Iceland Explorer: Drive & Hike
11 Days & 10 Nights 4.9 Read 7 reviews- Explore the South Coast, East Fjords and Lake Myvatn by car and on foot
- Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, filled with huge icebergs of turquoise hues
- The thundering waterfalls of Gulfoss, Skogafoss and Dettifoss
- The colourful fishing villages of the East Fjords
- Myvatn, scattered with bubbling mud-pots, lava formations and hot springs
Tour Type:
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Activity:
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
This trip is suitable for:
Solo Travellers
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Islands
Activity Level & Terrain
We grade this tour as easy-moderate as the suggested walks are all optional. They are between 1—6 hours in length, and up to 500m ascent/descent (most are less than 200m ascent/descent.
Navigation
We provide detailed route notes and maps to allow you to navigate the recommend walks without any problems. Footpaths are not always clearly marked but with the above you should not have any issues navigating. Paths can be slippy and rocky underfoot, so a good pair of walking boots is essential.
Accommodations
2 Night’s accommodation is included in a 3-star city hotel in Reykjavik. 8 Nights are in comfortable, countryside hotels and guesthouses. We have carefully chosen traditional countryside hotels which offer a warm Icelandic welcome, comfortable rooms and fantastic food! They are in spectacular locations and generally have great views of the surrounding countryside.
Alternative Accommodation
The hotels we normally use are detailed below but subject to availability we may accommodate you in alternative hotels/guesthouses of a similar standard.
Meals
10 breakfasts are included. You can pick up lunches during the day from many cafes or shops. All of the countryside hotels have a restaurant where you can have dinner as there are not usually many other options for places to eat nearby. Food is generally of a very high standard, and local specialities include Hangikjöt (a delicious smoked lamb dish), Saltifiskur (salted fish) and the delicious Arctic Char. For the more adventurous, there is also Hákarl (cured shark commonly accompanied by schnapps), only for the very brave!
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
Single rooms are available on this trip and a supplement will apply. It is also available to solo travellers but prices are on a request basis.
- 2 Nights in a 3 star hotel in Reykjavik
- 8 nights in countryside hotels in standard rooms
- 10 Breakfasts
- 9 Days Group B Car Hire (Day 2 to Day 10)
- Internal flight between Akureyri and Reykjavik on Day 10
- Transfers between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik accommodation
- Route notes, maps and driving instructions
- 24/7 telephone support from our office and local partners
- Travel to and from Iceland
- Travel insurance (required)
- Lunches and evening meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Fuel and Oil
- Mountain rescue/emergency assistance
- Transfer between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and Reykjavik hotel on Day 10
- Optional activities
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Glacier Hike
- Car Hire upgrades
When To Go
You can start this tour on any day of the week between the beginning of May and end of September. From June through to August is the most popular and best time to travel to Iceland due to the long hours of sunlight and the fact that the weather is at it’s driest and warmest then. This is also the best time for wild flowers. During this time, the main tourist sights such as the most popular waterfalls will get quite busy but you shouldn’t notice it too much whilst on the walks or driving. If you prefer a quieter experience, then we would recommend either May or September. The weather isn’t quite as reliable then but it is quieter, and the price also comes down during those months. The accommodation in Iceland fills up extremely quickly for the summer months between June and August. For this reason, your accommodation may change according to availability and your itinerary may be adapted so that we can secure accommodation. It may also take up to 2 weeks to confirm your booking but we will try to confirm as quickly as possible for you.
Getting to the Start
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city and located in the south west of the country. Fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines from UK, European and International destinations. Keflavik is just a 3 hour flight from the UK and just a 5 hour flight from Boston, with Icelandair offering many direct flights from various US airports. The internal flight between Akureyri and Reykjavik is included as part of the package. Transfers between Keflavik Airport and your Reykjavik accommodation, and between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and your Reykjavik hotel on Day 10 are included.
Getting from the End
A transfer (included) will take you back to Keflavik International Airport for your flight home.
General Information
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, (for example, proper rain gear jacket and pants, sun hat, sunscreen). Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes or the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Car Hire
We include Group B Car Hire from the morning of Day 2 up to the afternoon of Day 6. Group B Car Hire would be based on a Volkswagen Golf or similar and is suitable for 2-3 people with luggage. For parties of 4, we will automatically include an upgrade to a CAT N Car Hire (similar to a Skoda Octavia) and this is already included in the cost. For parties of 5-8 people, we will provide 2x CAT B for 5-6 people, and 2x CAT N for 7-8 people. If you choose, you can also upgrade to a CAT FG Car Hire which is similar to a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD. Select this option when making your booking. Car hire includes unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW insurance, 1 additional driver, Pick up and Drop off fees. No insurance in Iceland covers the underside of vehichles and excesses can be expensive. For this reason we suggest you take out an excess reimbursement policy in advance of your arrival, or upgrade your insurance locally. Fuel and oil are not included in the rental of your vehicle.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik Day 2 Golden Circle—Thingvellir, Gulfoss and Geysir Day 3 Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls Day 4 Skaftafell National Park Day 5 Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Day 6 Drive to the East Fjords Day 7 Free Day in Seydisfjordur Day 8 Lake Myvatn & Asbyrgi Day 9 Myvatn Local Walks Day 10 Husavik, Drive to Akureyri, Fly to Reykjavik Day 11 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
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