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Spectacular West

7 days
6 nights

Rates

Dates

Rates:

USD
EUR

PER PERSON IN USD:
based on 2 people sharing a car and a room

$ 1,850.00 (Cat.1.1 Economy 2wd Automatic)
$ 1,905.00 (Cat.2.6 Compact 2wd Automatic)
$ 1,965.00 (Cat.3.1 Intermediate 2wd Automatic)
$ 1,975.00 (Cat.4.0 Intermediate 4wd Station Automatic)
$ 2,165.00 (Cat.5.1 Medium 4wd Automatic)
$ 2,355.00 (Cat.7.1 Large 4wd Automatic)
$ 2,420.00 (Cat.9.9 Full Size 4wd Passenger Van)

Dates:

Daily during the following periods:
May 01 - Sep 30 

Included:

  • Accommodation for 6 nights including breakfast (except arrival day)
  • Rental car for 6 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT (Types of Car recommended:2.0 and higher)
  • FREE GPS system and no charges for an additional driver
  • Car pick up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport
  • Emergency phone line available 24/7
  • Service fee and taxes

 

Highlights & Experience:

  • Visit the region Lonely Planet recommended as a must-visit place in 2016
  • Follow the footsteps of Viking settlers, including famous explorers
  • Visit locations mentioned in Icelandic Sagas
  • Be captivated by Snaefellsjokull, a glacial volcano that has inspired authors and artists for hundreds of years
  • Explore the hidden and stunning beauty of the Westfjords region
  • Discover tiny villages tucked in the fjords, each with its own character
  • View some of the most diverse wildlife in Iceland in nature reserves
  • Take advantage of opportunities to try sea kayaking, boat tours and seacoast horseback riding

Itinerary:

Travel along West Iceland and the varied landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a showcase of lava formations, geothermal activity and Viking Saga history.

The remote Westfjords are the least populated area in Iceland and ideal for off-the-beaten-track encounters with extraordinary nature. The Westfjords specialize in extremes: steep mountains plunge into deep fjords, rugged seabird cliffs hang over delicate beaches, and steamy thermal pools that among flowering vegetation.

What's in it for you?

  • Worry free travelling
  • Flexibility. With comprehensive maps and your own vehicle, drive at your own pace. Choose your preferred stops during the day.
Day 1  : Arrival (62 mi)

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. 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.”

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Options:
  • Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras
Day 2  : Reykjavik - Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Stykkisholmur (160 mi)

Massive Crater - Pebble Beaches - Glacier-Capped Volcano

Depart your hotel and travel along the western coast towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula. En route pass the perfectly formed Eldborg crater, which looks as if it belongs on the moon. Explore the extraordinary variety of natural wonders along the peninsula from the rich birdlife at Arnarstapi sea cliffs to pleasant hiking along the shiny pebble beach at Djupalonssandur.

Throughout the day enjoy the sight of Snaefellsjokull glacier, the icy cone-shaped peak which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD.

Overnight in west Iceland.

Day 3  : Stykkisholmur - Brjanslaekur - Westfjords (95 mi)

Quaint Fishing Villages - Ferry on Breidafjordur Bay - Europe’s Largest Bird Cliffs

Sail across Breidafjordur Bay, which is home to more than 3,000 tiny islands inhabited with nesting seabirds and playful seals. (Please note the ferry cost is not included in the package price.) Upon reaching the remote Westfjords, explore the area’s main attraction, Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. The remarkable 441-meter-high (1,447 ft) sea cliffs are alive with millions of playful puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. This beautiful natural sculpture has been recognized by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The cliffs make a stunning viewpoint to the beautiful beaches below during the Midnight Sun of summer.

Overnight in the Westfjords.

Day 4  : Patreksfjordur - Bildudalur - Thingeyri - Isafjordur (135 mi)

Rugged Heaths - ‘Thunderer’ Waterfall - Capital of the Westfjords

Travel across the spectacular Westfjords, keeping an eye out for thermal bathing springs hidden among the rugged heaths. At Dynjandi waterfall, the thunderous power of the main cascade drops 100 meters (329 ft) off the edge of a mountain. The waterfall base provides views seaward over lush valleys, making it an ideal picnic stop. En route, enjoy provincial charms in the fishing villages of Thingeyri before arriving in Isafjordur. Explore this honorary capital of the Westfjords, which has a real vibrancy and an endearing micro-culture created from years of isolation.

Overnight in Isafjordur area.

Options:
  • Seal Watching in Raudasandur (from Patreksfjordur)
Day 5  : Isafjordur - Holmavik - Strandir - Laugar Saelingsdalur (220 mi)

Uninhabited Fjords - Seal and Birdlife - Remote Arctic Wilderness

Drive the numerous uninhabited inlets of Isafjardardjup Fjord, with its beautiful coastline teeming with seals and bird life, towards Holmavik village. We recommend an excursion to the Strandir coast, one of the least-visited corners of Iceland. This remote and desolate wilderness has an air of mystery, where you can hike the breathtaking moorlands, soak in natural geothermal pools and learn about ancient sorcery and witchcraft. End your day in the fertile green valleys of Laugar in Saelingsdalur, an area rich in ancient Saga folklore and history.

Overnight in the Laugar Saelingsdalur area.

Day 6  : Laugar Saelingsdalur - Borgarfjordur - Reykjavik (180 mi)

Viking Heritage - Mysterious Waterfalls - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring

Drive to Eiriksstadir, the Viking Age home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eriksson, who discovered North America. See the turf-covered replica of his longhouse and the adjacent excavation site where you can stand on Leif’s doorstep and share his magnificent view overlooking Haukadalur valley. Head through Borgarfjordur, visiting Hraunfoss waterfall where the water shimmers from moss-covered lava into cerulean waters below. The nearby Barnafoss Falls have a mysterious secret to reveal. Be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where you can buy organic tomatoes grown using geothermal heat. Continue via Hvalfjordur (the Whale Fjord) to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Options:
  • The Settlement Center - Entrance Fee
  • Into the Glacier - Classic Tour (from Husafell Hotel or Klaki Base Camp)
Day 7  : Departure (32 mi)

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. *

*Please note that the package price is based on 6 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer.

Options:
  • Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras

Notes:

  • You must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car category 5.0 or higher.
  • Car category 2.0 or higher is recommended for this itinerary.

Cars:

Cat.1.1 Economy 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar (4 pax, 2 bags)

Cat. 2.6 Compact 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Auris Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.3.1 Intermediate 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Avensis Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.4.0 Intermediate 4wd Station Automatic:
Skoda Octavia 4wd Station Automatic or similar (5 pax, 4 bags)

Cat.5.1 Medium 4wd Automatic:
Toyota RAV4 4wd Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.7.1 Large 4wd Automatic:
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic or similar (5 pax, 5 bags)

Cat.9.9 Full Size 4wd Passenger Van:
VW Caravelle 4WD 9 seater or similar (9 pax, 9 bags)