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North Iceland Self Drive

5 days
4 nights

Rates

Dates

Rates:

USD
EUR

PER PERSON :
$ 730.00 (2 adults in a car (cat 1)
$ 785.00 (2 adults in a car (cat 2)
$ 820.00 (2 adults in a car (cat 3)
$ 900.00 (2 adults in a car (cat 4)
$ 945.00 (2 adults in a car (cat 5)

Cat 1: Suzuki Swift 4wd or similar
Cat 2: Skoda Octavia 4wd Station or similar
Cat 3: Skoda Octavia Intermediate 4wd Station Automatic
Cat 4: Toyota RAV4 4wd, Suzuki Grand Vitara 4wd or similar
Cat 5: Toyota RAV4 4wd Automatic, Hyundai ix35 4wd Automatic or similar
Cat 6: Toyota Land Cruiser GX 4wd Automatic or similar

Dates:

Daily during the following periods:
Oct 01 - Nov 27 

Hotels:

Throughout the tour you'll stay in quality hotels and guesthouses where all rooms have private facilities. Your final night will be in a 4 star hotel in Reykjavik.

Our economy self-drive is $50 per person lower, staying in accommodation with private facilities without stretching your budget. Throughout your stay you'll be residing in a combination of standard hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses. Your final night will be in a 3 star hotel in Reykjavik.

Upgrade your comfort car rental holiday to the best possible accommodation with premium amenities, either for the full duration of your stay or only selected nights. The upgrade can either be to a superior room in a comfort hotel, or a standard room in an upscale hotel. The cost for a superior upgrade is $105 per room per night (on prices in comfort category). This upgrade is only available upon request. Let us know during the booking process just how superior you want your holiday to be, and we'll customize your trip!

Included:

  • 2 nights in Akureyri at Icelandair Hotel Akureyri or similar, including breakfast
  • 2 nights in Siglufjordur at Hotel Siglo, or similar, including breakfast
  • 4WD Rental car for 4 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT**
  • GPS system with car and additional authorised driver
  • Car pick-up/drop-off at Akureyri
  • Road map (1:500 000) (Until 1. May)
  • Iceland Travel Guide, our detailed road booklet (issued in selected languages) (Until 1. May)
  • Access to our emergency phone line, open 24 hours
  • One SIM card worth ISK 2000: Unlimited text and talk for local calls + 1 GB of data. (StandardMicro and Nano cards available). (Please note that the included SIM  Card does not function with locked phones. To find out if your phone is locked, please check with your service provider)
  • Tablet with a new travel app called Iceland Travel Companion (for guests arriving from 1. May)

    The app includes:
    • Thousands of points of nature sites, historic places, and road side services
    • Safety guidelines and the apps of the Icelandic Meteorological Office and The Icelandic Road Administration
    • Detailed description of the customer´s journey, including hotel itinerary and GPS road guide to each hotel
    • A map view of the Iceland road trip 
    • Detailed pdf travel book about Iceland in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and French

**Please note that the package price is based on 4 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. 

Highlights & Experience:

  • Visit Akureyri, famous for its winter beauty and lively cultural scene
  • Stay in Siglufjordur, a colorful town with its own distinctive heritage and great access to winter sports
  • Discover the charming coastal culture of Eyjafjordur, Skagafjordur and the Troll Peninsula, areas gaining international popularity for winter recreation and stunning views of the sea and mountains
  • Wind along roads taking you by black sand beaches, beautiful old churches and quality local museums
  • Indulge in locally crafted delights in area microbreweries, bakeries, and dairy farms
  • Enjoy fun winter activities like skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling in an outdoor adventure paradise
  • Add the 5x5 Ski Iceland Pass and turn your trip into a fun winter ski vacation, with five ski resorts located along your driving route
  • Stay in a part of Iceland ideal for glimpsing the amazing northern lights

Itinerary:

North Iceland is Icelanders’ favourite winter activity destination. Discover why with this driving holiday while you stay in culturally-vibrant Akureyri and the newly-popular winter destination of Siglufjörður for fun, scenery and local charm. You can even create a flexible ski holiday by adding in the 5x5 Ski Iceland pass and try skiing and snowboarding at scenic resorts, along with ice skating, snowmobiling and whale watching.

The 5x5 Ski Iceland Pass Add-on

Winter in the North offers a true winter sports paradise, promising pleasure and spiritual renewal in the embrace of snow-covered mountains.  There is even the chance of skiing under northern lights. The new 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass gives you access to five well-equipped and well-lit ski resorts open between November and May. Each ski area has its own special focus within North Iceland’s magnificent landscape. Both families and extreme ski adventurers can experience their own type of fantastic ski holiday with excellent facilities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and extreme sport experiences. Ski rental and instruction in English is also available. 

