National Parks and Natural Wonders

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 - Reykjavik

Fly to Keflavik, transfer to the city and overnight in Reykjavik. If you have time why not visit the Blue lagoon enroute (prebooking essential).

Overnight at Hotel Cabin.

Day 2: Reykjavik - Akureyri - Myvatn

Transfer on your own (5-10 mins taxi ride, payable locally) to Reykjavik City Airport for midday flight to Akureyri, then collect rental vehicle at the airport. Explore this quaint northern town located almost at the head of Eyjafjordur then drive to Myvatn, making a detour at picturesque Godafoss for a photo stop. Spend two nights at Lake Myvatn.

Overnight at Guesthouse Dimmuborgir.

Day 3: Lake Myvatn

Spend the day exploring 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).

Overnight at Guesthouse Dimmuborgir.

Day 4: Lake Myvatn - Vopnafjordur

Visit the Jokulsa Canyon National Park and explore its gorges and waterfalls, including a possible visit to the immense waterfall Dettifoss. Continue to Vopnafjordur for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Hotel Tangi.

Day 5: Vopnafjordur - Egilsstadir

Drive the 4x4 track to view the monumental basalt columns and sea birds on Langanes, a lonely windswept peninsula or visit the remote village of Raufarhofn. Return through Vopnafjordur and travel to Egilsstadir for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Hotel Eyvindará.

Day 6: Egilsstadir - Breiddalsvik

Spend the day enjoying the sweeping fjords of the east coast until you reach Breiddalsvik, where you will spend the night in the area.

Overnight at Hotel Framtid.

Day 7: Breiddalsvik- Skaftafell

In the morning, set off to the charming village of Djupivogur. After this begin your journey south, where one eye-catching view follows another on the drive through the fjords to Hofn, a fishing port at the foot of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull. Travel around the base of the icecap, in sight of its many breathtaking glaciers. One has receded, forming a huge lagoon, where icebergs lie adrift - this is Jokulsarlon. Take a boat trip (at additional cost) and head over to the beach to watch as they drift out to sea. Overnight in the area.

Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.

Days 8: Skaftafell - Klaustur

You will be spoilt for choice today as there is much to see and do in the area: walking in the stunning Skaftafell National Park; discovering the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its immense icebergs (boat trips are prebookable - contact us for further details). Perhaps take an optional snowmobile trip on Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull. Continue to Kirkjubaeklaustur for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Hotel Klaustur.

Day 9: Klaustur - Vik - Hveragerdi

Journey along the south coast, visit the fascinating Skogar Folk Museum and the thundering falls, Skogafoss. Don’t miss the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look out through its curtain of cascading water. Spend two nights in Hveragerdi.

Overnight at Hotel Ork.

Day 10: Golden Circle

Explore the natural wonders on the famed Golden Circle route: the tectonic rift in the earth's crust at Thingvellir, the thundering falls of Gullfoss and the bubbling Geysir geothermal area.

Overnight at Hotel Ork.

Day 11: depart Iceland

Drive back to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle at the airport and catch the flight back home

Please note this itinerary may be booked in reverse ie. starting with the south coast and returning via a flight from Akureyri to Reykjavik. You may also prefer to extend your trip slightly and drive to or from Akureyri - call us to discuss your options and for a tailor made quote.

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.