Sample West/South Iceland Itinerary (8 days)

Depart US to Keflavík on Icelandair.

Day 1 – Reykjavík
Arrive Keflavík, Iceland the next morning or on a late evening flight. Take FlyBus to accommodations in Reykjavík – Stay at accommodations ranging from 4-star hotels to charming guesthouses located in downtown Reykjavík. Private facilities and breakfast included.

Day 2 – Reykjavík – Golden Circle - Reykjavík
Take the most popular day tour in Iceland: The Golden Circle Super Jeep tour – the best way to get to know Iceland’s history, culture and geology before heading off on your own on day 3. Includes visits to hot springs, waterfalls, geysers and the mid-Atlantic ridge at Iceland’s famous Thingvellir National Park. Same overnight location in Reykjavík.

Day 3 – Snæfellsnes
After breakfast, pickup rental car from your accommodations and checkout. Head north and west to Hellnar on south coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula (3-hour drive) and spend two overnights at Hótel Hellnar or Búðir situated on the southwest coast of the peninsula overlooking the ocean to the south and the mystical glacier to the north. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the region with a hike along the coast or a visit to the glacier.

Day 4 – Snæfellsnes
Today is a free day for touring Snæfellsnes on your own or by hiring a private local guide. Options include a whale watching trip from Ólafsvík, a boat trip from Arnarstapi, a visit to the famous lava stone beach of Djúpalónssandur or a horse trek from a local horse farm. Same overnight location as previous night.

Day 5 – Borgarfjörður - Hvalfjörður
Today drive east to the ring road at Borgarnes and into the history-rich region of Borgarfjörður. You can head west to Reykholt (2-hour drive) for an overnight at the Viking spa hotel at Reykholt. Or you can head south to the shores of Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) for an overnight at the peaceful Hótel Glymur (2-hour drive). In the afternoon visit hot springs, waterfalls and lava caves or put your feet up for some first class spa services. This is a good day for independent hiking in the region. As you pass near the town of Village, consider a visit to the new Settlement Museum.

Day 6 – Southwest Iceland
Today you will head to southwest Iceland for two overnights at a deluxe 4-star hotel or a country farm hotel or a charming and romantic small guesthouse (1.5 to 2-hour drive). Visit local waterfalls, lava beaches, quaint fishing villages and Iceland’s geothermal agricultural heartland.

Day 7 – Southwest Iceland
Today you can explore river valleys and interior destinations (4WD is necessary if planning to travel into the interior) or take a short trip to the Westman Islands by flight from Bakki Airport on the south coast. Consider dinner at an eclectic seashore lobster restaurant or an upscale seafood restaurant called Hafið Bláa (The Blue Sea) offering dramatic views of the north Atlantic.

Day 8 – Blue Lagoon - Home
After breakfast, check out and drive west to Blue Lagoon (1 to 2 hours) for a late morning dip in the world famous lagoon. Consider lunch at the site or travel the rugged coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula before heading to Keflavík airport for return flight to US. The Blue Lagoon is located within a 15-minute drive of the airport. Drop off rental car at the rental car return lot next to the arrivals side of the main terminal. Check-in is recommended two hours before the flight departure time.

Feel free to add a day or two to this itinerary.  For flight departures to Europe, the final day in Iceland may require adjustments. Check with IST for options and costs.
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Iceland Saga Travel (IST) prepays all Iceland-based service providers. Client and service providers will have prepaid vouchers for each service (rental car, accommodations, tours, ferries, etc.). All accommodations include breakfast. IST provides airport FlyBus tickets, maps, driving directions and regional information brochures. IST is happy to recommend and pre-book Reykjavík restaurant reservations.