Iceland Express Self-Drive
8 Days
from
$2,200 per person, double occupancy*
Highlights:
Iceland
(Reykjavik, Vik i Myrdal, Hofn, Egilsstadir, Myvatyn, Akureyri)
Trip Start/End:
Reykjavik
/
Reykjavik
Discover the magical natural wonders, the majestic landscapes and the unique character of Iceland. This self-drive tour provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility to experience Iceland at your own pace. You will see and explore all major attractions around Iceland's main ring road, including the mighty Geysir and the spouting Strokkur hot springs, Waterfalls, National Parks and other nature wonders. The package include: accommodation with breakfast, rental car with CDW and Theft Protection, emergency phone line available 24/7 , detailed road map, road book in selected languages. Delivery of rental car on day 2 at hotel in Reykjavík.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Reykjavik
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (International) - Vehicle/Driver
- Arrival
- Lunch (not included)
- Welcome package
- Self-Guided - Discovering the City
- Dinner (not included)
| Grand Hotel Reykjavik (4*)
Standard (B)
|
- Day 2
- Reykjavik - Vik i Myrdal
| - Breakfast (included)
- Reykjavik - Vik i Myrdal [Self Drive to Pingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - South Shore] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: Boat Tour to Westman Islands
- Dinner (not included)
| Vik Hotel Edda (3*) or similar
Summer House
|
- Day 3
- Vik i Myrdal - Hofn
| - Breakfast (included)
- Vik i Myrdal - Hofn [Self Drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Skaftafell - Jökulsárlón ] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Boat
- Optional: Glacier Hike in Skaftafell Area
- Dinner (not included)
| Hofn (3*) or similar
Standard
|
- Day 4
- Hofn - Egilsstadir
| - Breakfast (included)
- Hofn - Egilsstadir [Self Drive to Djúpivogur - Reyðarfjörður] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: Boat Tour to Papey Island 4hrs - Boat
- Optional: Petra`s Stone Collection
- Dinner (not included)
| Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) or similar
Standard
|
- Day 5
- Egilsstadir - Húsavík - Myvatyn
| - Breakfast (included)
- Egilsstadir - Myvatyn [Self Drive to Dettifoss - Húsavík] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: Whale Watching Tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Gígur Hotel (3*) or similar
Standard
|
- Day 6
- Myvatyn - Akureyri
| - Breakfast (included)
- Myvatyn - Akureyri [Self Drive to Akureyri/Skagafjörður] -
- Lunch (included)
- Optional: Bird Museum Tour
- Dinner (included)
| Akureyri Hotel Edda (3*) or similar
Standard PLUS
|
- Day 7
- Akureyri - Hvammstangi - Reykjavik
| - Breakfast (included)
- Akureyri - Reykjavik [Self Drive to Varmahlíð - Reykholt - Borgarnes - Hvalfjörður ] -
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: River Rafting or Horse Riding in Skagafjörður - River Rafting
- Optional: Seal Watching
- Dinner (not included)
| Grand Hotel Reykjavik (4*)
Standard (B)
|
- Day 8
- Reykjavik
| - Transfer - Shared - Airport Transfer to City Centre - with Stop at Blue Lagoon (entrance fee are included) - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja church
Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Day 1: Reykjavik
Relax on your airport transfer in Reykjavik with a private vehicle and driver. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.
Arrival in Reykjavik, the Northernmost Capital in the World.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Take time to explore Reykjavik at leisure. Surrounded by sea, its waterfront paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll, some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. The city's northern waterfront is a popular area, with a beautiful view of Reykjavik's landmark mountain, Mt. Esja. The city is an intimate size with a big personality and some striking landmarks, including mountains, beautiful buildings both old and modern, a lake and intriguing sculptures. City Hall is an impressive building on the northern shore of Lake Tjornin; stark and modern, it is the neural centre of Reykjavik, connecting nature, water and bird life to the centre of town. Hallgrimskirkja church, the largest church in Iceland, is Reykjavik's main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Hofdi House, built in 1909, might be one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Reykjavik. It is best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature, and is only a few minutes away from the city by boat. Archaeological excavations have disclosed the fact that the island was inhabited already in the 10th century. In more modern times, the Imagine Peace Tower was inaugurated on the island and is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon on what would have been his 67th birthday.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Reykjavik (4*) Grand Hotel Reykjavík (4*) is the largest hotel in Iceland with a total of 314 rooms. All of the hotel rooms are very spacious and equipped with first-class amenities, including an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower, large beds, satellite TV, mini-bar, hair dryer, iron & iron board, coffee & tea maker and a safe. Rooms with facilities for disabled persons are also available, and adjoining rooms (walk-through) are available upon request. The first-class à la Carte restaurant, Brasserie Grand, offers a varied menu to suit every need.
