choice of walking trails – from a short amble to a puffin colony to a full-day hike in the Dyrfjoll Mountains, searching for trolls and reindeer. At Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, you can grapple with lava flows or stroll through a wooded canyon, while the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland has dramatic coastal walks.

Itinerary

Arrive in Keflavik, collect your vehicle and drive to Hveragerdi, perhaps stop at the Blue Lagoon for a dip en route (pre booking essential). Spend the next three nights in Hveragerdi.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

Marvel at the spectacular two-tiered waterfall Gullfoss, the fascinating Geysir geothermal area, where you can watch Strokkur erupting every few minutes, and the beautiful lake in Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient assembly.

The area above Hveragerði is covered in trails and hot springs, its hillside stained by volcanic salts and heathland plants. From here, there are inspiring views towards the coast in fine weather. Remember to take your swimming costume to bathe in the warm streams.

See the magnificent waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, stroll along the bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk through Fjadrargljufur canyon. Spend the next two nights in Skaftafell.

Starting from the visitors centre, head first to the impressive Svartifoss, the dark falls, so named because of the black hexagonal basalt columns which surround it. Discover further spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic mountains in this beautiful part of Iceland.

Explore the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its blue icebergs and drive along the coastal road visiting picturesque fishing villages in the colourful East Fjords. Spend the night in Breiðdalsvík.

Optional Experiences

iceland south east jokulsarlon boat is

Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

A trip amongst the icebergs is unforgettable and the photographic opportunities are endless.

Head past the main town of Egilsstadir along winding roads to the charming and remote Borgarfjordur Eystri your base for two nights.

Relax and soak up the scenery in this peaceful hideaway location.

Drive through a grey desert landscape to Jokulsagljufur National Park. It’s well worth going to see Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and enjoying a short hike in the wooded gorge of Asbyrgi before exploring the Hljodaklettar volcanic plugs. Spend the next two nights at Mývatn.

There is a great choice of fantastic hiking routes around Lake Myvatn. Opt for the Krafla area, around the crater Viti and the mud pools of Namaskard. Or perhaps take in the Hverfjall crater, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjotagja fissure and Skutustadir’s pseudocraters.

Optional Experiences

Bird Watching at Lake Myvatn Nature reserve

Lake Myvatn is famous for it’s incredible birdwatching - in spring a variety of nesting ducks and other species arrive to mate.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Soak in milky-blue geothermal waters whilst taking in the magical views of the area around Lake Myvatn in north east Iceland.

Visit beautiful Godafoss en route to Akureyri. Hike to Hraunvatn Lake, set among glaciated mountains and continue west to the Skagafjordur region. Walk among the craters and lava flows of Berserkjahraun. After another day of exploring, spend the night in Laugarbakki.

Drive to the Snaefellsnes and spend the next two days exploring this magnificent peninsula.

Take a coastal walk to Arnarstapi and view its rock arches, sea stacks and basalt columns. Explore the cliffs, coves and rock formations of Snaefellsnes National Park at the foot of the volcano and icecap.

Drive to Reykjavik for the last overnight stay.

Drive to Keflavik, return your hire car and depart on your flight.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • Car rental throughout on unlimited mileage

  • No charge for additional driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £2240 Excluding Flights

14 Nights

May-Sep

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.

Make this trip yours

Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.

Eric in Norway
Eric
10

Visits to Iceland

3

Favourite Canadian lakes

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience