It's home to Björk and volcanoes with unpronounceable names - not to mention powerful geysers, cascading waterfalls and ice- and lava-shaped landscapes. There's even a chance you'll spot the magical Northern Lights shimmering in the vast open skies. In short, Iceland is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations. It is also a relatively short hop from the UK and on this exclusive itinerary, put together by Iceland specialists, Discover the World, you'll discover the best of the country's raw beauty under your own steam.
Car rental is included as well as two, two-night hotel stays along the way so you can take your time following an easy route through the country's many geological wonders.
From breathtaking rambles or superjeep tours in the Thórsmörk Valley to underground ice cave exploration in Europe's second largest glacier (all optional), you will have ample opportunity to discover the spectacular scenery.
Bathe in outdoor hot tubs and the famous Blue Lagoon, drive along the magnificent coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and stop where you like to walk along remote valleys or on the rugged shoreline. This is an Icelandic adventure like no other which readers can take on dates that suit them from October, 2019 through to April 2021.
On arrival at Keflavík international airport collect your rental vehicle before stopping along the way for a relaxing dip at the Blue Lagoon. Then continue along the scenic coastal road to Hotel Rangá - your home for the next two nights.
Follow Iceland's iconic Ring Road along a narrow coastal plain between black sand beaches and towering cliffs, volcanoes and icecaps. After crossing the Markarfljót River, stop to admire Seljalandsfoss - a delicate 60m-tall horsetail plume cascading from an ancient sea cliff. Walk behind the waterfall into an overhang dripping with emerald-coloured mosses.
Back on the road, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano looms to your left. A little further on, Skógafoss catches your eye. A similar height to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss also cascades over the edge of former sea cliffs. However, this is an altogether mightier beast - a 25m-wide curtain of thundering water. As you walk towards the spray-smudged base of the falls, look out for a rainbow - sometimes two.
Beyond Skógafoss, the road crosses wide gravel plains scratched by rivers. Look west and you might see the Westman Islands offshore. To the north, however, looms a far more overwhelming presence - Mýrdalsjökull. This 600 sq km ice cap slumps over the Katla volcano, but a tongue of ice - the Sólheimajökull glacier - snakes tantalizingly towards the coast. It's a wonderful opportunity for a guided glacier walk. Ranging from an hour to half-day, you'll feel like Jon Snow exploring beyond The Wall in The Game of Thrones as you hike across ice fields, peer into cerulean-coloured crevasses and catch sight of the ice cap looming above you. Talk to our team about pre-booking this unforgettable adventure.
How far you want to continue along the South Coast is entirely up to you. Your iDiscover app will do its best to lure you onwards with other attractions like Vík where you can walk along dramatic black sand beaches towards troll-like sea stacks.
After enjoying one of Hotel Rangá's famous buffet breakfasts, drive north through beautiful rural countryside towards the Golden Circle - Iceland's celebrated trio of natural wonders. Easily visited during a day's gentle touring, the triple whammy of Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir showcases Iceland's rugged, volcanic beauty.
At the geothermal hotspot of Geysir, you can follow paths between bubbling springs and watch the obligingly regular Strokkur shoot scalding water 20m into the air. There's wild water at Gullfoss too. This twin-tiered waterfall is a thunderous concoction of rapids, cascades and spray, squeezed into a narrow canyon and garnished with a rainbow.
Calm and serene by comparison, Þingvellir - pronounced 'Thingvellir' - has mysterious pools of gin-clear water. The flooded Silfra fissure is actually a rift between the Eurasian and North American plates - talk to us about booking a once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling or diving adventure in this beautiful, bewitching place. If you prefer politics to plate tectonics, Þingvellir is also the site of Iceland's first parliament, founded in 930.
Continue onto the west of Iceland to Hotel Húsafell.
Explore the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snæfellsjökull icecap.
Alternatively, you can relax at a nearby Spa, Krauma before going inside a Europe's second largest glacier with an optional excursion.
Make your way back to Keflavík Airport to return your vehicle to the Europcar depot (at the airport) before your afternoon flight home.
Featuring an onsite stargazing observatory, this luxury hotel sits in a spectacular location next to the Rangá salmon river
Hotel Rangá is a luxurious log-built resort in the shadow of the active Hekla volcano with cosy cabin-like suites, whirlpool tubs and its very own Astronomical Observatory. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious local Icelandic cuisine and the lounge has a wrap-around balcony for glimpsing those green shimmers.
This unique hotel combines quiet luxury and rugged wilderness within the stunning landscape of Iceland
This is a beautifully designed contemporary property about 90 minutes' drive northeast of Reykjavík. Rooms have en-suite bathrooms and stylish furnishings, as well as paintings by a local artist. Dining is a highlight too, with a fantastic menu featuring seafood, local beef, lamb and wild game.
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