Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Iceland – Selfoss – the Golden Circle – Vik – Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir – Lake Myvatn – Reykjavik
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your epic Icelandic adventure starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge (complimentary nibbles, anyone?). Flights from the UK to Reykjavik take just over three hours, giving you enough time to sit back, relax and brace for the subpolar climate.
When you land, collect your hire car and drive to the Golden Circle region in southern Iceland, watching as wild landscapes unfold around you.
You’ll arrive in the coastal city of Selfoss about an hour later. After checking in for the night at your hotel, it’s time to drop your bags and start exploring.
This afternoon is all about Thingvellir National Park, where the Icelandic national parliament was founded in 930 AD. Here, there's a beautiful waterfall, numerous geological faults (including Almannagja Gorge, which offers views over the valley) and Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. The park is also home to the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every five to eight minutes at heights of 65ft – ideal for a spectacular photo.
To round off your first day, head to Gullfoss Falls, the crown jewel of the Golden Circle.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, drive to the small village of Vik, just under two hours away. The scenery along the coast is beautiful, featuring black-sand beaches, steep cliffs, dizzying waterfalls, sparkling lagoons and even the mighty Myrdalsjokull Glacier to gawk at. Safe to say, you’re in for a scenic journey.
Along the way, stop off at the impressive Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can (literally) walk on the wild side. A little further along, explore an array of regional artefacts at Skogar museum, before heading to the Dyrholaey cliffs and Reynisfjara Beach – ideal for taking in stellar views of Iceland’s south coast.
As you roll into Vik, be sure to glance up at the cliffs, which are dotted with perching puffins. Then, check into your overnight hotel, tuck into a delicious dinner and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures...
Buckle up and hit the road for the three-hour drive east to Hofn this morning, passing through even more stunning scenery along the way.
Before homing in on Hofn, steer off to Skaftafell National Park, where you’ll hop on a private flight to soar over three glacial lagoons – Skeidararjokull (the largest in Europe), Morsarjokull and Skaftafellsjokull – as well as the Oraefajokull glacier. But the record-winners don’t end there. Skaftafell is also home to the Hvannadalshnjukur Volcano, Iceland's highest point (6,663ft), and Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. Other sights not brandishing such credentials (but equally worthy of recognition) are the gorges of Fjadrargljufur and the Svartifoss waterfall, which cascades into basalt columns. Talk about dramatic.
This evening, set off on the final stretch to the small fishing town of Hofn, bursting with cosy countryside charm. For a truly special dinner tonight, why not ask your Concierge to book a table at a restaurant with views of the Vatnajokull Glacier?
Bid a fond farewell to Hofn as you head up the east coast to Egilsstadir, around three hours away. You can never have too much of a good thing, so continue to soak up Iceland’s spectacular scenery, passing the bays of Lonsvik, Hamarsfjordur and Alftafjordur. Then, when the road twists north, the wilderness of the East Fjords unfolds – cue gasps from all in tow.
Keen to stretch your legs? Hop out in Djupivogur, a fishing village nestled in the heart of the fjords. Fancy a break closer to your destination? Turn off to Hengifoss Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country (no shortage of record-winners on this holiday). And for those unfazed by tagging a few extra miles onto the journey, there’s the Mjoifjordur fjord, where the tiny fishing port of Brekka and a small church are the only traces of human life.
When you reach Egilsstadir, check in for the night at your next hotel and lay your head to rest.
Gear up (get it?) for the three-hour drive inland today, skirting between volcanic deserts, arid plains and broad rivers on your way over to Lake Myvatn.
When you arrive – and once you’re done gasping at the beautiful volcanic scenery – check in for two nights at your next hotel.
Lake Myvatn is not just a looker, it’s also a haven for ducks (and duck enthusiasts), boasting 15 species, including Harlequins, Barrow's Goldeneyes and Red-Necked Grebes. For the best view of these duck-dense waters, scale the Hverfjall stratovolcano. Speaking of geological gems, there’s also the Hverir volcano, the Skutustadir pseudo-craters, the fields of Namaskard and – best of all – the Leirhnjukshraun lava field.
To break up your time here, you’ll also be armed with tickets to the Myvatn Blue Lagoon. Less touristy than its cousin in the Reykjanes Peninsula, this huge body of turquoise water sits at a steamy 40°C and offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and lava flows. Time to bathe in style.
Leave the ducks behind this morning as you embark on the speedy one-hour drive to Akureyri. Nearby, make a stop at the Laufas Museum and heritage site, an ecomuseum housed in an old 19th-century farmhouse.
Having peered behind the veil of early Icelandic life, return your hire car in Akureyri before boarding a 45-minute flight to Reykjavik. When you arrive, head straight for the city centre to check into your final hotel of the trip.
Once you’ve freshened up, stretch your legs on a walk to Laugavegur Street, lined with brightly coloured houses, cafés, galleries, showrooms and boutiques.
Fancy something a little more cultural? Climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja, a dramatic church which doubles as Iceland’s second-tallest building, or visit Marshall House, a former herring factory which has been converted into an exhibition space for artists.
This evening, toast to a trip well spent in true Icelandic style: with a glass of Brennivin (traditional Icelandic schnapps).
Sadly, your epic Icelandic road trip comes to an end today. After breakfasting on skyr (thick yoghurt) and rugbraud (rye bread), privately transfer to Reykjavik Airport for your flight home. You’ll be spending another three hours in the air – plenty of time to refine your saturated camera roll before touchdown in the UK this afternoon.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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