This self-drive holiday combines time in Reykjavík with a stay on the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From the charming fishing town of Stykkishólmur, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore this diverse region, where sweeping lava fields stretch towards the horizon and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano rises dramatically above the landscape. This remarkable setting famously inspired Jules Verne’s ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.
During winter, vast shoals of herring gather in the sheltered bays off Snæfellsnes, and where the herring go, the orca follow. The included whale-watching excursion will put you in the prime position to witness the action: pods of orca hunting off the coast; gannets plunge-diving on the hapless shoals of herring; white-beaked dolphins racing beside the whale-watching boat.
While in past seasons sightings have occurred as early as November and December, more recent behaviour patterns suggest that February, March and early April provide the optimum time for orca watching. Of course, as with all wildlife encounters, sightings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
The natural wonders continue after dark. With minimal light pollution just beyond Stykkishólmur, you’ll have excellent chances to search for the aurora borealis as it dances across the Arctic sky — and on occasion, it can even be seen above the town itself.
Your stay also includes two nights in Reykjavík, giving you time to experience Icelandic culture, enjoy its vibrant dining scene, join an optional whale-watching trip, or explore the famous Golden Circle route with its geysers, waterfalls and geothermal landscapes.
Itinerary
Arrive at Keflavik and collect your rental vehicle at the airport. Drive through the dramatic lavascapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula to Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
After breakfast make your way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This 2.5 hour drive is a scenic route, with plenty of stop off points along the way. Check in to your hotel for 3 nights.
Take a morning whale watching trip out into the fjord . Hot chocolate and a snack will be provided on board. The length of the boat trip will depend upon whale sightings but is usually around 2-3 hours. Return back into Olafsvik for lunch (payable locally) and to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You can either opt to explore the village on foot or explore the local area by car. Enjoy a relaxing evening and keep an eye out for the northern lights.
Optional Experiences

Whale Watching from Olafsvik
Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we recommend you visit the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi, as well as 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.
Leave Snaefellsnes Peninsula and drive back to Reykjavik for the last overnight stay to explore the numerous restaurants and bars in the capital. Perhaps detour via Thingvellir National Park and if time permits visit the other icons of the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss and Geysir.
Optional Experiences

Fontana Spa
Transfer to Keflavik Airport, perhaps via the Blue Lagoon (pre booking essential) before dropping off your vehicle before your flight.
Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon
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 (Group D) throughout with unlimited mileage
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No charge for additional driver
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Whale watching excursion
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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 £921 Excluding Flights
5 Nights
Feb-Mar
Your Holiday Pricing
Prices are per person based on two people sharing and are subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will provide a final price tailored to your specific dates and requirements.
What’s Included:
Items listed and all known compulsory taxes and charges.
What’s Not Included:
Variable local costs like tolls, parking or hotel taxes that cannot be calculated in advance. We will provide guidance on these expected costs within your personalised quote.
Our holiday prices also exclude flights. Flight prices and offers change daily, so we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on your preferred airport at the best price available.
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.

Eric
Sea turtles snorkelled with
Countries visited
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.
























