8 days / 7 nights, from £995 pp

This self drive holiday in Iceland includes is ideal for the hiking and walking enthusiasts who wish to enjoy Iceland's remarkable landscape first hand.  You'll visit some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls and geysers on this tour of southern and western Iceland.

2012 departure dates:

• Standard package includes simple accommodation with private shower and WC in hotels and farmhouses and a B Class car (Toyota Auris or similar)
• Comfort package includes good tourist class hotels and farmhouses with private shower and WC and C Class car (Toyota Avensis Sedan or similar).

Package price is per person based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room.

Package includes:

• Direct flights from London to Reykjavik (we can arrange flights from other airports on request)
• 7 days car hire
  
• 7 nights accommodation
• 7 x breakfasts
• detailed travel itinerary
• emergency phone number access service and information meeting during office hours at our travel bureau at Borgartún 34 in Reykjavik.

Drive and Hike Iceland - Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ICELAND (49 km/30 miles)
Arrive at the airport, pick up your car and overnight in Reykjavik.

DAY 2: MT. ESJA (155 km/96 miles) 
Climb Mount Esja, Reykjavík's favorite mountain and witness a panoramic view of Iceland's capital and its surroundings. Mt. Esja is 914 meters (2999 ft) high and the ascent is a relatively easy, about 2 hours hike. Another hiking suggestion is to Glymur, Iceland highest waterfall and Hvalfell mountain (challenging hike). Drive along the scenic Hvalfjördur fjord. 3 nights stay in Borgarfjörður/West Iceland area.

DAY 3: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA (280 km/ 174 miles) 
Hike to Eldborg, a nicely shaped volcano crater about 90 minutes roundtrip walk through the beautiful Eldborgarhraun lava field. It is a protected natural feature. Explore the Snaefellsness national park where you will find a glacier, beautiful sand and stone beaches, lava fields, bird cliffs, rock formations and arches along the coast.

DAY 4: BIFRÖST (70 km/44 miles) 
Explore Bifröst area that we consider as the hidden nature reserve of West Iceland.  Climb Grábrók volcano crater that offers a stunning view all over the Norðurárdalur valley and the encircling mountains. There are several easy walking trails at Lake Hreðavatn and the surrounding forest and this is simply a lovely place for a picnic. Nearby you can take a short walk down to an overlook on the cliffs, from where there is a fine view of Glanni, a spectacular waterfall on the Norðurá river. Continue to Paradísarlaut (Paradise Hollow), a small pond with beautiful, clear water.

DAY 5: THINGVELLIR & NESJAVELLIR (230 km/143 miles) 
Start the day with a visit to Thingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers numerous hiking trails; many are ideal for short and leisurely walks.   Mt. Hengill is a 803 m high mountain, most likely a part of a central volcano as the widespread thermal activity suggests. From the top you will enjoy an amazing view over a large part of South and Central Iceland. Nesjavellir is the largest geothermal power area in Iceland and a fascinating place to explore. 2 nights stay in South Iceland.

DAY 6: GULLFOSS & GEYSIR (204 km/ 127 miles) 
Visit Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs and there are some options for easy hikes in Haukadalur forest and to Brúaráfoss waterfall, a little bit off the beaten track.

DAY 7: SOUTH SHORE (360 km/200 miles, round trip) 
Explore the glaciers and waterfalls of South Iceland with some shorter walks today. The bird cliffs of Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara are simply amazing. We recommend also a stroll on the black lava beaches of Vík. This day includes more driving and less time for hiking. There is also an option for a glacier hike and ice climbing. Overnight in Reykjavik.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM REYKJAVIK (49 km/30 miles)
Return your car at the airport for your departure flight.

*Note: Most hikes are easy to moderate with options of 4-6 hours walks per day.