The Best of the Highlands and Lowlands 13 days

The Best of the Highlands and Lowlands 13 days

This tour includes many of the best highland and lowland sights and some of the most remote and rough terrain routes. This 4x4 adventure is for those looking for more remote attractions traveling on rough highland tracks

BP14 Map

BP14 Map

AVAILABLE:
July 7 to September 10

DURATION:
13 days / 12 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
11 Days

AVERAGE DRIVING:
234 km / 145 mi per day

TOUR ID:
BP14

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 Beautiful South Coast

Pick up the car in the morning and leave Reykjavik. Cross the plateau Hellisheiði, with a lot of geothermal activity and plumes of steam rising from the ground. 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 the Hvolsvöllur area for overnight stay.

Driving distance
280 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Hvolsvöllur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 3. Fjallabak route & The Colourful Landmannalaugar

The Fjallabak route is one of the most scenic trails in the interior highlands of Iceland. Take the mountain track known as Landmannaleið, a track that passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains. On your way into Landmannalaugar you will pass Lake Frostastaðavatn, surrounded by colourful mountains and craters and can visit Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. 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 cold-water springs. There you can find many interesting hiking trails. Take the Fjallabak route out of Landmannalaugar, 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.

Driving distance
230 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Day 4. 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
140 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Day 5. Skaftafell National Park & The Awe-Inspiring Glacier Lagoon

Continue along the South Coast to Vatnajökull National Park. On your way you will pass Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village. 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 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 before driving to the Höfn area for an overnight stay.

Driving distance
200 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Höfn area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 6. The Tranquil East Fjords

From Höfn, drive past the colorful Lónsöræfi district, a mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes and traversed by glacial rivers. Drive past towering mountains, and to the magnificent East Fjords, some now deserted. Enroute stop at the small fishing town Djúpivogur and at Stöðvarfjörður the Stone Collection of Petra is an interesting place to visit.

Driving distance
260 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Egilsstaðir area

Day 7. The Remarkable North East & The Whale Watching Capital

Drive to Dettifoss the most magnificent waterfall in Europe. From Dettifoss drive to Vesturdalur Valley 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 Ásbyrgi canyon a strange and spectacular horseshoe shaped canyon. Continue to Húsavík. Húsavík was the first place in the country to offer very successful Whale Watching cruises and of course we suggest a Whale watching tour. During summer Whale Watching cruises are available daily from morning until late evening. The Whale Museum in Húsavík is an educational centre on marine wildlife. Visit the Húsavík Natural and Maritime Museum, one of the best museums of its kind in the country.

Driving distance
280 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Húsavík / Öxarfjörður area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 8. The Stunning Landscape of Lake Mývatn

Drive to the magnificent Lake Mývatn area. Spend the day at Lake Mývatn and surroundings to explore the numerous wonders of the area. Stop at the Námaskarð pass where boiling mud pools and flashing colours of the pass merge with lava and ash from the Krafla volcanic system. The Lake Mývatn area is known world wide for the abundance of birdlife and its exceptionally many breeding duck species. The lake's surroundings show great variety in stunning landscapes and amazing geological formations. Stop at Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Castles" and see the pseudo-craters near Skútustaðir and many other scenic spots in the area surrounding the lake. The Nature Baths at Mývatn are a great attraction where one can take a bath in geothermal water under the open sky.

Driving distance
130 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Mývatn area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 9. 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. From Askja take the same route back to the Mývatn area and further towards the Akureyri area for overnight. Stop enroute at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss.

Driving distance
400 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Akureyri area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 10. Kjalvegur highland trail & The Majestic Gullfoss & Geysir

The route leads over the interior highland track Kjölur, "The Keel", a broad rocky lava covered pass between the giant ice fields, Hofsjökull and Langjökull. Drive from Akureyri to Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding. As you head inland you will drive to the colorful geothermal area Hveravellir between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull, a picturesque hot-spring area in a shallow valley-like depression. You can then make a detour to Kerlingarfjöll, a colourful range of rhyolite mountains. There you can find some great hiking trails and a new Highland Centre. Come to the majestic waterfall Gullfoss one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. From Gullfoss drive a short distance to the Great Geysir area. Explore the great Geysir hot spring area on foot and see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a geyser that spouts every few minutes.

Driving distance
300 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Geysir area

Day 11. Þingvellir National Park & West Iceland

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 towards Reykjavík. After exploring the many interesting sights at the National Park, take the Kaldidalur route to Húsafell. The route passes Mt. Skjaldbreiður a beautiful shield volcano and later, Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull. Descend to Húsafell, a small birch forest at the edge of the highland plateau and a little further come to the beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafossar. From the waterfalls, proceed to the historic Reykholt. A short distance further down the road come to Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe. At Borgarnes town you will find the interesting Settlement Centre where the prime objective is to dramatically recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation.

Driving distance
200 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Borgarfjörður area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 12. A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon

From Borgarnes head for the Hvalfjörður fjord. Drive along the scenic shores of Hvalfjörður and after driving around the fjord take continue to Reykjavík. From Reykjavík, head for the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon in an otherworldly setting. In this unique area, lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Stop to soak in the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon, and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland, that ensures that you are fully relaxed when you leave Iceland. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. It can be booked at www.bluelagoon.com Return to Reykjavík and drop off the car.

Driving distance
170 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Recommended optional activity:

Day 13. Reykjavík - Keflavík airport

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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Luxury

Luxury

Junior Suites or Suites in 4 star hotels or rooms at 5 star hotels. 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.

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

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Season: March 1 to November 30

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Price: 13990 ISK

Earth Lagoon Mývatn
 

Earth Lagoon Mývatn<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 9900 ISK

Glacier Walk - About 3 hours
 

Glacier Walk - About 3 hours<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 17500 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

Into the Glacier on Langjökull glacier

Into the Glacier on Langjökull glacier

Season: All year

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Price: 24899 ISK

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour
 

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8401 ISK

LAVA Exhibition and Cinema
 

LAVA Exhibition and Cinema<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 5314 ISK

Krauma Baths
 

Krauma Baths<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8690 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

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

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Season: All year

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Price: 17989 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

Katla Ice Cave
 

Katla Ice Cave<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 29901 ISK

ATV Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck

ATV Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck

Season: All year

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Price: 25499 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

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

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


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

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 13.

    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 Types of car recommended: 4x4 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.

    Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

    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.