Highlights of Iceland Self-Drive

After enjoying complimentary airport-lounge access, you'll fly out to Iceland's Keflavík International Airport, where you'll be met on arrival. And, you'll be brought to your central accommodation – a Scandi-chic boutique hotel. From here, you'll have all of Reykjavik's many delights on your doorstep. Stroll around its colourfully historic centre, pause at its cutesy cafés and take in the harbour buzz. Don't also miss out on Hallgrímskirkja – a modernist church with spectacular views over the city.

After breakfast, collect your hire car to leave the city behind and head to the wild Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Scenic highlights range from the dramatic Eldborg Crater and volcanic black-sand beaches to the beautifully lonely Búðir church and the fishermen's buzz of Arnarstapi harbour. Don't also miss out on views of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, which can even be hiked on in summer. Then, continuing along the peninsula's northern coast, you'll admire the gorgeous views of Mt. Kirkjufell from pretty seaside villages. If visiting in summer, you'll be able to take boat trips out to Breiðafjörður Bay's many islands and puffin colonies. You'll then end the day in your cosy accommodation, overlooking one of the northwestern fjords.

Stay: Húnaflói/Skagafjörður accommodation

Begin today by venturing to the Vatnsnes Peninsula and exploring the majestic Hvítserkur Cliff, where seals are often sighted basking on the beaches. Spend the rest of the day visiting the traditional Icelandic towns that dot the coast, perhaps stopping off at the farmhouse museum of Glaumbær and the old turf church at Víðimýri. It all ends in Akureyri; Iceland's diminutive "second city" retains all its small-town charm in its cute cafés and art galleries.

Stay: Akureyri accommodation

Witness the beautiful 'Waterfall of Gods', Goðafoss Waterfall, before continuing to the Lake Mývatn area and discovering its abundance of impressive sights. Dimmuborgir lava fields and the geothermal area at Námafjall are special favourites. You'll be treated to yet more dramatic landscapes and views as you soak in the blue waters of the nature baths. Then, if visiting in summer, we recommend heading out from Husavik harbour on a whale-watching tour. End your day visiting the beautiful Öxarfjörður fjord and the fossil collection at Tjörnes.

Stay: Lake Mývatn accommodation

As you discover the northeast, visit the the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. It's a stunning collection of cragged canyons, echoing rocks and one of Iceland's mightiest waterfalls. You'll then continue your road trip through the barren landscapes of Möðrudalsöræfi to quaint Egilsstaðir town. As your base for the night, you'll be perfectly poised to explore its mystical lake, Hengifoss Waterfall and Skriðuklaustur Centre of Culture and History.

Stay: Egilsstaðir accommodation

You'll be treated to a true trip highlight today, with your drive along the Eastfjords offering dramatic views of sweeping mountain scenery dotted with tiny harbour villages. Our favourite is Fáskrúðsfjörður, for its sweeping views towards Skrúður Island. Continuing south, you'll end in the fishing town of Höfn, where you simply must try the lobster for dinner.

Stay: Höfn accommodation

Your drive along the southeast coast is spectacularly backdropped by the Vatnajökull Glacier. Between April and October, be sure to slip between the towering Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon icebergs on a short boat ride. Otherwise, the views of Skaftafell Nature Park's cragged peaks are nearly as impressive, while nearby hiking trails and rides in hay wagons offer the chance to explore in further detail. You'll finish the day in a pretty church village, set among rolling green hills.

Stay: Kirkjubæjarklaustur accommodation

Your first stop today should be Vík. This remote seaside village is spectacularly framed by Dyrhólaey – a sky-high cape bursting with nature and birdlife. It's a cliff sanctuary that rises some 120m in height. Then, continue on to the mighty Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. You can even walk right behind the latter's mighty torrents. It all concludes with a stay near one of the Golden Circle's highlights – an explosive geyser.

Stay: Gullfoss/Geysir accommodation

You'll turn inland today, driving through the fertile farmlands of the Icelandic south – the setting for the famous Njal's Saga. Here, scenic highlights range from the historic Skálholt cathedral to hot springs and 3,000-year-old craters. Thingvellir is perhaps the standout – a national-park continental divide that houses the world's oldest parliament. You'll then end back in Reykjavik, perhaps for a final celebration dinner in one of its superb restaurants.

Depart Reykjavik after breakfast, dropping off your hire car at the airport before boarding your flight home.