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Winter Wildlife and Aurora Self Drive

from £722 excluding flights

  • 5 nights
  • Feb-Mar
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Winter Wildlife and Aurora Self Drive
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Highlights

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Search for orcas on a boat trip from Grundarfjordur

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Optimum countryside location for viewing the northern lights

iceland snaefellsnes arnarstapi rock arch winter istk

Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning coast and volcanoes

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Enjoy Reykjavik with its blend of Nordic and modern style

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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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

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Nordic Heritage

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

Overview

This self-drive holiday combines time in Reykjavik with a stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Staying at a countryside hotel, you’ll be in an ideal rural location for viewing the northern lights should they grace the skies as well as heading onto the bay in search of orca. Two nights spent in Reykjavik will also give you the chance to get a taste of Icelandic culture, take an additional whale watching trip, or even explore the nearby Golden Circle route.

This exciting independent self drive break is based in West Iceland’s mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With sweeping lava fields and the recognisable Snaefellsjokull dominating the landscape, this stunning region was the setting and inspiration for Jules Verne’s famous ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

With the freedom that comes with a self-drive holiday, you will be able to explore the many natural treasures that Iceland’s western shores have to offer. You’ll also have the chance to head out on a boat trip with the hope of encountering orcas, dolphins and seabirds.

During winter and early spring, orcas visit the waters off Grundarfjordur on the north coast of Snaefellsnes following the migration of herring. 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.

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 (starting at approx. 10:00). 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 Grundarfjordur 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.

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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.

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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.

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

Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation available in both Reykjavik and on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we can tailor make to suit your personal preference.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists.
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Prices and Departures

Price from £722 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 (Group D) throughout with unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • Whale watching excursion
  • 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
Feb - Mar 5 nights D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) £722

* Choice of Vehicles

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.

  • 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.
  • Our long-standing relationship with the local Europcar franchise means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits, including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available.
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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.