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Journey to the Centre of the Earth

from £917 excluding flights

  • 7 nights
  • Year round
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Journey to the Centre of the Earth
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Highlights

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Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning coast and volcanoes

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See the black-sand beaches and waterfalls on the South Coast

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Experience the ice wonders of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon

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

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Walk to Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park

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Stroll along black-sand beaches at Vik

Why this trip...

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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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Well-researched route

We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy

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Nordic Heritage

With over 38 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

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).

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 at Hotel Skaftafell.

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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.

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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 Litli Geysir Hotel in the heart of the Golden Circle or Hotel Ork in 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 Fransiskus Hotel in Stykkisholmur, a delightful harbour town with a strikingly modern church, and take a stroll to its connected island, Sugandisey, or stay at Hellnar on the southern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

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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 from Grundafjordur or horse riding on the coast (summer only).

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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.

Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation in Iceland, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from hotels, farmstays and self-catering apartments to private villas and countryside properties ideal for aurora viewing.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists
  • iceland reykjavik skuggi hotel superior room
  • iceland south west ork suite bedroom
  • iceland south west ork hver restaurant bar area
  • ranga hot tub summer view
  • fransiskus hotel family room

Prices and Departures

Price from £917 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 »

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • 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 £950
Jun - Aug 7 nights B - VW Golf £1,232
Sep 7 nights B - VW Golf £982
Oct - Apr 7 nights D- Skoda Octavia (4WD) £917

* 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.

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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.

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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.