The Ultimate Highland Exploration 9 days


This tour allows you to experience driving on rough highland roads and see the magnificent interior of Iceland along the most popular sites of South and North Iceland. Are you adventurous and want to make the most of your stay in Iceland? Then this Ultimate Highland Tour is perfect for you.

Overview

Map for The Ultimate Highland Exploration  9 days tour
  • Duration:9 days / 8 nights
  • By Car km/mi:1565
  • Season:July 12 to August 20
  • Operates:Daily
  • Price From:333712 ISK/Per Person
  • Tour ID:RT21

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival - Reykjavik City



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. 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 Icelandic Circle adventure.

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
Reykjavik Food Tour


Day 2. The Scenic South Coast - Waterfalls, Glaciers and Volcanoes



Pick up your car in the morning and your Icelandic adventure can start. Today you will visit the scenic South Coast of Iceland. Your first stop is Hveragerði town with its natural steaming vents and greenhouses that are heated with water form hot springs. Continue east passing the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, that erupted last in 2010 and left air traffic in Europe and America paralyzed. Stop at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is possible to walk behind the falls. Just a little further you will find the impressive Skógafoss waterfall – the legend has it that in the cave, behind the waterfall, a hidden treasure can be found, which was put there by one of Iceland´s first inhabitants. Visit Dyrhólaey Nature reserve, where thousands of birds nest in summer time. You will find the colourful puffins there as well. Next continue to Reynisdrangar lava beach and see the bizarre basalt columns. Head to the charming town of Vík for an overnight stay.

Highlights:
Hveragerði Town
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara Beach
Vík Town
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier

Optional Extra
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
LAVA Centre
ATV Black Sand Beach and Plane Wreck
Katla Ice Cave

Driving Distance:
200 kilometers

Overnight:
Vík area


Day 3. Eldgjá Canyon - Landmannalaugar - Volcano Crater



Today you will head to Landmannalaugar via the Fjallabak route, which is believed to be one of the most scenic highland trails in Iceland. Visit the largest volcano canyon in the world – Eldgjá. Continue to Landmannalaugar – a highland oasis surrounded by the colourful rhyolite mountains and lava fields. The area offer countless shorter and longer hiking trails. One of Iceland´s most famous natural pool is located at Landmannalaugar, perfect for relaxing bath after hiking and exploring this highland paradise. Next continue to see the impressive Ljótipollur – a water-filled crater.

Highlights:
Landmannalaugar
Eldgjá Canyon


Driving Distance:
155 kilometers

Overnight:
Hrauneyjar area


Day 4. Sprengisandur Highland Track



Fill up the tank, as there will not be any gas stations for more than 200 kilometers. Continue inland on Sprengisandur track along Þórisvatn, which is the second largest lake in Iceland. Enjoy the raw, yet stunning scenery being surrounded by two glaciers – Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. The route roughly follows an ancient horse trail that linked southern and northern Iceland. It affords a good cross section of views of the interior highlands. Much of the landscape along it consists of a desert sand, gravel and wind eroded lava beds. In total it has grandeur of its own, a haunting quality of size and emptiness, above all, the sense of space and freedom, tranquillity and grim beauty. The Sprengisandur route was first crossed by a motor vehicle in 1933. You will pass the Fjórðungsvatn lake, this is the highest elevation of the route – 826 meters above sea level. This is also the water divide – north of here all the rivers and streams drain to the Arctic Ocean. Depending on time, make a detour to Laugafell and enjoy a pleasant bath in an outdoor pool with natural warm water.

Highlights:
Sprengisandur
Þórsvatn Lake
Laugafell
Hofsjökull Glacier

Driving Distance:
280 kilometers

Overnight:
Mývatn area


Day 5. Lake Mývatn Area - Ásbyrgi Canyon - National Park - Húsavík Town



Start the day by driving to town of Húsavík, which is known also as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. You might want to join a whale watching tour. Next continue to the massive, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, from there head to see the strange Hljóðaklettar rock formations. Continue to the Jökulsárgljúfur National park, where you will witness the raw force of the Europe´s most powerful waterfall – Dettifoss. Standing near the waterfall you can´t help but feel humbled by the devastating power of nature. Next head to explore the surrounding area of Mývatn – hot springs and mud pools at Námaskarð, the impressive volcano Krafla and its crater Víti as well as mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir. After a day of sightseeing we recommend you to visit Mývatn Nature Baths and relax in the mineral rich waters.

