iceland south east fjadrargljufur canyon istk

Fly, Drive and Hike

from £2310 excluding flights

  • 14 nights
  • May-Sep
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Fly, Drive and Hike
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Highlights

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Stride out in spectacular scenery

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Discover pseudo-craters and mud pools at Lake Myvatn

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Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning coast and volcanoes

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Walk to Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park

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Join a guided hike in the rhyolite mountains of Borgarfjordur Eystri

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Walk the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at Thingvellir National Park

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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Explore at leisure

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

Overview

The title of this two-week self-drive says it all. Fly to Iceland (three hours from the UK). Drive around the Ring Road (an adventure in itself). Hike at spectacular locations including the East Fjords, Skaftafell, Lake Myvatn and Snaefellsnes. Perhaps we should have added ‘iDiscover’. Our digital travel guide will no doubt add an extra dimension to this superb summer trip.

Iceland’s Great Outdoors

Although you go full-circle on this holiday, it’s far more than a road trip. We’ve picked a handful of overnight stays from which you can get footloose and fancy-free on Iceland’s fantastic hiking trails. Hveragerdi, for example, is in countryside not far from Reykjavik and makes a great base for exploring nearby geothermal sites and the natural wonders of the Golden Circle. Skaftafell, meanwhile, puts you in a prime spot for hikes to the waterfalls and glaciers of the immense Vatnajokull National Park. It’s more a case of ‘stand-and-stare-in-awe’ at the nearby iceberg-filled lagoon of Jokulsarlon.

From East to West

Once you reach the East Fjords there’s a huge choice of walking trails – from a short amble to a puffin colony to a full-day hike in the Dyrfjoll Mountains, searching for trolls and reindeer. At Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, you can grapple with lava flows or stroll through a wooded canyon, while the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland has dramatic coastal walks.

Itinerary

Arrive in Keflavik, collect your vehicle and drive to Hveragerdi, perhaps stop at the Blue Lagoon for a dip en route (pre booking essential). Spend three nights at Hotel Ork.

Marvel at the spectacular two-tiered waterfall Gullfoss, the fascinating Geysir geothermal area, where you can watch Strokkur erupting every few minutes, and the beautiful lake in Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient assembly.

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The area above Hveragerði is covered in trails and hot springs, its hillside stained by volcanic salts and heathland plants. From here, there are inspiring views towards the coast in fine weather. Remember to take your swimming costume to bathe in the warm streams.

See the magnificent waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, stroll along the bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk through Fjadrargljufur canyon. Two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.

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Starting from the visitors centre, head first to the impressive Svartifoss, the dark falls, so named because of the black hexagonal basalt columns which surround it. Discover further spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic mountains in this beautiful part of Iceland.

Explore the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its blue icebergs and drive along the coastal road visiting picturesque fishing villages in the colourful East Fjords. Overnight at Hotel Bláfell.

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Head past the main town of Egilsstadir along winding roads to the charming and remote Borgarfjordur Eystri your base for two nights.

Take an optional guided hike amongst the spectacular coloured rhyolite peaks offered by the hotel. Alternatively, relax and soak up the scenery in this peaceful hideaway location.

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Drive through a grey desert landscape to Jokulsagljufur National Park. It’s well worth going to see Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and enjoying a short hike in the wooded gorge of Asbyrgi before exploring the Hljodaklettar volcanic plugs. Two nights at Sel Hotel Mývatn.

There is a great choice of fantastic hiking routes around Lake Myvatn. Opt for the Krafla area, around the crater Viti and the mud pools of Namaskard. Or perhaps take in the Hverfjall crater, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjotagja fissure and Skutustadir’s pseudocraters.

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Visit beautiful Godafoss en route to Akureyri. Hike to Hraunvatn Lake, set among glaciated mountains and continue west to the Skagafjordur region. Walk among the craters and lava flows of Berserkjahraun. Overnight at Hotel Laugarbakki.

Drive to the Snaefellsnes and spend the next two days exploring this magnificent peninsula. Overnight at Fosshotel Sykkisholmur.

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Take a coastal walk to Arnarstapi and view its rock arches, sea stacks and basalt columns. Explore the cliffs, coves and rock formations of Snaefellsnes National Park at the foot of the volcano and icecap.

Drive to Reykjavik for the last overnight stay. Overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Drive to Keflavik, return your hire car and depart on your flight.

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday referenced in the itinerary. However, 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.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists
  • south west ork superior
  • south west ork exterior
  • fosshotel hellnar superior room
  • hotel sel myvatn exterior

Excursions

  • iceland south west snowmobiling on eyjafjallajokull south coast ad
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

    from £188

    3 hours | Year round

    Snowmobiling on the infamous Eyjafjalajokull glacier is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun…

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  • iceland aerial view over eyjafjallajokull with superjeep sca
    Iceland

    Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep

    from £225

    4 hours | Year round

    This unique superjeep tour takes you up onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop the volcano that infamously erupted in 2010.

