Iceland Glacial Exploration & Auroras
The breathtaking winter landscape awaits
Experience the glacial wonders of Iceland with this 7-night getaway! You'll start in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, then travel throughout the most scenic parts of the country with your included rental car.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Automatic transmission 4WD rental car for 7 days* with GPS system, complimentary insurance for an additional driver, CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage and VAT
- Accommodations in hotels as listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel Reykjavik
- 2 nights in the Borgarfjordur area at the Fosshotel Reykholt
- 1 night in Southwest Iceland at the Fosshotel Hekla
- 1 night in the Hofn area at the Hofn Hotel
- 1 night in the the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel Reykjavik
- Daily breakfast (excluding arrival day)
- Tablet with travel app called Iceland Travel Companion (picked up at Keflavik airport with your car rental) - including detailed description of your journey with hotel itinerary and GPS road guide to each hotel; a map view of your trip; information on nature sites, historic places and roadside services; safety guidelines; and a detailed pdf travel book about Iceland, in English and multiple languages
- Emergency phone line available 24/7
- Service fees & taxes
*Please note that the package price is based on seven 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 necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 7 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.
*Must be 23 years of age to rent a car.
Want to include a Snowmobiling Tour & Glacier Walking Tour? Check out our Iceland Winter Adventure: Snowmobiling & Glacier Walks!
Great Ways to Explore
-
Chase the northern lights with Iceland's natural wonders as your backdrop.
- Explore culturally-rich Reykjavik and treat yourself to a typical Icelandic meal.
-
Explore the glacial phenomenons in Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest national park.
-
Discover the glaciers and geysers sprinkled throughout the country.
-
Treat yourself to a taste of the produce grown in Iceland's famous geothermal greenhouses!
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guide vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away.
Winter in Iceland is a fantastic season to experience the majestic might of glaciers. These powers of nature have forcefully carved Iceland‘s landscape on their ponderous march to the sea.This self-drive vacation gives more time in prime glacial areas, so you can truly experience the magic of this phenomenon.
Discover the glaciers’ evolving beauty and their importance to both Iceland and the world. Drive on roads paralleling Europe‘s largest glacier, experiencing its ever-changing angles and fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a glacial wonderland in a new national park. Indulge your inner explorer and join tours bringing you onto -- and even inside -- the heart of a glacier. You‘ll also experience the Golden Circle as well as Viking Saga locales and the impressive glacier-fueled natural wonders of the Borgarfjordur region. Overnight in stunning locations that make a fabulous backdrop for elusive northern lights.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Automatic transmission 4WD rental car for 7 days* with GPS system, complimentary insurance for an additional driver, CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage and VAT
- Accommodations in hotels as listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel Reykjavik
- 2 nights in the Borgarfjordur area at the Fosshotel Reykholt
- 1 night in Southwest Iceland at the Fosshotel Hekla
- 1 night in the Hofn area at the Hofn Hotel
- 1 night in the the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel Reykjavik
- Daily breakfast (excluding arrival day)
- Tablet with travel app called Iceland Travel Companion (picked up at Keflavik airport with your car rental) - including detailed description of your journey with hotel itinerary and GPS road guide to each hotel; a map view of your trip; information on nature sites, historic places and roadside services; safety guidelines; and a detailed pdf travel book about Iceland, in English and multiple languages
- Emergency phone line available 24/7
- Service fees & taxes
*Please note that the package price is based on seven 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 necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 7 day rental is up, and use a departure shuttle transfer instead.
*Must be 23 years of age to rent a car.
Want to include a Snowmobiling Tour & Glacier Walking Tour? Check out our Iceland Winter Adventure: Snowmobiling & Glacier Walks!
-
Chase the northern lights with Iceland's natural wonders as your backdrop.
- Explore culturally-rich Reykjavik and treat yourself to a typical Icelandic meal.
-
Explore the glacial phenomenons in Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest national park.
-
Discover the glaciers and geysers sprinkled throughout the country.
-
Treat yourself to a taste of the produce grown in Iceland's famous geothermal greenhouses!
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guide vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away.
Winter in Iceland is a fantastic season to experience the majestic might of glaciers. These powers of nature have forcefully carved Iceland‘s landscape on their ponderous march to the sea.This self-drive vacation gives more time in prime glacial areas, so you can truly experience the magic of this phenomenon.
Discover the glaciers’ evolving beauty and their importance to both Iceland and the world. Drive on roads paralleling Europe‘s largest glacier, experiencing its ever-changing angles and fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a glacial wonderland in a new national park. Indulge your inner explorer and join tours bringing you onto -- and even inside -- the heart of a glacier. You‘ll also experience the Golden Circle as well as Viking Saga locales and the impressive glacier-fueled natural wonders of the Borgarfjordur region. Overnight in stunning locations that make a fabulous backdrop for elusive northern lights.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Reykjavik!
