SELF- DRIVEICELAND tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk37 perhaps stopping at the Blue lagoon en route. Day 2 head out from the capital through rural landscapes to Hotel Ranga, approximately 2 to 3 hours away. Check in for a 4- night stay. Days 3- 5 spend the days at leisure, exploring the magnifi cent countryside and relaxing at the hotel. There are a couple of Iceland's most famous waterfalls close by: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss which both deserve a visit. And from here it is quite feasible to drive as far east as the glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon ( frankly unmissable if the forecast is good - amazing photo opportunities). Or you might wish to discover fascinating areas further inland. The staff at the hotel would be more than pleased to give their recommendations! Day 6 return to the capital taking the Golden Circle route visiting Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. Overnight at Hotel Odinsve. Day 7 after breakfast drive to Kefl avik, drop off your rental vehicle and fl y back to the UK. Please note as with all our self- drive holidays, it may be possible to tailor them to suit your needs. Availability at the Ranga is better on week nights rather than weekends should you prefer a more relaxing break. DEPARTURES & FLIGHT OPTIONS From London on Saturdays and Sundays. From Glasgow and Manchester on Sundays. Please see page 116 for fl ight schedules and contact us for a quotation. Northern lights over Hotel Ranga " We have eaten consistently excellent food for a week, amazing! Absence of traffic is wonderful! Golden Circle and big waterfalls are awesome!" S D MOORE, OCTOBER 2009 37 Skogafoss

ICELANDSELF- DRIVE 38 For our office opening hours please visit our website Flexibility is the key on our popular Southern Highlights itinerary which allows you to spend your days as actively or leisurely as you please. To help you plan your time, here are some suggestions of what you might choose to do during your week in the south but there are plenty of other possibilities. With days out to see such impressive natural wonders as Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, the hot springs and more at Geysir as well as some dramatic coastline, you'll have a splendid introduction to the island's kaleidoscope of landscapes. Don't be surprised that after this trip you'll want to come back again next year! Choose between hotel accommodation and a selection of delightful self- catering cottages. All the properties on this tour can be found within easy access of Hveragerdi and Selfoss therefore shopping for supplies or heading out to dinner is but a short hop. And of course with all that Reykjavik has to offer, a night out in the capital is also perfectly feasible too. And for anyone keen on swimming, both Hveragerdi and Selfoss have geothermal swimming pools. HVERAGERDI This town is only 45 minutes from Reykjavik, and provides a great base from which to explore the south of Iceland, offering easy access to any number of sights including spectacular waterfalls, national parks and black sand beaches. Hveragerdi is set in an extensive geothermal area and utilises this natural energy for vast greenhouse cultivation of vegetables and fl owers for which the town is known. SELFOSS is a large town about an hour from Reykjavik and provides a central hub for exploring the region, with many attractions easily accessible. There are also many opportunities on offer for both adventure and relaxation with horse riding, golf, fi shing, river rafting and glacier tours - pre- bookable through us. OUTLINE ITINERARY 1390 km ( approx) Day 1 fl y from the UK to Kefl avik, collect rental vehicle and head off to your accommodation, approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours from the airport. Day 2 a leisurely day exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula with its rocky coastline, geothermal and volcanic features and of course, the famous Blue Lagoon. Be sure to have a dip in the warm, therapeutic waters or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment ( payable locally). Day 3 drive to Thingvellir National Park to see the site of the ancient parliament or visit the capital, Reykjavik, with its landmark church Hallgrimskirkja and the hilltop Perlan revolving restaurant, to name but two popular places of interest. Day 4 enjoy an excursion to the offshore volcanic Westman Islands. Drive to the small airfi eld at Bakki, past Hvolsvollur village and fl y by small plane ( seating 5- 7 passengers) to Heimaey, the main Island - this takes no more than 10 minutes. And from the Skogafoss Thingvellir Blue Lagoon Geysir SELF- DRIVE From £ 381 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 7 nights Year round SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS This week long itinerary covers similar ground to our Essential Iceland trip but has a single base in the heart of Iceland's southern countryside, with a choice of hotel or cottage accommodation. Each day you have the freedom to explore a new area of interest and natural beauty across Iceland's beautiful south. Who for? Those who prefer to take leisurely day trips from a single base, rather than tour using a number of hotels Vik= Overnight stay Blue LagoonSkogar Westman Islands Gullfoss Hveragerdi / Selfoss Thingvellir Keflavik Reykjavik * Per person, based on 2 sharing a category D vehicle from January to March and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare