Pearls of the Highlands including Lowlands and fjords 15 days

Pearls of the Highlands including Lowlands and fjords 15 days

15 days self drive trips in Iceland to pearls highlands, lowlands and fjords This 4x4 adventure is for those looking for more remote attractions traveling on rough highland tracks.
The best self drive tour in Iceland is for 15 days self drive vacation and includes some of the greatest sights in the pearls highlands, the lowlands and fjords.

BP16 Map

BP16 Map

AVAILABLE:
July 3 to September 10

DURATION:
15 days / 14 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
13 Days

AVERAGE DRIVING:
237 km / 147 mi per day

TOUR ID:
BP16

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival

Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport, you will be met by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You will be free for the rest of the day to explore Reykjavik, visit museums, landmarks etc. Downtown Reykjavík offers excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs. You might want to join an optional tour if you arrive early. You can visit one of the many Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants for dinner.

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:

Day 2. The Amazing Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Pick up a car in the morning and leave Reykjavík to head to the West. We recommend a visit the famous Settlement Centre at Borgarnes. Continue towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula to explore the countless natural wonders of the area. Enroute you will be passing a number of volcanic craters on both sides of the road, Eldborg being the largest and most beautiful shape. We recommend a visit to Búðir, a pretty site located on a natural inlet. Other sites on the south coast are Arnarstapi and Hellnar with a spectacular coast and interesting birdlife and Djúpalónssandur. Much of interesting geological phenomena and historic sites can be found in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, the most recent one in Iceland. As you continue around the tip of the peninsula you will be met with a few small fishing towns. Just outside of Grundarfjörður you will find Kirkjufell Mountain, the most picturesque mountain in Iceland. Continue to Stykkishólmur town, the main town of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Driving distance
280 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Stykkishólmur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 3. Breiðafjörður Bay & Spectacular Látrabjarg Cliff

In the morning, take a ferry across Breiðafjörður Bay with its countless islands to Brjánslækur, a port on the south coast of the Westfjords. Enroute to Brjánslækur, the ferry will make a short stop at Flatey Island to drop off and pick up passengers. Drive from Brjánslækur to Rauðisandur Beach. Continue to Látrabjarg, one of the most crowded bird cliffs in the world. In summer the 444 m high sea cliffs are occupied by millions of Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills and other species of seabirds. Enroute, stop at the interesting folk museum at Hnjótur.
Tours with starting date June 6th – August 22nd include the Baldur ferry in the morning. Other starting dates do not have a morning ferry scheduled so we recommend driving north to the Westfjords and enjoy the scenic views over Breiðafjörður Bay on those dates.

Driving distance
230 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Látrabjarg area

Day 4. The Charming Westfjords

Head towards the north to Ísafjörður town. Along the way, pass the charming fishing towns Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur. Continue over the Dynjandisheiði Pass and stop at the great waterfall. Drive along the shores of the Arnarfjörður Fjord and across the Hrafnseyrarheiði Pass to the fishing village Þingeyri. From Þingeyri proceed across Gemlufallsheiði Pass to Flateyri, a small town and take the tunnel to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Explore the town of Ísafjörður and its surroundings and the neighbouring towns, Bolungarvík and Suðureyri. In summer, Kayak tours are available on the Ísafjörður Fjord and the Natural History Museum of Bolungarvík is an interesting place to visit.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Ísafjörður area

Day 5. North West Iceland

In summer, an interesting boat tour to the picturesque Vigur Island is available from Ísafjörður. This is a great experience and highly recommended. Drive along the shores of the numerous and mostly uninhabited fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp with beautiful coastlines teeming with seals and bird life and to Hólmavík. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi town is an interesting place to visit and around the Vatnsnes Peninsula you have a unique opportunity to watch both harbour seals and grey seals in their natural habitat. Continue to the fertile valley of Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi town is an interesting place to visit. It is a research and exhibition center investigating the lives of seals found in and around Iceland. Around Vatnsnes peninsula you have a unique opportunity to watch both harbour seals and grey seals in their natural habitat. Continue and cross Vatnsskarð pass to the Skagafjörður district. Popular horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available in the Skagafjörður district. Some of the best White Water Rafting in Iceland is available there too. See Glaumbær Folk Museum, open during the summer and the old church at Víðimýri. Hólar is an interesting historical place to visit and the town Hofsós with its old buildings and the Emigration Center.

