Fly & Drive
Self-drive tours offer the travelers the opportunity to truly experience the tranquility and beauty of Iceland at their own pace. Our team will have driven the routes we suggest and visited the accommodation, so the traveler can rely on this firsthand knowledge. Self-drive tours offer freedom and flexibility for the experienced driver. It is always better to have information on what pace of travel the individuals prefer and whether they are used to travelling independently before suggesting a self-drive program.
We provide 24-hour total assistance as well as detailed notes of the program, distances and any other relevant information such as nearby sights of interest. We always suggest to include a GPS in the car rental but we provide a road map with the hire car in case the traveler does get lost. We trust that the traveler take their time studying driving conditions and regulation in Iceland before traveling and then follows closely the weather forecast during the stay.
Sample: 11-day summer self-drive itinerary
This is a great journey to take on your own in summer. In addition to the main tourist attractions of Iceland, you will get an introduction to some of the most remote areas of the country. First part of the trip will take you mainly along road no. 1 to see the popular tourist attractions and then for second part you will explore the Westfjords, the oldest part of this rather young island. The area was shaped by the erosion of the ice that created the innumerable multitude of fjords that furrow the area. In this area nature reigns supreme and men have had to adapt to its rhythms and live in harmony with it in order to survive. Fishing villages, ocean-ward roads, thermal springs and chance encounters with the shy arctic fox make this area such an exciting experience.
Depending on how much the traveller wants to drive each day this program can easily be extended to 13-14 days.
Day 1
Arrival at Keflavik international airport, pick-up your rental car and drive to Reykjavik hotel for overnight.
Day 2
Today is dedicated to the famous "Golden Circle" in south Iceland, one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. to Thingvellir national park (UNESCO World Heritage List), site of the ancient Icelandic Parliament, which is situated on the boundaries of the North American and European tectonic plates. The next stop is Geysir geothermal area, where a short path passes between the openings of the different geysers, the most famous being Strokkur whose jet of hot water can reach 30 meters in height, with a regular frequency of about every 10 minutes. The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, the 'golden waterfall' generated by the Hvita river. You will stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your way to Skogar area for overnight.
Day 3
The journey continues along the south coast, an area belonging to the Katla Geopark which includes, Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. Along the way you will stop at Skogafoss waterfall, the promontory of Dyrholaey and the village of Vik. Passing Myrdalsandur black sands and the lava fields of Eldhraun on the way before reaching Kirkjubaejarklaustur area for overnight.
Day 4
You will spend the day exploring parts of Vatnajokull National Park. The national park was established in 2008 and covers over 12,000 square kilometers which makes it the largest national park in Europe. The figure of the imposing Vatnajokull glacier will accompany you for most of the day. The main stops along the way are Skaftafell nature reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, where huge icebergs, which have broken off Breidamerkurjokull glacier, float in the lagoon. Experience the lagoon up close with a short boat tour between the ice of the lagoon, on board an amphibian boat. Continue to Hornafjordur area for overnight.
Day 5
Continue the journey north, travelling part of the desert interior to Modrudalur, the highest agricultural settlement in the country (469 meters above sea level). Continue north and, after a short dirt track, you will reach Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Return to the road no. 1 and continue west to the area of Lake Myvatn, characterised by lava formations and geothermal areas. Among the main points of interest is the promontory of Hofdi, whose coast is dotted with spectacular lava pillars, the 'Dark Fortress' of Dimmuborgir and Namaskard’s solfataras, (sometimes called the Devil's Kitchen. Continue to Husavik area for overnight.
Day 6
First stop of the day is at Asbyrgi Canyon which is surrounded by majestic rocks that form a horseshoe around the gorge lined with a birch forest. You will travel along the Tjornes peninsula, characterised by high cliffs and pebble beaches before heading to Akureyri, where you have the possibility to book a whale watching excursion by boat (duration of activity approx. 3 hours). Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 7
Continue the journey to the valleys of Skagafjordur, famous for its horse farms, and next towards Hunafloi bay area. Stop at Hvammstangi village, where it is possible to go on a boat excursion for seal watching. You will then drive along Hrutafjordur before continuing west passing the long winding roads of Bardastrond, with breathtaking views, before reaching Patreksfjordur for overnight.
Day 8
The whole day is dedicated to exploring the main points of interest of the remote fjords of the west. The beautiful Arnarfjordur with its white sandy beaches, the Dynjandi waterfall surrounded by high mountains, the lonely road that leads north and the small villages that interrupt the route. You will visit Isafjordur the largest town in the Westfjords and Bolafjall mountain which from the top offers staggering views over the area before driving back to Patreksfjordur for overnight.
Day 9
Today is dedicated to the discovery of southern part of the Westfjords. In the morning you the route will take you to the westernmost point of Europe: the promontory of Latrabjarg. In the area of the promontory, puffins nest, colorful birds that are a must see when coming to Iceland in summer. In the evening you will navigate across Breidafjordur on board the ferry Baldur. The journey takes approximately three hours. You arrive in Stykkisholmur town in Snaefellsnes peninsula for overnight. Overnight in Stykkisholmur.
Day 10
Today you will explore Snaefellsnes peninsula, one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland. You will drive past Snaefellsjokull glacier, which hides the caldera of a sleeping volcano, immortalised by Jules Verne in the famous novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth". You will stop at the small villages, Arnarstapi and Hellnar where you will see dramatic rock formations such as basalt columns and spectacular natural arches. Continue to Reykjavik for overnight, expected arrival in the late afternoon.
Day 11
Departure day. It is recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. Dropoff of rental car in airport area with shuttle transport to the airport.
