Highlands and Lowlands

Experience the difference

A Circle tour that gives you a chance to experience the difference between the deserted, sandy yet colorful thermal highlands of Iceland and the green fertile fields in the lowlands along the coastline.

The duration of this tour is 9 days and 8 nights.  You will stay 6 nights at different hotels while in the countryside and 2 nights in Reykjavík.  It is possible to extend your stay in Reykjavík if you wish.  The accommodation offered is all with private facilities for your convenience.

Key benefits of this tour:

You get the opportunity to travel off the beaten track through two of Iceland’s highland tracks, Kjölur and Landmannalaugar, both offering magnificent and exotic landscape.

You will drive past all major attractions in Iceland, except in the western part of the country. Geysir, Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls (and many more), black beaches, plus several National parks are among your destinations in this great tour.

As in all of our organized self drive tours, you will receive a detailed itinerary as well as a map upon arrival at your first accommodation. For your safety and in case of emergency or after hours assistance, you will be provided with an emergency phone number.  

DAY 1

Arrival and overnight in Reykjavik.

DAY 2

From Reykjavik to Þingvellir National park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament.  The park offers a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows.  Visit the geothermal area of Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall.

Optional: River rafting in the Geysir area, ATV-quad biking in Haukadalur, entrance to Geysir geo center. 

DAY 3

Today’s route leads over the highland track Kjölur (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), driving through the colorful thermal area Hveravellir between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Travel to the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður fjord.

Optional: Horse riding in Skagafjörður, horse show in Skagafjörður.

DAY 4

Drive to Akureyri, the second largest town in Iceland outside the capital area. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall before driving to the beautiful Lake Mývatn area.  The natural wonders of Lake Mývatn area include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir. 

DAY 5

From Lake Mývatn you drive around Tjörnes peninsula.  Travel through the village of Húsavík to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, including the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss, the mightiest waterfall in Europe. Continue east to Egilsstaðir.

Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík.

DAY 6

Drive south through the spectacular coast line of the East Fjords with charming fishing villages and towering mountains that plunge vertically into the sea. Stop at Almannaskarð pass which offers a striking view of Vatnajökull glacier and the coastal area.

Optional: Boat tour to Papey Island, Petra's stone collection. 

DAY 7

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon by Vatnajökull glacier offers a beautiful view of the glacier and the floating icebergs will leave a deep impression on you. Onwards to Skaftafell National Park a green oasis with various hiking possibilities. Continue along the south coast for an overnight stay.

Optional: Jeep tour to Vatnajökull glacier, Boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, glacier hike in Skaftafell area.

DAY 8

Continue to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a 12th century Catholic convent, across the vast Eldhraun lava fields to the black sands of Vík.  Drive across the fertile agricultural area of the south stopping at the beautiful waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before continuing to Reykjavík.

DAY 9

Departure.

Prices

We can tailor make a custom self drive tour for you and your group.
Because of our great range of service we can include any activity you can think of in your tour.
With your help we will design your dream vacation in Iceland.
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