Iceland in Style

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: Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon

Arrive at Keflavik Airport, collect your rental vehicle and set off across the spectacular Reykjanes Peninsula. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, the Blue Lagoon provides a perfect opportunity to ‘dust off’ and become acquainted with the Icelandic tradition of relaxing in natural geothermal water. Please note that due to its popularity, entry to Blue Lagoon must be pre-booked. Continue along the rugged south coast of the peninsula, stopping to admire hot springs, volcanic craters, black-sand beaches and sea cliffs. Arrive at Hotel Ranga for a 3-night stay, enjoying the property’s outdoor hot tubs, observatory, fine dining and excellent range of optional activities.

Overnight at Hotel Ranga.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Spend a leisurely day exploring three of Iceland’s iconic natural wonders: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. For an unforgettable experience, take an optional snorkelling trip in the startlingly clear waters of the Silfra Fissure between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates – all equipment, including drysuits is provided. At Fludir, meanwhile, you can soak in the gently steaming Secret Lagoon.

Overnight at Hotel Ranga.

Day 3: The South Coast

Visit the breathtaking waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss – and discover nearby Gljufrafoss, a hidden gem cascading into a mossy cavern concealed behind cliffs. It is also possible to plan a visit to Thorsmork – a remote and beautiful glacial valley in the southern Highlands – ask us about arranging a superjeep trip (we strongly advise you not to attempt driving there yourself due to the difficult river crossings). Other highlights near the South Coast include a guided glacier hike on Solheimajokull, the vast black-sand beach at Reynisfjara and the seabird cliffs at Dyrholaey. If time allows, you can also drive to Skaftafell and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Overnight at Hotel Ranga.

Day 4: Husafell

Drive towards Reykjavik, before heading north to Hvalfjordur and Reykholt. Visit Europe’s most powerful hot springs at the geothermal area at Deildartunguhver and marvel at the curious Hraunfossar waterfall which flows from under an ancient lava flow. Nearby at Snorrastofa, you can delve into Iceland’s medieval history and culture. Continue to Hotel Husafell for your next three-night stay. If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, you can drive via Thingvellir and the highland track of Kaldidalur to reach Husafell and check in for your 3 night stay. After checking in, head to the bar for your complimentary welcome drink.

Overnight at Hotel Husafell.

Day 5: Langjokull Glacier

Take an optional ‘Into the Glacier’ tour, travelling by 8WD truck across the Langjokull icecap before walking through an extraordinary manmade tunnel deep in the blue-ice heart of the glacier. Back at Husafell, spend time relaxing in the outdoor geothermal pools.

Overnight at Hotel Husafell.

Day 6: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Drive north to the dramatic Snaefellsness Peninsula, following the coastline to Arnarstapi. From here, a short but spectacular hike leads to Hellnar and back, with sea arches, caves, and blowholes on one side and snow-capped Snaefellsjokull looming on the other. Return to Husafell for your final night at Hotel Husafell, enjoying the property’s excellent cuisine and stylish interior.

Overnight at Hotel Husafell.

Day 7: Vatnsnes Peninsula

Heading north from Husafell, make a detour to the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Highlights include a seal colony and the dragon-shaped sea stack of Hvitserkur. Continuing on the ring road, arrive in Siglufjordur for a two-night stay.

Overnight at Hotel Siglo.

Day 8: Siglufjordur

Take a boat trip on the fjord, visit the herring museum and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque village. Hotel Siglo has an outdoor hot tub and a wonderful restaurant overlooking the marina. There are also some excellent cafés in the Siglufjordur’s historic and colourful harbourside buildings.

Overnight at Hotel Siglo.

Day 9: Akureyri & Reykjavík

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the shores of Eyjafjordur before spending some time exploring Akureyri. The ‘capital’ of North Iceland, this interesting town has a good range of shops and restaurants, as well as botanical gardens and a busy fishing port. You can join a whale watching boat trip from here, before driving to the airport, dropping off your rental vehicle and flying back to Reykjavik. On arrival in Reykjavik, take a taxi (payable locally) to your hotel.

Overnight at Canopy Reykjavik City Centre.

Day 10: Return to the UK

Transfer to Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Why not extend your stay to explore more of the North

Day 9: Akureyri

After exploring Eyjafjordur and Akureyri (as detailed in the itinerary above) drive east towards Lake Myvatn. Along the way, stop at impressive Godafoss – ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.

Overnight at Hotel Laxa.

Day 10: Lake Myvatn

Spend the day exploring the wealth of volcanic and geothermal features around Lake Myvatn. Highlights include the twisted basalt spires at Dimmuborgir, the gnarled lava fields of Krafla and the bubbling mud pits and hissing fumaroles of Namafjall. There are also volcanic craters, lava caves, pseudo-craters and, of course, the lake itself which is renowned as a summer breeding ground for wildfowl. After an active day, relax in the warm geothermal waters of the Nature Baths with their stunning views across the lake.

Overnight at Hotel Laxa.

Day 11: Dettifoss & Husavik

Drive to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and explore Asbyrgi where walking trails thread through woodland in a horseshoe-shaped canyon. You could combine this with one of the evening whale watching tours from Husavik, sailing into Skjalfandi Bay under the glow of the midnight sun to search for humpback and minke whales.

Overnight at Hotel Laxa.

Day 12: Reykjavik

Drive to Akureyri Airport, drop off your rental vehicle and fly to Reykjavik. On arrival in Reykjavik take a taxi (payable locally) to your hotel.

Overnight at Canopy Reykjavik City Centre.

Day 13: Return to the UK

Transfer to Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.

Open excursions pdf