Highlights:
Dettifoss Waterfall
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Hljóðaklettar Rock Formations
Húsavík Town
Hverfell Krater
Mývatn Nature Baths
Dimmuborgir
Námaskarð Pass
Skútustaðagígar Craters

Optional Extra:
Mývatn Nature Baths
Whale Watching from Húsavík

Driving Distance:
230 kilometers

Overnight:
Mývatn area


Day 6. Akureyri Town - Skagafjörður Fjord



Today you will head to the Capital of the North – Akureyri. On the way make sure to stop at the inspiring Goðafoss waterfall (The Waterfall of Gods). There is a special story about the falls – in year 1000, when Icelanders converted to Christianity, a law speaker, named Þorkell, threw pagans gods in the waterfall. As you arrive at Akureyri, consult the visitor´s centre for things to do and see. Akureyri is a vibrant city, always full of life, and everyone should find something that suits their interests. From Akureyri head to Skagafjörður, an area famous for its horse breeding and horsemanship. If you ever wanted to meet the friendly Icelandic horse and go on horse riding tour, this is the perfect place. Various horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available.

Highlights:
Goðafoss Waterfall
Akureyri Town
Glaumbær Folk Museum

Optional Extra:
Horse Riding
Forest Lagoon

Driving Distance:
220 kilometers

Overnight:
Skagafjörður area


Day 7. Kjölur Highland Road - The Golden waterfalls and Geysers



Before heading inland to the highland track Kjölur, remember to fill up the tank, since there are no gas stations in highlands. Continue on the highland road surrounded by Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Stop at Hveravellir geothermal area, where you will find natural hot springs and can enjoy a relaxing bath in this highland environment. Enjoy the magnificent mountain views in the area and make sure to stop at Kerlingafjöll mountains – an area that offers beautiful scenery and various hiking trails. After the drive on Kjölur highland road, you will arrive at Gullfoss – the Golden waterfalls - one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. A little further you will find the Geysir geothermal area with various hot springs and geyser Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every 8 minutes or so with such a force that the boiling water jets up to 20 meters in the air.

Highlights:
Hveravellir
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Gullfoss Waterfall
Geysir Geothermal Area

Driving Distance:
270 kilometers

Overnight:
Laugarvatn area


Day 8. Þingvellir National Park - Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon area



The first stop of today will be Þingvellir national park, an UNESCO World heritage site. Þingvellir is a place of great importance from a geological as well as historical perspective. The Icelandic parliament was established here in 930. Head south and visit towns of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, both known for delicious lobster and seafood. Continue along coast line to Reykjanes peninsula, which will amaze you by its lunar landscapes. Make a detour and visit the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, filled with hot springs and mud pools. Drive along the mysterious, yet stunning Kleifarvatn Lake. Next continue to the world famous Blue Lagoon and relax in the blue water after a breathtaking trip in Iceland. Head back to Reykjavík and drop off your rental car.

Highlights:
Þingvellir National Park
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Lake Kleifarvatn

Optional Extra:
Snorkeling
The Blue Lagoon Spa

Driving Distance:
280 kilometers

Overnight:
Reykjavík


Day 9. Departure



Transfer from your accommodation to the international airport in a comfortable bus with Wi-Fi connection on board.


Rental Cars

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

  • Passengers:5
  • Suitcases:4
  • Doors:5
  • Operation:Automatic

Other Information

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.

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. If you are going to the highlands we recommend purchasing something to take with you as there are very limited options for meals in the remote highland areas.

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?
For this tour you require a 4x4 vehicle suitable for highland driving. On this tour you will be driving on both paved roads as well as rough highland tracks with river crossings.

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
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Photos

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