A Fairytale South Coast Adventure
A Fairytale South Coast Adventure
Unlock the secrets of Icelands
dramatic South Coast. We have combined the freedom of having your own vehicle with our expert
local knowledge to create a truly fabulous flexible intinerary. From iconic geothermals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and black sand beaches to wild lava fields covered with blankets of green moss, peat roofed houses and a magical lagoon of floating icebergs... Unzip your tent to unspoilt views
of alien volcanic landscapes or enjoy the comforts of farmhouse accommodation where you can sit, cup of tea in hand, listening to
local tales of trolls and fairies...
Itinerary
-
Day 1 Welcome to Iceland
Your flight arrives in Keflavik, here you can collect your vehicle for the week and drive to Reykjavik where a member of our team will be waiting for you. We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with your camping equipment and offer some local advice. Depending on your arrival time perhaps today is the day for a dip in the warm waters of the famous Blue Lagoon (payable locally).
30 miles
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Reykjavik -
Day 2 Þingvellir / Gullfoss / Geysir
Explore Icelands famous Golden Circle on your way to the South Coast. The circle includes the beautiful Þingvellir UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mid-Atlantic fault and meeting place of the world’s oldest Parliament. Then, Gullfoss waterfall (‘Golden Waterfall’), the gigantic two-tiered waterfall with its impressive basalt columns and of course the exciting geothermal area of Geysir and the extraordinary Strokkur Geyser.
170 miles
Accommodation: Camping or Farmhouse -
Day 3 Skogar / Kirkjubaejarklaustur
The beautiful bronzed green mosses of Eldhraun stretch along the South Coast, this alien landscape comes from the eruption of Laki in the highlands nearby. This unique environment where nature prevails against all the odds is definitely worth exploring on your way to Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
100 miles
Accommodation: Camping or Farmhouse -
Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur / Skaftafell
Go hiking in the National Park at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Discover stunning trails through the lush greenland, fabulous geological formations and stunning views of the monochrone glacial world which surrounds. The highest peak in the country, the snow capped summit of Hvannadalshnukur (2119m) is found here.
50 miles
Accommodation: Camping or Farmhouse -
Day 5 Skaftafell / Jökulsarlon / Skaftafell
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is a truly magical place where icebergs drift from Breidarmerkurjökull glacier towards the sea. Nearby you can find black sand beaches scattered with lumps of ice which glisten like diamonds in the sun. If you are lucky perhaps you will spot seals playing between the lumps of floating ice. You can take a boat trip here (consult us).
80 miles
Accommodation: Camping or Farmhouse -
Day 6 Skaftafell / Vik
Discover Vik and the iconic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara - rated in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world! With dramatic North Atlantic Ocean waves, black sands, impressive basalt columns, a huge cave, interesting folklore history plus the chance of puffin sightings this is a destination not to be missed. (This area has featured in many films and TV shows including Star Wars Rogue One, Star Trek Into Darkness and Game of Thrones)
90 miles
You can visit an Icelandic Wool Factory here
Accommodation: Camping or Farmhouse -
Day 7 Skógar / Reykjavik
Visit Skógar where you can admire the great Skógafoss waterfall and visit the folk museum with its old peat-roofed houses. Then continue to Reykjavik. Drop of your camping kit (if you chose to camp) and enjoy an afternoon in the capital city of Iceland. Visit the National Museum of Iceland, the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre or the Reykjavik City Museum and Settlement Exhibition...
100 miles
Accommodation: Guesthouse -
Day 8 Farewell Iceland
Return your vehicle in Keflavik and flight home
Transport: 30 miles & flight home
This itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative and fully flexible. The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies.
Other trips you may like
The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip: Discover the freedom which comes with campervan travel and visit the best of Iceland - an iconic Icelandic adventure. From famous geysirs, waterfalls and National Parks to lesser known rhyolite massifs, lunar calderas and lava fields...
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Price
From €955
The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.
Included
- 7 days car hire, unlimited mileage
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance
- 2 nights in guesthouse accommodation with breakfasts
- A complete travel Guide with maps for all of the different regions you will visit
- A tent and all technical camping equipment if camping (see equipment section for more details)*
Not included
- International flights
- Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
- Meals*, drinks and personal expenses
*This trip can be done with farmhouse accommodation instead of camping in which case you will be fully catered for. Price vary.
