Winter Panoramas of Iceland

Winter Panoramas of Iceland

Discover the highlights of Icelands South Coast in their magical winter glow and live like a local enjoying comfortable farmhouse and guesthouse accommodation. From waterfalls of ice to snow covered lava formations; from floating icebergs to warm hot springs... this invigorating trip comes with 4x4 vehicle hire so that you can discover everything Iceland has to offer at your own pace. And of course it is the ideal season to observe the  Northern Lights and their breathtaking dancing light displays... 

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Keflavík / Reykjavik

    Keflavík / Reykjavik Your flight arrives in Keflavik, here you can collect your vehicle for the week and drive to Reykjavik. Today you can enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

    Transport: 30 miles
    Suggested activities: The Blue Lagoon (payable locally)
    Accommodation: Guesthouse

  • Day 2 Þingvellir / Gullfoss / Geysir

    Þingvellir / Gullfoss / Geysir Today we recommend exploring Icelands famous Golden Circle including the beautiful Þingvellir UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mid-Atlantic fault and meeting place of the world’s oldest Parliament. The exciting geothermal area of Geysir with the extraordinary Strokkur Geyser is not to be missed. Gullfoss waterfall (‘Golden Waterfall’), the gigantic two-tiered waterfall is found nearby and is perhaps even more magical in the winter when its cascades are frozen! Tonight we have arranged accommodation for you in the iconic Southern Icelandic town Hella.

    Transport: 130 miles
    Suggested activities: The Golden Circle tour
    Accommodation: Farmhouse

  • Day 3 Hella / Skaftafell

    Hella / Skaftafell Today you have time to explore Vatnajökull National Park and its amazing blue tinted glaciers. There are lots of stunning marked hiking trails here, perhaps you want to stroll to Skaftafellsjökull glacier or venture to Morsárdalur valley and Bæjarstaðarskógur woods.

    Transport: 140 miles
    Suggested activities: Hiking, winter-walking, snow-shoeing
    Accommodation: Farmhouse

  • Day 4 Skaftafell / Jökulsarlon / Skaftafell

    Skaftafell / Jökulsarlon / Skaftafell Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is a truly magical place where glittering lumps of floating ice drift from Breidarmerkurjökull towards the sea. Nearby you can find black sand beaches scattered with mini icebergs and you can take a boat trip here through the ice filled waters.

    Transport: 75 miles
    Suggested activities: Boat Trip (please reserve with us in advance)
    Accommodation: Farmhouse

  • Day 5 Skaftafell / Vík

    Skaftafell / Vík Today you head to 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 is so impressive that it has featured in many films and TV shows including Star Wars Rogue One, Star Trek Into Darkness and Game of Thrones)

    Transport: 100 miles
    Suggested activities: Walking on the black sand beaches & sight-seeing
    Accommodation: Farmhouse

  • Day 6 Vík / Reykjavik

    Vík / Reykjavik Tonight it's back to Reykjavik for a free walking tour of the city but on the way why not visit the iconic Skógar and Skógafoss waterfall, this waterfall is particularly impressive when it is frozen and there is a folk museum here with old peat-roofed houses.

    Transport: 100 miles
    Suggested activities: The Wool Factory, the Folk Musuem & Skógafoss waterfall
    Accommodation: Guesthouse

  • Day 7 Reykjavik

    Reykjavik Today is reserved for exploring Icelands capital city Reykjavik - why not join a walking tour of the capital city? There are lots of things to do here, visit a museum, explore the cities iconic landmarks and eat at a local restaurant. Today is a also chance to visit the famous Blue Lagoon if you did not have a chance on day 1.

    Transport: 30 miles
    Suggested activities: Musuems & Blue Lagoon (payable locally)
    Accommodation: Guesthouse

  • Day 8 Farewell Iceland

    Farewell Iceland Return of vehicle in Keflavik and flight home

    Transport: 30 miles & flight home

This itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative and fully flexible.

Other trips you may like

Snowshoeing in Iceland with lovely mountainous views

The Ultimate Off-Season Icelandic Adventure: Discover the true magic of Iceland in the off season when everything seems just that little more special...  not only is it when the dancing Northern Lights are at their brightest...

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 €1490
Price based on 2 travellers

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 4x4 hire, unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance (second driver option available)
  • 2 nights in guesthouse accommodation in Reykjavik
  • A complete travel Guide with maps for all of the different regions you will visit
  • All breakfasts and most dinners & lunches

Not included

  • International flights
  • Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
  • Alcoholic drinks and some meals may not be included

Additional Options

Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:
  • A one hour boat trip among glaciers in Jokulsarlön lagoon: from €70 (discounts for children)

Museums in Reykjavik

There are lots of museums in Reykjavik, our personal favourites are:
  • The National Museum of Iceland: €16 (free for under 18s)
  • Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre: from €10
  • Reykjavik City Museum and Settlement Exhibition: from €15 (free for under 17s)
Please let us know if you would like to plan museum visits to these museums or any others in Reykjavik ahead of time. Reservation in advance is not necessary. 

Notes

Comfort: 4/5

Well-equipped accommodation options like basic hotels or charming guesthouses are rated 4/5 for comfort. Please note that depending on the destination this does not necessarily 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.


Travel Insurance: Not included

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. The tap water in Iceland is of very high quality and it is delicious.

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.

Alcohol is very expensive in Iceland and you can only buy beer which is stronger than 2.25% alcohol in state run liquor stores. If you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport.

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.

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.

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; 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.

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:
  1. warm breathable base layer
  2. second thermal layer
  3. 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. This trip runs from October to March, the weather is unpredictable but average temperatures in Reykjavik during this time vary from -3°C (27°F) to+7°C (45°F). The highlands tend to average around −10 °C (14 °F) during the winter months. The Northern Lights can be seen from September to April if the conditions are right.

Electricity

Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts)  and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.

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.
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Region
Reykjavík & Reykjanes South Iceland
Activity
Off-season Self-Drive The Northern Lights Winter
Duration
8 days
Code
EISLD21VA
Price
From €1,405

Strengths

  • Discover, at your own pace, highlights such as frozen waterfalls, snow covered lava formations, floating icebergs and hot springs...
  • Meet local Icelanders and try local food in traditional farmhouse accommodation
  • Enjoy the freedom of your own 4x4 vehicle, our smooth logistics and a flexible intinerary, carefully designed to showcase Icelands southern highlights in their winter glory

Required level

This is your adventure, you can choose how challenging or how relaxing each day is. Please be aware that winter conditions may have an impact on difficulty levels, recommended hiking trails vary in summer and winter for example.

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