South and West Iceland in Winter

Activity code: SD12

Duration: 7 nights/8 days

Iceland is magical in winter. This fly drive allows you time to see the main sights of the south and west including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal field, the south coast, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Snæfellsnes National Park and the Blue Lagoon as well as soaking up the atmosphere of Reykjavik. You may even be fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights, dancing across the sky.

Fly drive includes:

• Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, GPS unit, CDW, WiFi and VAT for 7 days
• Accommodation (budget/ comfort) for 7 nights with continental breakfast
• Detailed itinerary and map of Iceland.
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fee
• FREE Northern Lights cruise

We can arrange flights from any UK airport, if required.

• Day One: Arrival

  Your memorable Iceland adventure begins when you arrive at Keflavik Airport. Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll head directly for Reykjavik and your exciting first night in this "Land of Fire and Ice.” 

  Suggestion: If your flight arrives early enough, we recommend that you stop off at Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in the Lagoon’s warm geothermal waters, before heading to your hotel.

  Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
  
  Driving distance approx. 50 km/30 miles
  

  Highlights

  • Blue Lagoon (depending on flight arrival time)
    
  • Reykjavik

   

• Day Two: South Coast and Waterfalls

  We're confident that you'll enjoy the scenery on Iceland's south coast. On the way you'll pass two spectacular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, two stops you absolutely must not miss. It's possible to walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and at Skógar you'll find a folk museum showing how Icelandic people lived in days gone by. Take a walk on the famous black sand beaches of the south coast in the little village of Vík or in Reynishverfi or go swimming in Iceland's oldest swimming pool, the Seljavallarlaug, a naturally-heated thermal pool in a beautiful hidden valley.

  Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

  
  Driving distance approx. 260 km/162 miles

  Highlights

  • Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss Waterfalls
  • Skógar museum
  • Dyrhólaey
  • Vík

• Day Three: Icebergs and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

  Today you'll visit one of the most popular sights of Iceland. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Skaftafell National Park, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand with many hiking possibilities and the spectacular Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Take a stroll along the banks of the lagoon to admire the enormous icebergs. Drive back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for a second night.

  Driving distance approx. 250 km/155 miles

  Highlights

  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Vatnajökull Glacier
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• Day Four: Gulfoss Waterfall and Geysir

  Today it's time to visit some of the most interesting and well-renowned areas in Iceland: the  geothermal area of Geysir where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5-10 minutes and where numerous hot springs boil and bubble. From here it's only a short drive to Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall. If time permits you may wish to continue to Lake Laugarvatn for a thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana spa, a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience.

  Overnight stay in the Geysir area.

  Driving distance approx. 260 km/162 miles

  Highlights

  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Geysir

• Day Five: Thingvellir National Park and West Iceland

  You can start this day with a relaxing thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana spa (if not done the previous day). Continue to Thingvellir (Þingvellir), considered one of the geological wonders of the world, where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. It was here that the Icelandic Parliament was founded in the 10th century. Today you will take the time to explore the region along the Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring (the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second), Reykholt where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and the Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. The Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away from Hraunfossar.

  Overnight in Borgarnes.

  
  Driving distance approx. 230 km/143 miles

  Highlights

  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Deildartunguhver
  • Reykholt
  • Hraunfossar Waterfall

• Day Six: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

  Today you will be exploring the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is known for the stunning Snaefellsjökull National Park and the Snaefell Glacier that towers above the region. Today’s itinerary takes you through lava fields and fertile farming land. Explore the charming village of Arnastapi where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, Snaefellsjökull glacier and the crater Eldborg. Drive through the north part of the peninsula passing through Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village beautifully situated overlooking the Breidafjörður bay. Return to Borgarnes for a second night.

  
  Driving distance approx. 340 km/211 miles

  Highlights
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • Snaefellsjökull Glacier
  • Búðir
  • Arnastapi
  • Breidafjördur Bay

   

• Day Seven: Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

  Return to Reykjavik where you can either spend time relaxing or exploring the city or you could drive to the famous Blue Lagoon (if not done on the first day) for a relaxing swim in its geothermal waters.

  Overnight in Reykjavik.

  
  Driving distance approx. 180 km/112 miles

  Highlights

  • Reykjavík
  • Blue Lagoon

• Day Eight: Departure

  Drive back to Keflavik airport for your flight back home. Or book an extra night in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland!

  
  Driving distance approx. 50 km/30 miles