The Ski Iceland pass grants you access to five resorts over five days. Whether you ski at all the resorts or focus on one resort for the period, the pass gives you total flexibility at a great price.

Day 1  : Akureyri

Cultural Capital of Northern Iceland – Winter Fun in Eyjafjordur

Approximate driving distance: varies
Pick up your car from the Akureyri airport and drive to your hotel in Akureyri. The rest of the day is open to enjoy Akureyri and surroundings. This town has gained an international reputation for its combination of small-town charm and a great cultural scene. Take a stroll down the art gallery street and drink in the atmosphere of a local coffee shop. Enjoy outdoor fun just on the city‘s door step. The surrounding Eyjafjordurarea also has a nice focus on local food culture with microbreweries, family-run bakeries, ice cream shops and a cafe located on a dairy farm. A great selection of restaurants and pubs makes Akureyri a great town for friendly nightlife.

Winter Activity Recommendations:

  • Hlidarfjall (Akureyri Ski area) is a favorite ski area of Icelanders  located just a short drive from the town centre.  You can also take a local bus from the town to the ski area.  Enjoy high-quality snow, great cross country ski tracks and exciting ski slopes with breathtaking views over Eyjafjordur Fjord.  Snowblowers and well-lighted slopes ensure fine skiing conditions through the winter.  Expert ski and snowboard trainers are on hand to assist skiers from all experience levels.  Ski rentals are available.  Hlidarfjall admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass add-on
  • Horseback Riding- A winter ride on friendly Icelandic horses in the beautiful area around Eyjafjordur is a memorable and fun experience for people of all riding abilities.  All necessary riding equipment is provided.
  • The Akureyri Skating Hall, operated by the Akureyri Skate Association, is a first-class skating rink within walking distance of the old city centre. The rink is open for general skating on weekends.  Skate rental available
  • Dogsledding-  Experience a fun ride in a sled pulled by friendly huskies.   You can even try your own hand at dog mushing.
  • Snowmobiling – Take a thrilling one-hour snowmobile through areas with spectacular views over the Eyjafjörður Fjord and the mountains of Troll Peninsula. 
  • After enjoying winter outdoor fun, relax in the Akureyri Geothermal Swimming Pool with its lap pool, varied hot tubs and steam room.
  • Take a northern lights excursion by bus or jeep. The area makes a stunning backdrop if the conditions are right for the elusive northern lights to make an appearance.

Options: North Iceland 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass |Akureyri Art and City Walk (from Akureyri) |Horses and Heritage (from Akureyri)
Day 2  : Free Day in Akureyri (125 mi)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to enjoy more of the Akureyri area and its great winter recreation. Overnight in Akureyri


Options: North Iceland 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass Snowmobiling from Akureyri
Day 3  : The Troll Peninsula (47 mi)

Scenic Coastal Roads- Charming Villages- Troll Peninsula- Historical Siglufjordur

Approximate distance: ca75km / 47miles
Breakfast at your hotel. You will be following scenic and winding coastal roads. Remember to listen to the weather and forecast and take the driving at a slow pace, both to enjoy the view and to be safe. Drive along Eyjafjordur Fjordand to the area of Trollaskagi, the Troll Peninsula and Siglufjordur Fjord. The opening of new road tunnels in 2010 has made this region of mountains and sea accessible to visitors year-round. Pass through charming fishing villages en route to Siglufjordur. This town is considered one of Iceland‘s most beautiful, with carefully-preserved old houses and a new hotel (Siglo) cleverly constructed to blend in with the historical atmosphere. Recently the town has been attracting a reputation as a cozy winter resort due to the excellent skiing in the peninsula. Siglufjordur is also a filming location for Trapped, an Icelandic crime TV series that has been gaining international popularity.

In addition to skiing, Siglufjordur is an excellent base to explore the area‘s history and culture. The town‘s award-winning Herring Era Museum offers insights into a fascinating 20th-century event that changed both Siglufjordur and Iceland.  The town also offers a new microbrewery, Segull 66 and dining at several restaurants with a home-like ambience. Overnight in Siglufjordur. If conditions are right, you might see northern lights this evening.

