Iceland short break with rental car

Breakfast at the hotel. Exploring the south coast by hire car is the perfect set-up for adventure. This part of the country is home to many of its most interesting sights and attractions. Although the options are many, we recommend first setting your sights on the town of Vík which is located around 150 kilometres to the east.

With its striking black lava beaches, Vík, the most southerly town in Iceland, is a very popular stop. And the road there is lined with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic sea views. Stop off at the enchanting waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and marvel at nature’s beauty. Visitors can creep in behind the cascading waters of this first waterfall and climb up to the top of the second.

You will also pass the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and the Solheimajökull Glacier where you can hike up along the glacier’s tongue. Even the drive itself will offer up a great deal of amazing experiences as you travel between dramatic volcanic mountains on one side  and the mighty grey Atlantic Ocean on the other.

Just before you reach Vík comes another must-stop. This is where you will find the bird cliffs at Dyrhólaey. The wild ocean has carved out these cliffs in the most spectacular way, making them a perfect nesting site for the beloved puffin (between May and August). If you choose to walk along the black beach in this area, watch out for sneaker waves which have been known to crash in and sweep away unsuspecting visitors. Today you also have the option to visit the Secret Lagoon – a geothermally heated outdoor pool which is located 80 kilometres to the east of Reykjavík. When the day is over you will then return to your hotel in South West Iceland.

Begin the day with a hearty, energising breakfast at the hotel. The third day of your trip will once more revolve around the magical south coast. Today we recommend taking your car around the Golden Circle, which is so named for the three incredible attractions that can be visited within its confines all in the same day. The Golden Circle consists of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Thingvellir National Park is an area of both geological and historical interest. It is here that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and where their drift has created a six-kilometre wide valley that is flanked by steep cliffs on either end. It is also here that the Althing, the world’s first ever democratic parliament, would meet back in the 900s.

Geysir is a stop of explosive proportions. This place is a world-famous geothermal area that revolves around one of the few active geysers anywhere in the world: Strokkur. This mighty geyser propels a column of water 20 metres up into the air at regular intervals of every 5–10 minutes. Gullfoss is a mighty waterfall that many consider to be the most beautiful in Iceland. Here you can watch as the River Hvítá crashes down into a 32-metre-deep crevice. The water plunges down in stages and visitors can get up close to its thundering waters. When the day is over you will then head back to your hotel in South West Iceland.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today it’s time to head in to Reykjavík where the last day of your journey will unfold. You can choose for yourself whether you want to head off early or later in the afternoon. If you opt to go in the afternoon then you will have the morning free to check out anything you may have missed on the south coast.

Reykjavík is a fascinating city in many different regards. Once a small fishing town, it is now an explosion of colour perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Not only does it offer internationally renowned nightlife, but also shopping, culture and food of the highest quality. Take the opportunity to experience an unforgettable meal in one of the city’s many restaurants where you can enjoy classic Icelandic specialties or some of the various different international cuisines on offer. Icelandic cooking is known for its very high quality and for taking inspiration from Icelandic nature.

Today you also have the option to add on a whale watching tour that will depart from Reykjavík Harbour. You’ll take to the sea by boat and get to see and learn more about these mighty giants of the ocean. You will spend the night at a hotel in Reykjavík.

For those of you who have chosen a four-night trip then today is the day you head home. Drive to the airport and leave your hire car back at the same place before boarding your plane back to the UK.

If you have opted for a five-night trip then today will be yet another day to explore and uncover Reykjavík. Use the day to visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, go to one of the city’s many museums, or simply take some time to stroll around the shops. You will spend tonight in the same hotel in Reykjavík.

Today is the last day for those of you on a five-night trip. Drive to the airport and return your hire car before a pleasant flight back to the UK!