Iceland Grand Tour
This is our ultimate self-drive tour of Iceland, taking you all the way around this geographically young island of fire and ice, including the often overlooked West and East Fjords and the Westman Islands off the South Coast. The flexible itinerary gives you free time to explore most of the top attractions and natural wonders that make Iceland such a unique travel destination.
This package includes accommodation in Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes, West Fjords, Northwest Iceland, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, the Vatnajökull area and Hvolsvöllur.
|
Day 1: Arrival & ReykjavikArrive at Keflavík International Airport in Iceland. and transfer to central Reykjavik via the Flybus. After storing your luggage at your accommodation, we suggest a stroll around the colorful historic center of the city, with visits to some of the many museums, shops and cafes. You’ll also find a great assortment of restaurants to tempt your taste buds. For even more sensory experiences, check out the city’s vibrant nightlife and live music scene—a great way to shake off the jet lag.Spend the night in central Reykjavík. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 2: Borgarnes & SnæfellsnesStart your grand circle by driving to the town of Borgarnes, where you can visit the Settlement Museum, dedicated to the history of Iceland’s founders. Then proceed to Snæfellsnes, a peninsula that has long evoked wanderlust and captivated the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Driving along the coastline you have plenty of interesting stops on the way: Dritvík Cove, the impressive cliffs of Lóndrangar and Arnarstapi, the ancient fishing station at Hellnar and the mossy lava fields around Búðir and Snæfellsjökull glacier, just to name a few. Driving distance approx. 280 km / 174 miles.Spend the night on Snæfellsnes Peninsula. |
Highlights
Optional
|
|
Day 3: Breiðafjörður & WestfjordsIn the morning, board the Baldur ferry at Stykkishólmur, taking you over the vast bay of Breiðafjörður with a quick call at the island of Flatey. Back on dry land, start your tour of the remote West Fjords, first with a pause to marvel at the amazing reddish-golden sands along the beaches of Rauðisandur. Then drive onwards to the village of Patreksfjörður, where you will spend the night and keep your eyes open for the stranded “ghost ship” on the beach. If you have time, you won’t regret a detour to Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and the continent’s westernmost point, where you may be able to spot puffins. Driving distance approx. 150 km / 93 miles.Spend the night in Patreksfjörður. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 4: Patreksfjörður to SuðureyriFrom Patreksfjörður, your journey takes you from fjord to fjord under awe-inspiring mountains. After passing Tálknafjörður, have a dip in the natural geothermal pool in Reykjafjörður before heading into Arnarfjörður, where you can see the striking Dynjandi waterfall as it gushes 100 meters over the hillside. The turf house of Jón Sigurðsson, Iceland's hero of independence, in Hrafnseyri is also worth a visit. Finally, continue past Dýrafjörður and Önundarfjörður to Suðureyri, your destination for the evening. Driving distance approx. 180 km / 112 miles.Spend the night in Suðureyri. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 5: ÍsafjörðurSpend the day in and around Ísafjörður, the "Capital of the Westfjords" and the biggest settlement in the region. There, you‘ll find some of the most historic houses in Iceland, dating back to the mid-18th century. One option here is a guided tour to Vigur, a small, charming island and paradise for nature lovers. We also recommend a drive to Bolungarvík for a visit to the Ósvör Maritime Museum or a drive to the radar station on top of Bolafjall where, on a clear day, you can see amazing views over the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Driving distance approx. 50 km / 31 miles.Spend another night in Suðureyri. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 6: Suðureyri to HrútafjörðurThe last leg of your journey along the Westfjords goes from Suðureyri to the Hrútafjörður area. Enjoy the scenery as you navigate the many small, winding fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp. We recommend taking a break in the lush Heydalur area before heading on to Hólmavík, where you can learn a new spell or two at the local museum of sorcery. End the day in Northwest Iceland in the Hrútafjörður Area. Driving distance approx. 370 km / 230 miles.Spend the night in the Hrútafjörður area. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 7: Skagafjörður AreaDrive towards Skagafjörður fjord, an area known as the “mecca of the Icelandic horse”, where horses are said to outnumber people. In the Skagafjörður area, stop at Hofsós, where we recommend a dip in the geothermal water of the town’s swimming pool and a visit to the Icelandic Emigration Center. Continue on towards beautiful Siglufjörður, which was the historic centre of Iceland’s herring fleet and complete your circle with a stop at Dalvík before heading toward Akureyri, your destination for the evening. Driving distance: 280 km / 174 miles.Spend the night in central Akureyri. |
