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Vacations with Personality

AROUND ICELAND

Self-Drive Tour

10 days / 9 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • Additional Fees
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 10 days / 9 nights Airline
Take this best-selling trip and enjoy a well-paced itinerary that lets you really enjoy the best of Iceland’s natural wonders. You’ll have ample time to cover all the great “hot spots” without the hassle of spending too much time driving. Enjoy visiting national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, magnificent volcanoes, and hot spring areas. 

A highlight of this trip is the extra time built in to discover the many unforgettable volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland.

We Support Iceland’s Nature and Local Communities! All our self-drive tours include carbon offsetting through Kolviður, the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF).

Winter Travel Information
We are happy to now offer you the possibility of booking this tour for winter travel. Icelanders drive around Iceland in winter, and your clients can, too! But your clients should be aware of the road conditions and unpredictable weather during Iceland’s winter wonderland season. They should be comfortable with driving in snowy, windy, and icy conditions. Iceland Travel has implemented steps to ensure the safety of your client, and we will keep them updated on any weather changes that might affect their itinerary along their route. We will cover any cost for hotels that need to be changed or canceled if roads must close due to bad weather.

We’ll watch over your clients, and they can always reach us via the 24-hour emergency line.

Recommended For: First time visitors to Iceland, explorers, photography buffs, national Parks visitors
Interests: Natural wonders, geology, birdwatching (late April/early May - August), Ring Road travel
Season: Year-round
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Recommended Car Type: 
From May 1st. 2025 to September 30, 2025, in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs):
- The car included on your reservation will be a VW Golf 2.6 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people - hatchback trunk for maximum 3 suitcases.

From October 1st. 2024 to September 30, 2025, in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs)
- The car included on your reservation will be a KIA SPORTAGE 5.1 Medium 4WD or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people, medium trunk for maximum 3 suitcases.
- The car included on your reservation will be a Toyota Land Cruiser 7.1 4WD or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people, large trunk for maximum 5 suitcases

From May 1st. 2024 to September 30, 2025, in Quality Accommodations (from 6 - 9 paxs):
- The vehicle included on your reservation will be a VW Caravelle 9.4 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 4 doors, 9 seats - maximum 9 pax, 4 x 4 Full Size Van

Here’s What You Get
• Discover flexible, stress-free travelling with pre booked flights, hotel nights, and rental car, plus our comprehensive electronic road book.
• Enjoy Iceland Travel App with many points of interest to help you plan your day.
• Take advantage of one of Iceland's most experienced incoming agencies. We plan routes that combine driving with good time to explore each area.
• We focus on safety with the best cars and itineraries for road conditions in each season. We also have a 24-hour emergency line if issues arise during your visit.
• Get the most out of your trip with plenty of time to cover all the major Ring Road attractions
• Explore all Iceland's main attractions in the Golden Circle and along the South Shore
• Visit two world-famous national parks: Þingvellir and Vatnajökull
• Discover the amazing variety of volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities with two nights in the Mývatn Nature Reserve

Highlights
One of our most popular itineraries! Follow the Ring Road and fully explore the best of Iceland, including national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, and more.
This best-selling trip gives you a well-paced itinerary. Follow the Ring Road and fully explore the best of Iceland’s national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, hot springs and more. A highlight is the extra time built in to discover the many unforgettable volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland.

. Departure flight onboard Play on a direct flight from Hamilton Airport to Keflavik Airport on selected flight class (*)
- One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked included when booked on Play Value or Play Flex categories.
· Rented car in selected category.
· Accommodation on the selected room category and plan.
· 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
· Option to buy local excursions and entrances to attractions.
· Return flight from Keflavik Airport to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight to destination.

Prices are per person, per car and room accommodation.

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plain excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.



The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day: 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive on time for your departure from Hamilton Airport to Iceland, 
Hop aboard your Play Airlines flight and brace yourself for the adventure!



Tour day #2 photo
Day: 1 ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE.
Once you have landed at Keflavík 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 take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavík. 
 
Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of eruptions between 2021 and 2024. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. 

Reykjanes is also 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! 

1.10 – 30.4: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavík, the colourful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavík. (Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 95 km / 55 miles) 
1.5 – 30.9: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerði for your overnight stay. 

This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus. 

Overnight in Hveragerði. (Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles)

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).



Tour day #3 photo
Day: 2 Hveragerði – Geysir – Þingvellir – Borgarfjörður Geysers – Gullfoss Waterfall – National Park with Geological Wonders.
Geysers – Gullfoss Waterfall – National Park with Geological Wonders 

Enjoy a day visiting the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. Visit Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. 

Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Drive through the scenic area of Hvalfjörður fjord to Borgarfjörður, a region known for its Viking-age history and beautiful glacier-carved landscapes. Borgarfjörður is a popular local getaway for Icelanders. It has been gaining popularity among international visitors for its special focus on home-made local foods and handicrafts. 

