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 that 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: West, South and Vatnjokull

One good way to start an argument in Iceland is to debate where Iceland is more imrpessive in the South or the West.  The West has the majesty of the glacier, 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 for one night, and then set out to see a bit of Iceland's capital city.  It's small but exciting, compact and walkable, a good place to shop, to browse, enjoy, and eat.  We'll give you lots of ideas to explore on your own.

Day 2
Borgarfjörður Valley
You'll travel north past the lovely Hvalfjord to 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. Lots of hiking, history and hot water.  You'll spend two nights in the Borgarnes region.

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.  You'll find the charming fishing town of Stykkisholmur an nice stop- good restaurants, interesting architecture, a lovely harbor and history.  Then you'll head back 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 birds flock in the high cliffs. Pass areas with recent volanic activity, and across the vast Myrdalssandur sands, to Skaftafell National Park., where you'll spend the next 2 nights.

Day 6
SKAFTAFELL 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, Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its floating icebergs, there's plenty to keep you busy.

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.  You'll spend your last night Reykjavik, to enjoy its many excellent restaurants.

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, Orlando and Washington Dulles, with all taxes and fuel surcharges, a choice of car, with all fees, basic CDW, unlimited kilometers, all nights in double (or single or triple) rooms in a comfortable hotels all with private bath, and breakfast every day, most with TV, Internet, hairdryers; 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! Ask about flights from Seattle, Toronto and Europe.

Not included is Travel Insurance, which we recommend and can help you purchase, or anything other than basic CDW, which has a fairly high deductible  We urge you to check with your credit card company to see if they provide this for car rentals in Iceland.  Otherwise, Super CDW can be purchased once in Iceland. 

Three car examples, with others available

B - like a Toyota Auris small compact, fuel efficient, 2 Wheel Drive

F  - like a Toyota Rav 4, a small four-wheel drive car, fine for 2 people

I - like a Toyota Land Cruiser- -seats 5 comfortably, can get you most anywhere!

Prices here are per person/double occupancy - ask about other occupancies, cars, and tour length.  Car prices listed are w/manual transmission, but let us know when we put your tour together if you'd like us to book a car with an automatic transmission, which adds a bit to the price.

West South and Vatnajokull   - prices per person double occupancy (pp/do) Ask about single supplment or triple rooms.

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 you've booked and confirmed your itinerary, there may be a charge if you ask to change that itinerary.  

                                                                                                                                                            Sunrise/Sunset           Reykjavik:  Sunrise/Sunset               
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