Iceland Circle, Scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Northern Lights 10 days

• Flybus Transfer upon arrival to your accommodation in Reykjavík
• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Admission for Northern Lights Center
• Rental car including VAT, unlimited milage and CDW
• Two authorized drivers
• WiFi included with the rental car
• Detailed Itinerary
• Road map with the route and accommodation marked in
• 24/7 Emergency Services
• Flybus transfer to Keflavik international airport
• How to drive in Iceland Booklet
• Taxes, Service fee and VAT

• Optional Activities
• Fuel

Day 1. Arrival - Reykjavík City and Northern Lights Center

Following your arrival at the airport, you will take a comfortable bus ride, with Wi-Fi Internet connection on board, to your accommodation in Reykjavik or to a nearby drop off point.

You have the option of upgrading to a private door-to-door airport transfer. You can also receive and return the rental car at the airport if you prefer that.

Enjoy the rest of the day in Reykjavik, which offers a great variety of things to do. Included is a visit to the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik where you can learn about the Northern lights and how to take good photographs of them, which might come in handy if you get to see them on your tour. See iconic buildings including the Perlan (the Pearl), the Alþingishúsið (where the Icelandic parliament is housed), and Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you don't have time to shop on Laugarvegur Street, don't worry; you can do that when you return from your adventure.

Included:
Admission to the Northern lights Center

Highlights:
Gamla Höfnin (The Old Harbour)
Harpa Concert Hall
Perlan
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Laugavegur Shoppping Streat

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

Optional Extras:
Private Airport Transfers
Reykjavik City Card

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Day 2. Þingvellir National Park - Geysers - The Golden Waterfall

Pick up your car in the morning and head out for your Iceland circle adventure. Today you will visit the famous route of Golden Circle. Your first stop will be Þingvellir National Park – UNESCO World Heritage site and place of a great importance from a geological and historical perspective. In 930 the Icelandic Parliament was established here. From Þingvellir you will continue to the Geysir geothermal area. The area hosts dozens of hot springs and the geysers names Strokkur, which erupts every 8 minutes and the boiling hot water jets up to 20 meters in the air. Only a short distance from the geothermal area you will find the majestic and impressive Gullfoss – the Golden Waterfall. Before you head to your lodging for the night you will visit the volcanic crater Kerið and town of Selfoss. In the evening, head out for the search of the northern lights, if the weather forecasts look good.

Highlights:
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Kerið Crater
Selfoss Town
Hella Town

Driving Distance:
200 kilometers

Overnight:
Hella area

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Day 3. Waterfalls - Black Beaches and Skaftafell

Continue your trip along the scenic south coast of Iceland. Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall – you can walk behind this beautiful waterfall, if the trail is not covered in snow or ice. Little further you will find the powerful Skógafoss waterfall and next to it – the famous Skógasafn Folk Museum. Next visit the black lava beach and see the huge basalt columns at Reynisfjara beach. After stopping at the charming town of Vík, continue across the desolate floodplains to Skaftafell National park. The visitor’s center at Skaftafell is open all year round so feel free to consult them about the beautiful hiking trails available in the area. If the weather and trail conditions allow, we strongly recommend you to walk to one of the most elegant waterfalls in Iceland – Svartifoss, which is known for its dark lava columns and mesmerizing, appeal. In the evening check out the weather forecast and try your luck in hunt for the northern lights.

Highlights:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara Beach
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier
Svartifoss Waterfall

Optional Extra:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
LAVA Centre

Driving Distance:
240 kilometers

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell area

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Day 4. Skaftafell - The Glacier Lagoon and Town of Höfn

Continue to explore Skaftafell in a leisurely pace. After Skaftafell, continue along the roots of Vatnajökull, which is the largest glacier in Europe, to astonishing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Here you will see huge ice blocks floating in lagoon and drifting towards the sea. Next continue to town of Höfn for overnight stay. Höfn is known for its lobster and seafood, so make sure to try some.

Highlights:
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Höfn Town

Driving Distance:
150 kilometers

Overnight:
Höfn area

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Day 5. The East Fjords and Egilsstaðir town

Continue north and enjoy the morning by driving through the East Fjords. The peaceful fjords and the small villages will give you great photo opportunities. After the tranquil fjord scenery, continue to Egilsstaðir town located by the mysterious Lake Lagarfljót, home of the Icelandic Loch Ness. The “lake worm” is said to be an enormous creature, only seen on rare occasions, so make sure to have your eyes wide open in case it decided to reveal itself. The lake is up to 130 meters deep, so there is plenty of space for the worm to hide in. Continue along the lakeside to Hallormsstaður village, surrounded by the lush Hallormsstaðaskógur forest. Return to Egilsstaðir for an overnight stay and once again, if the weather permits, enjoy the hunt of the northern lights.

Highlights:
Djúpivogur Town
Stöðvarfjörður Fjord
Egilsstaðir Town

Driving Distance:
275 kilometers

Overnight:
Egilsstaðir area

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Day 6. Lake Mývatn

Head to the beautiful Lake Mývatn where you will spend the day exploring this stunning area. Lake Mývatn area offers great variety of breathtaking sites to visit. The mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir, mud pools and hot springs at Námaskað Pass, Hverfell crater and Krafla volcano and more. After all the driving and sightseeing visit Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in mineral rich waters, and who knows – you might get lucky and have northern lights dancing above you while you soak in the blue water.

