14 Days Group Self-Drive Iceland

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Veronica Ballard, Travel Agent in Grand Rapids, MI

Veronica Ballard

Grand Rapids, MI Travel Agent

Veronica Ballard

Grand Rapids, MI · 4 Years of Experience

Oyster Travel LLC, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Planning travel with Veronica is incredibly easy. Whether we have a full itinerary already mapped out and need help coordinating or have a general idea and... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:Iceland
PLACES VISITED:Akureyri, Husavik, Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes, Vik
SUGGESTED DURATION:13 Days
This itinerary was created for the independent travelers who want to be immersed in the culture and natural beauty of Iceland, while having the freedom to explore and share memories with their closest family and friends. This was also designed for a shoulder-season visit, when weather is colder and less predictable BUT there is a greater chance to view the Northern Lights - it does not touch the East coast.
Close All Days
DAY1
Reykjavik
Close Day
Vacation Begins
Arrive at the airport. Take a detour to Blue Lagoon and relax for a few hours in the mineral hot springs until you can check into your accommodations for the next 3 nights.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Blue Lagoon
DAY2
Reykjavik
Close Day
Reykjavik Tourism
Spend your day in the capital exploring one of the many museums, appreciating the architecture, and grabbing a bite to eat. Don't forget to check the forecast for the Aurora Borealis every night and plan ahead if you want to go out at night to see them.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Museums
DAY3
Reykjavik
Close Day
Golden Circle
Take a road trip on Iceland's "Golden Circle" through Thingvellier National Park. Take in the natural wonders of Geysir and Gullfoss. Stop to bathe at Laugarvatn. Snorkel between the continents at Silfra!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Geysir
Gullfoss Waterfall
DAY4
Vik
Close Day
Southern Coast
Drive a few hours south to the beautiful coastal town of Vik. Stop along the way for a self-guided tour of a geothermal park or Skogafoss waterfall. Or take a guided tour of the Solheimajokull glacier.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hveragerdi Geothermal Park
Solheimajokull
Skogafoss
DAY5
Iceland
Close Day
Drive back to the West coast
Catch the sunrise as Reynisfjara Beach. Stop along the way for a self-guided tour of a geothermal park or Skogafoss waterfall. Or take a tour of the historic Caves of Hella where you can learn more about the traditions of the area. Stay near Akranes or Borgarnes for the night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Caves of Hella
Skogafoss
Reynisfjara
DAY6
Snaefellsnes
Close Day
Explore the Snefellsnes Peninsula
Start with a tour of The Settlement Center in Borgarnes before venturing Northwest. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views along the way. Stop to see the iconic Budir church. Take a stunning hike into a gorge or along the rocky coast. Stay near Arnarstapi for the night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ljomalind Local Market
The Settlement Center
Budakirkja
Raudfeldsgja Gorge
DAY7
Snaefellsnes
Close Day
Explore the Snefellsnes Peninsula
Take a driving tour around the peninsula, stopping at any opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty. Dive underground with a tour of the lava tube Vatnshellir Cave. If the weather is good enough, venture upland towards Snaefellsjokull in the National Park. Stop at the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and take quick hike to the waterfall. Take foodies to experience the notorious fermented shark meat at Bjarnarjofn Museum. Circle back to stay again near Arnarstapi.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vatnshellir Cave
Kirkjufell
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Arnarstapi Cliffs
DAY8
Iceland
Close Day
Adore the countryside
Slow down and spend a day in the countryside. Stop at Krauma for a relaxing visit in another hot springs spa. Take the loop road to soak up the scenery at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. If you haven't done so already, take a cave tour at Vidgelmirj. Stay near Reykholt or Bifrost.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Krauma
Hraunfossar
Barnafoss
Vidgelmirj
DAY9
Iceland
Close Day
Long drive North
Drive several hours to reach Myvatn, enjoying the mountainous scenery along the way. Take a break in Akureyri for dining and shopping, and stop to visit waterfalls along the way including Godafoss.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Godafoss
Skutustadagigar
DAY10
Iceland
Close Day
Myvatn and East
Spend a day exploring around Myvatn or head East for some more breathtaking scenery. There are lava fields, caves, gorges, canyons, lakes, and waterfalls all within a short drive. Or bypass the road trip for another spa day at Myvatn Nature Baths.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Asbyrgi
Dettifoss
Selfoss
Myvatn Nature Baths
Grjotagja
Krafla
DAY11
Husavik
-
Akureyri
Close Day
North Coast
Say goodbye to Myvatn and travel North to the small coastal towns like Husavik. Grab a bite to eat and take a whale-watching tour from the port. Either take a leisurely coastal drive or head straight back to Akureyri for the night.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Husavik
Whale Tours
DAY12
Akureyri
Close Day
Explore Akureyri
Visit the Christmas House or Akureyri Museum for indoor entertainment. The second-largest city of Iceland and favorite college town has plenty of great dining and shopping options.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Christmas House
Akureyri Museum
DAY13
Reykjavik
Close Day
Back to the Capital
Drive back to Reykjavik, stopping to enjoy and hikes or views you missed before on the way North. Find a great meal and some entertainment downtown. Rest up tonight before you travel home tomorrow. Visit one of the many architectural sites or local baths if you have extra time.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Perlan
Harpa
National Museum of Iceland
FINAL THOUGHTS
Known as the "Land of Fire & Ice", Iceland is full of wonder. You MUST experience it for yourself!