Iceland Backroads

Iceland Backroads
from £1,799 excluding flights
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Highlights

Walk along the coast at Arnarstapi with its quaint fishing village

Search for whales on a boat trip from Olafsvik

Count all seven tiers of the majestic Dynjandi waterfall

Encounter puffins at Latrabjarg bird cliffs

Marvel at spectacular Hraunfossar waterfall

See the black-sand beaches and waterfalls on the South Coast
Why this trip...

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

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

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Overview
This immersive self-drive itinerary showcases Iceland's spectacular west from Snaefellsnes to the less-visited West Fjords returning south via Husafell to spend time on the south coast. Rugged coastlines, snow-capped volcanoes, iconic waterfalls, glaciers and geothermal springs are just a few highlights on this self-drive holiday.
Explore the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the striking Kirkjufell mountain. The dramatic coastline is perfect for hiking or perhaps try a more demanding trip up to the Snaefellsjokull ice cap. Being one of the best areas for whale watching in Iceland, whales are often spotted from the shore or take a boat trip for a better chance to spot these giants of the sea.
The less-explored West Fjords offer empty roads, mountain peaks, wildlife and hikes to remote, yet stunning areas like the Hornstrandir peninsula, home to the local Arctic fox. The sheer cliffs at Latrabjarg, Iceland's westernmost point, are home to vast numbers of seabirds including puffins and kittiwakes.
Return south via Husafell and the iconic Golden Circle before spending time exploring the south coast visiting the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the rock arch at Dyrholaey. Complete your journey through the dramatic lavascapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Itinerary
Day 1 Keflavik - Northern Lights Inn
Fly to Keflavik and collect your vehicle. Take the short drive to Northern Lights Inn and if time allows drive around the rugged coastline of the western tip of the peninsula. Scenery here is dramatic with the crashing waves on to the black lava field. Visit Brimketill, a small, naturally carved pool by marine erosion. According to a legend, a giantess called Oddny used to frequently bathe here. Overnight at Northern Light Inn.
Fly to Keflavik and collect your vehicle. Take the short drive to Northern Lights Inn and if time allows drive around the rugged coastline of the western tip of the peninsula. Scenery here is dramatic with the crashing waves on to the black lava field. Visit Brimketill, a small, naturally carved pool by marine erosion. According to a legend, a giantess called Oddny used to frequently bathe here. Overnight at Northern Light Inn.
Day 2 Northern Lights Inn - Snaefellsnes
Following the coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula head north towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Passing Reykjavik and the mighty Mt Esja, arrive at the beautiful Hvalfjordur. Drive through the tunnel and head towards Borgarnes and Snaefellsnes. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.
Following the coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula head north towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Passing Reykjavik and the mighty Mt Esja, arrive at the beautiful Hvalfjordur. Drive through the tunnel and head towards Borgarnes and Snaefellsnes. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 3 Snaefellsnes
Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side where you find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. The western tip is scattered with extinct volcanic craters, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves and fantastic walking opportunities. Keep a look out for orcas and dolphins patrolling the coastline. In clear weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.
Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side where you find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. The western tip is scattered with extinct volcanic craters, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves and fantastic walking opportunities. Keep a look out for orcas and dolphins patrolling the coastline. In clear weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.



Day 4 Snaefellsnes - West Fjords
Spend the morning at leisure or perhaps join a 3-hour whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik. In the afternoon make your way to Stykkisholmur for the ferry departure at 15:00. The Baldur ferry calls in at the beautiful island of Flatey before arriving in Brjanslaekur at 18:00. Spend the next two nights in the southern part of the West Fjords.
Spend the morning at leisure or perhaps join a 3-hour whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik. In the afternoon make your way to Stykkisholmur for the ferry departure at 15:00. The Baldur ferry calls in at the beautiful island of Flatey before arriving in Brjanslaekur at 18:00. Spend the next two nights in the southern part of the West Fjords.
Day 5 explore Latrabjarg
Enjoy the stunning fjord and mountain views as you drive to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Take your time here to enjoy the most spectacular views and teaming birdlife. The nearby Raudasandur beach is a beautiful reddish colour and can be viewed from a distance or take the 1km hike down, which involves wading a shallow river.
Enjoy the stunning fjord and mountain views as you drive to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Take your time here to enjoy the most spectacular views and teaming birdlife. The nearby Raudasandur beach is a beautiful reddish colour and can be viewed from a distance or take the 1km hike down, which involves wading a shallow river.



Prices and Departures
Price from £1,799 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 | 14 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,799 |
May 2021 | 14 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,953 |
Jun - Aug 2021 | 14 nights | B - VW Golf | £2,378 |
Jun - Aug 2021 | 14 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £2,532 |
Sep 2021 | 14 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,952 |
Sep 2021 | 14 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £2,106 |
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

One of our specialists
Meet Eric10 Visits to Iceland
5 Successful whale watching trips
4 Shooting stars with northern lights
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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.
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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.
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