Driving distance
420 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Skagafjörður area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 6. Akureyri & Stunning surroundings of Lake Mývatn

Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the North. Explore the fascinating town on the shores of the Eyjafjörður fjord. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri is its warm climate. Although it is situated only about 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle it enjoys some of the best weather in the country. Leave the Akureyri area and head for Lake Mývatn. Stop at the pretty waterfall Goðafoss. Spend the day exploring the numerous natural wonders of the Lake Mývatn area and its surroundings. The lake area is known worldwide for abundance of birdlife and great number of duck species, breeding in one place in summer. The lake's surroundings show amazing formations of geological interest and great variety of landscapes. Visit the numerous highlights of the area: Dimmuborgir lava formations, Námaskarð geothermal area, Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the Nature Baths, the volcano Krafla, and numerous other interesting and scenic spots.

Driving distance
240 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Húsavík/Mývatn area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 7. Húsavík & Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Head for Húsavík town sometimes called The Whale Watching Capital of the world. Húsavík was the first town in Iceland to offer Whale watching cruises and many visitors’ sole purpose is to participate in a cruise. The Whale Museum in Húsavík, situated by the harbour is a very interesting place to visit. Visit the Húsavík Maritime Museum, one of the best of its kind in the country. Leave Húsavík and drive to the north towards the Öxarfjörður Bay to Ásbyrgi canyon is a strange and spectacular horseshoe shaped canyon by the main road, - not to be missed. Head back to Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar, the Echo rocks, an extremely beautiful canyon carved by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. This area offers many interesting hiking trails to explore the many wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Continue to the south to Dettifoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Driving distance
150 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Mývatn area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 8. A Highland Adventure

Today is a real highland adventure. You will drive through deserted lava fields to Herðurbreiðarlindir springs, situated at the foot of Mt. Herðbreið, sometimes called the Queen of the Icelandic highlands. Herðubreiðarlindir, at an altitude of 484 m is a green oasis in a near desert landscape. Leaving Herðubreiðarlindir, the track continues through the lava, winding around the gravely slopes of Herðubreiðartögl mountain range. To the south, two pyramid shaped peaks of Upptyppingar rising from a level plain are a landmark in this area. On the southern horizon is the edge of the Vatnajökull ice field. Up ahead to the west, the volcanic massif Dyngjufjöll, rise abruptly above the highland plateau. . In their centre lies the Askja caldera. A thirty-minute hike takes you from the end of the road to the Askja lake, where you find the explosion crater Víti, a lovely spot for a dip in natural geothermal warmth and comfort of the water in the crater lake. Leave Askja and head towards Egilsstaðir, enroute see the beautiful Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon.

Driving distance
320 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Egilsstaðir area

Day 9. The Tranquil East Fjords

Drive from Egilsstaðir to the magnificent East Fjords, some now deserted, each a world of its own. The stone collection of Petra at Stöðvarfjörður is interesting to visit. Continue to the south and past Lónsöræfi and to top of Almannaskarð pass for a great view. Continue to Höfn in Hornafjörður, a blooming community in the realm of the greatest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. The village Höfn is located at the base of Vatnajökull, and the scenery is breathtaking.

Driving distance
250 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Höfn area

Day 10. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Skaftafell National Park

Drive to the famous Glacier Lagoon, where huge icebergs, true sculptures of nature, broken off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, float and grind together in the blue waters of the lagoon. You can also go down to the Diamond Beach. Continue along the South Coast to Vatnajökull National Park. As you reach the Vatnajökull area, you won’t miss Skaftafell National Park with its great views. There you can also find many hiking trails, for example to the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall. Continue to Vík where you will stay for the night. On your way you will pass Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village.

Driving distance
200 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 11. Lakagígar Volcanic Fissure

Drive to Lakagígar craters. A rewarding, although a bumpy drive the scenery at the end of the trail makes it worth the effort as there are few wild and rugged natural wonders that equal the beauty of the Laki area.
Lakagígar craters, named for Mt. Laki, which the 25km long eruption fissure runs through. The craters are on a roughly south-west to a north-east trending line, the general line of fissure eruptions in Iceland. About two thirds of the more than hundred craters are west of Mt. Laki, while the remainder lies south of it. The craters were created in an eruption of five months duration and from them issued the greatest volume of lava on Earth in a single eruption within historical times.