Notes
Camping: Comfort 1/5
We provide quality 3 man dome tents per 2 people for maximum space and
comfort.
Comfortable Farmhouse: Comfort 4/5
Well-equipped accommodation options like basic hotels or charming guesthouses
are rated 4/5 for comfort. Please note that this does not guarantee private bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Level
This is your trip, you can choose how challenging or relaxing each day is.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Altai Iceland implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, we require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Iceland in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Iceland may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Insurance
Car Hire Insurance Options
Icelandic law demands
that vehicle rental is coupled with third party insurance. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is included in our prices. In the event of an accident please be aware that you are
responsible for all damages. It is strongly advised to take out additional on
site insurance to reduce costs in the event of an accident.
Additional Options & Accessories:
- An additional driver: one-off payment, from €27
- Super Collision Damage Waiver Insurance (SCDW): From €12 a day
- Sand and Ash Damage Waiver Insurance (SADW): from €12 a day
- Gravel Protection Insurance (GP): from €12 a day
- The GP, SADW & SCDW insurance package: from €24 a day
- GPS: from €11 a day
- 4G Wifi: from €20 a day
- A child car seat, various sizes and options available: one-off payment from €30
- A booster seat, compulsory and free for children up to 150cm: or from €16
It is good to know
that under Icelandic law, CDW & SCDW insurance does not cover damage to
tyres, windshields, headlight optics or the vehicle's underbody. Similarly, any
damage, including damage to the engine, from gravel, ash or excessive speed is not
covered by this insurance. Any damage caused to the vehicle from driving in
places where passage is forbidden will not be covered by insurance.
Additional insurance options are payable locally by credit card and reservation in advance is not necessary. Optional accessories like car seats or 4G should be reserved in advance. Please contact us if you have any questions or require more information.
Practical info
Staff
Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge our professional Icelandic team know the country inside out. We are here to ensure you have the best possible trip so ask us anything, we love sharing our local knowledge!
Food
Breakfast is provided in guesthouse accommodation/
If you are camping we will provide you with camping equipment to cook your own meals and you will be responsible for your food.
If you are staying in the farmhouse you will be fully catered for. For lunch each day you can choose to have a picnic lunch or sometimes to eat in at the farmhouse restaurant.
We have lots of recommendations of where to eat and where to do groceries regardless of your budget. Iceland has options for everyone from traditional restaurants with adventurous local cuisine to cheap burgers and gourmet fish options.
Accommodation
Your first and last nights will be spent in a guesthouse
close to Reykjavik city centre. It has shared bathroom and
kitchen facilities, hot showers and heating. Please bring a sleeping bag.
Camping
Imagine unzipping your tent to views of geothermal hotspots, multi-coloured mountains and lava formations... Not only is camping an eco-friendly way to explore Icelands spectacular environment, it also means that these unspoilt remote areas literally become your home. We provide all of the technical equipment needed for your camping adventure. Generally we offer one 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and comfort, We will also provide you with modern cooking equipment, a few other essentials and some friendly advice to help you make the most of your adventure. Icelandic campsites are generally very clean with excellent facilities including eletrical outlets. Sometimes there is a hot water fee for showers (around 3-4euros).
Farmhouse
Farming is a big part of Icelandic traditional culture; staying in a farmhouse is a great way to meet locals and discover more about traditional Icelandic culture. Farmhouse stays normally come with full board and a shared kitchen/communal area, bathrooms are normally shared between 2-3 rooms and en suite options are sometimes available. Our farmhouses are popular and have limited capacity, especially in high season, reservation in advance is necessary!
Transportation
Care Hire
Iceland has a
fabulous network of scenic roads which connect its most popular destinations,
most capes and the inhabited countryside across the island. Some of the 'roads' are however more like 'tracks' and fjord
crossings are not uncommon - depending on your chosen route it may be advisable
to reserve a 4x4 vehicle. From November to March we recommend that you hire a
4x4 vehicle regardless of your chosen route.