Highlights
Optional
|
|
Day 8: AkureyriEnjoy the many sights and activities in and around Akureyri. This small and charming city overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord is often called the “Capital of the North”. In Akureyri, you’ll find a number of well-preserved old houses, interesting museums, a beautiful botanical garden, excellent restaurants and bright summer nights under the midnight sun.Spend another night in Akureyri. |
Highlights
Optional
|
Day 9: Lake Mývatn & EgilsstaðirDrive towards Mývatn, an area known for its otherworldly surroundings and unique eco-system, including a thriving birdlife. Here, you’ll also find the eerie lava formations of Dimmuborgir, which according to legend are said to house hidden people and other supernatural beings. Further along, you’ll come across the Hverarönd geothermal area with its gurgling mud pools and sizzling geysers. For a rewarding detour, drive to the Dettifoss waterfall, surrounded by the steep walls of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Then head towards Egilsstaðir, your destination for the evening. Driving distance: 265 km / 165 miles.Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area. |
Highlights
|
|
|
Day 10: East Fjords & HöfnZigzag southbound along the fjords of East Iceland. The scenic Fáskrúðsfjörður fjord, which once served as the base for French fishermen in Iceland, makes for an interesting stop, as does the small village of Djúpivogur, resting by the foot of the grand Búlandstindur mountain. The drive to Höfn is no less breathtaking with volcanic black sands leading to the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the rising highlands to your right. Once in Höfn, you can taste the lobster the town is known for and get a good night’s rest. Driving distance: 260 km / 161 miles.Spend the night in Höfn or the nearby Vatnajökull area. |
Highlights
|
Day 11: Vatnajökull & South Coast
The first leg of today’s journey takes you alongside Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Further along, you can’t miss the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, offering a unique opportunity to watch icebergs drift towards the sea. One possible detour is this area is Skaftafell, the heart of Vatnajökull National Park. Crossing vast plains of black sands and glacial rivers you’ll soon arrive in the village of Vík, with the dramatic Hjörleifshöfði peninsula nearby and the Reynisdrangar rock formations just off the coast. The last leg of today’s journey takes you past the now famous (albeit hard to pronounce) Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Driving distance: 350 km / 217 miles.
|
Highlights
|
|
|
Day 12: Day in the South
Today you can explore the south at your leisure. You can enjoy some of the exciting optional activities in the area such as horse-riding, a super-jeep tour to Þórsmörk or adventerous trip to volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Then you can take a 30 minutes ferry from Landeyjar to explore Westman Islands, aptly called the Pompeii of the North. |
Highlights
|
|
Day 13: Golden Circle & Reykjavik
No circle of Iceland is complete without visiting the attractions along the famous Golden Circle route, first with a visit to Gullfoss, a magnificent waterfall plunging into a deep and misty canyon. Further downstream you’ll find the geothermal area of Haukadalur, home to Geysir, the source of the English word “geyser”, although nowadays its more active neighbor Strokkur takes care of most of the aerial acrobatics. On your way to Þingvellir National Park, we highly recommend stopping for a steam bath at the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn. End the day back in Reykjavik. Driving distance: 215 km / 133 miles.
|
Highlights
Optional
|
|
Day 14: Departure
Today, it’s time to head home after your grand circle around Iceland. Transfer to Keflavík Airport via Flybus in time for your check-in. If your flight is in the afternoon, we recommend a relaxing morning break at the Blue Lagoon for a therapeutic soak in the warm mineral waters.
|
Optional
|
Our hand-picked selection of accommodations in Iceland includes hotels, guesthouses, hostels, farmhouse B&B, cottages and more. For our car rental packages, we‘ve selected what we consider the best value option of accommodation at each location.