Driving distance
120 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Day 12. The Colourful Landmannalaugar

The Fjallabak route is one of the most scenic trails in the interior highlands of Iceland. One of the highlights of the route is Eldgjá, one of the most interesting sights in this part of the country. There you can see the Ófærufoss Waterfall. Continue to Landmannalaugar, nesting under the high edge of an obsidian lava flow. Here is a warden station, mountain hut and a camping site. Near the hut is a warm water pool created by the confluence of natural hot water and a coldwater springs. There you can find many interesting hiking trails. Leave Landmannalaugar and pass lake Frostastaðavatn, surrounded by colourful mountains and craters. Visit Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. This mountain track known as Landmannaleið is rugged and rocky in sections. The track passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Hella area

Day 13. The South Coast

Drive along the south coast and stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall in summer, a quite a unique experience. The impressive waterfall Skógafoss is a little further east and don’t miss the Folk Museum at Skógar, close to the waterfall. Drive to Reynisdrangar with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations. The promontory at Dyrhólaey is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf with rich birdlife in summer. Return to Selfoss/Hveragerði for an overnight stay.

Driving distance
230 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Selfoss/Hveragerði area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 14. The Golden Circle

Head inland to the Golden Circle with stops at the Kerið Crater and the waterfall Faxi before arriving at the Geysir area. There you can see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a very active geyser that spouts every few minutes, as well as numerous other hot springs. From Geysir, continue a short distance further to the majestic waterfall Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls. Make Gullfoss a turnaround point and head back to Geysir area. Head to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The faults and fissures of the area are evidence of the rifting of the earth's crust. Thingvellir is one of the most historical sites in the country and a place of exceptional beauty. From the National Park head back to Reykjavík. In the afternoon you can head to the famous Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon for a relaxing end of your trip. Return to Reykjavik where you will drop off the rental car.

Driving distance
200 - 300 kilometers

Highlights:

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Recommended optional activity:

Day 15. Departure

Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION

Budget

Budget

Standard rooms in guesthouses. Private room but WC facilities and shower are shared with other guests. Rooms sometimes have wash basins in the room. Breakfast is included

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Comfort

Comfort

Rooms in tourist class hotels combined with quality guesthouses. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included.

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Comfort PLUS

Comfort PLUS

Standard rooms in superior 3 star hotels combined with superior rooms at standard 3 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included

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Quality

Quality

Standard rooms in 4 Star hotels combined with superior and deluxe rooms at quality 3 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included.

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Quality PLUS

Quality PLUS

Superior or Deluxe rooms in 4 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included

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CARS

13.LB - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

13.LB - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Season: All year

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Price: 17989 ISK

Earth Lagoon Mývatn
 

Earth Lagoon Mývatn<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 9900 ISK

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Season: March 1 to November 30

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Price: 13990 ISK

Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Season: May 1 to November 15

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Price: 7100 ISK

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Season: May 15 to October 15

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Price: 15000 ISK

The Settlement Exhibition and The Egils Saga Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition and The Egils Saga Exhibition

Season: All year

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Price: 3500 ISK

Prepaid Sim Card for mobile phones

Prepaid Sim Card for mobile phones

Season: All year

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Price: 2001 ISK

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour
 

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8401 ISK

Cancellation Insurance
 

Cancellation Insurance<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 6000 ISK

Reykjavik City Card
 

Reykjavik City Card<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 5501 ISK

Reykjavik Food Tour
 

Reykjavik Food Tour<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 18900 ISK

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
 

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking<br/> 

Season: May 15 to September 30

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Price: 18400 ISK

Zodiac Boat Tour on the Glacier Lagoon

Zodiac Boat Tour on the Glacier Lagoon

Season: May 1 to October 31

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Price: 16600 ISK

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Season: All year

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Price: 23999 ISK

Forest Lagoon
 

Forest Lagoon<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8690 ISK

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland
 

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 6890 ISK

Sky Lagoon Saman Pass
 

Sky Lagoon Saman Pass<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 16989 ISK

Laugarás Lagoon
 

Laugarás Lagoon<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 9400 ISK

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Why book your Self Drive Tour with Tour.is?
  • Highly competitive prices
  • We include more
  • Outstanding response time and customer care
  • Knowledgeable and motivated team of travel agents
  • Great reviews from visitors
  • We offer cancellation insurance


    • Please note that the tour can not start on Thursdays after 28. August

    Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 14.

    An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.

    Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
    The highland tracks of Iceland are usually not expected to be open until early June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

    Types of car recommended: 4x4 car with high road clearance is required for this tour. Part of this tour is on rough gravel tracks and crossing rivers. 4x4 driving experience recommended.

    Accommodation is according to your choice in Budget, Comfort, Comfort PLUS, Quality or Quality PLUS including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category but not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.


    Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
    A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car.

    Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the client’s wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

    Travel Insurance: To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

    Price Calculator: There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

    1. Time of the year.

    2. Number of people traveling together

    3. Type of car (we offer more than 15 different types of cars)

    4. Type of accommodation (we offer 3 different categories of accommodation)

    There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

    Note: Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don´t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.