Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Free £150 National Trust gift card when you book by 17 September. Find out more.
Our Icelandic Adventure is filled with iconic experiences that highlight the very best of the region. We have included comfort admission into the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned for its rejuvenating geothermal waters and a natural wonder of the world. Next on your list is a guided excursion into the natural ice caves of Katla. You will embark on a beautiful and exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of 13 glaciers where you'll take a short walk through an amazing glacier area towards the natural ice cave - an experience like no other!
Also included within your Icelandic Adventure is entry to Hvammsvik Hot Spring Baths. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy 8 hot springs right on the Atlantic ocean, with water levels and temperatures fluctuating with the tides. Depending on the time of year, we include a Northern Lights by Boat Tour or a Whale Watching Tour. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik with a local guide in search for the amazing natural phenomenon that are the Northern Lights. Alternatively, on your guided whale watching tour from Reykjavik, you have the incredible opportunity to see minke and humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins.
Amongst all the above, you will also have the opportunity to drive the iconic Golden Circle route where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and the spectacular glacial waters of Gullfoss Waterfall. Whilst staying in Borgarfjordur within Western Iceland, you can explore the nearby Snaefellsnes, often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature' because of the wealth and diversity of its natural features. The coastline here is adorned with white and black sand beaches including Ytri-Tunga beach where you can observe its year-round seal colony.
Your trip begins and ends in the bustling city of Reykjavik; we recommend adding extra nights here should you want more time to explore the capital.
Arrive in Reykjavik and collect your hire car. Drive to your first hotel in Reykjavik City (approx. 1hr). Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to either explore the lively city of Reykjavik or visit the Blue Lagoon. Should you arrive later in the day, we recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon on your second day (approx. 1hr 15mins drive from Reykjavik city or 45mins directly from Reykjavik Keflavik airport).
Within your tour, we have included Comfort Admission to the Blue Lagoon which includes entry from your allotted time to closing (approx. 8pm), use of the sauna, steam room/steam cave, a Silica mud mask, towel and drink from the in-water bar. You can also opt to add on an in-water massage or float therapy, relieving any pain and stress. You can choose from a selection of excellent dining options at the Blue Lagoon; enjoy fresh snacks and drinks at the Blue Cafe, sample culinary classics at the Lava Restaurant or indulge in the innovative Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant.
The famous Blue Lagoon's geothermal seawater is 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater, enriched with silica, algae, and minerals. Not only is it a delight simply to soak in, it heals, rejuvenates, and nourishes. National Geographic bestowed honours on 25 natural wonders divided into three categories: Sky, Land, and Water. The Blue Lagoon was included in the Water category and shared this recognition with esteemed company, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Norwegian fjords, Lake Baikal in Siberia, and Victoria Falls in South Africa.
You stay at Klettur Hotel.
Klettur Hotel, Reykjavik
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Guests can enjoy the brightly decorated rooms at Hotel Klettur, some featuring a balcony with panoramic views of Reykjavik. A continental breakfast is available every morning in the dining room and the hotel bar offers an excellent selection of Icelandic beers and wine.
Today you move onto your next hotel located near Hella (approx. 2hr drive from Reykjavik). The town of Hella in Southern Iceland, enchants visitors with its tranquil allure and rich history. Positioned along the scenic Ytri-Ranga River, Hella presents a distinctive blend of serene beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage. It's an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat while staying close to Iceland's renowned natural attractions.
En-route to Hella, you can visit the Blue Lagoon if time didn't allow yesterday. Additionally, we recommend taking the scenic road to Hella and driving the iconic Golden Circle route. This classic journey covers around 230km (approx. 3hrs drive) and takes you to three beautiful natural attractions: Thingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Thingvellier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can take turns standing on the North American and Eurasian continents. Movement between the plates is ongoing, resulting in this purified glacial meltwater becoming a popular snorkelling destination.
Geysir Geothermal Area is named after the 18m wide Geysir whose activity fates back to 1294 although is rarely active now. You can still see where it used to spout off, as well as other, more active geysers in the area.
Gullfoss Waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder fed by glacial waters flowing over 140 cubic metres per second. The first stage of the waterfall is around 11m, followed by a second, more significant waterfall with a drop of 21m. Thanks to the amount of mist created by Gullfoss, rainbows frequently appear at the falls. Gullfoss Waterfall is open year-round, but the path to the lower level observation area is closed in winter due to icy conditions.
