Discover the ever-changing beauty of glaciers with opportunities to explore on – and in &#8211; ice caps. If you have a week to travel and want to experience the splendor of Icelandic glaciers, this is your trip!
Winter in Iceland is ideal for experiencing the majesty of glaciers. Experience Vatnajokull glacier’s ever-changing angles and enjoy great photo opportunities. Indulge your inner explorer and take optional tours bringing you onto &#8211; and even inside &#8211; a glacier! Visit the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, along with the impressive volcanic and glacial natural wonders of Borgarfjordur and Snæfellsjokull National Park. Overnight in glacial locations with fabulous backdrops for northern lights.
Recommended Car Type: Category 1.3 (Suzuki Swift 4WD or similar) or higher
Great add-ons/Options (Subject to availability)
<ul>
<li>Upgrade your insurance protection with the new Full Coverage option (includes Super Collision and Damages Waiver, Windshield Protection, Gravel Damage, Tires and Wheels, Sand and Ash Protection).</li>
<li>Make your experience in Iceland even more unique with our Boutique Hotel and Lodges accommodation.  Enjoy hand-picked charmingly cool and comfortable places that reflect Iceland’s fascinating nature, adventure and culture.</li>
<li>Travel green in Iceland with the Green Collection of electric and hybrid cars. Charging stations are located around the country.</li>
</ul>

Winter

Glorious Glaciers and Northern Lights

Road Trips

Day 1

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you to explore the unique Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.
Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge dividing the European and North American tectonic plates cuts through the area. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.
Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!
Travel to your hotel in Reykjavik and check-in. Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles (If you visit Reykjanes on the way:95 km / 55 miles)

Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula

Day 2

Whale Fjord – Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring – Magical waterfalls
Today, head to the scenic Borgarfjordur region via the Hvalfjordur tunnel (if you don’t want to take the tunnel, you can take the scenic coastal road instead (adds additional 17 km / 10 miles to the trip). Borgarfjordur is a popular area among locals from Reykjavik, who enjoy coming here for holidays. It’s also been gaining popularity with international visitors for its exotic landscapes and Viking history. We suggest a stop in Borgarnes town where you can learn about the first Viking settlers in the area at the popular Settlement Museum. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs, the beautiful Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where melted water from a glacier flows through interesting lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss (the Children’s Falls) and its brilliant blue waters. Near Deildartunguhver you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma natural geothermal baths. Krauma is known for its “fire and ice” experience since it combines Deildartunguhver’s hot spring waters with cool spring water that originates from the mountains.
Tonight, you are well situated to catch a glimpse of the famous northern lights, if Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area (2 nights).

Reykjavik to Borgarfjordur

Day 3

Langjokull Glacier and Icelandic Sagas OR Snaefellsnes and Snaefellsjokull National Park
Today you can choose to continue to explore the marvelous Borgarfjordur region, or you can visit the scenic Snaefellnes Peninsula. Each area has something to offer.
Borgarfjordur: Here’s a hidden gem filled with enchanting volcanic scenery, glacial views, and Viking age history. Langjokull glacier offers exciting adventures such as exploring an ice cave and tunnel built into the icy-blue heart of the glacier. Start with an adventurous ride up the glacier in a monstrous 18-wheeled vehicle. Once in the tunnel, you’ll view a glacier from the inside and learn how these icy wonders are formed. Another interesting area activity is a guided visit to the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave. Another beautiful place to visit is the scenic Husafell nature area. An exotic experience is a guided winter hike to the Husafell Canyon Baths, stone-lined hot pools in the secluded highlands.
Snaefellsnes: This peninsula is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” because it contains so many different types of Icelandic landscape in one location. Give yourself an early start since there is so much you can see in this beautiful area. We recommend you stop at the wind tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. The beautiful Snaefellsjokull glacier-volcano is the crown jewel of the peninsula. Legends say that the mountain is home to a benevolent half-troll guardian. Drive along the north coast through bustling fishing villages, stopping to look at Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in the country.
Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Borgarfjordur – Langjokull Glacier OR Snaefellsnes

Day 4

National Park with Geological Wonders – The Golden Falls – Spouting Geysers
Today you’ll be visiting some of Iceland’s best-known national wonders! Head for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the world&#8217;s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also the meeting point of the tectonic plates that divide the North American and European continents, giving you the rare chance to take a walk between two continents. Visit the quirky geothermal fields of Geysir. Stroll along a footpath around colorful bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. The most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts about every ten minutes. Then visit the dramatic, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade.
Afterwards, drive along winter country roads to your overnight in South Iceland. If nature co-operates, you might glimpse some northern lights!
Overnight in the Hella or Hvollsvollur area.

