In Jules Verne’s classic sci-fi novel you could descend into Iceland’s Snaefellsjokull volcano, meet a few dinosaurs and remerge at the surface through Italy’s Stromboli volcano. We can’t quite match that adventure. But on this blockbuster self-drive, you’ll still witness the legendary Snaefellsnes Peninsula – and add your very own riveting chapter on the South Coast.
Fact not fiction
Professor Otto Lidenbrock missed the point. Instead of attempting a Journey to the Centre of the Earth he should have focused on the natural wonders outside – not inside – Snaefellsjokull. This weeklong self-drive not only loops around the 1,446m-high volcano (which last erupted 1,800 years ago), but it also takes you to the surreal black-pebble beach of Djupalonssandur and the wave-gnawed cliffs and sea arches at Arnarstapi.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has everything from forbidding cinder plains and troll-like sea stacks to friendly fishing villages and elusive Arctic foxes. You really couldn’t make it up.
The plot thickens…
The second chapter in this self-drive is packed with natural wonders in South Iceland. Another famous volcano (Eyjafjallajokull) is a looming presence as you drive along the South Coast. Iconic waterfalls like Skogafoss pour over ancient sea cliffs, while icebergs drift in the mirror-calm of Jokulsarlon lagoon. And that’s not the end of the story. Driving between the South Coast and Snaefellsnes Peninsula you will also be able to visit the Golden Circle and hike to the mighty Glymur falls
Itinerary
Fly to Keflavik and collect your rental vehicle. Drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay, perhaps taking a dip in the world-famous Blue Lagoon en route (at additional cost – pre-booking required).
Optional Experiences
Blue Lagoon
Head east over Hellisheidi, past the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi to two of Iceland’s best known waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Visit the Skogar Museum or drive to Reynishverfi and stroll along a volcanic sand beach, backed by impressive basalt columns. Cross the eerie, moss-clad lava field Eldhraun, the biggest lava field in Iceland formed in 1783 after the Laki eruption and continue east to Skaftafell. Be sure to take a walk up to the nearby lake of Systravatn, view the delightful waterfall Systrafoss and the eroded basalt columns of Kirkjugolfid. This day involves a long drive along Iceland’s South coast from Reykjavik to Skaftafell but offers plenty of interesting sightseeing spots on the way. Spend two nights in Skaftafell.
Take a hike to either the tip of the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue, or Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall framed by basalt columns. In the afternoon visit the stunning glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon.
Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours
Make your way back along the south coast past Myrdalsjokull and Dyrholaey with its spectacular rock arch. Visit the Thjorsadalur Valley, including the reconstructed farm at Stong, which dates from the Viking period, and finally Mount Hekla. Spend one night in Geysir at in the heart of the Golden Circle or Hveragerdi.
A day to explore three of Iceland’s best-known natural wonders: the Geysir hot springs area, mighty Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park for a walk around the ancient assembly site. After, continue north towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland and if you wish to in the summer, take the scenic route around the edge of Hvalfjordur to visit Glymur waterfall. Spend three nights at on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Spend the next two days exploring the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap. Or take part in optional excursions such as whale watching.
Optional Experiences
Whale Watching from Olafsvik
Drive back towards Reykjavik, perhaps taking the coastal road around the magnificent Reykjanes peninsula, before dropping off the vehicle at Keflavik and taking the evening flight home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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No charge for additional driver
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1194 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Jo
4
Arctic cruises
3
Icehotel visits
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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