ICELANDSELF- DRIVE 56Why choose Discover the World - see page 4 During the trip, which can be comfortably driven in a standard vehicle, you'll walk among the glaciers of Skaftafell and see the iceberg- strewn lagoon at Jokulsarlon; explore the intensely colourful rhyolite mountains of Borgarfjordur Eystri; discover the Jokulsa Canyon National Park with its waterfalls and gorges; walk around Lake Myvatn and its myriad of volcanic features and explore the stunning coastal landscapes of Snaefellsnes National Park. On driving days, there'll often be time for shorter hikes as well. Suggested hiking routes are detailed in your complimentary Landmark: Iceland guide, see page 30. OUTLINE ITINERARY 2150 km ( approx) Day 1 fl y from the UK to Kefl avik, collect your vehicle and drive to Hveragerdi. Check in at Hotel Ork for two nights, optional visit to the Blue Lagoon en route ( swim fee payable locally). Day 2 explore the Golden Circle route: Thingvellir, the ancient assembly site; two- tiered Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area. Day 3 see magnifi cent Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss falls, stroll along the bird cliffs at Dyrholaey and walk through Fjadragljufur gorge. Stay 2- nights at Hotel Skaftafell. Day 4 spend the day hiking in Skaftafell discovering spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic mountains. Day 5 drive along the south coast to the amazing glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon and walk along its shores, not forgetting to cross over the road to view icebergs scattered on the black sand beach by the shifting tides. Continue north through the East Fjords region to Djupivogur for an overnight at Hotel Framtid. Day 6 drive along the coastal road visiting picturesque fi shing villages in the deep and colourful East Fjords. Head past the main town of Egilsstadir to charming Borgarfjordur Eystri, and check in at Guesthouse Alfheimar for a two night stay. Day 7 day at leisure - perhaps hike among spectacular coloured rhyolite peaks or relax and soak up the scenery in this tranquil setting. East Fjords Snaefellsnes Dimmuborgir Skogafoss Relaxing at the Nature Baths, Lake Myvatn SELF- DRIVE From £ 1075 ( tour) + £ 204 ( UK flights)* B& B 14 nights May - Sep FLY, DRIVE AND HIKE If you like the idea of a self- drive holiday but want to do more, this two- week trip visiting much of Iceland's amazingly diverse landscape, could be the answer. Spend several nights in each of the best areas for hiking and explore and discover all the national parks by car and on foot. Who for? The more active traveller who appreciates the great outdoors Gullfoss Thingvellir Keflavik Reykjavik Hveragerdi Stykkisholmur Skogar Dyrholaey Jokulsarlon Skaftafell Akureyri Varmahlid Myvatn Asbyrgi HellnarBorgarnes = Overnight stay Djupivogur Egilsstadir Borgarfjordur Eystri * Per person, based on 2 sharing a category A vehicle in May and September and lowest UK- Iceland return airfare

tel. 01737 218 800 | discover- the- world. co. uk SELF- DRIVEICELAND 57 " I would like to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Iceland. What a fantastic country! We were amazed by the diverse scenery and birdlife." A WRAGG Landmannalaugar Icebergs on the beach near Jokulsarlon Djupivogur Day 8 drive through a grey desert landscape to Jokulsagljufur National Park and Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall ( a new road, more suitable for non- 4WD vehicles is due to open in the summer of 2010 - call us for an update). Time for a short hike in the wooded gorge of Asybyrgi and then explore the Hljodaklettar volcanic plugs. Drive around the amazing Tjornes Peninsula and check in at your lakeside hotel for a 3- night stay. Day 9 enjoy hiking in the Krafl a area, around the crater Viti and the mud pools of Namaskard. Day 10 your choice of marvellous hiking routes at Lake Myvatn, taking in the Hverfjall crater, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjotagja fi ssure and Skutustadir's pseudocraters. Day 11 see beautiful Godafoss en route to Akureyri. Hike to Hraunvatn, a lake, set among glaciated mountains and continue to Skagafjordur. Overnight at Hotel Varmahlid. Day 12 drive to Stykkisholmur for an optional birding tour by boat amongst the islands of Breidafjordur Bay. Walk among the craters and lava fl ows of Berserkjahraun then drive to Grundarfjordur and on to Hotel Hellnar for a 2- night stay. Day 13 take a coastal walk to Arnarstapi and view its rock arches, sea stacks and basalt columns. Explore the cliffs, coves and rock formations of Snaefellsnes National Park at the foot of the volcano and icecap. Day 14 drive to Budir and walk through its beautiful mossy lava to a distinctively shaped crater. Then drive to Gardar and hike along the beach and with luck, spot seals. Drive to Reykjavik via Borgarnes and overnight at Hotel Cabin. Day 15 drive to Kefl avik, drop off rental vehicle and fl y home. Please note a 12- night version of this itinerary is available, which excludes the two days exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula - please contact us for a quotation. NOT THE ONLY TOUR FOR HIKERS! This itinerary allows more time at each overnight location for those wishing to explore further afi eld, without taking the car. If you are a keen walker or hiker then it is possible to adapt any of our self- drive itineraries to incorporate the extra time needed to make the most of local hiking trails. Our holidays are designed to be as active or relaxing as you wish - our motto: fl exibility is key! " I couldn't put my camera down! What an amazing experience - thanks for the memories!" S CROSBY, MAY 2009