Essential Iceland

Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Season: All year.
Departure: Daily
Type of holiday: Self Drive Holiday
Product code: IE-02  
Price from: ISK 99,400.

Few countries are as pristine or untouched as Iceland and Essential Iceland is your chance to get up close and personal with its astonishing landscape.This breathtaking tour takes you to many of the biggest attractions around the country from the beautiful Blue Lagoon to the awesome Vatnajökull glacier. The package includes accommodation in Reykjavik, Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Lake Mývatn,  Akureyri and Stykkishólmur.
Please note, this package can only be booked together with Iceland Express.
Highlights: Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull glacier, Dettifoss, Akureyri and Snæfellsnes.

Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Arrive to Keflavik international airport. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city centre by foot and dining out at one of Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants. Your first night will be spent at Hotel Frón or similar. Transfer from Keflavik airport by the Flybus to your hotel in Reykjavik city centre. Driving distance:68 km

Day 2: Around the Golden Circle
Day two is a full day’s drive, taking in some of the best-known natural phenomena in Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, the waterfall Gullfoss, the great Geysir area and Kerið. Your night’s accommodation will at Hvolsvöllur at at Hotel Hvolsvöllur or similar. Driving distance: 217 km

Day 3: Rocks, waterfalls and a black beach
Today, you will drive from Hvolsvöllur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Sights along the way include the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the rock formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar on the black sand beach south of Vík, and the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You will stay the night at Hotel Laki or similar.
Driving distance: 178km

Day 4: Up close with the great glacier
Your day begins in Skaftafell National Park. If you like exploring the great outdoors on foot, there are many interesting hiking trails in Skaftafell National Park, including a short hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. You will then head east to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, where you can take a thrilling boat ride between the glacier-calves. From Jökulsárlón you will continue east to Djúpivogur. You will stay the night at Hotel Framtíð or similar. Driving distance: 308 km

Day 5: A scenic drive through fantastic fjords
On day five you will drive to the lovely Lake Mývatn. Along the way there’s plenty to see including the monster habitat, Lagarfljót River, Seyðisfjörður and Möðrudalur valley. Your night’s stay will be at Hotel Reykjahlíð or similar in the Mývatn area. Driving distance: 384km

Day 6: Exploring the park life
This is your chance to explore Lake Mývatn area which is home to some staggering natural phenomena including Námaskarð and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaði. Today you will also have the change to visit Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.  Your night’s stay will be at Hotel Reykjahlíð or similar in the Mývatn area. Driving distance: 183 km+

Day 7: Waterfall of the Gods
The first half of day seven will be spent around Lake Mývatn. Don’t miss Goðafoss (the waterfall of the Gods) on your way to Akureyri, known as the ‘capital of the north’ where you will spend the rest of the day. You will stay at KEA Hotel Harpa or similar. Driving distance: 103km

Day 8: Geological mysteries
Your drive from Akureyri to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula will take you past the peculiar hill formations of Vatnsdalshólar, the canyon waterfalls of Kolugljúfur and the Glaumbær folk museum where you can learn all about the local culture.
You will stay at Hotel Stykkishólmur or similar. Driving distance: 391km

Day 9: Ocean views
Day nine will see you experiencing the unique Snæfellsjökull glacier and its surrounding National Park. Other sights, not to be missed, include Búðir, Hellnar, Arnarstapi and Dritvík cove. Marine wildlife lovers might also wish to go whale watching from Ólafsvík but please note that the distance between here and Reykjavík will mean a very long day on the road. You will stay night in Reykjavik at Hotel Frón or similar. Driving distance:332 km

Day 10: Time to go home
On your final day you will drive from Reykjavik to Keflavík for your connecting flight with Iceland Express. Return the rental car at Keflavik international airport. Driving distance: 47 km

Accommodation details
The accommodation in this package consists of quality tourist class hotels or well-appointed guesthouses featuring comfortable rooms with private shower or bath and WC. All provide breakfast (included in the price) and most have their own restaurant.

Rooms
1 person = Single room
2 sharing = One twin/double room
3 sharing = Triple room
4 sharing = Two twin/double rooms
5 or more sharing = As requested

Season
High Season: From 15 May through 15 September 
Low Season: From 16 September through 14 May 

Included in your package
* Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 8 days
* Accommodation with en-suite facility and continental breakfast for 9 nights
* Transfer by Flybus from Keflavik International airport to your hotel in Reykjavik
* Map of Iceland and detailed itinerary
* Information booklet about driving in Iceland
* 24-hour emergency service
* Delivery of travel document to your address  
* Taxes and service fee

Excluded from your package
* The flight with Iceland Express
* Meals and drinks at restaurants (unless otherwise stated)
* Personal travel insurance
Price per person

High Season

Type of Car 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults
A ISK  247,700 ISK 148,800 ISK 116,733 ISK 123,500
B ISK  255,700 ISK 152,800 ISK 119,400 ISK 125,500
C ISK  270,100 ISK 160,000 ISK 124,200 ISK 129,100
D ISK  281,300 ISK 165,600 ISK 127,933 ISK 131,900
E ISK  283,700 ISK 166,800 ISK 128,733 ISK 132,500
F ISK  317,300 ISK 183,600 ISK 139,933 ISK 140,900
G ISK  356,500 ISK 203,200 ISK 153,000 ISK 150,700
H ISK  387,700 ISK 218,800 ISK 163,400 ISK 158,500

Low Season
Type of Car 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults
D ISK  216,100 ISK 127,200 ISK 99,400 ISK 99,900
E ISK  224,100 ISK 131,200 ISK 102,067 ISK 101,900
F ISK  252,100 ISK 145,200 ISK 111,400 ISK 108,900
G ISK  280,900 ISK 159,600 ISK 121,000 ISK 116,100
H ISK  296,900 ISK 167,600 ISK 126,333 ISK 120,100

Children
Children age 0 - 2 Free of charge
Children age 3-11: 36.000 ISK per child sharing room with adult
Children age 12+ Full price
All prices are per person and in Icelandic Króna (ISK).

Rental Cars
A Toyota Yaris / Nissan Micra / VW Polo or similar
B Toyota Corolla / VW Golf / Chevrolet Lacetti  or similar
C Toyota Corolla Station / Chevrolet Lacetti Station or similar
D Toyota Avensis / VW Passat or similar
E Suzuky Jimny or similar
F Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Rav 4 or similar
G Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 or similar
H Toyota Landcruiser / Nissan Patrol / Mitsubishi Pajero or similar

Other
* Your travel documents will be sent to you before arrival.
* Allow up to 3 weeks for your travel document to arrive.
* Recommended booking advance is three weeks minimum.
* You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning on day 2 and transferred to the car rental office.  
* Extra nights and services can be added to this package on request.