Best of Iceland Express – Self Drive

Road Trip around Iceland

On this Road Trip tour you will drive clockwise around the island, the Lake Myvatn Area, the Jokulsarlon - Glacier lagoon, the Golden Circle, as well as many other magnificent places in Iceland. The tour length can be adapted to requirements. This is a shorter version of the classic Iceland Ring Road Trip. Drive along Iceland’s scenic “Ring Road” to take in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery while you are touring Iceland. Explore rugged coastlines and glacial valleys, admire some of Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfalls, and traverse otherworldly, volcanic landscapes.

Duration: 6 Nights

Price: From 2,427 per person

Highlights

The Natural Wonders of Mývatn
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls on the South Coast
The Golden Circle
Explore idyllic Reykjavík

Tour Details
Map and Itinerary
Prices and Dates
Rental Cars
Hotels

Included
• Car rental for 6* days, picked up and returned to Keflavík International Airport.
• 1 night accommodation in the Reykjavík area.
• 5 nights' accommodation in the countryside.
• Rental car airport fee
• Unlimited mileage
• Collision Damage Waiver Insurance
• 2 authorized drivers for the whole period
• Mobile WiFi is Free of Charge
• All taxes, VAT and service fees
• Information about driving in Iceland
• Detailed itinerary which we will help put together with you. You can also download a Nordika Travel App on an iPhone/Smart phone or tablet to have the Itinerary with you on your trip.
• Our expert assistance in planning the vacation and during your trip.

*Please note that the package price is based on 24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on departure day, an extra rental day is available. You can also choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the car rental ends and use Flybus Plus or private departure transfer.

Not Included
• Flights to and from the US and Iceland
• Travel insurance
• Optional Tours
• Car rental for an extra day, if necessary
• Any service not specifically listed under ‘Included’

Day 1: Arrival - Velkomin til Íslands!

Pick up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport and drive past Reykjavík to the BORGARFJORDUR region. Often referred to as “the saga valley of western Iceland,” this area served as the stage for many significant events in the literary masterpieces that Iceland is known for. It is home to Hraunfossar, a remarkable series of waterfalls formed by water emerging from a porous lava field, and Barnafoss, a cluster of robust rapids with a tragic story behind their name.

Spend 1 night in the Borgarfjordur region.

Driving distance: Driving distance: 70 miles

©Nordika Travel

Day 2: Akureyri, the “Capital of the North” and The Natural Wonders of Mývatn

Drive through the Skagafjordur region to AKUREYRI. This small, yet bustling city is nestled in Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord. Because it serves as the hub for trade, education, and culture in the region, Akureyri is often referred to as “the capital of the north.” And although it is situated less than 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the climate here is surprisingly mild. Spend some time wandering through the northernmost botanical garden, and then take a dip in one of Iceland’s most popular swimming pools. Spend the night in Akureyri or Myvatn. Myvatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. Frequent lava flows have left its shoreline very irregular in shape, and few areas offer such a wide spectrum of geological formations. The lake lies on an active volcanic belt where eruptions are frequent and intense geothermal activity results in bubbling mud pools, steaming solfataras, and brightly-colored mineral deposits.
Relax in the sublime Jarðbodin at Myvatn, a bathing lagoon filled with mineral-rich, geo thermally heated water. Marvel at the magical waterfall, Godafoss, the volcanic area around Krafla, the spectacular sulphur fields at Namaskard, the dramatic lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.

Spend the night in the Myvatn/Husavík region.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 250 -300 miles

©Nordika Travel

Day 3: Along the East Fjords

Skjalfandi is a large bay known for its remarkable wildlife, so whale watching and bird watching tours originating in a little town called Husavik are quite popular. Before leaving the north, check out Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Then, travel south along the beautiful, rugged coastline of the East Fjords which are punctuated with towering mountains and charming small villages such as Egilsstadir. Spend the night in the East Fjords.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 120 miles

©Nordika Travel

Day 4: Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach and Skaftafell

Continue your journey south of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Spend some time at JOKULSARLON, a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs that have calved off the glacier Breidamerkurjokull and are heading out to sea. It is abundant with fish that have drifted in from the ocean, and you may catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the lagoon looking to reap the bounty. The Diamond beach is often filled with small Icebergs.
Next, explore SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK. Part of the larger Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell is a masterpiece of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. The landscape in the park has considerable variety and has been formed over thousands of years by the influences of ice, fire, and water. The waterfall Svartifoss is one of Skaftafell’s best known attractions, mainly for the towering black basalt columns that flank it.