Optional Extra:
Mývatn Nature Baths

Driving Distance:
200 kilometers

Overnight:
Mývatn area

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Day 7. Capital of the North and Skagafjörður

Visit the second largest city in Iceland – Akureyri, also called the capital of the north. Before reaching Akureyri, stop at the stunning Goðafoss waterfall. An old story tells that in the year 1000, when Icelanders converted to Christianity, a so called law speaker named Þorkell disposed of the pagan gods by throwing them into the waterfall. Goðafoss means “Waterfall of the Gods”. Akureyri has great variety of things to do and see, so everyone should find something to their liking. After a visit to the city, head out to the country side and drive to Skagafjörður fjord, which is known for its horse breeding and horsemanship. If you ever wanted to get acquainted with the Icelandic horse – this is the perfect place. Horse riding tours are available in this area, both for beginners and experienced riders.

Highlights:
Goðafoss Waterfall
Akureyri Town

Optional Extra:

Driving Distance:
190 kilometers

Overnight:
Skagafjörður area

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Day 8. Northwest Iceland - Stykkishólmur town

This is rather easy and relaxed day, you will drive through Northwest region of Iceland to the charming town of Stykkishólmur. As you arrive, you can enjoy this ocean-side town in a relaxing atmosphere. In the evening, once again, check out the northern lights forecasts and head out for the hunt of the lights.


Highlights:
Þingeyrarkirkja Church
Vatnsdalshólar Mounds
Stykkishólmur Town


Driving Distance:
270 kilometers

Overnight:
Stykkishólmur area

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Day 9. Snæfellsnes National Park

Today you will explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the many small fishing hamlets situated around the peninsula. You will find spectacular rock formations, mountains, lava fields and the mysterious Snæfellsjökull glacier that towers over the tip of the peninsula. Snæfellsnes is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” as it offer so many things that can be found all around Iceland. It is said that the Snæfellsjökull glacier has mysterious powers, and that people are drawn to glacier by these powers. After exploring the peninsula, head back to Reykjavík.

Highlights:
Djúpalónssandur
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Lóndrangar Rock Formations
Arnarstapi Village
Hellnar

Driving Distance: 340 kilometers

Overnight:
Reykjavik City

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Day 10. Departure

Comfortable bus transfer, with Wi-Fi, on board from your accommodation to the international airport.

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This tour can be customized to your specifications and needs, so if you have any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to help you arrange the perfect Icelandic vacation.

*FAQ*

We are arriving very early. What is the check in time?
Check in time is usually between 14:00 - 16:00 for accommodation in Iceland. The only way to secure an early check in is to book the night before as well. However if a room is ready you should be able to check in early.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are clearly visible between September – March/April all around Iceland. The northern lights are only visible during winter due to the darkness and sightings are very weather dependent and clear skies are essential to see them. The prime conditions to see them are clear skies and away from the city lights.

Where to eat during the tour?
In the small towns around Iceland you will find restaurants, bakeries and cafes where you can get something to eat.

Are there any hidden charges?
There are no hidden charges or fees you should be aware of. Note that fuel and meals other than breakfast are not included.

What type of car is recommended?
In winter between mid September – mid April we recommend a 4x4 vehicle as there is a chance of some snow or ice on the road. The cars are equipped with good winter tires during winter.

Do I need an international driver’s license?
No you do not need an international drivers license but you need a valid driver’s licence, which you will have held for at least two years. Travellers from overseas will need a licence issued in their country of residence along with an English translation (where appropriate). Some form of picture Identity is required, e.g. Passport, ID card etc. A valid credit card is also required.

How far is it between gas stations?
Gas stations can be found in almost all towns around Iceland so running out of gas is not a likely scenario. However before going to the highland areas we recommend filling up the tank as there are no gas stations in the highlands.

Do hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi internet connection?
Most hotels and guesthouses in Iceland do provide free access to Wi-Fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses do charge a small fee for access to the internet.

How do I book and what is the process?
There are several factors that determine the tour price:
• Time of the year you plan on visiting
• Number of people travelling together
• Type of car Car Info (Only applicable with self drive trips)
• Accommodation type (we offer 2 categories of accommodation or you can choose mixture of both)
• Optional Activities (Various optional activities are available with each trip)

There is a special Price Calculator button with every self-drive tours and private guided tours where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation, car, number of people and your arrival date. The Price Calculator will calculate and display the price according to your specifications. This way you can see how different choices in car and accommodation types affect the price of the package.

Once you are confident about your trip selection proceed to press the book now tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the booking process.

We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 5 weeks prior to arrival.

Once a booking is made an automatic e-mail is sent informing you that the order has been placed and is currently being processed by the IcelandRoadtrip.com team. You will then be contacted with by one of our trusted travel agents with further details.

For more practical information please visit our Travel Guide