8 Day Highlights of the South and West

8 Day Highlights of the South and West

This tour will take you to some of the most exciting parts of Iceland. We start with the gems of South Iceland, such as the geysers, waterfalls and black sandy beaches. Then we turn away from the crowds and to the edge of the southern highlands  – the colourful Landmannalaugar geothermal area. Next, we explore the Westfjords where we stop at the westernmost point of Europe at Latrabjarg cliffs. Sailing across Breidafjordur is an adventure in itself. We end the tour travelling around the magical Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Overview

Tour Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Tour ID: INTSD4

Highlights:

  • Látrabjarg cliffs
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Landmannalaugar geothermal area
  • Black Sand beaches
  • Waterfalls

Available all year

Included in the package price:

  • 7 days car rental with unlimited mileage, CDW, tax;
  • 7 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities, breakfast included
  • Ferry transfer Brjanslaekur-Stykkisholmur for passengers and car /one way
  • A detailed itinerary with multiple daily options based on pre-booked accommodation
  • Service and VAT

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday: ARRIVAL – KEFLAVIK – REYKJAVIK     (ca. 50 km)
Pick up the rental car at Keflavik international airport upon arrival and drive to Reykjavik where you stay the first night.

Day 2 – Saturday: REYKJAVIK – GOLDEN CIRCLE   (ca. 310 km)
Start the drive around the country by visiting three of Iceland’s best-known sights. Thingvellir national parks, the site of the first parliament, founded in 930. Thingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. The Lake with its surroundings presents also a place of great geological interest.  Passing Lake Laugarvatn we visit the Geysir geothermal area with an abundance of hot springs. We wait for the most active of the geysers, Strokkur which spouts a column of water into the air every 5-10 minutes. To Gullfoss waterfall – the Golden Falls which drops in two cascades deep into the gorge of Hvítá glacial river;
Continue towards the southern coast and end the day in the area of Selfoss or Hvolsvollur.

Day 3 – Sunday: LANDMANNALAUGAR – SOUTH SHORE   (ca. 380 km)
Drive towards the colourful Landmannalaugar national park area with views of Iceland’s most active volcano, Mt Hekla. Possibilities for short hikes in the fascinating volcanic surroundings and bathing in the warm geothermal spring. The route then continues along the scenic Fjallabak Nyrdri highland road passing by Eldgja and through the area of Torfajokull National Park, part of the Northern volcanic zone which is the most active volcanic area in Iceland today. On the way back west the road leads past the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Overnight in the area of Selfoss.

Day 4 – Monday: BORGARFJORDUR   (ca. 420 km)
Drive to Nesjavellir, set at the foot of Mt. Hengill on the southern shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. From the lake the route continues through the scenic countryside to Hvalfjordur bay and further across the hills and through meadows to Borgarfjordur. The waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the historical site of Reykholt and the hot spring Deildartunguhver are among the highlights of the day. We stay overnight in Borgarfjordur area.

Day 5 – Tuesday: THE WESTFJORDS – LATRABJARG CLIFFS  (ca. 440 km)
Depart the beautiful Borgarfjordur area driving to the Westfjords and along the coastal road around the fjords with views of Breiðafjordur bay and its islands as well as slopes with tiny waterfalls and lush vegetation. The drive will take you all the way to the westernmost point of Europe at Latrabjarg where you can take time to explore the bird cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds, among others puffins and guillemots. The day ends in the area of Patreksfjordur.

Day 6 – Wednesday: BREIDAFJORDUR – SNAEFELLSNES  (ca. 200 km + ferry)
Drive to Brjanslaekur where you board the ferry which will take you across Breidafjordur bay. Sailing across to Stykkisholmur offers beautiful views of the distant mountains of the Westfjords as well as Snaefellsnes peninsula. The ferry will pass the island of Flatey where you get a glimpse of the old houses near the harbour. Disembark in Stykkisholmur and continue along the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, driving through small fishing towns and villages and around the Snaefellsjokull glacier/volcano. Accommodation in the area of Hellnar.

Day 7 – Thursday: SNAEFELLSNES – REYKJAVIK  (ca. 220 km)
Drive along the southern side of Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snaefellsnes is often referred to as Iceland in miniature since practically all natural phenomena that can be found around Iceland can be seen there – only on a slightly smaller scale!. Snaefellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Drive towards Borgarnes and via Hvalfjordur submarine tunnel to Reykjavik. Accommodation in Reykjavik.

Day 8 – Friday: REYKJAVIK – KEFLAVIK – DEPARTURE  (ca. 50 km)
Drive to Keflavik airport in time for your international flight where you drop off your rental car. If departing in the afternoon or evening you have a possibility for a visit to the Blue Lagoon (admission needs to be pre-booked).

Trip Info

Note:
The itinerary can also be tailor-made according to your preferences and interests. Additional activities we can be added to the programme, e.g. horseback riding, sea-kayaking, river rafting, whale watching, glacial hike, caving, sightseeing flights, etc.

Upon booking and confirming the package, the detailed itinerary will be provided.

Please contact us at traveleast(at)traveleast.is

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