Spend the night in the southeast.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 170 miles

Day 5: The South Coast, the waterfalls and the Black Beach

VIK is the southernmost village in Iceland, and it is renowned for the breathtaking black beaches of Reynisfjara. To the west lies Dyrholaey, a promontory formed by a submarine volcanic eruption and known for its large, distinctive archway.

SKOGAR is a tiny village that is home to not only a fantastic folk museum - which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts and impressive turf houses - but it is also home to Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls with a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 feet.

SELJALANDSFOSS is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iceland. Here, the river Seljalandsá drops 200 feet over the cliffs of what used to be the island‘s coastline. If favorable conditions allow (and if you don‘t mind getting a bit wet), it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Spend the night in the south.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 110 miles

Day 6: The Golden Circle

Spend the day touring Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Iceland’s most fascinating places due to both its impressive geological formations and for the significant role it plays in the country’s history as the original meeting site of the Icelandic parliament, the oldest existing parliament in the world.

GULLFOSS is a majestic double waterfall that tumbles 105 feet into the canyon of Hvítá, one of the longest rivers in Iceland. And located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, GEYSIR is the geyser from which the English word is derived.

Geysir itself is now dormant, but an adjacent geyser, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes. Spend the last night in Reykjavik.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 70 miles

Day 7: Reykjavík - Departure

If you leave in the afternoon you can spend the morning in Reykjavik.
REYKJAVIK is the northern most capital city in the world. Lined with colorful, corrugated steel buildings, the streets in the downtown area are very pedestrian-friendly and full of fascinating museums, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Spend the morning exploring the city at your leisure and then head back to Keflavik airport.

Driving distance: Driving distance: ca. 30 miles

Accommodation:

Quality value packages: An accommodation in 3 or 4 star like hotels or special guesthouses. The Beds can be two twin beds or one Queen or King. En-suite full bathrooms normally contain hairdryers, toiletries and towels. Bathrooms are fully equipped, either with a shower or a bathtub. WiFi internet is available in all hotels free of charge. Quality accommodation offers restaurant on site. Possibility to upgrade to superior or deluxe rooms, when available.

Superior value packages: These are 4 star hotels (or upgrade to superior rooms or suits in 3 star hotels where 4 star is not available. Our choice of superior hotels around the country include, small boutique hotels and hotels with special atmosphere. All superior hotels have good restaurants and bars. Many offer their own spa facilities. Our superior hotels in the countryside are small and include elevators, bar service and restaurants or a nearby restaurant.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF ACCOMMODATION IN SOME AREAS, OVERNIGHT LOCATIONS CAN VARY.

Price for the period from June 1 to September 30:

Quality Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,814	$ 2,403	$ 2,395	$ 2,232
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 3,235	$ 2,683	$ 2,605	$ 2,400
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 3,647	$ 2,958	$ 2,811	$ 2,565
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 4,038	$ 3,219	$ 3,007	$ 2,722
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 4,038	$ 3,219	$ 3,007	$ 2,722
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 4,948	$ 3,826	$ 3,462	$ 3,086

Superior Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 3,866	$ 3,388	$ 3,447	$ 3,244
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 4,287	$ 3,668	$ 3,658	$ 3,412
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 4,699	$ 3,943	$ 3,864	$ 3,577
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 5,090	$ 4,204	$ 4,059	$ 3,734
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 5,090	$ 4,204	$ 4,059	$ 3,734
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 6,001	$ 4,811	$ 4,515	$ 4,098

Price for the periods Jan 3 to Apr 30 and Nov 1 to Dec 22:

Quality Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 1,819	$ 1,656	$ 1,662	$ 1,596
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 1,979	$ 1,763	$ 1,743	$ 1,660
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 2,125	$ 1,860	$ 1,815	$ 1,718
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 2,345	$ 1,981	$ 1,907	$ 1,791
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 2,530	$ 2,070	$ 1,973	$ 1,845
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 2,749	$ 2,175	$ 2,052	$ 1,908

