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Jewels of the North Iceland self drive






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7 nights from £1,230 per person

Iceland Tours

This self drive tour from Akureyri, also referred to as "the Capital of the North" gives easy access to Iceland's Jewels of the North. These areas include the geological wonders at Lake Myvatn, Asbyrgi Canyon, Jokulsargljufur National Park (Glacier River Gorge) and two of Iceland's most renowned waterfalls: Dettifoss and Godafoss. Whale watching from neighbor towns as well as interacting with the locals is essential in getting the full experience of North Iceland. Join this new tour and discover the magic of the North. A perfect opportunity for newcomers and repeaters to explore the area at their own pace.

 

PRICES & DATES

Price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return flights to Akureyri via Keflavik, all airport taxes, rental car for 7 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT and one authorized driver (pick up of rental car on day 1 at Akureyri airport at 5 pm. Drop off at Akureyri airport at latest on departure day before 5 pm), accommodation for 7 nights including breakfast at EDDA hotels, Guesthouses, Farm Holidays or similar, detailed road map, road book and emergency phone line available 24/7.  If you would like to add a stay in Reykjavik pre- or post-tour, please contact us for ideas.

 

Departures: Thursdays and Sundays in June; Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August 2012.
 

 

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival and domestic flight to Akureyri
Fly to Akureyri via Keflavik. Pick up rental car at the airport. Overnight stay in Akureyri. Explore Akureyri, the Capital of the North.

DAY 2: Akureyri - Eyjafjörður and surroundings
Botanical Garden - Christmas House - Laufás Folk Museum
Approximate mileage: variable. 

Akureyri offers a wide range of activities and interesting places to visit such as art galleries, museums, exotic gardens and of course restaurants, cafés and shops. Explore the Listagil Art Center of Akureyri with it's exhibitions and galleries. Then head to Hof, a new Cultural and Convention Center, with its beautiful architecture and great location by the harbor. Other attractions not to be missed are: the Botanical Garden in Akureyri opened in 1912 as well as the Christmas House in Eyjafjordur county. Finally visit to the Laufás Folk Muesum. Overnight in Akureyri.

DAY 3: Dalvík - Ólafsfjörður - Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður Historic Herring Town - Ólafsfjörður - Dalvík
Approximate mileage: 180 Km / 112 miles.

With the opening of the Héðinsfjörður Tunnel in 2010, the historic herring-fishing town of Siglufjörður now makes a great trip from Akureyri. Siglufjörður is nestled in a dramatic fjord on the very edge of Iceland's steep northern mountains. Make sure to visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum. After the visit, explore the town at your leisure. Points of interest include the harbor, the church and a visit to local art galleries, cafés and shops. Continue on with an afternoon departure from Siglufjörður through the Fljót area of Iceland to Hofsós, a small town known for having one of the country´s best swimming pools. Proceed on to Skagafjörður for an overnight stay.

DAY 4: Skagafjörður - Glaumbær - Sauðárkrókur
Folk Museum - Horseback riding - Whitewater rafting
Approximate mileage: 140 Km / 89 miles.
Today continue through the fertile valley of Skagafjörður fjord, renowned for it´s horse breeding. Here you have the option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær, a great example of Icelandic architecture of the past. Drive over Öxnadalur pass to Akureyri.
Overnight in Akureyri

DAY 5: Goðafoss - Mývatn
Waterfall of the Gods - Rich Birdlife - Pseudo Craters - Nature Baths
Approximate mileage: 220 Km / 137 miles.

Depart Akureyri and head for the famous Lake Mývatn area. On the way stop at the thundering Goðafoss waterfall. Lake Mývatn is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Visit the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the Hverfjall Crater, the Nature Baths, solfataras of the Hverarönd geothermal region and finally Krafla volcano with the beautiful Viti Crater. Overnight in Akureyri.

DAY 6: Húsavík - Ásbyrgi - Dettifoss
Whale Watching - Glacial River Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Approximate mileage: 290 Km / 180 miles.

Get ready for an adventure filled day with a backdrop of heavenly landscapes. This journey travels around the stunning Tjörnes peninsula. Discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi National Park that according to Norse mythology, is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Óðinn. Continue on towards Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon. Overnight in Húsavík or Mývatn area.

DAY 7: Kópasker - Raufarhöfn - Þórshöfn - Langanes
Fishing villages - Natural Hot Springs - Picturesque farm land
Approximate mileage: 500 Km / 310 miles.

Following a spectacular coast line, continue your journey heading toward Vopnafjörður village. Vopnafjörður boasts salmon filled rivers, beautiful waterfalls, coastal cliffs and black sand beaches. From there continue to Þórshöfn village, a small town with only 500 inhabitants situated on Langanes peninsula. Visit both Raufarhöfn and Kópasker, two small fishing villages in the area, before driving back to Akureyri in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Akureyri.

DAY 8: Departure
Drop off the car at the airport before 5 pm and fly to Keflavik and onwards to the UK.
 

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Hotel, Activity and Local Information

Accommodation in Icelandic countryside

Accommodation is in farmhouses, country hotels, guest houses or cottages. You will have private facilities in your room.
 

 

Call our Reservations Team on 020 7838 5956 or click on the button right to send details of your enquiry online...

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