Iceland's South & West in 8 days and 7 nights

Experience the highlights of the south & west parts of Iceland in this relaxed self-drive tour. In these parts of Iceland you will see volcanoes, hot-springs, glaciers waterfalls a beautiful coastline with both high cliffs and black sands. In the countryside you will only accommodate in 2 hotels making the tour a relaxed one. Accommodations are in our friendly hotels around the country.

Day-1. Arrive in Keflavik.
In the airport, you will have the possibility to shop Tax-Free (Iceland is not a member of the EU). In the arrival hall you will find an office for NATIONAL CAR RENTAL / EUROPCAR . There, you will get your rental car and head from the airport to Reykjavik. Based upon your arrival time, you could take a detour and explore the Reykjanes peninsula in moon-like landscapes and visit the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in the geothermal warm blue/white silica rich water. An unique and fascinating experience. Arrive in Reykjavik and take to one of Fosshohtel's 3 hotels in the city centre.

Day-2. The Golden Circle.
You head out of Reykjavik and head to Thigvellir National Park, where you can see on the surface how the tectonic plates move from each other. This is actually a section of the Atlantic Ridge on the surface and you will see huge cracks and fissures that have split the surface and the big lake Tingvallavatn is located where the ground sank in the process. Tingvellir is also one of Iceland's most sacred places where the Vikings established the world’s first parliament in year 930. From Tingvellir you head on alongside the great lake and to the shrubbery covered area of Thrastarskogur woods, a favourite place for the natives where they have their cottages for weekend breaks. See Kerid, the explosion crater and then head onwards to the small town of Laugarvatn and onwards to Geysir geothermal area. There you will see the famous Geysir hot spring and enjoy the hot spring Strokkur erupting every 5 minutes up to 30 m. Drive from Geysir to the golden waterfall Gullfoss. Drive down to the town of Fludir and onwards to the town of Hella for your next 2 nights at Fosshotel Mosfell.

Day-3. The South Coast.
This day, we recommend a drive to the town of Hvolsvollur, with a fantastic view of the queen of Icelandic volcanoes, Mt. Hekla. In Hvolsvollur you will find the SAGA museum, an interesting site to visit that gives a great insight into the Viking era. From Hvolsvollur drive to Eyjafjoll mountain area and experience the wonder of walking behind the waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Travel further with the mountains and glaciers on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other with the Vestmanna Islands rising in the distance. Travel to Skogar for yet another beautiful waterfall, Skogafoss, 70 m high and one of Iceland’s most beautiful one. At Skogar, you can visit the heritage museum. A bit further along the coast is Dyrholaey, a huge cliff standing into the Atlantic with a huge hole in it, a beautiful sight. Return to your hotel in Hella.

Day-4. The Southern Highlands
This day we recommend a tour to the border of the highlands and experience some of Iceland’s volcanic sites. Drive to Tjorsardalur valley and enjoy sites such as the waterfall Hjalparfoss and Stong, a replica of a typical Icelandic farmhouse from the middle ages from this area that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption from Mt. Hekla. Further into the valley, a beautiful and green oasis will suddenly open in the grey sand and ash desert, the fissure Gjain with lush green and falling waterfalls.. Still further you can get a glimpse of one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, Haifoss, freefalling over 170m. Travel further into the highlands and if driving a 4x4, you might take all the way to Landmannalaugar, a fantastic volcanic area behind the glaciers. Return to you hotel in Hella.

Day-5. West Iceland.
Leave your hotel and head towards Reykjavik heading west along Route 1 Just before arriving in Reykjavik, turn right and drive towards north towards the town of Borgarnes. The road will take you through the Hvalfjord tunnel, Iceland's longest and deepest tunnel that goes deep under this big and deep fjord. Arrive in the town of Borgarnes (photo) by the great glacial river Hvita. From Borgarnes you will drive into the valleys of the area and arrive at Fosshotel Reykholt. This hotel is based on the site where the SAGA writer Snorri Sturluson lived and worked in the Viking era. See the remains of his house and his hot pool and visit Snorri Museum for to learn more about this remarkable man that kept the Viking era alive by writing the SAGAs. Accommodate in Fosshotel Reykholt.

Day-6. Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
This day we recommend a drive around the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula with the glacier/volcano Snæfellsjokull at the tip of the peninsula. You drive from your hotel to Borgarnes and just before entering the town, you turn right to the road to Snæfellsnes. Drive through beautiful farmlands and visit the small volcano Eldborg, close to the road. Further along the south coast of the peninsula and visit Arnarstapi fishing village, Dritvik cliffs and take a walk in the lava fields. When you reach the glacier, drive as far you can to the glacier and take a walk onto the glacier, even to the top with magnificent views over the ocean and on a good day, all the way to Greenland. Drive the north coast back and visit the town of Olafsvik and Stykkisholmur, the biggest town in the area. Back across the mountain passage and to your hotel again.

Day-7. To Reykjavik.
You can use this day to explore more of the area, visit the waterfalls of Hraunfossar, beautiful waterfalls that come from under the lava and fall into a glacial river. Go to Husafell forest on the boundaries of the highlands, a real oasis in the barren landscapes. Arrive in Reykjavik in the afternoon, do some shopping and then go to your Fosshotel. In the evening, enjoy a good restaurant providing local specialities.

Day-8. Depart for home.
Check out from your hotel and head to the airport where you will return your car and check-in for your flight home after a fantastic tour of Iceland.

Prices for 2010 pr. person are as follows:

Our partnere for this tour are and

The price is pr. person and includes:

• A rented car in the chosen category with unlimited mileage, insurance, CDW, GPS Navigation system, airport service charge and VAT
• 7 nights in shared double bed room(s) with private facilities and breakfast at chosen Fosshotels along the route.

Please note that flight is not included in this price. For assistance in getting the best price for the flight, please contact our office.

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