9-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour with Akureyri to the Golden Circle

9 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a fantastic self-drive journey through Iceland's major attractions, from the fishing village of Húsavík and the lava formations of Dimmuborgir to Hver...

Duration: 9 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Husavik, Gullfoss, Geysir, Mývatn, Vík í Mýrdal, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Vatnajökull National Park, Thingvellir, Djúpivogur · Languages: English, French, Icelandic

Know before you go: Rental cars are to be self-driven.

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What's Included

One-way domestic flight charges from Reykjavík to Akureyri
Rental car for nine days (including taxes and insurance)
Accommodation
Breakfast on all days
Two entries to the Mývatn Nature Baths
Trip information package and maps
Multilanguage-speaking Icelandic guide

Not Included

International flight
Lunch and dinner
Personal insurance

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Reykjavik to Akureyri and Húsavík

Upon arrival in Reykjavik, take a domestic flight to Akureyri. In good weather, this 45-minute flight offers an astounding view of Iceland's mountainous interior. After picking up your car at the airport, drive to the pleasant fishing village of Húsavík. Depending on the time, you can also stop in Akureyri, with its colourful houses and charming centre, with the cathedral sitting on top of the town. Overnight in a charming guesthouse.
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Day 02

Whale Watching and Mývatn Wonders

The second day starts with a fantastic whale-watching trip from Húsavík harbour. Húsavík is the best place for encountering these majestic creatures of the sea. Drive to Mývatn in the afternoon and start discovering its beautiful volcanic sites. Hike to see the Dimmuborgir lava formations before bathing in the evening at Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy a relaxing time in the warm pool. Overnight in a small hut by the lake.
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Day 03

The Pearls of Mývatn

Today you will be visiting the pearls of Mývatn - Hverfell crater, Krafla caldera, the mud pots of Námaaskarð, the enchanted forest of Höfði, and more. You will have the opportunity to return to the warm Nature Baths to relax again at the end of this eventful day.
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Day 04

Eastward to Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon

Today, you are heading east. You will stop to visit and walk in the canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur (Iceland's Grand Canyon!) and have the chance to admire Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. A day of great experiences awaits.
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Day 05

East Fjords to Jökulsárlón

Drive from the East Fjords to the South Coast, where you will find many lovely places to visit. We recommend a walk along the harbour in the small village of Djúpivogur. Enjoy the view at the lighthouse of Hvalnes, where you may have the chance to spot seals, and visit Lón - a lagoon inhabited by hundreds of swans in the summertime. After arriving at your guesthouse in the afternoon, we suggest making a short trip in the evening to the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, located some 10 minutes farther on. Although it is on the program for the next day, this is such a fantastic place that you will not be bored discovering it under different light conditions.
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Day 06

Fjallsárlón, Vatnajökull and Skaftafell National Park

You can spend some more time around the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón. Do not forget to walk along the beach as well, where the icebergs have washed ashore. Head west, and you will soon arrive at another, smaller lagoon, Fjallsárlón. For most of this day, you will be driving near Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. Many so-called glacial tongues descend from the glacier to the lowlands, with impressive crevasse formations visible from the road - or, better yet, close up if you want to go for a walk, for example to the Svínafellsjökull glacial tongue. If you are lucky enough to have a clear sky, you will be able to see Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. The next stop is Skaftafell National Park and a beautiful hike up to Svartifoss waterfall (2-3 hours) for those who wish.
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Day 07

Eldhraun, Fjaðrárgljúfur and Vík

Today you will be driving through the fantastic lava field of Eldhraun - the most extensive lava field of historical times on earth, formed by the Laki eruption in 1783. We recommend stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and hiking up Mount Hjörleifshöfði for the spectacular view of the black volcanic ash shoreline. Then it is time for a meeting with the puffins in Vík!
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Day 08

South Coast Highlights and the Golden Circle

Walk along the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and admire the giant wall of basalt organs. Stop at Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss. Now it is time to turn the jewels into gold and begin your visit to the Golden Circle. Admire the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the ever-surprising Geysir, and the beautiful Thingvellir National Park.
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Day 09

Return to Reykjavík

On your arrival in Reykjavík, you are back in civilisation. End of the tour.