Compare Active Iceland self-drive tour: waterfalls, volcanoes and lagoons by Audley Travel vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,200 | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | $ 650 | $ 540 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Take a privately guided superjeep tour to Landmannalaugar, hiking through its striped rhyolite mountains and soaking in geothermally heated hot springs. You’ll go white-water rafting along the Hvítá river, through Brúarhlöð canyon. |
Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a walking tour of the city’s premier sights—led by a Local Expert. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power—from renewable energy sources. |
Day 1: Hveragerði
Accommodation: Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Collect your car on arrival at Keflavík airport. All insurances have been included for you, and a GPS navigation system can be added locally. You’ll be staying in the Reykjadalur valley, close to the Golden Circle region, an area known for its geothermal activity. Take a hike this afternoon through the valley, ending with a soak in the naturally heated river.
Day 2: Hveragerði
Accommodation: Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Explore the highlights of the Golden Circle on a self-drive tour of the region, including the diverging tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park and an erupting geyser at Geysir Geothermal Area. At Gullfoss waterfall, you’ll go white-water rafting along the Hvítá river, through Brúarhlöð canyon.
Day 3: Vík
Accommodation: Hótel Kría
This morning you’ll be met by your guide at your hotel and taken on a private tour by superjeep to Landmannalaugar, a region deep in Iceland’s highlands known for its striped rhyolite hills and diverse walking opportunities. You’ll explore the valley on foot, before a well-earned soak in natural hot springs surrounded by the vibrant wilderness landscape.
Day 4: Vík
Accommodation: Hótel Kría
Drive along the scenic south coast passing ice-capped volcanoes and waterfalls tumbling down the mountainsides. At Sólheimajökull, join a small-group hike up onto the glacier, to explore the icy landscape and observe the deep crevasses on the glacier’s surface.
Day 5: Hof
Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Continue your self-drive tour eastwards towards the remote town of Kirkjabæjarklaustur and the Eldhraun lava field, the largest of its kind in the world. You’ll explore this verdant, mossy wilderness by mountain bike with a local guide, stopping to see waterfalls and drink from natural springs that are spread across this pristine landscape. You’ll also explore one of the region’s many lava caves, formed in the 18th century by a huge volcanic eruption.
Day 6: Hof
Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Spend the day exploring the southern side of Vatnajökull National Park, perhaps hiking to see the basalt columns of Svartifoss waterfall or watching icebergs wash up along the shoreline on nearby Diamond Beach. You’ll also explore Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on a small-group kayak tour, paddling between its bergy bits and spotting seals basking on its icy shoreline.
Day 7: Blue Lagoon
Accommodation: Silica Hotel
Return west back along the south coast, perhaps stopping to admire the striking black sands of Reynisfjara beach or walk behind thundering Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This afternoon, check into the Blue Lagoon and bathe in its milky, minerally-rich waters. Relax with a silica mud mask and a drink of your choice at the lagoon bar.
Day 8: Return home
Make the short drive to the airport, where you’ll drop off your car in time for your onward flight.
Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.
Hótel Kría, Vik.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn
Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
Hótel Höfn.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start
Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.
Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri
Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Breakfast
Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park
Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík
Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
Breakfast