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your rental car and start your Iceland experience! Proceed to your hotel in Reykjavik, and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, exploring this vibrant capital city.
Fosshotel ReykjavÃk is Iceland’s largest hotel in the heart of the city, where you can easily explore ReykjavÃk's magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture. Fosshotel ReykjavÃk is located at Höfðatorg, a short walk from Höfði House where the famous ReykjavÃk summit between Gorbachev and Reagan took place in 1986.
Stylish and contemporary, the interior design is dominated by warm, natural materials that make the guests feel right at home. Unwind at the beer garden with local Icelandic draught beer and enjoy select dining at Fosshotel ReykjavÃk's restaurant, Haust or enjoy access to the hotels' modern gym. Rooms are sleek and modern and offer complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions.
Wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of unspoiled nature all around you at this newly refurbished and certified Green Hotel. The Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel features 220 well-equipped, tastefully decorated guestrooms that boast artwork and design inspired by Iceland's natural surroundings - water, geothermal energy, moss, lava and glaciers. Indulge in true Icelandic cuisine at the hotel's very own Satt restaurant, known for its fresh, simply prepared food sourced from the best local farmers and fisherman. Enjoy your meal in the warmly decorated restaurant, or get some fresh air and eat outside on the patio -- don't worry, there are outdoor heaters.
Taking inspiration from Iceland's unique surroundings and natural resources, the acclaimed Soley Natura Spa uses organic products to offer pampering, tailor-made treatments in a luxurious setting. Find peace in the spa's tranquil yoga room or take a pleasant swim in the salt water relaxation pool. When it's time for adventure, you won't have to travel far. Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel is located in the middle of the capital's most popular natural attractions such as Skerjafjordur, Oskjuhlid, and Nautholsvik, so bundle up and get exploring. After a day of activity, grab a hot drink and cozy up in front of the hotel's large fireplace. If you're not ready for the day to be over, just take a look at the hotel's activity calendar and keep the fun going with things like movie nights and bedtime stories.
Day 2. Reykjavik - Reykholt
 Whale Fjord – Hot Spring – Magical Waterfalls
After breakfast head to scenic Borgarfjordur via the impressive Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord) and its intriguing undersea tunnel (tunnel toll is extra). If you don´t want to take the tunnel, you can take the scenic coastal road instead (which adds an additional 10 miles to the trip).
Drive through 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, as well as two beautiful waterfalls, Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (the Children´s Falls). Near Deildartunguhver you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma natural geothermal spa.Â
Approximate driving distance: 63 milesA Tip For Your Trip: Tonight you are well situated to catch a glimpse of the famous northern lights, if Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
Check-in - Fosshotel Reykholt
Enjoy the tranquility of Iceland's breathtaking countryside during your stay at the Fosshotel Reykholt. This charming country hotel offers 53 spacious rooms as well as on-site amenities to make your stay in picturesque Reykholt a vacation of a lifetime. Explore the surrounding lava fields or waterfalls in the morning, then enjoy a bite at the on-site restaurant in the evening! After a full day of adventuring, you can melt your stresses away with a dip at the hotel's outdoor hot tub or with a drink at the bar.
Day 3. Reykholt
Borgarafjordur Valley and Langjokull GlacierÂ
Today, explore the Borgarfjordur valley region and nearby areas. If you´re interested in culture, visit nearby Reykholt, home of a medieval chieftain who penned some of Iceland‘s greatest Sagas. You can also visit scenic Husafell and stroll on paths with colorful stone paintings created by a local artist.
Approximate driving distance: 31 miles
Day 4. Reykholt - Southwest Iceland
The Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir
Today, visit the must-see sites in Iceland! Start with Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), famous for its history and geological wonders, located by Iceland's largest lake, Lake Thingvallavatn. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates!
Then move onward to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, formed by the waters of a glacial river. Here you’ll see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down in double falls into a deep canyon. Continue to the Geysir hot spring area where bubbling hot springs and geysers are abundant. Here you'll find also Strokkur, the most active geyser in the area, spouting up to 80-100 feet. Overnight in the Hella/Hvolsvollur area.
Approximate driving distance: 180 miles
Check-in - Fosshotel Hekla
Situated close to Mount Hekla in Southern Iceland, Fosshotel Hekla is the perfect base for your stay in Iceland's southern countryside. The hotel is located near some of the country's most stunning sights including volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Fimmvörðuháls. Start your days off with a meal at the on-site restaurant Faxi, which uses produce hand-delivered by local farmers. Retreat to your cozy room at night equipped with bathrobes, slippers and coffee and tea making facilities for nights when you want to stay in. Gaze up in wonder at the Northern Lights from the hotel's hot tub!
