This self-guided, self-catered 4X4 winter package offers a relaxing week in a cozy cottage in the scenic south of Iceland. The tour does not involve a great amount of driving and therefore gives you a chance to explore many of Iceland’s biggest attractions at your own pace. In the darker winter months, the Aurora Borealis are not an uncommon sight outside of Reykjavík; the swirling, colourful displays, ranging from white to green, pink and blue or even in rare cases red, are truly an unforgettable sight to behold.

Itinerary

Day 1: A Day in Reykjavík
Arrival in Keflavík, meet and greet transportation from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík followed by information meeting with a travel consultant. If you arrive early, we recommend stopping at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavík. Why not take a stroll in the city centre, to the pond to watch the birds and visit the Viking wax museum at the Pearl, where you can also enjoy a great view of the city. Stay overnight in an apartment in Reykjavík.

Day 2: Cultural Landscapes
Visit the beautiful Þingvellir National Park, where the Icelandic parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930, making it the world’s oldest functioning legislative body. The park was inscribed on UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2004, the first Icelandic site on the list. Þingvellir is also where the North Atlantic Rift, which separates the North American and European continents, is very prominent. The rift offers a bridge between the two and a veritable no-man’s-land inside the Almannagjá ravine, with the North American continent on one side and the European continent on the other. From Þingvellir, head to your warm, cozy cottage in the Hella area, where you will stay the night.

Day 3: Gullfoss waterfall & the Great Geysir
Head north to the geothermal area of Haukadalur to witness the Great Geysir—the original “Geyser” hot spring—or its ever-reliable counterpart, Strokkur, erupt; Strokkur erupts roughly every 8 minutes, so an eruption is guaranteed. There will be plenty of time to explore the bubbling mud pots, geysers and other geological phenomena around the Great Geysir before visiting the stunning two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall. The great white glacial cascade drops 32 meters into a 70-metre deep canyon; Gullfoss is generally considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island and has been called “Iceland’s star attraction” by many.

Day 4: Southern Comfort
Take it easy and enjoy the pristine nature and tranquillity that rural south Iceland has to offer. There are several interesting hiking trails close to the cottage, and a visit to Stokkseyri, where you will find the Ghost Centre and a fantastic seafood restaurant, is ideal in the afternoon. Activities, such as short horse-riding trips or snowmobiling tour, can easily be arranged for the more adventurous.

Day 5: The South Coast Sensation
Visit the icebound Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls in Skógar, where you will also find a folk museum with many interesting artefacts on display. Experience the stunning black volcanic sand beach south of Vík and the Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar rock formations before heading back to your cottage, where you will stay the night.

Day 6: Back to Reykjavík
Head back to Reykjavik via the Hveragerði “greenhouse community”. The town has a number of geothermally heated greenhouses and here you can see how Icelanders grow their fruit and vegetables, making them self-sufficient in the growth of bananas, among other things. Note: If you are departing our fair island in the morning of day 7, this would be an ideal time to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater spa. Stay overnight in an apartment in Reykjavík.

Day 7: Departure with a Twist
Transportation to Keflavík Int’l airport, stopping at the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater spa, set in a magical black lava field. It is rich in silica and blue-green algae, which gives the lagoon its reputed healing powers. Relaxing in-water massages are available but guests can also unwind in the saunas and steam baths or get a natural massage under the Blue Lagoon waterfall. The lagoon provides a wonderful last memorable taste of Iceland, and ensures that you are fully unwound and relaxed when taken to Keflavik International airport in time for your check-in.

Detailed Information

Accommodation
Family apartments, cottages and summer houses. All cottages have private WC and cooking facilities; some also include hot pots, BBQ, playgrounds and/or other features.

Season
From 1 October through 31 April

Included
* 4 nights in holiday cottages and 2 nights in a Reykjavik apartment
* Car rental of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 5 days
* Meet and greet transfer from Keflavík airport to your hotel in Reykjavík
* Information meeting with our travel consultants
* Maps and detailed itinerary including children’s map of Iceland
* ”The Visitor’s Key to Iceland” reference guide w/ information on roads, history and natural features   
* Information booklet about driving in Iceland
* Free use of mobile phone and 500 ISK worth of calls
* 24-hour emergency service
* Airport transfer upon departure
* Taxes and service fee

Excluded
* Flights to/from Iceland
* Breakfast
* Meals, drinks at restaurants and entrance fees (unless otherwise stated)
* Personal travel insurance
* Optional activities
* Entrance fees unless otherwise stated in the itinerary

Booking
Recommended booking advance is three weeks minimum.

Prices

For further information about the rental cars "Click here".

Other Details
Children age 0 – 2 Free of charge
Children 3-11: ISK 15,000 per child
Children age 12+ Full price

All prices are per person and in Icelandic Króna (ISK)