Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter
Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter
Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter
9 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Vatnajokull National Park, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, Borgarnes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur799
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Gardens & Nature Tours, Northern Lights, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iceland Explorer Self Drive Winter" adventure, a thrilling self-drive tour through Iceland's most breathtaking winter landscapes. Begin your journey in Reykjavik and explore the Golden Circle's natural wonders, including the Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal fields of Geysir. Marvel at the stunning Vatnajokull National Park and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Traverse the majestic East Fjords, visit the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, and discover the unique beauty of Lake Myvatn. Experience the charm of Akureyri and the Troll Peninsula, and learn about Icelandic history in Borgarfjordur. This tour includes a 4x4 rental car, accommodation in standard hotels, and daily Icelandic breakfasts, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik (Arrival) (-/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport make your own way to the tour hotel.
Overnight at Reykjavik
Please note: Hotel check-in begins between 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)
Day 2: The Golden Circle And The South Shore (B/-/-)
Location: Golden Circle
Accommodation Name: hotel in the Vik area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel. Start your adventure by visiting the fascinating Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre. Youll get a great introduction to northern lights, how they are formed, and the folklore surrounding them. Youll also get tips about how to capture northern lights on film. Continue to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Continue to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring (and other geysers). Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Icelands South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik
Overnight in the Vik area
Day 3: Vatnajokull National Park (Skaftafell Area) (B/-/-)
Location: Vatnajokull National Park
Accommodation Name: hotel in Southeast Iceland or in the Hofn area
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europes largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe! Visit the national parks famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (make sure your camera is loaded and ready!) Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea
Overnight in Southeast Iceland or in the Hofn area
Day 4: The East Fjords (B/-/-)
Location: East Fjords
Accommodation Name: hotel in the Eastfjords area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready to enjoy some amazing views today! Drive through Almannaskard Pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to an area of towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that forms the magnificent East Fjords. Keep your hand on your camera and keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Here, youll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery and sample some of the beer. Youll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town. Drive to Egilsstadir town, located near Icelands largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. Egilsstadir is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine.
Overnight in the Eastfjords area
Day 5: Lake Myvantn Area (B/-/-)
Location: Lake Myvatn
Accommodation Name: hotel in the Myvatn area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europes largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard Pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. Its such a surreal experience! Please note: The visit to Dettifoss waterfall depends on weather and road conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. You will probably see why this area, especially during the wintertime, has been so popular for movie makers
Overnight stay in the Myvatn area
Day 6: Akureyri And The Troll Peninsula (B/-/-)
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: hotel in Northwest Iceland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir after your breakfast. The name means “Dark Citadels” in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland. Afterward, drive to Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. Enjoy a stop in Siglufjordur, a town set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Visit Siglufjordurs award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time. Afterward, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding
Overnight in Northwest Iceland
Day 7: Skagafjordur – Borgarnes (B/-/-)
Location: Borgarnes
Accommodation Name: hotel in the Borgarnes area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tolt. Icelandic horses are very important to the countrys history. These gentle horses are known as the Icelandic peoples most faithful servants. Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau, taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse landscapes and its Viking history.
Overnight in the Borgarnes area
Day 8: Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir - Reykjavik (B/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: hotel in Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today visit some of West Icelands beautiful natural wonders. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a brilliantly blue color. Drive through the scenic and mountain-lined Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Icelands largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the worlds oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterward, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colorful capital city.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 9: Reykjavik (Departure) – Usa / Canada (B/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today drive back to Keflavik International Airport to drop of your car rental. We recommend departing Reykjavik no later than 3 hours before your flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation in Standard hotels on twin sharing basis
Stay in standard hotels with twin sharing basis as listed or similar.
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8 Icelandic style breakfasts
Enjoy 8 Icelandic style breakfasts during your stay.
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Pick up and drop off at Keflavik International Airport
Pick up and drop off services at Keflavik International Airport are included.
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Rental car type: 4x4 Manual transmission
Rental car provided is a 4x4 Manual transmission (Nissan Juke 4WD Manual or similar).
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Unlimited mileage
The rental car comes with unlimited mileage.
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Theft Protection
The rental car includes theft protection, though unwaivable charges may apply.
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Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW)
The rental car includes Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW), though unwaivable charges may apply.
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All currently applicable local taxes
All currently applicable local taxes are included.
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips & gratuities
Expenses of personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
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Optional tours and activities
Optional tours and activities are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to various attractions are not included.
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Fuel and car deposits
Fuel and car deposits need to be paid locally and are not included.
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Items mentioned as being included
Only the items specifically mentioned as included are covered.
Mode of Transport
Pick up and drop off at Keflavik International Airport with a rental car (4x4 Manual transmission) including unlimited mileage, theft protection, and collision damage waiver reduction.
Accommodation
Accommodation in standard hotels on a twin-sharing basis throughout the tour, ensuring comfort and convenience at each stop.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of rental car is provided for the tour?
The rental car provided is a 4x4 Manual transmission, specifically a Nissan Juke 4WD Manual or a similar vehicle.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 8 Icelandic style breakfasts.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in standard hotels on a twin-sharing basis throughout the tour.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Is there any protection included with the rental car?
Yes, the rental car includes theft protection and Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW), though unwaivable charges may apply.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
No, airport transfers are not included in the tour.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include visiting the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre, Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal fields of Geysir, Vatnajokull National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
No, entrance fees to various attractions are not included in the tour.
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What should I be aware of regarding fuel and car deposits?
Fuel and car deposits need to be paid locally and are not included in the tour package.
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Is there any guidance on how to capture the Northern Lights on film?
Yes, during the visit to the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre, you will receive tips on how to capture the Northern Lights on film.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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