A luxury self-drive summer iceland holiday discovering some of the countries most beautiful destinations

Set off on this self-drive summer holiday, and embark on a delectable journey through Iceland's vibrant food culture and stunning natural landscapes. This itinerary promises an immersive exploration of the country's burgeoning culinary scene, from traditional Icelandic specialties to innovative, locally-sourced cuisine.

The wonderful itinerary covers a wide range of activities, from relaxing in geothermal spas to adventurous pursuits like snorkelling, horseback riding, and whale watching. It also highlights opportunities to immerse in local food culture through farm visits and dining experiences.

What's Included:

  • All accommodation fees
  • All activities and tours included in the itinerary
  • Entry fees to national parks and reserves
  • Bed & Breakfast at all mentioned hotels
  • Domestic flights
  • All private transfers



Trip Itinerary

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Days 1 & 2: Reykjavik

Day 1 & 2: Arrive into Iceland and relax

Welcome to Iceland! After making your way through the airport you will be welcomed by a friendly travel representative who will aid you in finding your rental car. From the airport, you will make the easy drive to the luxurious Retreat Hotel. 

Relax after your flight at this luxurious spa with beautiful facilities for 2 nights.  Wind down at the Retreat in the 4,000 square meter subterranean spa, providing a tranquil oasis for guests. It includes a private lagoon, relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, and unique experiences like the Blue Lagoon Ritual – a three-step rejuvenating treatment utilising the lagoon's silica, algae, and minerals.
For your first evening on this ultimate foodie tour, delicious culinary delights await at the Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant, offering innovative Icelandic cuisine with stunning views of the volcanic landscape.

explore the blue Lagoon

Days 3 & 4: South Iceland

Days 3 & 4: Drive to South Iceland

After a delicious breakfast, drive to Skálakot Manor in South Iceland. Explore the active farm, try local produce, and go horseback riding. Skálakot Manor Hotel is a family-run boutique hotel and horse farm located in South Iceland, near the town of Hvolsvöllur. For your full day make the most of the horseback riding tours of varying lengths (1-3 hours or full day) on offer to guests, this is the ultimate experience and an incredible way of seeing Iceland’s breathtaking scenery. 

After a busy day of being outside and exploring, enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant focused on traditional Icelandic cuisine, with lunch and dinner menus featuring local specialties.

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Day 5 & 6: The Golden Circle

Day 5 & 6: The Golden Circle

Today after breakfast, onto your third destination,  drive to Torfhús Retreat in the Golden Circle area. 
The hotel's traditional turf houses and suites provide rustic elegance with private geothermal pools overlooking volcanic plains and glaciers.  After settling in, you can embark on the thrilling activity of snorkelling between the tectonic plates at Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park. This unique geological wonder allows you to swim in crystal-clear glacial waters between the slowly drifting North American and Eurasian continental plates. This will be a truly unforgettable experience. 
Following a day full of activities, head back to relax and enjoy the wonderful hotel restaurant.  Torfhús Retreat offers an exceptional dining experience that showcases the finest Icelandic ingredients and culinary creativity.  The menu changes nightly offering unique, innovative dishes with ingredients that are locally sourced within 10 miles from the retreat. Enjoy delicious cuisine inside the retreat’s luxuriously rustic and cosy restaurant.

Torfhus retreat

Days 7 - 9: Kerlingarfjoll Mountains

Today head on to your next destination, to the Highland Base in the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains. Stay in the remote huts and experience this less-explored region.
Highland Base offers a range of hut accommodations for an authentic and immersive highland experience while providing comforts amidst the rugged natural beauty of Kerlingarfjöll. The huts at Highland Base are sturdy structures built to bring you closer to the untamed wilderness. 
During your stay, guests at Highland Base can enjoy a variety of exhilarating activities that allow them to fully immerse themselves in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range including hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, depending on the seasons. 

On one of your days here you will embark on a full day's hike through the spectacular mountains, take in the breathtakingly beautiful views surrounded by nature. 

For all your meals the Highland Base Restaurant is the heart of the resort, serving a variety of traditional and international dishes for your highland adventures whilst enjoying spectacular views.

Highland Base hotel

Day 10: Thingvellir National Park

Today guests will head to the ION Adventure Hotel near Thingvellir National Park. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of ancient lava fields and towering mountains, the ION Adventure Hotel is a luxurious oasis that seamlessly blends modern design with the raw beauty of Iceland's natural landscapes.
Guests can indulge in the hotel's rejuvenating spa facilities, which include a sauna, steam room, and outdoor geothermal pool, offering the ultimate relaxation experience amidst the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes. Enjoy outdoor activities including Horseback riding, fishing, kayaking and visiting the Golden Circle attractions as well as exploring the Blue Lagoon. 
Enjoy Nordic-inspired cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant after a busy day outside.

Days 11 & 12: Troll Peninsula

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a Long drive (5 hours) along the coastal road to the Troll Peninsula in North Iceland.  Here guests will stay at the luxurious Deplar Farm lodge for 2 nights. Deplar Farm is a luxurious adventure lodge located in northern Iceland's remote Troll Peninsula region.
Activities on offer range from heli-skiing and salmon fishing to horseback riding, sea kayaking, and Northern Lights viewing.

In June to August, guests will set out to try to spot Humpback whales in Akuryi which is an amazing experience. 
Deplar Farm offers unlimited activities ranging from Horseback riding on Icelandic horses and Kayaking, biking, surfing, and paddle boarding. 
The cuisine at Deplar Farm focuses on locally sourced ingredients like Arctic char, salmon, lamb, and skyr, prepared with modern techniques.

Day 13: Return to Reykjavik

This morning you will say goodbye to the Troll Peninsula and get a domestic flight back to Reykjavik for your final night in Iceland at The Reykjavik EDITION which is a 5-star luxury hotel located in Reykjavik. 

Relax on your final day after your jam packed foodie adventure trip. Enjoy one final Icelandic dinner in the restaurant specialising in local Icelandic seafood.

Explore Reykjavic

Day 1 - Ushuaia

Day 14: Departure from Iceland

Sadly your Iceland adventure has come to an end and you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight home.

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spot the humpback whales iceland

Interested in this trip?

Call us on +1 (312) 690 4489 to start planning your perfect vacations

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Why Wayfairer

Iceland is known for wonderfully sustainable accommodations all with focuses on renewable energy and eco initiatives. Deplar Farm have installed solar and geothermal energy systems in Iceland reducing the carbon footprint while embracing the unique environmental ethos. 

In wildlife conservation areas we work with selected camps and lodges who are committed to conserving their local communities and environments. With our accommodation selections you will find that we feature properties who are dedicated to responsibility and sustainability within their communities and environments.

Humpback whales in Iceland

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