Snæfellsnes & North Iceland self-drive

On arrival, transfer to your central hotel. After settling in, start exploring this lovely capital. Be sure to check out the design stores and cool cafes in central Reykjavik.

In the evening you can enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Reykjavik's many fine restaurants - taste the fresh Atlantic seafood or free-range lamb that Iceland is famous for.

Reykjavik is an easy city to explore on foot or bike. Feel the fresh air on your face with a visit the harbour and perhaps enjoy a food tour of this small capital. If you're interested in experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, to enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.

Optional day tours include the 'Inside the Volcano', the Blue Lagoon or the 'Inside the Glacier' tour which we would recommend booking before you travel.

Pick up your car today and drive north to the heart of Stykkisholmur (2hrs 15 mins driving time direct). On the way, take a tour of the Golden Circle: erupting hot springs at Geysir, Gullfoss waterfalls and Þingvellir National Park. The Gullfoss waterfalls are Iceland's most popular and easily accessible from Reykjavik, therefore, rather crowded in the peak season. These two-tiered waterfalls are spectacular and involve a short walk from the car park.

Þingvellir is one of the most frequently visited tourist sites in Iceland where you can become better acquainted with Iceland's history and traditions. You can join guided tours of the site and also find short hiking trails to help you explore Þingvellir National Park.

As you drive towards your accommodation, stop at the beautiful Hvammsvík Hot Springs for a soak and coffee.

Your stay tonight is in a small fishing town by the beautiful Breiðafjörður with its numerous islands. Everything is within walking distance from your hotel such as museums, restaurants, the swimming pool and the beautiful harbour; the gateway to Breidafjordur Bay.

Options today include exploring Snæfellsjökull glacier and its surrounding area. You can take an organised tour to reach the top of the glacier by either ski touring, ice-climbing or on a SnowCat.

It's also possible to explore Vatnshellir Cave, an 8,000 year old lava tube, and go underground beneath the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Another option is horseback riding and birdwatching.

Just thirty minutes away is the town Grundarfjörður where Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland, is located. Go for a boat ride touring Breidafjordur Bay with its several islands, its various wildlife and try some local sushi.

Today, head north east to Laugarbakki (approx 2hrs driving time). You can take a detour to visit the unique sea front hot springs at Drangsnes. Alternatively, swim beach front at Hvammstangi or arrange a seal watching and sea angling tour. If you have time, we recommend a visit to Hvítserkur, a 15 m-high sea stack just off shore on the eastern side of Vatnsnes. There is a good seal spotting place at the estuary of the Sigridarstadir lake, south from the stack.

This morning on your drive, be sure to explore the Kolugljúfur canyon, near Víðidalur.  You will come to Kolugil Farm which stands beside the Víðidalsá river. Just below the farm, the waters flow peacefully downwards to plunge into the deep, rugged gorge called Kolugljúfur. Their journey then sends them cascading over many waterfalls which bear the name Kolufossar Falls in honour of the giantess, Kola.

It is a breathtaking sight to drive across the bridge and watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive falls - a sight which will leave no one unmoved.

Another two hour drive will have you arriving in a small local fishing village, Siglufjörður. With a community of only 1,300 people, you will feel welcomed and can enjoy a wide range of local activities and things to see. Firstly, check into your newly built hotel and take a walk along the charming marina to watch the 'catch of the day' being brought in. You can also observe the comings and goings with an outdoor table at one of two nice marina-side restaurants which also is a great spot for a chance to chat with the friendly locals.

Visit the Folk Music Centre, the award-winning Herring Era Museum or go hiking, the best way to explore Siglufjordur’s stunning surroundings. You can either hike cross-country with a map and compass, use one of the marked-out routes or visit the northernmost planted forest on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with a beautiful little waterfall as its hidden gem. Sigló is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with a number of species nesting in the town during the summer months, including the Arctic Tern, which has the longest regular migration by any known animal.

This morning, we have included a whale watching sailing boat tour as it is one of the highlights of the North. The tour included will vary depending on the time of year and involves a return drive to Husavik.

Be sure to arrange a dinner on the hotel pier tonight to celebrate your final night in Iceland.

After breakfast, return your car to the Akureyri airport and fly to Reykjavik.