![]() Includes basic guesthouses, farmhouses and good quality hostels with shared showers/WC facilities. Some rooms may have washbasins. Breakfast is provided and included in the price. In the more remote areas, most properties offer
| ![]() Includes comfortable tourist-class (mostly 3-star range) hotels, farmhouses and well-appointed guesthouses. Rooms have private showers/WC. Breakfast is provided and included in the price. Most properties in this category have an on-site restaurant or dining facilities.
|
Availability of accommodation
Please note that although we have included specific accommodations within our holiday packages, these may be subject to change.Due to high demand in the busy summer months (June-August), the selection of accommodations may be limited in some of Iceland‘s more remote rural areas. Therefore, we reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard or higher, and we will ensure that our clients are notified in advance of the departure date.
| NEVER LOST IN ICELAND! A GPS navigation system comes free of charge with all of our car rental packages.
Our rental car selectionWe‘ve partnered with one of Iceland’s most reliable and efficient car rental agencies to offer top-notch service and a great selection of high-quality, dependable vehicles. All rentals include a standard insurance policy with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage, GPS, two drivers and Icelandic VAT @ 25.5%. Fuel or oil is not included. Optional insurance upgrades, additional drivers and child seats are available and payable locally at the car rental office.
On Day 2 of your holiday, you will be picked up by your car rental agent between 09:00 and 10:00 at your accommodation in Reykjavik and taken to the car rental depot. There, you will complete all paperwork and choose among optional services or upgrades before collecting your vehicle. |
PRICES & BOOKING INFORMATIONAll prices listed are per person and in Euros (EUR).To check availability and prices of room combinations other than what is listed below, click book now. If you do not find prices for your ideal room combination then please contact us with your requirements and full details of your party. PRICES: From 1 May to 30 September 2012. Simple accommodation
| Included
Not included
|
Children
- Children age 0 – 2: Free of charge
- Children age 3-11: Simple: EUR 340 per child sharing room with adult.
Standard: EUR 460 per child sharing room with adult. - Children age 12+: Full price
Rooms
- 1 Person = Single room
- 2 Sharing = One twin/double room
- 3 Sharing = Triple room
- 4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms
Booking
After booking your package with Icelandguest.com, you will be contacted within two working days by your designated travel consultant, who will assist with your booking and serve as your point of contact for any travel needs during your stay.You will receive the full name and direct contact information for your travel consultant along with information about your booking, payment and what to expect during your holiday. If you are paying by credit card, no payment will be deducted from your credit card until you have been contacted by your travel consultant.
We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance.
BOOK THIS TOUR.
Travel Documents
For all car rental packages, we provide the following travel documents:- Pro-forma and confirmation invoices
- Booking overview with information about all your services in Iceland
- Electronic vouchers for each of your services
- Full itinerary
- Map of Iceland with your route, accommodations and interesting highlights marked
- Information booklet about driving in Iceland
- More detailed itinerary including a list of optional activities and attractions in Iceland as well as general information about travelling around Iceland
Delivery of travel documents
Travel documents will be delivered as follows:- At time of deposit payment: You will receive the pro-forma invoice by email.
- Within 30 days of deposit payment: You will receive the full itinerary by email.
- At time of full payment: You will receive the confirmation invoice and all vouchers by email.
- Within 14 days of full payment: Road map and information booklet about driving in Iceland will be sent by post
Please note that we must use the billing address of the credit card holder as the shipping address for the road map and information booklet. If the package is booked less than one month in advance of departure, you will instead receive these items at your first accommodation in Reykjavík.
| Got questions? We're here to help! Please don't hesitate to contact us. A travel consultant will reply to your inquiry within one business day. |
|


























![vinnan-´09-209-[1600x1200].jpg (54809 bytes)](/library/Images/pakkar/Car-Rental-packages/Iceland-Grand-Tour/vinnan-´09-209-[1600x1200].jpg?proc=SmallBlue)









A GPS navigation system comes free of charge with all of our car rental packages.


