North Iceland Odyssey

After enjoying your complimentary airport-lounge access, fly to Keflavik Airport, where you'll pick your car hire. It's then just a short drive on to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, where you'll rest up after your flight with included entry. You'll be treated to a welcome drink and a mud mask as you enjoy soaks in this geothermal spa, sunk deep in a lava field. Fully rested, you'll then continue to your cosy accommodation – the Northern Light Inn. All grand fireplaces, welcoming sitting areas and a delightful "honesty bar", its secluded position is perfect for enjoying the aurora borealis or summer's Midnight Sun. There's even a Northern Lights rooftop lounge, while you'll also be treated to complimentary tea and coffee, as well as make-your-own waffles. 

Stay: Northern Light Inn

After breakfast, make the journey to historic Siglufjörður – Iceland's northernmost town. Situated in the heart of a narrow fjord, beneath sweeping mountains, Siglufjörður is often considered one of Iceland's most beautiful settlements, and the road trip here offers fantastic photo opportunities with breathtaking scenery. Think high mountain passes and desolate lava fields, before summertime boat trips bring you out to puffin colonies. Then, take the time to explore this historic fishing village; it's just 24 nautical miles from the Arctic and hosts the award-winning Herring Era Museum and Folk Centre. If you're after something more active, perhaps also hike to the mid-Atlantic ridge and its hidden waterfall. Your hotel for the next two nights is the stunning Hotel Siglo, which commands beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and marina, not least from its outdoor spa and sauna. Spend evenings relaxing, soaking up the beautiful views and sampling local cuisine at one of Hotel Siglo's excellent restaurants.

After breakfast, head to Akureyri; voted the 'best place in Europe' by Lonely Planet in 2015. Famed for its temperate climate and sheltered location at the head of a fjord, Akureyri is one of the greenest places in Iceland, with tree-lined streets and a location within easy reach of Lake Myvatn, Husavik's fishing-village idyll and the waterfall wonders of Dettifoss and Godafoss. Each evening, return to your hotel's  geothermal swimming pool and spectacular fjord views, best taken from the outdoor garden – heated by an outdoor fireplace. Don't also miss the shellfish soup in the restaurant, or the summertime whale-watching cruises.

Stay: IcelandAir Hotel Akureyri (Superior)

After breakfast, make the drive back to Reykjavik, sweeping along the coast and dipping through the mountainous interior to arrive at Thingvellir National Park. It's where the first Icelandic parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting the spectacular rift valley and its accompanying ruins. Then, spend the rest of the day absorbing the coffee culture of the world's northernmost city, perhaps visiting its art galleries, bars and museums. We particularly recommend the Fishmarket (Fiskmarkaðurinn) restaurant. 

After breakfast, drive to Keflavik Airport, drop off your hire car and catch your flight home.