Explore Southwest Iceland

Highlights Include:

Guided hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier
Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city
Relaxing at Laugarvatn Spa & Steam Bath
Free time to explore at your own pace
Cooking class in the New Nordic Style

Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson/Arctic Images

Tour Details

From: $2,422 per person | Single supplement from $807

Price includes transatlantic airfare from New York (please inquire for pricing from your US departure city)

7 days

2020 Departures: Daily, All Year
January 1 – April 30, from $2,422 per person
May 1 – September 30, from $2,844 per person
October 1 – December 31, from $2,422 per person

This self-drive itinerary is a great opportunity for travelers to experience both the countryside and the city areas of southwest Iceland, and to explore at their leisure the various sights which abound in the region. Visit some of the country’s best geological and geo-thermal wonders, as well as indulge in a steam bath spa right in the heart of the Golden Circle area. This is an ideal package for independent travelers interested in a taste of Iceland – or it can be a stopover en route to or from Scandinavia/mainland Europe.

Gallery

Itinerary

This is a sample self-drive itinerary. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to create an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Day 1Departure from the US

Day 2Arrive Iceland, Travel to Hveragerði

Arrive Iceland and pick-up your rental car. Drive to Hveragerði (Hveragerdi) on the scenic South Shore Road, taking you through lava fields with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the mountains of Reykjanes Peninsula on the other side. Relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel, which include an outdoor swimming pool with a water slide, hot tubs and a geo-thermal sauna. Overnight in Hveragerði

Day 3 Golden Circle | Meals: B

Explore the famous tourist route, “The Golden Circle,” on your own. Visit the multi-tiered waterfall Gullfoss, the frequently-erupting hot springs at Geysir, and the geologically and historically significant Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. You can also check out the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant. Stop by the Laugaravatn Lake, and while there visit the Fontana Laugarvatn Spa and Steam Bath, right on a lake in the hot spring/geo-thermal area. Overnight in Hveragerði

Day 4Iceland’s South Coast | Meals: B

Today you may wish to explore some of the sights of the south on your way to the city of Vík, such as the black sand beaches, or the arch of Dyrholaey, a 400-foot high promontory. Other sights to stop and see include Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss it is possible to walk behind the waterfall if the temperatures aren’t below freezing. Overnight in Vík

Day 5Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike | Meals: B

Take a glacier walk where you can explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges and deep crevasses on the breathtaking Sólheimajökull glacier. This tour is accessible to beginning hikers. A professional guide will teach you how to use the included basic glacier equipment, such as crampons and an ice axe. In the afternoon, travel back to Reykjavík. Overnight in Reykjavík

Day 6Reykjavík Cooking Class | Meals: B L

Enjoy the tastes of Iceland using fresh local ingredients under the supervision of skilled culinary instructors. Icelandic fish and lamb will take center stage as you learn to cook in the New Nordic Style. The rest of the day is spent at leisure exploring Iceland’s bustling capital city. You may also wish to explore other nearby sights by car today or take an optional excursion. Overnight in Reykjavík

Day 7Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart Iceland | Meals: B

Take your time on your drive to the airport today. Explore the sights of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including lava fields, hot steam/spring area, and black cliffs. You can also experience the Blue Lagoon (entrance must be pre-booked)! Drop your car at Keflavík Airport, then board your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!

Included

Transatlantic airfare from New York including government taxes & fuel surcharges
(please inquire for pricing from your US departure city)
Five nights’ accommodation
Six-day compact manual car rental, including insurance, unlimited miles, taxes
Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Fontana Laugarvatn Steam Bath entrance fee & towel
Guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier
Salt Eldhús cooking class

Not Included

Airline fees including meals, seat reservations, luggage costs
Travel insurance, recommended
Transfers, sightseeing, activities, meals, and beverages not specified
Luggage handling at airports and hotels
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, spa services, internet, phone, etc.

Optional Excursions

At extra cost, subject to availability

Visit our Reykjavik Day Tour blog to learn about the many options available from Iceland’s capital
Northern Lights – see the sky shimmer with the fabulous colors of the Aurora Borealis, available during the winter months, October – March