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

    £300

    7 hours | Jun-Sep

    A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

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  • south west iceland lava centre exhibit
    Iceland

    Lava Centre

    from £31

    Various hours | Year round

    The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

    from £225

    5 hours | Year round

    A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

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  • iceland highlands superjeep on glacier rth
    Iceland

    Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier 

    from £162

    3.5 hours | Year round

    Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

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  • iceland south west katla ice cave entrance sthcstad
    Iceland

    Katla Ice Cave Tour

    from £175

    3 hours | Year round

    Explore the inside of a remote natural ice cave with its beautiful colours and formations in the company of an experienced guide.

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  • iceland highlands landmannalaugar5 rth
    Iceland

    Landmannalaugar by Superjeep

    from £250

    8 hours | Year round

    A journey through the wild and beautiful Icelandic highlands, this excursion explores colourful rhyolite mountains, bubbling hot springs and curious rock formations.

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  • south iceland snowmobiling on glacier istk
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

    from £222

    2.5 hours | Year round

    This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland,…

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  • iceland snowmobiling on langjokull img
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Langjokull

    from £182

    3 hours | Year round

    An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a…

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  • iceland reykjanes peninsula inside thrihnukagigur volcano
    Iceland

    Inside the Volcano

    from £294

    6 hours | May-Oct

    A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

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  • iceland raufarholshellir lava tunnel rth
    Iceland

    The Lava Tunnel

    from £53

    Year round

    Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland

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  • iceland south west glacier hiking solheimajokull img
    Iceland

    Blue Ice Experience

    from £125

    3 hours | Mar-Aug

    Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.

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  • iceland snorkelling day tour silfra2 di
    Iceland

    Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

    from £120

    3 hours | Year round

    The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a…

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  • iceland south east jokulsarlon boat is
    Iceland

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    from £42

    35 mins | May-Aug

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

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  • iceland south west blue lagoon winter adstk
    Iceland

    Blue Lagoon

    from £91

    At leisure | Year round

    Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

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  • iceland jokulsarlon at dusk rth
    Iceland

    Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours

    from £94

    1 hours | May-Oct

    Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the…

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  • iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth
    Iceland

    Secret Lagoon

    from £23

    Variable hours | Year round

    The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at…

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  • iceland sky lagoon thermal spa
    Iceland

    Sky Lagoon

    from £69

    At leisure | Year round

    Enjoy captivating views from the geothermal Sky Lagoon as you soak in rejuvenating waters on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

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  • iceland lake myvatn great northern diver istk
    Iceland

    Bird Watching at Lake Myvatn Nature reserve

    Price on request

    6 hours | Apr-Jun

    Lake Myvatn is famous for it’s incredible birdwatching - in spring a variety of nesting ducks and other species arrive to mate.

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  • iceland north east husavik whale watching rth
    Iceland

    Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip 

    from £82

    3 hours | Mar-Dec

    Husavik, in North East Iceland, is recognised as 'Europe’s Whale Watching Capital' and is also home to the fascinating Whale Museum.

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  • north iceland humpback whale breaching husavik gt
    Iceland

    Classic Whale Watching, Akureyri

    from £88

    3 hours | Year round

    Experience and get close to the incredible humpback whales of the Eyjafjord.

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  • iceland north puffins midnight sun st
    Iceland

    Husavik Whale Watching and Puffins Boat Trip

    from £94

    3.5 hours | Apr-Aug

    This 3-hour boat trip combines opportunities of sighting marine wildlife and migratory birds including puffins.

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  • iceland snaefellsnes orca watching cs
    Iceland

    Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

    from £88

    3 hours | Feb-Sep

    Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There…

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  • iceland whale watching aboard electric schooner opal ns
    Iceland

    Silent Whale Watching, Husavik

    from £88

    3 hours | Jun-Sep

    Sail around Skjálfandi Bay on a completely silent boat and observe whales in their natural habitat causing them minimum disturbance.

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  • iceland askja by superjeep st
    Iceland

    Askja and Holuhraun Super Jeep Day Tour

    from £375

    12 hours | Jun-Oct

    Join a guided day trip into the rugged lunar landscapes of Iceland's interior, visiting the Askja crater, where NASA trained the Apollo…

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  • iceland north myvatn nature baths rth
    Iceland

    Myvatn Nature Baths

    from £44

    Variable hours | Year round

    Soak in milky-blue geothermal waters whilst taking in the magical views of the area around Lake Myvatn in north east Iceland.

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  • iceland geosea spa baths near husavik2
    Iceland

    GeoSea

    from £41

    2 hours | Year round

    Reconnect, decompress, and enjoy Icelandic nature in a rare union of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the Earth's core.

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  • iceland langjokull ice cave2
    Iceland

    Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull

    from £156

    5 hours | Year round

    The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the…

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  • iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave
    Iceland

    Cave Explorer

    from £50

    1.5 hours | Year round

    Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

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  • north iceland forest lagoon bathing render
    Iceland

    Forest Lagoon

    from £44

    2 hours | Year round

    Relax in the newest geothermal pool in Iceland

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Prices and Departures

Price from £2310 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 »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast
  • Car rental throughout on unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £2,310 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* 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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As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.