Vik i Myrdal
Vík Hotel Edda
Day 2: Reykjavik - Vik i Myrdal
Today's highlights include Þingvellir National Park a place of great geological and historical interest, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot-spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches around Vík and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Approximate mileage:ca. 310km/193 miles.
Enjoy a boat tour around the islands, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and seabirds. The volcanic eruption in the Westman Islands in year 1973 is, without doubt, considered the largest natural disaster in Iceland in recent history. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary. This tour is optional and can be purchased locally.
Accommodation: Vik Hotel Edda (3*) or similar The Vík Hotel Edda (3*) benefits from a superb location on the south coast of Iceland. The hotel is a comfortable cozy accommodation in the town of Vik i Mydral. A short distance away, guests can view the stunning Myrdalsjokull glacier and the small peninsula of Dyrholaey. This welcoming hotel offers modern standards of comfort and amenities, allowing for a great vacation on Iceland.
Hofn
Self drive in the south
Hotel Hofn
Day 3: Vik i Myrdal - Hofn
Drive through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestling below the great Vatnajökull glacier surrounded by black desert sands. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and onwards to the charming harbor town Höfn known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Approximate mileage: ca. 270 km / 168 miles.
Enjoy the beautiful south shore of Iceland to the extraordinary glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. You will pass charming villages in the south as well as the Skaftafell National Park before reaching the lagoon. Once there, enjoy a stunning boat tour floating past large blocks of ice that have broken off of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The tour includes a Boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Glacier hike in Skaftafell area is an awe-inspiring place, with incredible mountains reaching for the sky and enormous glaciers stretching out in all directions. If you are looking for breathtaking views, great hiking and unforgettable glacier trips, this is certainly Iceland's top location. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Accommodation: Hofn (3*) or similar Höfn Hotel (3*) was founded in the year 1966 and is one of the better established hotels in the country. It's located in the center of town and has a breathtaking view over the magnificent glaciers, the circle of mountains and the fjord. Hótel Höfn has 68 comfortable rooms all equipped with a TV, radio, telephone, computer access and a private bath. A dining room/board room, seating 140 guests is situated at the top floor. A smaller restaurant "Ósinn" featuring courses such as pizza, steak and lobster is on the ground floor. The hotel has a bar and great facilities for conferences and all kinds of gatherings.
Egilsstadir
Hérad Icelandairhotel
Day 4: Hofn - Egilsstadir
Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with towering mountains and charming fishing villages. Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles.
On the way you have the option of taking a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Visit Petra's famous collection of local stones and minerals at Stöðvarfjörður. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary. This tour is optional and can be purchased locally.
Accommodation: Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) or similar The Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) is located in the thriving centre of Egilsstadir, an area that continues to grow. The three-storey hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a break in Iceland and explore some of the eastern region’s natural, awe-inspiring sights. Well-equipped, stylish rooms offer a relaxing stay and a great night’s sleep and there’s always the chance for dining, as well as socialising, in the superb restaurant and bar. The balcony is the perfect place to drink in the unforgettable hues of the midnight sun.
Dettifoss 
Gígur Hotel
Day 5: Egilsstadir - Húsavík - Myvatyn
Travel across Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark, untouched beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi. Drive onwards to Tjörnes peninsula and the friendly Húsavík fishing port. Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles
Experience the original Húsavík Whale Watching tour that has given the town the reputation of being Europe's whale watching capital. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Accommodation: Gígur Hotel (3*) or similar Hotel Gigur (3*) is situated in one of Iceland´s most popular and beautiful tourist attractions, on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn. The hotel has 38 comfortable rooms, all with private bathrooms and magnificent dining rooms, with a fantastic view over the lake. Hotel guests and other diners can choose from a number of delectable meals from the a la carte menu. The hotel also has a bar and a lounge.
Akureyri
Akureyri Hotel Edda
Day 6: Myvatyn - Akureyri
Explore highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colorful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcanic area. Drive to Goðafoss waterfall, the capital of the north Akureyri or Skagafjörður area. Approximate mileage: ca. 130 km / 81 miles.
