Iceland Connoisseur
Iceland Connoisseur
from £1,093 including flights
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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
Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning volcanic coastline
Take a dip in the naturally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon
Enjoy optional excursions such as glacier trips and whale watching
Why this trip...
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
Nordic Heritage
With over 38 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
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 Keflavik - Blue Lagoon
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).
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).
Day 2 Blue Lagoon - Husafell
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.
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.
Day 3 Snaefellsnes Peninsula
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).
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).
Day 4 West Iceland - Hotel Ranga
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.
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.
Days 5-6 exploring the South Coast
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).
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).
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £1,093 including flights
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
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
| Departure | Duration | Car Category* | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,093 |
| Jun - Aug | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,579 |
| Sep | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,400 |
| Oct - Apr | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,147 |
* 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.
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Bruno15 Visits to Iceland
6 Whale species seen
8 Out of 10 northern lights success
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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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