South West Iceland with log cabin

Breakfast in the main building. Today you will wake up in spectacular surroundings with your hire car on hand and the entire south coast of Iceland lying in wait. Why not set your sights on the town of Vík, which is about 150 km to the east?

Vík is the southernmost town in Iceland and well known for its striking surroundings and dramatic black lava beach – although perhaps the stops along the way make the trip a true highlight of any visit to Iceland. If you choose to visit Vík we recommend stopping at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls which are about 90 and 120 kilometres respectively from your cabin. Along the way you will also pass the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and the Solheimajökull Glacier where you can take a guided tour over the tongue of the glacier which stretches down towards the coast. As you drive along you will have amazing views of black lava beaches and the wild ocean to your right and dramatic mountain peaks looming high above to your left.

Located just before Vík are the bird cliffs at Dyrhólaey. Here you can park your car and step out to enjoy an unbeatable view over the cliff formations, the black beach and the rough sea. The cliffs here are known for their rich bird life and many people come especially to see the puffins which nest in the area between May and August. If you choose to take a walk on the beach, take care not to go too close to the water. It is not uncommon for big sneaker waves to crash in and sweep away anybody who is standing too close. In the evening you will drive back to the cabin for the night.

Begin the day with a hearty and energising breakfast. How does a visit to the world-famous Golden Circle sound for today? The Golden Circle consists of three classic stops: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Thingvellir National Park is an area of great historical significance. It is the site of the world’s first democratic parliament, the Althing, which was held by Icelanders all the way back in the year 900. The area is also of geological interest as it is right here that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, resulting in a six-kilometre wide valley that is flanked by steep cliffs on either end. Geysir is a world-famous geothermal area which is best known for its main attraction, Strokkur – a mighty geyser that erupts roughly every five to ten minutes. When Strokkur erupts, it launches a cascade of water 20 metres up into the air.

Gullfoss is a majestic waterfall that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland. The fall begins where the River Hvítá plunges down into an almost 32-metre deep crevice. Today you will also have the option to add on a visit to the Secret Lagoon. This lagoon is a hot spring about 80 kilometres east of Reykjavík. It has showering facilities where you can freshen up and a bar where you can grab something to eat or drink. The water falls in two steps and visitors can get up close to the huge masses of water that come crashing down over its edge and into the ravine below. Afterwards you will then head back to the cabin for another night.

Breakfast in the main building. Today is your last chance to discover anything you might have missed on the south coast before heading to Reykjavík later on. You can choose to make your way to Reykjavík in the morning or in the afternoon.

Reykjavík is a little explosion of colour perched on the edge of the Atlantic. It is packed with incredible restaurants, exciting museums, great shops, fantastic spas and a vibrant nightlife. You won’t have any problems keeping yourself entertained in the Icelandic capital. This package even gives you the option to add on a whale watching tour which departs right from the harbour in Reykjavík. You will head out by boat and get to see and learn more about these mighty giants of the ocean. You will spend the night in a hotel in Reykjavík that you can choose for yourself when you book the trip.

Breakfast at the hotel. For those of you on a four-night trip the time has come to pack your bags for the trip home. Your plane will depart in the morning or the afternoon and before then you will need to return your hire car at Keflavík Airport. The drive from Reykjavík to the airport takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time!

If you have opted for a five-night trip then you have yet another day of discovery in Reykjavík ahead of you. Reykjavík is simply brimming with interesting museums, design stores and incredible restaurants. 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. You will spend the night at the same hotel in Reykjavík.

Return flights either early in the morning or in the afternoon. Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport (approx. 45 mins) and leave the car there in connection with your return flight.