The bird museum is located on the farm Ytri-Neslönd beside Lake Myvatn. Sigurgeir’s bird museum is considered the largest known private bird collection in Iceland. There is a multi-lingual computer guide to Iceland's birds, a shop with refreshments, bird books are available, there is a logbook of recent sightings, telescopes are set up to watch the birds on the lake and a remote camera displays live wildlife images from one of the lake's islands. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Accommodation: Akureyri Hotel Edda (3*) or similar The Hotel Edda in Akureyri (3*) is located in the student residence of the Akureyri High School, in the heart of the town. It is ideal for those who are looking for good accommodation and service at a reasonable price. This year the hotel adds 122 new rooms, all with TV, telephone and private bath.
Borgarfjörður area
Day 7: Akureyri - Hvammstangi - Reykjavik
Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær a great example of old Icelandic architecture. Continue to the bay of Húnaflói and across Holtavörðuheiði plateau, enter Borgarfjörður area. Another option is to travel across the barren Kjölur highland road (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), to the geothermal oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavík. Approximate mileage: ca. 490 km / 305 miles.
River rafting or horse riding in Skagafjörður. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Seal watching from Havammstangi. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Reykjavik (4*) Day 8: Reykjavik
Enjoy a shared transfer with a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik. This transfer departs at multiple times throughout the day. Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is Included.
There is a secure location to store your luggage while at the Lagoon. Also, lockers are available in the change rooms.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Grand Hotel Reykjavík
Grand Hotel Reykjavik (4*) - Reykjavik
Grand Hotel Reykjavík (4*) is the largest hotel in Iceland with a total of 314 rooms. All of the hotel rooms are very spacious and equipped with first-class amenities, including an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower, large beds, satellite TV, mini-bar, hair dryer, iron & iron board, coffee & tea maker and a safe. Rooms with facilities for disabled persons are also available, and adjoining rooms (walk-through) are available upon request. The first-class à la Carte restaurant, Brasserie Grand, offers a varied menu to suit every need.
- Vík Hotel Edda
Vik Hotel Edda (3*) or similar - Vik i Myrdal
The Vík Hotel Edda (3*) benefits from a superb location on the south coast of Iceland. The hotel is a comfortable cozy accommodation in the town of Vik i Mydral. A short distance away, guests can view the stunning Myrdalsjokull glacier and the small peninsula of Dyrholaey. This welcoming hotel offers modern standards of comfort and amenities, allowing for a great vacation on Iceland.
- Hotel Hofn
Hofn (3*) or similar - Hofn
Höfn Hotel (3*) was founded in the year 1966 and is one of the better established hotels in the country. It's located in the center of town and has a breathtaking view over the magnificent glaciers, the circle of mountains and the fjord. Hótel Höfn has 68 comfortable rooms all equipped with a TV, radio, telephone, computer access and a private bath. A dining room/board room, seating 140 guests is situated at the top floor. A smaller restaurant "Ósinn" featuring courses such as pizza, steak and lobster is on the ground floor. The hotel has a bar and great facilities for conferences and all kinds of gatherings.
- Hérad Icelandairhotel
Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) or similar - Egilsstadir
The Hérad Icelandairhotel (3*) is located in the thriving centre of Egilsstadir, an area that continues to grow. The three-storey hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a break in Iceland and explore some of the eastern region’s natural, awe-inspiring sights. Well-equipped, stylish rooms offer a relaxing stay and a great night’s sleep and there’s always the chance for dining, as well as socialising, in the superb restaurant and bar. The balcony is the perfect place to drink in the unforgettable hues of the midnight sun.
- Gígur Hotel
Gígur Hotel (3*) or similar - Myvatyn
Hotel Gigur (3*) is situated in one of Iceland´s most popular and beautiful tourist attractions, on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn. The hotel has 38 comfortable rooms, all with private bathrooms and magnificent dining rooms, with a fantastic view over the lake. Hotel guests and other diners can choose from a number of delectable meals from the a la carte menu. The hotel also has a bar and a lounge.
- Akureyri Hotel Edda
Akureyri Hotel Edda (3*) or similar - Akureyri
The Hotel Edda in Akureyri (3*) is located in the student residence of the Akureyri High School, in the heart of the town. It is ideal for those who are looking for good accommodation and service at a reasonable price. This year the hotel adds 122 new rooms, all with TV, telephone and private bath.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Iceland
VISA/PASSPORT
Iceland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Iceland for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/iceland.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Reykjavík.
Government: Republic. Gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.
Language: The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.
Religion: Lutheran, with a Catholic minority.
Time: GMT.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin.
Telephone: Country code +354.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: Many Internet cafes can be found, especially in Reykjavík.
What's Included:
- Private airport transfers, accommodation with breakfast, rental car with CDW and Theft Protection, emergency phone line available 24/7 , detailed road map and road book in selected languages
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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