Reykjavik & Akureyri

Embark on the Reykjavík to Akureyri Self‑Drive, a captivating five-night road adventure through Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. After collecting your hire car in Reykjavík, journey north through the scenic west coastfjords—snapping photos of craggy peninsulas, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its volcanic peaks, black‑sand beaches and charming fishing villages, before continuing along the northern coastline. Experience whale‑watching from Húsavík, explore geothermal mud pools, and wander through lush valleys before arriving in Akureyri, Iceland’s “Capital of the North”.

Optional excursions to nearby lava caves, hot springs or glacier‑tongue hikes are available. Evenings offer opportunities for Northern Lights viewing or midnight sun depending on season. With tailored itinerary planning, hand-picked accommodation, and detailed route notes provided (excluding flights and car hire), this journey is perfect for those seeking an Iceland self‑drive holiday, Reykjavík to Akureyri road trip, or Northern Lights adventure.

The Reykjavík to Akureyri Self‑Drive is a five-night northern Iceland road trip packed with coastal fjords, volcanic scenery and cultural highlights. Drive from Reykjavík through the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, spotting waterfalls, black beaches and traditional fishing villages, then continue to Húsavík for whale‑watching before reaching Akureyri.

Optional excursions include mud‑pool visits, glacier hikes and lava‑cave exploration. Evenings provide chances to witness the Northern Lights or enjoy the midnight sun. With route planning, accommodation, and itinerary support all arranged (excluding flights and car hire), this trip combines freedom with expert planning—ideal for a bespoke Icelandic road trip or aurora-chasing self-drive adventure.

Location Iceland

Duration 4 Nights

Price per person from (excl. flights)

£2,599*

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Overview

Discover Iceland’s cities Reykjavik and Akureyri

This year-round suggested itinerary has you visit the two main cities in Iceland – its capital Reykjavik and then the country’s second city Akureyri which is based in the north. This short fly-by break has you discover such highlights as the Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s southern coast with a private guide, before then flying north to discover some whale watching, Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, and the lakes of Myvatn.

This short break merely scratches the surface of what you can get up to – so be sure to speak to one of our Nordic Experience Curators to have a bespoke experience put together just for you!

Your Trip, Your Way

This itinerary is just a starting point—a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you want to tweak the pace, upgrade your hotel, or deepen the culinary immersion, we’ll design your perfect trip from scratch.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and Explore

You will be transferred from the airport into Iceland’s capital Reykjavik where you can spend the afternoon exploring the city before heading out for a relaxing dip in the Sky Lagoon!

@ Sky Lagoon

Day 2

Explore the South Coast

It is important to try and explore further out from the city of Reykjavik as on its doorstep are a variety of incredible sights to see and activities to do. For this particular trip, we have included a private Super jeep tour to pick you up from your hotel and get to witness some of the southern coast’s beauty!

You’ll have the evening free to eat out at one of many amazing restaurants – be sure to speak with our team to get the best suggestions.

Private Guided Golden Circle Tours | Luxury Holidays in Iceland with Off The Map

@ Icelandic Explorer

Reykjavik the Capital City of Iceland - Travel with Off The Map

@ Iceland.is

Private Guided Glacier Lagoon Tours | Luxury Holidays in Iceland with Off The Map

@ Reykjavik Excursions

Day 3

Akureyri & Whale Watching

In the morning you’ll head to Reykjavik city airport and catch an internal flight up to Akureyri where you will pick up your car hire and then drive up to Husavik – a famous location to head out whale watching during the Summer months.

Take a trip out from here before then settling back at accommodation in Akureyri.

Whale Watching in Iceland Private Tours | Luxury Holidays in Iceland with Off The Map

@ North Sailing

Day 4

Lake Mývatn

Today you will drive out to Lake Mývatn- a fascinating area that is in fact Iceland’s fourth-largest lake. Here you can discover one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe – Dettifoss, and enjoy the diamond circle route (depending on the time of year you visit).

If you missed out on a dip in Reykjavik at the Sky Lagoon at there are plenty of options in the North including the brand new Forest Lagoon and Mývatn Nature baths!

Private Guided Tours of Iceland's Waterfalls | Luxury Holidays in Iceland with Off The Map

@ Saga Travel

Day 5

Departure

Return your car rental to the airport for your return flight home – but remember that your trip doesn’t have to end here. You have merely scratched the surface of this beautiful part of Iceland.

Want to discover more? Speak with our Nordic Experience Curators and they will help guide you with some exciting ideas to extend your trip.

Where You Could Stay

The Reykjavik Addition

5-star luxury hotel, explore the Blue Lagoon, and see the Northern Lights

Apotek Hotel

Overlooking Austurvöllur Square, a great place for harbourside walks

Sand Hotel

A peaceful relaxing retreat from the bustling activity of the city centre

Hotel Borg

Art deco interiors, sophisticated comfort, with views over Reykjavik

Hotel Kea

Overlooking a stunning fjord, classic charm, in an unbeatable location

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Shared Experiences

From Our Customers

All reviews

Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.

Karen

Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!

Tori

The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!

Sophie & Guy

I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.

Alex

I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.

Rosie

We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!

Jim & Kris