You stay at Laekur Hotel.
Laekur Hotel , Hella
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Enjoy this family-run hotel in a boutique style with a relaxing hot tub and sauna included for all guests. Their on-site restaurant serves quality, local ingredients, paired with a drink in their cosy lounge.
Today you will join a small group on a guided adventure into the natural ice caves of Iceland. We have included a tour of Katla (approx. 2.5hrs) with a 30-60min jeep ride to the glacier followed by approx. 1hr inside the glacier; all necessary equipment is included (helmet, headlamp and crampons).
You will meet the team in Vik where you will then embark on a beautiful and exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of 13 glaciers. You will take a short walk through an amazing glacier area towards the natural ice cave. The guide will always choose the most accessible and safe path. For increased safety, they maintain a series of paths and wooden bridges during the warmer months of the year. As the glacier constantly changes, the path may differ day to day, as will the look of the ice cave. This makes each tour a unique experience! We always make sure you have enough time to explore the glacier area and take plenty of photos to make this an unforgettable day!
Please note: This tour might not be suitable for people who are sensitive to motion sickness, or suffer from a back injury.
Spend your morning in Hella or move onto Borgarfjordur after breakfast (drive approx. 2.5hrs). The Borgarfjordur region in West Iceland has something for everyone: history enthusiasts, wellness lovers, and geography fans will all discover remarkable sights and activities to enjoy. Soak in the hot water springs of Krauma, one of Iceland's luxury bath resorts, whilst sampling exclusively local produce or visit the nearby town of Husafell with it's secluded canyon baths, hidden amongst forested hills.
Trails are plentiful with comfortable walking paths bordered by birch trees around the highly photogenic turquoise waters of the 'lava falls' Hraunfossar and the adjacent Barnafoss. Certainly worth exploring!
You stay at Basalt Hotel.
Basalt Hotel, Borgafjörður
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Surrounded by lovely Icelandic countryside, this family run hotel offers 13 rooms, a traditional restaurant, and a 12 person hot tub where you enjoy great views across the valley or if you're lucky, of the famous Northern Lights.
Often nicknamed 'Iceland in miniature' because of the wealth and diversity of its natural features, Snaefellsnes is a large peninsula extending from West Iceland. Boasting a diverse landscape of glaciers, mountains, lava fields, and coastal beauty, it's home to the Snaefellsjokull National Park, at the centre of which sits the Sneafellsjokull subglacial volcano that towers over the scenery.
The coastline is adorned with white and black sand beaches, while dramatic cliffs and rock formations provide nesting grounds for various seabird species; stop by the Ytri-Tunga beach to observe its year-round seal colony on your self guided exploration of this fascinating area.
We have included entry to Hvammsvik Hot Spring Baths where you can enjoy 8 hot springs, steam bath, outdoor & indoor facilities, ocean swimming, and free paddleboard rental. Hvammsvik Hot Springs are situated right on the Atlantic ocean, with water levels and temperatures of some of the natural pools fluctuating with the tides.
This really is a unique and authentic experience amongst unspoiled nature away from the crowds. Enjoy their legendary seafood soup, drinks and world class art in beautifully designed facilities. When you're ready, drive to Reykjavik (approx. 1hr) to spend your last two nights in the city.
You stay at Klettur Hotel.
Klettur Hotel, Reykjavik
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Guests can enjoy the brightly decorated rooms at Hotel Klettur, some featuring a balcony with panoramic views of Reykjavik. A continental breakfast is available every morning in the dining room and the hotel bar offers an excellent selection of Icelandic beers and wine.
Depending on the time of year, we include a Northern Lights by Boat Tour from 1st September to 15th April or a Whale Watching Tour from 16th April to 31st August.
Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik with a local guide in search for the Northern Lights. Your expert guide will help you to search for the lights while telling you all about the science, legends and myths that surround this amazing natural phenomenon.
On your guided whale watching tour from Reykjavik, you have the incredible opportunity to see minke and humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins; there is indoor seating on board and an outdoor viewing deck. Return to Reykjavik to enjoy your last evening in Iceland.
Drive back to Reykjavik airport and return your hire car.
Show prices including flights?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £789.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £789.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights
Out: British Airways London Heathrow to Reykjavik, collect hire car then drive to first hotel (approx. 50mins).
Return: Drive from last hotel to Reykjavik airport (approx. 50mins), then British Airways Reykjavik to London Heathrow.
Extra legroom seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am Monday) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