20.6. – 15.9: If you have a 4WD vehicle (we recommend category 5.0 or higher), you can also take the scenic highland wilderness track, Kaldidalur, alongside Langjökull glacier to Borgarfjörður. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Approximate distance: 240 km / 150 miles



Tour day #4 photo
Day: 3 Borgarfjörður – Skagafjörður Picturesque Waterfalls – Powerful Hot Spring – Heritage Fjord.
Spend part of the day exploring enjoyable activities in Borgarfjörður. This is one of our favourite areas to find local handicrafts and taste treats. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the enormous Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot springs in Europe. 

Nearby is the lovely Krauma Natural Geothermal Spa where you can relax in a variety of hot pools and take in the beautiful views. Enjoy adventure with a visit to the multi-coloured Vidgelmir cave or take a guided trip up Langjökull glacier to the fascinating “Into the Glacier” ice cave. Walk in the footsteps of the Medieval chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson at his home in Reykholt. 

The scenery changes to towering mountains and fertile valleys as you head into Skagafjörður, an area known for horse breeding and some of Iceland’s best- preserved historical buildings. One of these is Glaumbær (Skagafjörður Heritage Museum), where you can visit a turf manor farm dating back to the 18th century and two charming 19th century timber houses. 

Overnight in Northwest Iceland (May – September) or in Akureyri (October – April).
Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles



Tour day #5 photo
Day: 4 Akureyri – Lake Mývatn Botanical Gardens – Quality Museums – Waterfall of the Gods.
Botanical Gardens – Quality Museums – Waterfall of the Gods

Continue your journey towards the town of Akureyri. The town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. If you’re interested in culture, check out the trendy Listagil area, the “Art Canyon.” 

You can stroll the street, browsing art galleries and stopping in at one of the friendly cafes or pubs for delicious local cuisine. Several museums are worth a visit, including the Akureyri Art Museum and Nonnahús, the childhood home of a 19th century Icelandic author who enchanted European children with his stores about growing up in Iceland. 

The botanical garden is open year-round; many visitors find it interesting that a garden so close to the Arctic Circle has such a large variety of plants. 

Akureyri is also home to the new Skógaböð geothermal baths. Here you can relax in soothing warm water while enjoying the views of the nearby woodlands and fjord.
In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Mývatn. First, you’ll stop to view the beautiful Goðafoss waterfalls, which has a unique connection to Iceland’s Viking Age.

Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Approximate distance: 190 km / 117 miles



Tour day #6 photo
Day: 5 Lake Mývatn Area Bizarre Lava Formations – Geothermal Activity – Rich Birdlife.
Today you are in for a treat: a wonderland of fantastic volcanic features you can explore in the Mývatn nature reserve! Stroll along footpaths circling the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. 

Visit the surreal area surrounding Krafla, the volcano whose natural forces provide geothermal power to the area. Check out the otherworldly setting and colourful slopes of Námaskarð pass — it’s almost as though you are walking on the surface of Mars! Explore the Skútustaðir “pseudo” craters and the strange lava columns rising out of the lake itself. This area was used in filming several film productions, including Game of Thrones.  

If you enjoy birdwatching, Mývatn is a popular resting spot for migrating birds from Europe and North America. May and June are the best months for birdwatching, but you can also view water birds throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

After a day of exploration and fun, why not relax with a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Join area locals and enjoy the pools and the natural steam baths in a spectacular setting.

Overnight in the Lake Mývatn area.
Distance is variable



Tour day #7 photo
Day: 6 Mývatn – Húsavík – Dettifoss* – Egilsstaðir Whale Watching – Vatnajökull National Park – Vast Highlands.
Drive north to the charming fishing port of Húsavík, where we suggest a whale watching boat tour (available Mar. – Nov.) 

The nearby Whale Museum should also be on your list. If you want to indulge in some hot spring relaxation, we definitely recommend the unique geothermal sea bathing at the new GeoSea Natural Baths.

Head around the fossil rich Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern entrance of Vatnajökull National Park. Check out Ásbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe shaped canyon in the park. 

Trails wind through peaceful forested areas to a hidden canyon lake. The national park roads take you through dramatic canyonlands created by a river flowing from Vatnajökull glacier. The crown jewel of the area is surely Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful cascade in Europe.* Continue across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstaðir in the east.

*Possible between late May and September. It is not possible to visit Dettifoss between October and April, as the roads to the waterfall are closed for winter travel. We then recommend following scenic Ring Road 1 from Mývatn to Egilsstaðir.

Important - Roads 864 and 862 near Dettifoss are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in the Eastfjords.
Approximate distance: 310 km / 193 miles



Tour day #8 photo
Day: 7 Reyðarfjörður – Djúpivogur – Höfn Narrow Fjords – Steep Mountains – Picturesque Coastline.
A fantastic way to start the day is a refreshing swim in the Vök geothermal baths, where you can relax in unique floating pools set in a beautiful lake. Afterwards, you might enjoy visiting Hallormsstaður, Iceland’s first reforestation project and its largest woodland. It’s so peaceful to spend some moments here enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees and that special sense of nature unique to East Iceland. 

