Summer Nights at Ranga | Iceland Self-drive Holiday

iceland south west hotel ranga rear hot tub sunburst

Summer Nights at Ranga

from £1083 excluding flights

4-8 nights
Apr-Sep

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Highlights

Stay at riverside Hotel Ranga in the volcanic heart of Iceland

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

iceland south west seljalandsfoss summer rth

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

Discover the legendary Thorsmork valley

south coast iceland reynisdrangar rock stacks evening sun rth

Explore under the long days of the midnight sun

Relax in outdoor hot tubs after a day exploring

Why this trip...

norway north cape globe midnight sun istk

Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

norway malangen deluxe cabin view from deck

Stay in great locations

This holiday features accommodation in incredible locations

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

Overview

Based in the heart of the south west’s beautiful countryside, this 4-night self drive is a fabulous summer break in Iceland. What’s not to love about spending a few nights in a stylish country hotel, enjoying fine food and exploring some of Iceland’s most enigmatic natural wonders – bathed in the glow of the midnight sun? We’ve known and loved Hotel Ranga’s supreme comfort and welcoming charm for many years.

Your place in the country

Drive 90 minutes from Reykjavik and you will find the luxury, ranch-style Hotel Ranga nuzzled by a river on the green plains of Southwest Iceland. You’ll be instantly struck by the peace and tranquility. Every room has a view of the river or towards Mt Hekla. Ranga is also renowned for its charming hospitality and superb food. Prepare to be wowed by seriously fresh seafood, mountain-reared lamb and a flavour explosion of Icelandic wild mushrooms, berries and herbs. You’ll want to linger over dinner, but afterwards it will still be light during mid-summer thanks to the glow of the midnight sun. Time perhaps for a relaxing dip in one of Ranga’s outdoor hot tubs, enjoying the long, beautiful sunset?

Exploring nearby natural wonders

With the freedom of a rental car you will be able to make the most of the long summer days by exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast. Geysir, Thingvellir and the waterfalls of Gullfoss, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are all within easy reach. Optional activities range from horse riding to 4WD superjeep tours exploring the wild and beautiful Thorsmork valley deep in the Highlands. Ranga’s state-of-the-art solar telescope, meanwhile, provides an opportunity to observe the sun in glorious detail, studying sunspots and other features of the midnight sun.

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Accommodation

hotel ranga restaurant exterior rowellphotography

hotel ranga bedroom with hot tub access rth

Hotel Ranga, near Hella

This cosy riverside lodge offering four-star comfort and fine dining in the volcanic heart of rural Iceland. This outstanding property is ideal for long, indulgent days under the golden glow of the midnight sun and even has its own star-gazing observatory.

Ranga has 52 stylish rooms, including eight sumptuous junior and master suites themed on the continents, a traditional Icelandic Suite and a Royal Suite. The gourmet restaurant has one of the most delicious and exciting menus in the country inspired by the seasons and fresh, local ingredients blending modern Nordic dishes with a touch of French and Italian.

Itinerary

On arrival at Keflavik international airport collect your rental vehicle and head off along the scenic coastal road to Hotel Ranga – your home for the next three nights.

After enjoying one of Hotel Ranga’s famous buffet breakfasts, drive north through beautiful rural countryside towards the Golden Circle – Iceland’s celebrated trio of natural wonders. Easily visited during a day’s gentle touring, the triple whammy of Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir showcases Iceland’s rugged, volcanic beauty. At the geothermal hotspot of Geysir, you can follow paths between bubbling springs and watch the obligingly regular Strokkur shoot scalding water 30m into the air. There’s wild water at Gullfoss too. This twin-tiered waterfall is a thunderous concoction of rapids, cascades and spray, squeezed into a narrow canyon and garnished with a rainbow. Calm and serene by comparison, Thingvellir has mysterious pools of gin-clear water. The flooded Silfra fissure is actually a rift between the Eurasian and North American plates. It is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in 930. Return to Ranga for your second night’s stay, and perhaps use the hotel’s solar telescope to study the sun in startling close-up before it sets. At this time of year, you will often be treated to long, beautiful sunsets.

At the geothermal hotspot of Geysir, you can follow paths between bubbling springs and watch the obligingly regular Strokkur shoot scalding water 30m into the air. There’s wild water at Gullfoss too. This twin-tiered waterfall is a thunderous concoction of rapids, cascades and spray, squeezed into a narrow canyon and garnished with a rainbow. Calm and serene by comparison, Thingvellir has mysterious pools of gin-clear water. The flooded Silfra fissure is actually a rift between the Eurasian and North American plates. It is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament, founded in 930.

Return to Ranga for your second night’s stay, and perhaps use the hotel’s solar telescope to study the sun in startling close-up before it sets. At this time of year, you will often be treated to long, beautiful sunsets.

iceland south west gullfoss summer view istk

iceland south west thingvellir rift and view istk

Another sensational drive beckons today. This time head southeast, following Iceland’s iconic Ring Road along a narrow coastal plain between black sand beaches and towering cliffs, volcanoes and icecaps. After crossing the Markarfljot river, stop to admire Seljalandsfoss – a delicate 60m-tall horsetail plume cascading from an ancient sea cliff. Walk behind the waterfall into an overhang dripping with emerald-coloured mosses. A little further on, Skogafoss catches your eye. It cascades over the edge of former sea cliffs in a 25m-wide curtain of thundering water. Beyond Skogafoss, the road crosses wide gravel plains scratched by rivers. Look west and you might see the Westman Islands offshore. To the north, however, looms a far more overwhelming presence – Myrdalsjokull. This 600 sq km ice cap slumps over the Katla volcano, but a tongue of ice – the Solheimajokull glacier – snakes tantalizingly towards the coast. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a guided glacier walk. How far you want to continue along the South Coast is entirely up to you. You may choose to drive to Vik where you can walk along dramatic black sand beaches towards troll-like sea stacks or even opt for a the long drive to the glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon, and back. During mid-summer it remains light long into the night! Returning to Hotel Ranga, relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs, enjoying one of Ranga’s extraordinary sunsets, before dinner.

Beyond Skogafoss, the road crosses wide gravel plains scratched by rivers. Look west and you might see the Westman Islands offshore. To the north, however, looms a far more overwhelming presence – Myrdalsjokull. This 600 sq km ice cap slumps over the Katla volcano, but a tongue of ice – the Solheimajokull glacier – snakes tantalizingly towards the coast. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a guided glacier walk.

How far you want to continue along the South Coast is entirely up to you. You may choose to drive to Vik where you can walk along dramatic black sand beaches towards troll-like sea stacks or even opt for a the long drive to the glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon, and back. During mid-summer it remains light long into the night! Returning to Hotel Ranga, relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs, enjoying one of Ranga’s extraordinary sunsets, before dinner.

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Head back towards Keflavik, where you will spend the night at the Northern Light Inn. Located next to the Blue Lagoon, why not take a relaxing dip at the Blue Lagoon or enjoying some sightseeing on the Reykjanes Peninsula

This morning return your rental car and checking in for your flight home

Excursions

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

Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier

from £162

3.5 hours | Year round

Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

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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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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

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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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 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

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

Inside the Volcano

from £294

6 hours | May-Oct

A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

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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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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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Prices and Departures

Price from £1083 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 with 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 £1,083 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.

4WDWe 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 electricWith 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.