Leisure Self-Drive A Farm Based Tour Around Iceland

13 Days Farm Guest Houses Circling the island

Driving all the way around Iceland and having the time to explore its wonders. It's almost 2000 km (that's 1200 miles) on the road. But it's not like a drive down the Interstate! You'll see a vast variety of landscapes and natural wonders that will have you slowing down often. Overnight stays are mostly at farm guest houses where you'll be able to meet other travelers and Icelanders.This trip could develop into a Northern Odyssey for all who undertake it!

Accommodations are in farm guest houses with a choice of private facilities or shared facilities, and breakfast is included at each stop.

This self-drive tour can be scheduled to begin on any day. You can set off driving on your arrival in Iceland, or we can arrange for a nights rest in Reykjavik and you can start the next day.

Day 1. -The Southwest

The Borgarfjördur district - Húsafell where a medieval farmstead is being excavated. Hraunfossar - A strange waterfall brought about by water running out between layers of lava from old volcanic eruptions. Reykholt has an outdoor bathing pool and tunnel to the farmhouse that date back 800 years. Kleppjárnsreykir has hot springs and hothouses, because of its geothermal heat.. Borgarnes village - the site of one of the most popular Icelandic sagas, Egla. Short tours of historic interest can usually be arranged locally.

Day 2. - The Snæfellsnes peninsula

You're often within sight of the Snæfellsjökull glacier - famous for its beauty and its mysterious powers. If the mood and weather coperate there are glacier tours both on foot and on snow machines. The fishing village Arnarstapi with its surrounding birdlife and its seastacks and snug harbor lies at the end of the Southern shore. The crater Eldborg which hasn't erupted in 1000 years can be climbed in less than an hour.

Day 3. - The Snæfellsnes peninsula and the West

Breiðafjörður Bay - boat excursions amongst the many islands in the bay, with the possibilities of seeing whales and observing birdlife. You'll pass through a few small fishing villages on the northern coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula. You will drive across Laxárdalsheidi heath from one deep fjord to another, passing haunted farmsteads and spots known for magical acts.

Day 4. - Akureyri and the Northwest

Today you travel through Skagafjördur, whose horse breeding farms produce some of the finest of Iceland's horses and on to Akureyri, the diminutive capitol of the North. Two worthwhile stops would the manor farmhouse museum at Glaumbær and the old turf church at Vídimyri.

Day 5. - The Lake Myvatn area

A day with Nature.The huge Godafoss waterfall - beautiful and historic. Lake Myvatn is one of the pearls of Icelandic nature and rich in both bird and plant life. Höfdi - a wooded headland in the lake. Dimmuborgir with its spectacular lava formations. The geothermal area at Námafjall Pass with extraordinary colors.produced by the sulphur in the ground, and maybe a trip to Viti (English- Hell) a volcanic caldera with a still warm lake at its bottom.

Day 6. - Whale watching - The Northeast

The whale watching from Húsavík, a busy and lively town which boasts one of Iceland's prettiest churches, is usually rewarded with sitings. From the seashell filled ridges at Tjörnes to the fissures and chasms formed by earthquakes at Keldhverfi, to the broad and varied river Jokulsa, this part of the trip shows a lot of Nature's wonders.

Day 7. - The Northeast

A chance to visit the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Ásbyrgi, allegedly the hoof mark of Odin's horse, Sleipnir. Hljóðaklettar (Echo rocks) with their strange echoes and rock formations. The magnificent Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. On the way to the East stop by the renovated farm Sænautasel and have a cup of coffee or tea with the very Icelandic baking,

Day 8. - The East

Today's trip is around Hallormsstadar Woods - Iceland's biggest forest and great outdoor area, this is one of a very few areas in Iceland where one can take a long walk in the woods! There's a bit of exploration possibility around and on the Lagarfljót River (where the sea serpent "Lagarfljótsormur"allegedly lives). Driving through the East fjords with their dramatic mountains and quaint fishing villages could include visits to the fishing towns ofBorgarfjördur eystri and Seydisfjördur .

Day 9. - The East and the Southeast

Beyond Egilsstadir village the road heads out to the East coast and then follows the shoreline up and down fjords and along the shoulders of seaside mountains.. A unique stone collection in Stödvarfjördur village might catch your interest. Great scenery of tall and uniquely formed mountains en route towards the South.

Day 10. - The Southeast

You'll pass near the fishing village at Höfn and soon be within sight of the Vatnajökull glacier - tours on the glacier can usually be booked locally on the evening before. Stop at the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón - maybe take a cruise amongst the towering icebergs. Skaftafell National Park - one of Iceland's most beautiful and unique places of natural wonder. Hiking up onto the glacier (with or without a guide) is easily done from here

Day 11. - The South - along the coast

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a small but important community center and the area has some interesting geological formations.. Vík in Myrdalur is a harbor that has some boat excursions out to Dyrhólaey - a 120 m high skerry with perpendicular cliffs teeming with birds - a real nature sanctuary. Skógar with its magnificent waterfall and interesting folk museum, is on the route The swimming pool at Seljavellir can be very inviting - an outdoor pool in lovely natural surroundings. A stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall - where you can walk behind the waterfall.

Day 12. -The South - inland.

The historical Skálholt cathedral. Kerid is a 3000 year old volcanic explosion crater nearby. You will drive inland to the three spots that comprise the Golden Circle - the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Geysir hot spring area with the energetic Strokkur spouting every 10-15 minutes, and Thingvellir National Park - the site of the ancient parliament - beautiful area with lovely walks. Your last night will be in a hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik.

Day 13 - Farewell to Iceland....You'll have a long morning to relax, enjoy the museums, shops, cafes and swimming pools of Reykjavik. Then the Flybus shuttle will take you to Keflavik airport in time for your flight home.

There are a number variations possible with this tour.

These prices are per person, occupancy as noted, with airfare from NYC, Boston, or Baltimore, Minneapolis for an extra $75. 12 days of chosen car with unlimited mileage, VAT and CDW, 11 nights in farm guesthouses with breakfast every day, a detailed itinerary and map.

Not included in the price are departure taxes (currently $74 but subject to change) meals other than breakfast, option tours or activities, gas or tolls. We recommend the purchase of Super CDW, which covers all costs to the car, and can only be purchased in Iceland.

This tour can be extended either at its beginning or its end so that you can spend more time in Rekjavik.