We also recommend a side trip to visit the award-winning Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. You can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. The Center is also famous for its farmhouse cafe. You can chat with the hosts as they prepare a meal made with ingredients gathered from the highlands and area farms.

Drive south through the spectacular Eastfjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Each fjord has its own charm and history. Leave yourself plenty of time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajökull glacier.

The journey continues to the town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Perhaps you’ll try some of these langoustines for yourself at a local restaurant.

Overnight in the Höfn area.
Approximate distance: 300 km / 186 miles



Tour day #9 photo
Day: 8 Höfn – Southern Vatnajökull National Park – Kirkjubæjarklaustur Europe's Largest Glacier – Iceberg Lagoon – Glacier-Ringed Oasis.
You’ve already visited the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park; today you will visit the southern area. You’ll get great views of Vatnajökull glacier as you drive along the Ring Road.

View the shimmering icebergs and the still waters of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Some icebergs from Vatnajökull glacier have drifted down onto the black sands at the nearby Diamond Beach, a fantastic area for photographs. 

Many people enjoy the chance to take a boat tour in the lagoon. If you want a different sort of sailing experience, try the Zodiac boat tours offered on the nearby Fjallsárlón Lagoon. 

Continue to Vatnajökull National Park’s Skaftafell, a beautiful nature area surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here, the most famous one leading to the basalt rimmed Svartifoss, the Black Waterfall. 

You can also get closer to the park’s glaciers with a guided ice hike. You’ll see amazing ice formations and learn interesting facts about how glaciers are formed.
Head onwards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, once the site of a medieval convent.

Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Approximate distance: 210 km / 131 miles



Tour day #10 photo
Day: 9 Vík – Skógar – Reykjavík Lava Fields – Black Beaches – Thundering Waterfalls
Drive along the spectacular south coast and Katla Geopark, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains, and the ocean.

First you will cross over vast black sand plains created by the outwash from glacial floods. Drive alongside Eldhraun, a massive and eerily beautiful lava flow covered in moss. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrhólaey.

* There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid-May to early August).

Visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandafoss. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls and has stairs that take you to the top for an amazing view. Seljalandsfoss has trails that take you behind the waterfall. (Always check the trail conditions to make sure they are safe). 

If the skies are clear, you can also get a glimpse of the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption, and Hekla, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano.
 The interactive LAVA Centre in the town of Hvolsvöllur shows how powerful volcanoes and earthquakes have created Iceland.

Drive to Reykjavík in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is open to explore the colourful capital city.

*Dyrhólaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and 25 June
Overnight in Reykjavík.

Approximate distance: 290 km / 180 miles



Tour day #11 photo
Day: 10 Departure from Iceland
Drive back to Keflavík International Airport.

We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure. 

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day 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.

Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles

Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard Play on a direct flight from Hamilton Airport to Keflavik Airport on selected flight class (*)
• Accommodation in a standard room for 9 nights
• Icelandic-style breakfast (except arrival day)
• Rental car for 9 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT**
• Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
• Car pick-up/drop-off at Keflavík International Airport
• Authorization for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
• Enjoy Iceland Travel´s App.
• Take advantage of one of Iceland's most experienced incoming agencies
• Kolviður carbon offsetting
• Customer care service during office hours
• 24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland 
• Service fee and taxes
• Return flight from Keflavik Airport to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight to destination

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plain excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.




Whats Not Included
· Breakfast on arrival day
· Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
· Petrol/Gasoline
· Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified. More information here
· Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary
· Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
· Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts 14:00 (2:00pm) – 16:00 (4:00pm)
· Guaranteed late check-out
· Any service not specifically listed under "Included"

• You must be 20 years of age to rent a car, and 23 years of age to rent car Categories 5.0 or higher.
• The driver must present a valid driving license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental.
• A valid automobile driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) shows the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise, an international driver’s license is required.
• A supplement may be charged if you overnight on Reykjavík Culture Night (24 August 2024).
• Due to high demand, accommodation in Reykjavík for New Year’s Eve cannot be guaranteed
• The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.
• Changes to the packages will incur a service fee.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:
Iceland Travel:
+ (354) 585 4300
info@icelandtravel.is

  • Vaðlaheiði tunnel
Vaðlaheiði tunnel - Price List                                    Valid from 2. January 2024

Vehicles under 3,5 tons                         from June 1st. 2024
Single trip paid at veggjald.is / tunnel.is  1.850 kr 1.990 kr
Single trip paid via bank transfer          2.400 kr 2.540 kr
2 trips – each trip costs                  1.850 kr 1.990 kr

. 11% VSK is included in tolls  
. 24% VSK is included in the collection fee
. The payment period for a single trip is 24 hrs. before or after traveling through the tunnel.

** VSK= VAT (value added tax)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by PLAY Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by ICELAND TRAVEL (local Destination Management Company in Iceland).
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Vacations with Personality