Winter Activity Recommendations: 

  • Siglufjordur Ski Area- Located about 15 minutes‘ drive from Siglufjordur, the ski slopes of Skardsdalur Valley are considered among the best in Iceland for their varying terrain and breathtaking views. Three lifts carry skiers up to the slopes. There are also areas for cross country skiing and a ski lodge. Admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass
  • The Olafsfjordur area offers ideal conditions for winter sports. The neighbouring mountains and valleys have ideal terrain for snowmobiling and the environment is particularly well-situated to skiing. In Olafsfjordur there is one lift suited for both beginners and professionals. The Tindaoxl ski area is equipped with ski lifts and excellent slalom tracks. Snowboarding enthusiasts have large pristine areas at their disposal. Admission to this area is included in the Ski Iceland Pass
  • Dalvik  Ski area is about midway between Akureyri and Siglufjordur and and has one of the best skiing areas in the country with beautiful views overlooking black sand beaches and the sea. There is a wide variety of runs suitable for all members of the family. One of the slopes is floodlit for night skiing. The area is equipped with a new snow making machine system which ensures ideal skiing conditions. Dalvik admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass
  • Whale Watching is possible from Dalvik in November, March and April. This unique boat tour has a high success rate in spotting whales and dolphins. You’ll also have a chance to try some sea angling and have a taste of freshly-caught fish.
  • Swimming pools in Dalvik and Olafsfjordur are great places to relax and offer fantastic views of the area scenery.

Options: North Iceland 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass |Arctic Whale Watching (from Dalvik)
Day 4  : Winter Fun in North Iceland (125 mi)

Peninsulas and Fjords – Skiing and Winter Fun – Local Heritage

Distance is variable
Breakfast at your hotel. You will be following scenic and winding coastal roads. Remember to listen to the weather and forecast and take the driving at a slow pace, both to enjoy the view and to be safe. Today is open for you to explore the areas of Troll Peninsula, Eyjafjordur and Skagafjordur.  You can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling or other winter sports. The area offers many cultural points of interest. Holar has interesting buildings reflecting 900 years of Icelandic history, including a beautiful church. The Emigration Centre in Hofsos focuses on the experiences of 19th-century Icelanders who sought a new life in the North and South America. (Both places open during the winter by appointment). Dalvik‘s wonderfully-eclectic Hvoll Museum focuses on local history, including Iceland‘s famous giant. Icelandic handicrafts enthusiasts might enjoy visiting Suturann, a unique Icelandic tannery in Saudarkrokur that includes fish skin among its quality products. (Open on weekdays). Overnight in Siglufjordur.

Winter Activity Recommendations: 

  • The Tindastoll ski area near Saudarkrokur is particularly well-suited for families. The slopes are equipped with a new snow making machine. The area offers well laid-out tracks for cross country skiing as well as a special zone reserved for snowboarding. Ski rental and refreshments available on site. Tindastoll admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass
  • Skagafjordur is famous as a centre for Icelandic horse farms. Several companies in this area offer winter horseback riding tours suited to all skill levels. Experience the peace of winter on paths that show you great views over the region‘s plains and mountains.
  • Relax at the Hofsos Swimming Pool (nicknamed by locals as the “Infinity Pool.”)  Created and given to the village by an artist and an architect, this public swimming pool has beautifully-designed facilities. The geothermal pool seems to extend into the ocean with fantastic views of Drangey Island.  (Opening hours: Weekdays:  07:05 - 13:05 (7:05 am - 1:05pm) and 17:15 - 20:15 (5:15pm – 8:15pm) ; Saturday and Sunday:  11:00 - 15:00 (11:00am – 3:00pm)

Options: North Iceland 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass
Day 5  : Siglufjordur to Akureyri (47 mi)

Farewell to the Fjords and Ski Slopes

Approximate distance: ca75km / 47miles
Breakfast at your hotel.  Today drive back to Akureyri, visiting towns and enjoying a last visit to the ski slopes en route. Drop off your car at Akureyri airport. 

Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.

Extend Your Time in Iceland!-  Add some more of the north to your package with extra nights. Iceland Travel can add in extra nights in Akureyri so you can enjoy the Lake Myvatn area, Husavik and the Diamond Circle. We can also help with building a complete winter experience with booking hotel nights in the Reykjavik area and round-trip flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri.  

Notes:

Must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car cat. 5.0 or higher. 

Children rate

Valid when one child shares a double room with 2 adults:

  • Children 2-11 years old: EUR 54/ GBP 41/ USD 62/ CAD 83 per night. Add the total to the rate for 2 adults in car.
  • Children 12 years and older pay full price as adults.
  • Children's accommodation consists of an extra bed/mattress on the floor.

 

Child Seat 0-13 kg approx. EUR 27 / GBP 22 / USD 33 / CAD 41 per rental. Child Booster 9-25 kg approx. EUR 11 / GBP 9 / USD 14 / CAD 17 per rental. Payable on spot.