Superior Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,131	$ 1,946	$ 1,975	$ 1,895
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,324	$ 2,054	$ 2,055	$ 1,960
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 2,526	$ 2,151	$ 2,128	$ 2,018
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 2,779	$ 2,297	$ 2,223	$ 2,091
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 2,964	$ 2,420	$ 2,315	$ 2,144
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 3,183	$ 2,566	$ 2,425	$ 2,207

Price for the periods May 1 to 31 and October 1 to 31:

Quality Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 1,961	$ 1,790	$ 1,805	$ 1,733
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,122	$ 1,897	$ 1,885	$ 1,798
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 2,290	$ 1,994	$ 1,958	$ 1,856
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 2,543	$ 2,115	$ 2,049	$ 1,929
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 2,728	$ 2,204	$ 2,115	$ 1,982
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 2,947	$ 2,348	$ 2,194	$ 2,045

Superior Value Package: 6 nights Price per person Car Type (or similar cars)	2 pers. Double Room	3 pers. Triple Room	4 pers. 2 Double Rooms	5 pers. Double and Triple
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,388	$ 2,136	$ 2,182	$ 2,092
Toyota RAV4 4WD Hybrid Automatic or similar	$ 2,612	$ 2,257	$ 2,283	$ 2,156
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic 5 Seater or similar	$ 2,814	$ 2,391	$ 2,384	$ 2,216
Land Rover Defender Automatic 4×4 or similar	$ 3,067	$ 2,560	$ 2,511	$ 2,318
Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater or similar	$ 3,252	$ 2,683	$ 2,603	$ 2,392
Mercedes Benz GLS 5 seater Auto 4x4 or similar	$ 3,471	$ 2,829	$ 2,713	$ 2,479

Rental cars for your road trip

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

This gutsy car is big on efficiency, reliability and comfort. Low-running costs are matched by punchy performance. With fantastic build quality and great handling, it will take you from city to open road with ease. It is suitable for driving on the asphalted ring road during the summer period.

Detail Description

Toyota RAV4 4WD Automatic

The RAV4 is a luxurious 4x4 which will take you further. But also available as 2wd. There is plenty of space and all passengers ride in comfort. The RAV4 is ideal for Icelandic country roads, with the stability of the 4x4 drive.

Detail Description

Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic

The Land Cruiser is the top of the line 4x4 Jeep/SUV. There is plenty of space, comfort and luxury and this car will take you almost anywhere in style. This is a car that will take you to most of the places you want to visit in Iceland.

Detail Description

Toyota Proace Automatic 9 seater

Launched in 1994, the Proace Verso is a light commercial van. The Proace Verso is the perfect 9 seater minivan for a group of travelers with plenty of luggage. Proace makes it possible for up to 9 persons to travel together in comfort.

Detail Description

Land Rover Discovery 5 seater Auto 4x4

With five-passenger seating options this versatile SUV utilizes the latest connectivity technologies, innovative storage solutions, and on-/off-road capability to shuttle drivers and their passengers to and from their commitments in the utmost comfort.

Detail Description

Mercedes Benz GLS 7 seater Auto 4x4

This is a full-size luxury SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. According to Mercedes-Benz, it is the SUV equivalent of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Detail Description

Hotel types for your road trip

Comfort Hotels

This is an accommodation in hotels, guesthouses and farmhouses around Iceland. The comfort accommodation room is ideal for a brief stay of up to a few days. Double rooms contain two twin beds, or one queen size bed. There is a fully equipped en suite bathroom. All hotels are equipped with central heating and television. Normally no room service is provided. WiFi is available in most comfort accommodations.

Quality Hotels

These are our best vacation deals. An accommodation in 3 or 4 star like hotels or special guesthouses. The Beds can be two twin beds or one Queen or King. En-suite full bathrooms normally contain hairdryers, toiletries and towels. Bathrooms are fully equipped, either with a shower or a bathtub. WiFi internet is available in all hotels free of charge. Quality accommodation offers restaurant on site.

Superior Hotels

These are 4 star hotels (or upgrade to superior rooms or suits in 3 star hotels where 4 star is not available. Our choice of superior hotels around the country include, small boutique hotels and hotels with special atmosphere. All superior hotels have good restaurants and bars. Many offer their own spa facilities. Our superior hotels in the countryside are small and include elevators, bar service and restaurants or a nearby restaurant.

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