REYKJAVIK | WESTFJORDS
On this self-drive itinerary, travel along West Iceland and the varied landscapes of the Snæfellsnes 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-path 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 hide among flowering vegetation.
Highlights:
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula rich Viking history
- Ferry ride across Breiðafjordur Bay
- Spectacular wildlife at Latrabjarg cliffs
- Eiriksstadir, the Viking Age home of Erik the Red
- Visit the therapeutic Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Package Includes:
- Total 6 nights accommodation at quality hotels and guesthouses + 4-Star accommodation in Reykjavik
- 6 day Car rental – Toyota Auris or similar, Automatic transmission including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage with GPS system
- Electronic travel package
- Icelandic breakfast daily
- Hotel taxes and service charges
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International airfare not included. Minimum 2 passengers travelling together.
Itinerary available from May - October 2016. Many other itineraries available.
Not valid during trade shows, Bank holidays and other special events. Blackout periods may apply. Pricing for other dates available upon request.
Rates are subject to availability at time of booking.
Tour Code: EU3116
Itinerary
Day 1
REYKJAVIK – HVERAGERDI Arrival in Reykjavik. Pick up your car at the airport and start your Iceland experience. Your travel package will contain everything you need to navigate this beautiful country. Head to the small town of Hveragerdi, located in the southern region of the country along Iceland’s Ring Road. Hveragerdi is known for its horticulture and greenhouses which use volcanic hot springs to heat them. Approximate distance: 128 km
Day 2
BreakfastMASSIVE CRATER – PEBBLE BEACHES – GLACIER-CAPPED VOLCANO Travel along the western coast towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula. On the way, pass the perfectly formed lunar-like Eldborg crater. 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, get glimpse views of Snaefellsjokull glacier, the icy cone-shaped peak which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Approximate distance: 250 km
Day 3
BreakfastSTYKKISHOLMUR – BREIÐAFJORDUR – WESTFJORDS Sail across Breiðafjordur Bay, home to more than 3,000 tiny islands inhabited with nesting seabirds and playful seals. Upon reaching the remote Westfjords, explore the area’s main attraction, Latrabjarg cliffs. The remarkable 441m high sea cliffs are alive with millions of playful puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills, recognized 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. Approximate distance: 155 km
Day 4
BreakfastPATREKSFJORDUR – BILDUDALUR – THINGEYRI – ISAFJORDUR Travel across the spectacular Westfjords, keeping an eye out for thermal bathing springs hidden among the rugged heaths. At the Dynjandi waterfall, the thunderous power of the main cascade drops 100m off the edge of a mountain. 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. Approximate distance: 220 km
Day 5
BreakfastISAFJORDUR – HOLMAVIK – STRANDIR – LAUGAR SAELINGSDALUR Navigate the numerous uninhabited inlets of Isafjardardjup Fjord with a 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 Saelingsdalur, an area rich in ancient Saga folklore and history. Approximate distance: 360 km
Day 6
BreakfastLAUGAR SAELINGSDALUR – BORGARFJORDUR – REYKJAVIK Drive to Eiriksstadir, the Viking Age home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson 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 enjoy his same magnificent view overlooking Haukadalur valley. Heading through Borgarfjordur, visit Hraunfoss waterfall where the water shimmers from moss-covered lava into cerulean waters below, and Barnafoss Falls which 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 (Whale) Fjord to Reykjavik. Return your car rental and check into your hotel. Approximate distance: 290 km
Day 7
BreakfastREYKJAVIK – HOME After breakfast at your hotel, check out. On the way to the airport, stop at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. This geothermal pool lies in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field. Stop for a swim in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. An indoor pool and geothermal sauna are also on site. The Blue Lagoon’s warm water and natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica and blue green algae are the key to ending your magnificent journey relaxed. After your visit, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
General Information & Maps
Not Included:
- International or domestic airfare; airport or departure taxes
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Reciprocity and/or local taxes if applicable
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Gateways International Tailor-made Tours
View LargeHouse in the Westfjords
View LargeBoat in the Westfjords
View LargeSnaefellsnes Peninsula
View LargeStrandir Coast
View LargeIceland Road
View LargeIcelandic Horses
View LargeBlue Lagoon
View LargeAtlantic Puffin Iceland
