The West and the South 9 days

The West and the South 9 days

The tour includes some of the best sights in South and West Iceland, including Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

BP31 Map

BP31 Map

AVAILABLE:
All year

DURATION:
9 days / 8 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
7 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP31

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival


You will be met upon arrival at Keflavik airport by a TOURIS representative who will take you to your hotel in Reykjavik for the first night’s stay. The rest of the day at leisure. After checking in at the hotel, we recommend exploring the old city centre by foot and a visit to one of Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants for dinner.

Highlights of the day:
Reykjavík

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
Reykjavik City Card

Day 2. Snæfellsnes


Pick up the car in the morning and leave Reykjavík to head to the West and to Borgarnes. Continue to Stykkishólmur to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula that divides the west coast of Iceland into two large bays. Cross the plains of Mýrar, drive to the south coast of Snæfellsnes and head towards the tip of the peninsula. In the northern part of Mýrar, you will be passing a number of volcanic craters on both sides of the road, Eldborg being the largest and most beautiful shape. Continue to Arnarstapi and Hellnar to view the beautiful and spectacular coast with it´s interesting birdlife. Continue around the tip of the peninsula at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, a glaciated volcano, the backdrop for the famous novel “The Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Much of interesting geological phenomena and historic sites can be found in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, the most recent one in Iceland. Among many places of interest are Dritvík, Djúpalónssandur and Öndverðarnes a former fishing station. Make a short detour to Djúpalónssandur and take a short walk along a marked path to the beach.

Driving distance
280 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Borgarnes town
Stykkishólmur Town
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Hellnar hamlet
Arnarstapi
Lóndrangar rock formation
Djúpalónssandur

Overnight:
Snæfellsnes area

Recommended optional activity:
The Settlement Exhibition and The Egil Saga Exhibition

Day 3. West Iceland- Reykholt - Borgarnes


Head back to the Borgarfjörður district and Borgarnes. Visit the famous Settlement Centre at Borgarnes. The prime objective of the Icelandic Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is to dramatically recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience firsthand the trepidation and excitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Head for the historic Reykholt and stop enroute at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe. Visit the interesting historical museum at Reykholt and see the hot pool Snorralaug. Drive further inland to the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Waterfalls. Make the waterfalls a turnaround point and head back to Borgarnes for overnight stay in the area.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Reykholt town
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar

Overnight:
Borgarfjörður area

Recommended optional activity:
Krauma Baths

Day 4. The Golden Circle - Hvolsvöllur


Drive along the shores of Hvalfjörður Fjord towards Reykjavik. Continue to Thingvellir National Park, a unique place from a geological point of view. Research has shown that Thingvellir is a natural wonder. 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. Thingvellir were accepted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004. See the mains sights at Thingvellir on the north west side of the lake. Continue to the Great Geysir hot spring area with numerous hot springs and erupting geysers. The most active one, Strokkur erupts every few minutes. From here drive to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls in the glacial river Hvítá. Head south and stop to see the waterfall Faxi Further down the road see the volcanic crater Kerið. Continue to the junction of road 1 at Selfoss, the largest town in south Iceland. Take road 1 to Hvolsvöllur for overnight in the area.

Driving distance
260 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Þingvellir
Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
Kerið

Overnight:
Hvolsvöllur area

Recommended optional activity:
LAVA Centre

Day 5. South Iceland - Skógafoss Waterfall - Kirkjubæjarklaustur


Continue to the east heading for the Eyjafjöll district and stop at the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. In summer, it is possible to walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, - this is a quite unique experience. The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull are capping the mountains above.
On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Hidden underneath the icecap of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier is Katla, one of Icelands most dangerous volcano. Make a detour to the glacial tongue of Sólheimajökull, a part of the Mýrdalsjökull Icefield (usually only passable during summer) before continuing to Dyrhólaey natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds in summer. Drive to Reynishverfi, with beautiful coast, spectacular rock formations and thousands of nesting seabirds which nest in almost every crevice in summer. Continue to Vík, a small village on the black beach. Drive across the Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the largest lavafield ever to flow on Earth in historical time, and to the small village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow and beautiful canyon a few km to the west from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, worth taking a look at. At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, see Kirkjugólfið (the Church Floor), a protected natural monument just east of the village. Kirkjugólfið is columnar basalt, shaped and eroded by water and wind.

