Iceland Connoisseur Self Drive Holiday

Iceland Connoisseur

from £1453 excluding flights

7 nights
Year round

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Highlights

Enjoy fine dining inspired by fresh, local ingredients

Explore the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and enjoy the view from the top of Skogafoss

iceland snaefellsnes arnarstapi rock stacks rth

Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning volcanic coastline

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Take a dip in the naturally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon

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Enjoy optional excursions such as glacier trips and whale watching

Why this trip...

norway malangen deluxe cabin view from deck

Stay in great locations

This holiday features accommodation in incredible locations

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

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Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

This highly original self drive itinerary focuses on four charming and inviting countryside hotels, ideally located in the south and west, with easy access to outstanding scenery and places of interest. If you have a penchant for fine dining and even finer views, this is the trip for you.

On this holiday, appreciate Iceland’s acclaimed natural wonders of the south and west, as well as the hospitality of some characterful and very welcoming hoteliers. Their properties are particularly comfortable, and with their own restaurants, you’ll have the opportunity to sample delicious, locally inspired dishes from home cooked fare to gourmet cuisine.

Walk behind the spectacular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, take an optional snowmobile ride on Myrdalsjokull icecap and take a look at Snorri’s pool, a preserved hot tub dating from the Middle Ages – a small taste of what’s instore. With all the wonderful places to visit and things to do, you’ll certainly work up an appetite on a daily basis.

At the end of the holiday, spend a night in Reykjavik with its wealth of dining options, a favourite of ours being Laekjarbrekka – a fitting end to a lovely holiday.

Itinerary

Arrive in Keflavik, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the Northern Light Inn close to the Blue Lagoon and perhaps take an evening dip in its therapeutic waters (entrance fee at extra cost – prepayable).

Northern Light Inn

A delightful, well-appointed hotel in a great location.

Travel north towards Husafell via Hvalafjordur (‘Whale Fjord’), see the sights of Borgarfjordur, perhaps visit the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borganes, before driving inland towards Husafell, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Hotel Husafell

A stunning property full of contemporary flair, Hotel Husafell nestles in the magnificent landscape of Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Reykjavik.

A day at leisure to drive around Snaefellsnes Peninsula at the foot of the volcano and see the glacier. Take a walk by the coastal rock formations and bird cliffs of Arnarstapi. Travel along the north shore of Snaefellsnes to Stykkisholmur and perhaps take an optional bird watching cruise on Breidafjordur Bay (May to Aug only).

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iceland snaefellsnes stykkisholmur harbour istk

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Head south to the ancient assembly site at Thingvellir National Park, and visit Geysir, home of spectacular spouting geysers and other hot springs. Gullfoss, Iceland’s two-tiered waterfall is nearby. Spend the next three nights at the superb Hotel Ranga. The hotel’s restaurant offers the very best mouthwatering gourmet fare, thanks to a creative and exquisitely produced menu, accompanied by an extensive wine list. With views out across the river, a dining experience here is sure to be one of the absolute highlights of your holiday.

Hotel Ranga, near Hella

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Around an hour's drive from Reykjavik, this cosy riverside lodge offers four-star comfort and fine dining in the volcanic heart of rural Iceland.

Spend two days exploring the area, see Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most well known waterfalls and continue to the Myrdalsjokull icecap where you may choose to do an optional snowmobile trip (at additional cost). Visit the fascinating museum and 60 metre high waterfall, Skogafoss. Explore the Reynisfjara pebble beach with caves and basalt formations. Take a look at the majestic bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk along the famous black sand beach (closed until 25th June so as not to disturb nesting birds).

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Drive back to Reykjavik past the charming villages of Stokkseyri (the lobster feast at Restaurant Fjorubordid is very much recommended for lunch) and Eyrarbakki (try Rauda Husid or Blaa Hafid for dinner – two very good restaurants). Check in for an overnight stay at the stylish Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina in the city’s harbour district.

Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina

A fresh and funky hotel with a lively vibe in a great downtown location.

Head to Keflavik and drop off the rental vehicle at the airport, before taking your flight home.

Excursions

Iceland

Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep

from £225

4 hours | Year round

This unique superjeep tour takes you up onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop the volcano that infamously erupted in 2010.

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Iceland

Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

£300

7 hours | Jun-Sep

A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

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Iceland

Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

from £188

3 hours | Year round

Snowmobiling on the infamous Eyjafjalajokull glacier is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun…

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Iceland

Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier

from £162

3.5 hours | Year round

Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

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Iceland

Katla Ice Cave Tour

from £175

3 hours | Year round

Explore the inside of a remote natural ice cave with its beautiful colours and formations in the company of an experienced guide.

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Iceland

Landmannalaugar by Superjeep

from £250

8 hours | Year round

A journey through the wild and beautiful Icelandic highlands, this excursion explores colourful rhyolite mountains, bubbling hot springs and curious rock formations.

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Iceland

Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

from £222

2.5 hours | Year round

This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland,…

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Iceland

Snowmobiling on Langjokull

from £182

3 hours | Year round

An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a…

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Iceland

Inside the Volcano

from £294

6 hours | May-Oct

A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

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Iceland

Lava Centre

from £31

Various hours | Year round

The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.

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Iceland

The Icelandic Lava Show

from £37

40 minutes | Year round

The new Icelandic Lava Show is the only show in the world where you will be able to witness the sight and…

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Iceland

The Lava Tunnel

from £53

Year round

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland

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Iceland

Blue Ice Experience

from £125

3 hours | Mar-Aug

Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.

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Iceland

Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

from £120

3 hours | Year round

The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a…

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Iceland

Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

from £42

35 mins | May-Aug

Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

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Iceland

Blue Lagoon

from £63

At leisure | Year round

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

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Iceland

Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours

from £94

1 hours | May-Oct

Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the…

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Iceland

Secret Lagoon

from £23

Variable hours | Year round

The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at…

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Iceland

Horse Riding in the South West

from £67

1 -3 hours | Year round

Experience riding the world's most pure-bred horse on a choice of riding excursions close to Hveragerdi, around a half hour drive from…

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Iceland

Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull

from £156

5 hours | Year round

The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the…

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Iceland

Cave Explorer

from £50

1.5 hours | Year round

Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

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Iceland

Whale Watching from Olafsvik

from £72

3 hours | Feb-Sep

Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There…

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Iceland

Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

from £225

5 hours | Year round

A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £1453 excluding flights

Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play or EasyJet. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
Daily breakfast
Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
No charge for additional driver
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £1,453 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

4WD

We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person, per day.
Go electric

With a selection of electric cars now available including the Kia Niro and Volkswagen ID.3, you can choose to upgrade from as little as £12 per person, per day. We recommend this option for summer only, due to the colder temperatures in winter affecting battery range.