But what's about weather??  Iceland's weather is always changeable -- no guarantees that you'll have clear crisp autumn days - there may be rain, wind, very occasionally snow.  You'll want layers of cotton, fleece, waterproof outer layers.  Hats, gloves, scarves, warm boots, and perhaps long johns.  But this is just a wee bit more than we advise for our summer tours!  Remember the answer to the question - when are you guaranteed good weather in Iceland?? Never!

While many summer organized activities aren't offered once September comes around, there's plenty of hiking as well as super -jeep tours, riding, caving, and even snorkeling that aren't affected by cooler temperatures.  We'll provide an itinerary that gives you lots of places aces to explore on your own, as well as suggestions for organized activities. 

So be prepared and bundle up and you can enjoy a lovely not-the-usual holiday break in Iceland's extraordinary landscape.

This driving tour: South and West

One good way to start an argument in Iceland is to debate where it's more Icelandic in the South or the West.  The West has the majesty of Snaefellsjokul, the uncountable islands of Breiðafjörður, the sagas and history of Reykholt.  The south has Geysirs, waterfalls galore; it's own history and well, recently active volcanoes to boot.

So to the bold we say -- make your own decision -- spend a bit of time wandering in both to these areas rich in culture, geology and impressive landscapes.  Then you can announce your preference  -- and the argument continues

Day 1
Welcome to Reykjavík
Early arrival at Keflavik Iceland, pick up car, tour a bit on your way into Reykjavik.  At your hotel you can check in and or set out to see a bit of Iceland's capital city.  It's small but exciting, compact and walk able, a good place to shop, to brows, enjoy, and eat.  We'll give you lots of ideas

Day 2
Borgarfjörður Valley
You'll travel north past the lovely Hvalfjordur fjord to the Borgarnes - which is part of the Saga Valley of West Iceland.  The town of Borgarnes is home to the excellent Saga Settlement Center and nearby is the cultural and historical site of Reykholt, home of Snorri Sturlusson who complied the sagas in medieval times.  You can also see some the spectacular lava falls at Hraunfossar, take in Europe's most powerful hot spring, climb the extinct Grábrók volcano crater for a great view of the whole area.  You'll spend two nights in Borgarnes.

Day 3
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula on the west coast is  a microcosm of the whole island.  Craters, lava flows, an ice cap, glaciated peaks, fjords, sandy beaches and high cliffs surround you.  A rugged mountain chain runs its length, capped by the 1,446m Snæfellsjökull, a mystical cone-shaped strato volcano which    Jules Verne called the entrance to the center of the earth.  The south side of the peninsula has both farms and extensive marshlands, which are an important habitat for birds.  Fringed by golden sand beaches, the wild and windswept coast is pounded by surf as it faces the full onslaught of the Atlantic.  The north side of Snæfellsnes is more sheltered and has fjords, which make a good anchorage for fishing vessels.  Here you can visit the charming fishing town of Stykkisholmur.  Before returning to Borgarnes for overnight.

Day 4
Golden Circle
Hit the road early  (or not!)  We'll give you a good map and directions to explore some of the most vivid sights in South Iceland -- take in Thingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Continue to Gullfoss waterfall - the Golden Falls on the Hvita River and the geothermal fields at Geysir, where Strokkur erupts every 5 -10 minutes.  .  Next stop is Kerið volcano crater and with other options, too you'll spend one night in South Iceland

Day 5
NATURAL WONDERS OF SOUTH ICELAND
 Lots to see and do today -- you may have to make some hard decisions.  Perhaps start the day at the Saga Center Museum in Hvolsvöllur.  Walk behind the high and narrow Seljandsfoss - if you're prepared to get wet.  Stop at the 60 meter tall Skógafoss waterfall with its excellent   folk museum and turf houses. Walk on the black lava beaches near Vik, where even in winter bird's nest in the high cliffs.  Across the glacial sands -- and then you'll get to spend 2 nights near  the Vatnajökull National Park.

Day 6
Day at Vatnajökull National Park
You'll have a day to explore, hike, photograph and take in Vatnajökull National Park.  It's the largest National Park in Europe, covering 12000 sq kilometers.  With Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, Europe's largest glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its floating icebergs. 

Day 7
South Shore
As you head back towards Reykjavik, there's more to explore.  You can stop near Kirkjubæjarklaustur to take in   Kirkjugólf (which means church floor in Icelandic), a natural pavement of basalt.  - Similar   to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.  You can walk along the Systrafoss waterfall to the Systra Lake. Fjaðrárglúfur is a fabulous 100m-deep gorge formed during the Ice Age two million years ago - full of spikes, arches, and scary ledges. You could also visit the coastal villages in South Iceland, many of them with old wooden houses and fascinating coastal scenery.  Back to Reykjavik for a last night

Day 8
Farewell Iceland
You'll have a long morning to relax, sleep in, and explore some of the capitals, museums, cafes, or swimming pools.  Or take in the hot springs bird cliffs and geothermal wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula - and the Blue Lagoon before hopping on the plane for home.

What's included?

Like all of our driving tours, our "Fall for Iceland series" is pretty inclusive  - prices include flights from US - JFK, Boston, Minneapolis, and Seattle, with all taxes and fuel surcharges, a choice of car, with all fees and unlimited kilometers, all nights in double (or single or triple) rooms in a comfortable hotels all with private bath, most with TV, Internet, hairdryers, with breakfast every day, and a detailed itinerary that provides lots of guidance for how to spend your time.  All you'll need to add is lunch, dinner, and gasoline.  Plus postcards back home telling your friends and families how much you're enjoying Iceland Off- Season!

Not included is Travel Insurance, which we recommend and can provide, or Collision Damage Waiver -- we urge you to check with your credit card company to see if they provide this for car rentals in Iceland.  Otherwise, it can be purchased once in Iceland. 

Three car choices

B - like an Opel Astra small compact, fuel efficient, 2 Wheel Drive

F  - like a Suzuki Jimmy, a small four-wheel drive car, fine for 2 people

J - like a Land Rover- -large enough for a family, can get you most anywhere!

Prices here are per person/double occupancy - asking about other occupancy, cars, and tour length.  Car prices are w/manual transmission.  Many models available in automatic for a bit more.

Prices here are per person/double occupancy - asking about other occupancy, cars, and tour length.  Car prices are w/manual transmission.  Many models available in automatic for a bit more.

South and West  Iceland  - prices per person double occupancy

While not all Icelandair gateways have flights every day we'll be happy to work with your travel schedule!  Prices aren't guaranteed until flights are booked - and there may be times in which seats on flights are not available, or only with an additional surcharge - especially if it's a short time between booking and travel.  Once booked and confirmed, there may be charges for changes made to the itinerary.  

                                                                                                                                                            Sunrise/Sunset           Reykjavik:                                                                        
January 1  11:19 am / 3:44 pm
March 1      8:36 am / 6:46 pm 
July 1         3:05 am / 11:57 pm
October 1    7:36 am / 6:58 pm 

Please note that we don't have PDFs of the daily itinerary for these tours. Please call or email for any details beyond those on this page..