Driving distance
170 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Vík Town
Reynisfjara beach
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Kirkjubæjarklaustur town

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Síða area

Recommended optional activity:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Solheimajokull Glacier

Day 6. Skaftafell - Glacier lagoon - Kirkjubæjarklaustur


Continue east from Klaustur over Skeidarársandur, vast tracts of black sandy desert washed down by numerous torrential glacial rivers. Stop at Skaftafell National Park, an oasis wedged between glacier and sand. Its natural beauty is a result of unusually favorable weather conditions and the interaction of ice and fire. See the interesting Visitors Center where you can learn the history of fire and ice in the region and a video of the volcanic eruption and the catastrophic flood in the area in 1996 can also be viewed. An interesting hiking trail takes you to Svartifoss, one of Icelands most picturesque waterfall, framed in by beautiful basalt columns that surround it. In the Skaftafell area are many other interesting hiking trails. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is Grímsvötn, one of Iceland’s most active volcano. In the afternoon of 21. May 2011, a sub-glacial eruption started in the Grímsvötn volcanic system underneath Vatnajökull Glacier. Later the same day, the eruption broke the ice cover of the glacier and started spewing volcanic ash into the air. The amount of ash fall was the greatest close to the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The eruption went on for about a week. It ceased on 28. May 2011. Continue to the great Jökulsarlón, the Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs, sculptures of nature, float and grind together in the deep blue waters of the lagoon. An interesting cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available in summer.From here, drive back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for overnight stay in the area.

Driving distance
250 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Skaftafell National Park
Svartifoss waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Síða area

Recommended optional activity:
Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Day 7. Return to Reykjavik - Optional detour via Þjórsárdalur


Return back to Reykjavik visiting the sights you might have missed along the way or return on road 1, a little further than Hella and head inland on the east side of Þjórsá River. Explore the enchanting Thjorsa Valley with its views of Hekla, stunning waterfalls and historic sites. As you get further inland you will have Icelands most active volcano, Mt. Hekla on your right. Drive through the Thjórsardalur valley at the foot of Mt. Hekla. Make a detour on a rather rough gravel road (usually not passable during mid winter) to the excavated medeval farm Stöng, a farm that was buried under layers of volcanic ash by the 1104 eruption of Mt. Hekla. A short hike from here takes you to the beautiful Gjáin gorge. Return and stop to take a look at the pretty Hjálparfoss waterfall, situated near the Búrfell Power station. Close to the power station, see Þjóðveldisbærinn, a replica of the excavated Stöng farm. Head back towards Reykjavik on road 1. Cross the plateau Hellisheiði, with a lot of geothermal activity and plumes of steam rising from the ground. Numerous boreholes have been drilled on Hellisheiði in the last years for hot water and steam, some of the cleanest energy available.

(Please note Winter Travelers! In winter the sights in Þjórsárdalur are not accessible so this day will be spend driving back to Reykjavik on road 1, skipping the detour to Þjórsárdalur.)

Driving distance
260 - 400 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Mt. Hekla
Gjáin
Hjálparfoss Waterfall

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Day 8. Reykjanes - Blue Lagoon


Drive to the Blue Lagoon before you end the tour at your hotel in Reykjavík. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon in an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Filled with mineral-rich waters, the Blue Lagoon has become famous for providing soothing relief for sufferers of skin disorders, as well as for others simply looking for a sensational bathing experience. Soak in the refreshing waters of the lagoon and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland that ensures you will be fully relaxed when you leave the country. 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. Drop off the car and overnight.

Driving distance
100 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
The Blue Lagoon

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Day 9. Departure


Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION

CARS

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual - manual

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual -  manual

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

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

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

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

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

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

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

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

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 4

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 3

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

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 8.

    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 the middle of June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

    Types of car recommended: Any. During winter, usually September through May, snow and ice can be expected. Although the route of this tour is usually passable by any car type, driving conditions can occasionally become difficult and we strongly recommend 4x4 during winter.


    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.

    Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. 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 and 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.
    Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

    Information on weather and road conditions are available at http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/.
    Map displayed is only for quick reference and is not to scale.

    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.

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