Northern Lights 7 Nights Self Drive Explorer including 4 x 4 SUV
Day 1 Arrival
Your flight from the UK will land at Keflavik International Airport where you’ll collect your car for your exciting 7 nights of hunting the Northern Lights and seeing some of the great sights Iceland has to offer.
Depending on your arrival time, if it is early enough it gives you a great chance to experience the famous Blue Lagoon which is situated not far from the airport. Located amidst a moss covered lava field the milky blue waters are said to have healing qualities and the warm waters are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink from the swim up bar. The Viking museum is also not far from the airport if time allows.
You will then head for the capital, Reykjavik where you will spend the night, head towards the Old Harbour for some fantastic restaurants.
Day 2 Snæfellsnes National Park
Snæfellsnes was the inspiration for the subterranean journey in Jules Verne's classic novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. The entrance to subterranean world is said to the be the beautiful stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull in the national park.
We recommend an early start to make the most of your day and as you leave Reykjavik behind after a hearty breakfast you’ll head West toward the National Park where you’ll find waterfalls, canyons, steep ocean cliffs, charming fishing villages and the Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach.
The iconic Kirkjufell mountain is also close by and makes for some wonderful pictures and tonight you’ll stay in a hotel on Snæfellsnes peninsula and with a little luck it is a great away to spot the Northern Lights.
Day 3 The Golden Circle
After breakfast head out onto Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route. The Golden Circle is home to some of Iceland’s best natural wonders.
You have the chance to visit the massive lava tube, Víðgelmir before making your way to the Þingvellir National Park where the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North American are being pulled slowly apart. Þingvellir is a place of massive historical importance and was the seat of the first Icelandic parliament. Maybe find time to stop off at the Fontana Wellness Spa.
You will then head onwards to the Geysir geothermal area, where you'll find the active geyser Strokkur that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and shoots the hot water column up to 20 feet into the air and makes for spectacular pictures.
A short drive from Geysir is Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfalll, a spectacular double waterfall that crashes into the Hvítá river below.
Tonight you’ll stay in a hotel out in the countryside so remember to keep an eye out for those Northern Lights.
Day 4 The South Coast
After breakfast you’ll head down to the coast and travel along the South Coast Eastwards. Today you’ll past mighty glaciers and volcanos and you can take the chance to visit attractions like the
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a high and narrow waterfall that cascades over the cliff making for some spectacular pictures. You'll drive past the Eyjafjallajökull glacier on your way to the Skógafoss waterfall.
Head up to the the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the volcano Katla and you can take a snowmobiling trip or opt for a glacier hike on top of Sólheimajökull, one of Mýrdalsjökull glacier tongues.
Visit the stunning Reynisfjara black sand beach which is surrounded by cliffs of hexagonal basalt columns and watch the waves crash against the Reynisdrangar sea stacks out in the ocean before heading for the charming town of Vik which is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5 Glacial Lagoon
After fuelling up on breakfast your journey continues eastward towards the beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park. You will pass the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the waterfall Foss á Síðu before reaching Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
You could opt for a Glacier hike from Skaftafell, where you'll trek across the ancient ice of the glacier tongue, discovering canyons and ice sculptures then you’ll travel onwards to the crown jewel of Iceland, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where icebergs that have broken off a nearby glacier float on the calm waters of the lagoon before they find their way to the ocean.
You will spend the night in countryside accommodations near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, surrounded by stunning landscapes and hopefully, the Northern Lights will make an appearance.
Day 6 Heading West
After breakfast set off and start your day in the stunning Vatnajökull National Park. If you are traveling between October and March, you will have the rare opportunity to visit an authentic ice cave. These caves are only accessible for a short period as they flood as the temperatures rise.
Most will choose to head back to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon as it looks completely different in the earlier part of the day and you may even spot a seal or two lazing about on the icebergs or the shore. Close to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, a black sand beach where smaller icebergs have washed up onshore. As they glisten in the sunlight, they might remind you of diamonds.
Then you'll start making your way back to Reykjavík city with plenty of time to explore and discover new places along the way.
You'll then spend a night at in Reykjavík. Arrive in time for dinner and the chance to soak up some of the city’s great evening vibe. Check the Northern Lights forecast and head out of the city if it is favourable to escape the city lights.
Day 7 Reykjavik
You’ll spend your last full day in and around Reykjavik. Explore the fascinating museums and art galleries. Ling over a long lunch in a nice restaurant, jump on the hop on hop off sightseeing bus or head to see the exhibitions are the Perlan overlooking the city or try the ritual at the new Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of the city the options are almost endless.
You’ll spend your last night in the same hotel as the previous night in Reykjavik.
Day 8 So Long and kveðja
All good things must come to an end and you’ll leave behind the capital city and head back to Keflavik International Airport to return your car hire. If time allows you could visit the Blue Lagoon or the Viking Museum if you didn’t on arrival before catching your flight back to the UK.
Price Includes
- Return Flights including hand baggage – Hold baggage can be added at the standard airline rate. Prices are based on London departures and regional airports are available.
- 7 Nights 3* Accommodation including breakfast
- 4 x 4 SUV Car Hire for the duration including Unlimited mileage, 24/7 road assistance, Taxes and Collison Damage Waiver
Prices based on 2 sharing and prices are correct at time of publication.
September 2024
7 Nights
£849
October 2024
7 Nights
£679
November 2024
7 Nights
£609
December 2024
7 Nights
£589
January 2025
7 Nights
£629
February 2025
7 Nights
£659
March 2025
7 Nights
£659