Day 5. Southwest Iceland - Southern Iceland
Waterfalls and Glacial Horizons
Your travels today will take you along the south coast, one of Iceland's main farming areas. You'll see many farms and shaggy herds of Icelandic horses as you head along the Ring Road.
View the magnificent Skogarfoss Waterfall, then proceed to Vik village where you can admire stunning views of a black sand beach and the black basalt columns of Reynisdrangar. Overnight in the Hofn area.
Approximate driving distance: 270 miles
Check-in - Hotel Hofn
Surround yourself with beautiful nature at Hotel Hofn, a charming hotel with unparalleled views of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Hofn, a fishing village on the southeastern coast of Iceland that's famous for its delicious Icelandic lobster. Each of the beautifully designed rooms feature custom furnishings, comfortable beds and high quality bedding. Wake up to a hearty breakfast of homemade baked goods, then in the evening taste the freshest seafood at Ósinn Restaurant.Â
Day 6. Southern Iceland
Glacial Wonders
Explore the glacial wonders in Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest national park. Visit the park's majestic Skaftafell area, which is located between two glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities.
Continue to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where blue, white, turquoise and black-streaked icebergs shift and dance. Don‘t forget to keep an eye out for seals resting amid the glaciers! Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.Â
Approximate driving distance: 125 miles
Check-in - Hotel Klaustur
The Icelandair Hotel Klaustur is situated in a rural location in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland. Known for its excellent customer service and first-rate catering, the hotel is the ideal place to take in the area's good weather and spectacular surroundings. On warm days, you can take in the property from a sunny spot on the hotel's terrace with something to sip and snack. Explore the surrounding glaciers near the hotel, take a trip to the peaceful Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, adventure through Skaftafell National Park, or enjoy off-roading and hiking nearby.
Day 7. Southern Iceland - Reykjavik
Drive along the scenic south coast back to the west. On your way, make a stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that you can actually walk behind!
You´ll also be passing through the landscape of the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. You may want to visit the new Lava Centre, an interactive exhibit where you can learn about how powerful volcanoes and earthquakes have formed Iceland.You'll also want to make a stop in Hveragerdi, a hot spring village famous for its geothermal greenhouses where flowers and vegetables are grown year-round. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon/early evening.
Approximate driving distance: 214 miles
A Tip For Your Trip: Note: the Thorvaldseyri Volcano Visitor Center is closed in December and on the weekends in January.
Fosshotel ReykjavÃk is Iceland’s largest hotel in the heart of the city, where you can easily explore ReykjavÃk's magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture. Fosshotel ReykjavÃk is located at Höfðatorg, a short walk from Höfði House where the famous ReykjavÃk summit between Gorbachev and Reagan took place in 1986.
Stylish and contemporary, the interior design is dominated by warm, natural materials that make the guests feel right at home. Unwind at the beer garden with local Icelandic draught beer and enjoy select dining at Fosshotel ReykjavÃk's restaurant, Haust or enjoy access to the hotels' modern gym. Rooms are sleek and modern and offer complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions.
Wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of unspoiled nature all around you at this newly refurbished and certified Green Hotel. The Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel features 220 well-equipped, tastefully decorated guestrooms that boast artwork and design inspired by Iceland's natural surroundings - water, geothermal energy, moss, lava and glaciers. Indulge in true Icelandic cuisine at the hotel's very own Satt restaurant, known for its fresh, simply prepared food sourced from the best local farmers and fisherman. Enjoy your meal in the warmly decorated restaurant, or get some fresh air and eat outside on the patio -- don't worry, there are outdoor heaters.
Taking inspiration from Iceland's unique surroundings and natural resources, the acclaimed Soley Natura Spa uses organic products to offer pampering, tailor-made treatments in a luxurious setting. Find peace in the spa's tranquil yoga room or take a pleasant swim in the salt water relaxation pool. When it's time for adventure, you won't have to travel far. Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel is located in the middle of the capital's most popular natural attractions such as Skerjafjordur, Oskjuhlid, and Nautholsvik, so bundle up and get exploring. After a day of activity, grab a hot drink and cozy up in front of the hotel's large fireplace. If you're not ready for the day to be over, just take a look at the hotel's activity calendar and keep the fun going with things like movie nights and bedtime stories.
Day 8. Depart Iceland
Your vacation comes to an end today. Please be prepared to leave the hotel about 4 hours before the departure of your flight, to allow time to drop off your rental car at the airport.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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