The Golden Circle

Day 5

Thundering Waterfall – Black Sand Beaches – Sea Cliffs &amp; Stone Arches
Travel along the south coast, one of Iceland’s main farming areas. You’ll see many farms and shaggy haired herds of Icelandic horses as you head along the Ring Road. See the magnificent waterfall Skogafoss, site of hidden treasure. (Make sure you have your camera ready- Skogafoss makes a fantastic backdrop for a selfie). Nearby is Skogar Folk Museum, well known throughout Iceland for being the best of its kind with a collection of mementos from this region’s past housed in beautifully preserved old turf-roofed buildings. Make a stop in pretty Vik village. Nearby you can admire stunning views of a black sand beach and the black basalt columns of Reynisdrangar. 
You’ll also see glaciers from the road, including Myrdalsjokull and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull. The road leads alongside Vatnajokull as you head to your overnight in Southeast Iceland.
Overnight in the Hofn area.

Waterfalls and Glacial Horizons

Day 6

Vatnajokull Glacier – Western Europe’s Largest National Park – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs 
Today is perfect for exploring glacial wonders in Vatnajokull National Park, Western Europe&#8217;s largest national park. Start with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where blue, white, turquoise, and black-streaked icebergs shift and dance. The mystical lagoon is enormous and has been the backdrop for many major feature films and programs. It is a special place for photographers who enjoy the challenge of catching the icebergs in just the right light conditions. If you want a different glacial lagoon photography experience, the Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon is beautiful and often has fewer visitors.
Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area where icebergs rest on black sand. It has become a famous site for Instagrammers.
Visit Vatnajokull National Park’s majestic Skaftafell area, which is located between two glaciers and offers several winter hiking possibilities. Depending on your schedule, Skaftafell is an excellent place to try a guided hike on a glacier. There are few better ways to really get close to a glacier and learn about their formation.
Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Glacial Wonders

Day 7

Amazing Waterfall – Volcanic View – Geothermal Village
Drive along the scenic south coast back to the west. Visit Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that you can walk behind (subject to trail conditions). You’ll also be passing through landscapes impacted by Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. If the skies are clear, you might even get a glimpse of the glacier-crowned volcano.
The Bobby Fischer Center in Selfoss is dedicated to the world-famous American chess master who defeated Russian Boris Spatsky in the 1972 Match of All Time in Iceland. Bobby Fischer lived his last years in Iceland and is buried in a nearby cemetery. (During the winter, you can call in advance to make an appointment to visit the museum).
The town of Hveragerdi is great to take a break and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere. Hveragerdi is famous for its geothermal greenhouses where flowers and vegetables are grown year-round. The town has several charming restaurants featuring local cuisine, as well as a small geothermal park.
Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon/early evening.
Overnight in Reykjavik.

South Coast to Reykjavik

Day 8

Return to Keflavik International Airport 
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport**. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and the check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.
If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.
**Please note that the package price is based on 7 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 8, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 7-day rental is up and use our airport transfer.

Departure from Iceland

Experience a week of natural wonders during peak northern lights season. Explore Iceland’s famous south and south-west, the perfect setting for glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches and geysers.
What’s better than spending a week exploring natural wonders? It’s discovering natural wonders during prime northern lights viewing season! Drive the dramatic coastlines of Iceland’s volcanic south and southwest, discovering the glaciers, black sand beaches, and glorious waterfalls. View the major natural wonders that have made Iceland famous, enhanced by the beautiful lights and shadows of an Arctic winter.
Recommended Car Type: Category 1.3 (Suzuki Swift 4WD or similar) or higher 4WD vehicle
Great add-ons/Options (Subject to availability)
<ul>
<li>Upgrade your insurance protection with the new Full Coverage option (includes Super Collision and Damages Waiver, Windshield Protection, Gravel Damage, Tires and Wheels, Sand and Ash Protection).</li>
<li>Make your experience in Iceland even more unique with our Boutique Hotel and Lodges accommodation.  Enjoy hand-picked charmingly cool and comfortable places that reflect Iceland’s fascinating nature, adventure and culture.</li>
<li>Travel green in Iceland with the Green Collection of electric and hybrid cars. Charging stations are located around the country.</li>
</ul>

Glacial Adventure

Indulge yourself and enjoy South and West Iceland’s natural wonders, Viking history and suggested culinary delights on this popular winter self-drive.
Iceland’s fall and winter are the best times of the year to enjoy tasty local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Fall harvests and winter festivals result in delicious seasonal delights. Iceland’s dramatic southern coastline is full of epic stops including monstrous waterfalls and glaciers just off the main road. West Iceland’s highlights include unique lava formations, the inspiring Snæfellsjokull glacier-volcano and places of historical significance from the Sagas. We’ve even suggested culinary stops in each area, based on our staff recommendations.
Recommended Car Type: Category 1.3 (Suzuki Swift 4WD or similar) or higher
Great add-ons/Options (Subject to availability)
<ul>
<li>Upgrade your insurance protection with the new Full Coverage option (includes Super Collision and Damages Waiver, Windshield Protection, Gravel Damage, Tires and Wheels, Sand and Ash Protection).</li>
<li>Make your experience in Iceland even more unique with our Boutique Hotel and Lodges accommodation.  Enjoy hand-picked charmingly cool and comfortable places that reflect Iceland’s fascinating nature, adventure and culture.</li>
<li>Travel green in Iceland with the Green Collection of electric and hybrid cars. Charging stations are located around the country.</li>
</ul>