In general you can expect to find petrol stations, shops and accommodation options around every 70miles. Fuel is not included in the car rental rates but prices in Iceland are fair.
You will need a valid driver's license, issued for at least 12 months before the rental date.
Minimum age: 20 or 23 for a 4x4 vehicle.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance: Icelandic law demands that veicle rental is coupled with third party insurance. In the event of an accident you are responsible for all the damage. It is strongly advised to take out additional on site insurance to reduce costs in the event of an accident. CDW insurance is included in our prices. For more information and options please see the terms & conditions page for this trip and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Budget & exchange
The currency in Iceland is Icelandic Krona (ISK). Please budget for:
- Evening meals in Reykjavik (2500-5600ISK)
- Drinks & personal expenses
- Fuel & additional insurance options/car accessories
Tips
Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your local team, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
Supplied equipment
All technical camping equipment will be provided if you have chosen our camping option
Vital equipment
Please bring a sleeping bag
Material
We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Our advice for keeping warm:
Winter in Iceland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference.
We recommend: No cottonBring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
Wear multiple layers including:
- warm breathable base layer
- second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective out layer
Helpful equipment
You may also consider packing
- Your camera
- Binoculars
- A notepad and pencil
- A thermos flask
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
- A comfortable evening outfit
- Walking poles
- Inflatable pillow
- Insect repellant
Luggage
Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.
Medicine
Your companion has a first-aid kit during the tour. However, we recommend that you bring your medications:
- Personal medication
- Anti pain medication Paracetamol
- Diarrhoea drugs
- Intestinal dressing
- Sun screen with strong protection for the lips and the skin
- Eye drops for the eyes
- Moisturizing cream for the treatment of superficial burns (blisters and sunburns)
- An adhesive elastic band
- a box of adhesive plasters and disinfectant compresses
- Double skin for blisters
Passport
Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required. You can check your requierements by clicking the following link provided by the Icelandic government: www.utl.is/index.php/en/
Visa
EU citizen do not need a visa as Iceland is part of the Schengen cooperation.
Travellers of other nationalities please check the following link of the Icleandic government to check: www.utl.is/index.php/en/visas
Mandatory vaccines
There are no specific health risks
Weather
Contrary to the name 'Ice-land' the weather in Iceland is relatively mild considering its location. In summer the average temperature is 10-13°C (50-55 °F) but warm summer days can reach 20-25°C
From June to September it is nearly always light with the return of night and the first Northern Lights appearances towards the end of August.
Electricity
Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts) and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.
Please be aware that some of our more remote campsites and refuges charge for electricity use.
Local time
Iceland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) like the United Kingdom but does not observe daylight-saving time in the summer
Topography
Area: 39,768.5 m²
Population: 334,252 inhabitants (2016)
Capital: Reykjavik
Languages: Icelandic
Regime: Parliamentary Republic
Iceland is 20 million years old and is a volcanic island with around one eruption every 5 years.
11% of the island is covered with ice, 1% of the land is cultivated, 20% is grassland, 2% is lake, 40% is sand and the rest is desert.
Sustainable tourism
As adventure and
wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the
world, we take responsible tourism very seriously. We respect the
‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful
location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.
The Leave No
Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow
during ourtrip...
1.
Be prepared
2.
Stick to trails
and camp overnight right
3.
Stash your trash
and pick up waste
4.
Leave it as you
find it
5.
Be careful with fire
6.
Respect wildlife
7.
Be considerate of other visitors
Over the years we
have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as
possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers
directly insuring fair rates.
Our small group
sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on
the environment and local communities.
We expect all
who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
If you have any questions regarding how to be a responsible traveller or concerning any other subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.
My local agent
Vidian
- Iceland Base Camp Manager
- Region
- Reykjavík & Reykjanes South Iceland
- Activity
- Hiking Self-Drive
- Duration
- 8 days
- Code
- EISLL8VA
- Price
- From €995
Strengths
- Car hire and a carefully designed flexible itinerary so you can discover
total autonomy and unlock Icelands secrets at your own pace
- Glaciers, puffins and black sand beaches; icebergs, mountains and the Blue Lagoon
- Living like a local in farmhouse accommodation or becoming part of Icelands dramatic landscapes by camping