Iceland Odyssey

Spend the day enjoying the sweeping fjords of the east coast, including birdlife-rich Djupivogur, where you might want to take a look at the 34 enormous granite eggs along the shoreline, representing the number of bird species that nest in the area. The road winds high into the clouds before dropping down into the town of Egilsstadir. Overnight at Lake Hotel.

Spend the day enjoying the sweeping fjords of the east coast, including birdlife-rich Djupivogur, where you might want to take a look at the 34 enormous granite eggs along the shoreline, representing the number of bird species that nest in the area. The road winds high into the clouds before dropping down into the town of Egilsstadir. Overnight at Lake Hotel.

Lake Hotel, Egilsstadir

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Continue to the Myvatn region; with a possible visit en route to Iceland's highest farm with a cafe and turf buildings at Modrudalur. Spend two nights at Sel Hotel Myvatn.

Close to the northern shores of the lake where you will have plenty of time to explore the area and its volcanic wonders. Visit the relaxing Nature Baths (the north's answer to the Blue Lagoon), grab a snack at milking time at the Cowshed Cafe, take a hike at Dimmuborgir or venture up to the pretty village at Husavik and experience a thrilling whale watching trip on an old fishing boat (prebookable - contact us for details).

Close to the northern shores of the lake where you will have plenty of time to explore the area and its volcanic wonders. Visit the relaxing Nature Baths (the north's answer to the Blue Lagoon), grab a snack at milking time at the Cowshed Cafe, take a hike at Dimmuborgir or venture up to the pretty village at Husavik and experience a thrilling whale watching trip on an old fishing boat (prebookable - contact us for details).

In pictures

Drive to Akureyri, Iceland's "capital of the north" is a peaceful, laid back town set amongst snow capped mountains, on the edge of one of the country's longest fjords. It is home to a host of trendy cafes, the world's most northerly botanical gardens and several museums, and is well worth a visit before the long journey west, through sheep and horse country, to the Hvammstangi area. Overnight at Hotel Laugarbakki.

Drive along the spectacular Strandir coast to Drangsnes. Overnight at Malarhorn Guesthouse.

Continue deep into the West Fjords taking the road that follows the water's edge to Sudureyri, almost at the westernmost tip of the Westfjords. Should you wish to stay an extra night here then there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied; from day hikes to fishing and kayak tours (prebookable - contact our team). Overnight at Fisherman Hotel.

Continue deep into the West Fjords taking the road that follows the water's edge to Sudureyri, almost at the westernmost tip of the Westfjords. Should you wish to stay an extra night here then there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied; from day hikes to fishing and kayak tours (prebookable - contact our team). Overnight at Fisherman Hotel.

In pictures

Travel down along the northwest coast of the region, with stunning views as you cross over the mountaintops of the fjords to your hotel, near to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Early evenings are often the best time to visit this area. Overnight at Fosshotel Westfjords.

Drive to Brjanslaekur and take a ferry (3 hrs) across Breidarfjordur Bay to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You may wish to consider adding an extra night and staying on the tiny island of Flatey (the ferry stops here en route, however vehicles are not permitted on the island and they will be transported to the harbour at Stykkisholmur ready for you to collect the following day). Two nights at Fosshotel Hellnar.

Drive to Brjanslaekur and take a ferry (3 hrs) across Breidarfjordur Bay to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You may wish to consider adding an extra night and staying on the tiny island of Flatey (the ferry stops here en route, however vehicles are not permitted on the island and they will be transported to the harbour at Stykkisholmur ready for you to collect the following day). Two nights at Fosshotel Hellnar.

In pictures

Time to explore the volcanic landscape of Snaefellsnes including a drive around the impressive glacier, a visit to the sea stacks at Arnarstapi and the pretty fishing villages sheltered by colourful looming mountains and interspersed by sweeping lava fields.

On the final leg of the odyssey, drive south to Reykjavik, taking in the sights of Borgarfjordur including the beautiful Hraunsfossar falls spilling out from underneath the lava, the island's most productive hot spring at Deildatunguhver and the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borganes (entry payable locally). Overnight at in Reykjavik.

On the final leg of the odyssey, drive south to Reykjavik, taking in the sights of Borgarfjordur including the beautiful Hraunsfossar falls spilling out from underneath the lava, the island's most productive hot spring at Deildatunguhver and the fascinating Settlement Centre at Borganes (entry payable locally). Overnight at in Reykjavik.

In pictures

Depart Reykjavik for the airport. Time-permitting, perhaps taking a final dip in the relaxing waters of the Blue Lagoon (prebooking essential) before dropping off the rental vehicle at the airport and catch your flight home.