Waterfalls and glaciers: Iceland road trip

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Hveragerdi         
• 2 nights Vik       
• 2 nights West Iceland
• 1 night Reykjavik        

Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik       

On arrival in Reykjavik, you’ll pick up your hire car at the airport and begin your road trip through Iceland. First, you'll drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards the charming village of Hveragerdi, often known as the “flower village” due to the many greenhouses heated by hot springs nearby. You’ll check into your hotel here for one night.

Day 2: South Coast     

Today you’ll head off along the coast, stopping at the various natural wonders along the way. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are two of Iceland’s most scenic waterfalls, with huge cascades of water pouring over the green cliffs. Head inland to see the famous Geysir, shooting up from the ground in a mass of boiling water – this is the phenomenon after which all other geysers are named. You’ll also spot the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, part of the volcano that caused air travel chaos across Europe in 2010. As you get close to Vik, you can stop in Dyrholaey, where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest and take a stroll along Reynisfjara Beach, where black volcanic sand and tall basalt stacks out to sea make for a beautiful sunset. You’ll check into your hotel in Vik for two nights.

Day 3: Skaftafell and Vik        

Today you can explore the area around Vik further, starting with Skaftafell National Park – the largest in Europe. The park has many glaciers so spend the morning hiking between them for a glimpse of the bright blue ice, before heading to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, where huge icebergs float in the water. After today, you’ll really understand why the country is called Iceland!

Day 4: Thingvellir and Borgarfjordur       

After breakfast, you’ll head off towards Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Parliament, situated in a mountainous volcanic landscape next to the largest lake in the country. After exploring the park all morning, you’ll continue to Borgarfjordur Fjord and visit the historical Reykholt, where Iceland’s most famous author Snorri Sturluson lived in the 1200s. It's one of the country’s rare preserved medieval sites. Stop in at the pretty waterfalls Barnafoss and Hraunfossar before visiting Deildartunguhver, the hottest spring in Europe, heating showers and taps for 50 miles from its 97°C. At the end of a busy day, you’ll check into your hotel in West Iceland for two nights, in one of the small towns of this area.

Day 5: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Explore the countless natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula today, starting with the bird covered cliffs of Arnarstapi and the rocky beaches of Djupalonssandur before driving along the coast stopping at various quaint fishing villages. In Stykkisholmur, we’ve included a boat tour, where you’ll admire the bird life from the water (look out for white-tailed eagles) before a shellfish plough is lowered into the ocean, revealing a wonderful selection of shellfish for viewing and tasting: scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers. This is the freshest sushi you’ll ever eat!        

Day 6: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon   

Today you’ll be heading down towards Reykjavik, but first, head past the city and onto the Reykjanes Peninsula to visit the moon-like Lake Kleifarvatn with its bubbling mud pools and spend a few hours relaxing in the famous waters of the Blue Lagoon. If you want to add the entrance ticket to the Blue Lagoon, just ask, as it must be pre-booked. In the afternoon,  you'll drive into Reykjavik and have a wander around this small city. Visit the enormous Hallgrimskirkja Church and try a famous Icelandic hot dog before having dinner by the harbour and toasting a great Iceland road trip.

Day 7: Depart Reykjavik      

Spend the morning enjoying the city before driving back to the airport and dropping off your hire car in time to catch your onwards flight.