Iceland itinerary

[MegBusset]

Looking at Iceland for summer 23 holiday. Probably for two weeks. Would like to see more of the country than just Reykjavik, but don't want to drive all the way round as that would be too much time in the car. Ideally would want a few days in Reykjavik and then one or two other bases where we can stay for a few nights and do some cool stuff (hiking, glaciers, whale watching would all be great).

There'll be four of us (two adults, two teens) and in general we prefer self catering accommodation with some outdoor space.

Anyone recommend an itinerary or places to stay / visit?

Discover the World do good Iceland packages tailored around what you want, we travelled with them recently and booked loads of excursions through them up onto glaciers and the like.

You can fly from Reykjavik up to Akureyri, I've done that before for whale watching.

And definitely head along the south coast to Jokulsarlon, the iceberg lagoon, if you hired a jeep from Reykjavik and drove there along the coast stopping off en route e.g. in Vik, that would take a couple of days.

I'd plan to visit some hot lagoons near Reykavik & otherwise Akureyri is a great base for caldrons & hot sulphur springs. having done boat trip at Jokulsarlon, I wouldn't be bothered to go again. East coast fjords are pretty but too far away I suppose. I cycled 60% of way round so finding it amusing you don't want to drive. Self-catering is good idea -- expensive place!

Agree Akureyri is great - a short flight and you can explore the Northern Iceland coast, go whale watching etc. I would really recommend Geosea in Husavik!

I would do a dual centre. Look at Laugarvatn.You have easy access to all the golden circle, it has a super spa itself and there is plenty of self catering cabins in the area.I would then take a long drive North..stay some where outside of Akuryri. Skjaldarvik is lovely - we stayed with here with the family last summer. Again self catering but close enough to Aukuyri for supplies and restaurants.

We drove round the whole island but my favourite place / stay was Diamond Beach in the south. We stayed here - lambhus.is/ - but probably not want you want with teens. My second most favourite part of the holiday was in Akureyri where we stayed in an Airbnb. The weather was amazing by the way - not what you would expect!

Would recommend horse riding, Icelandic horses are amazing and a big part of the culture. Many places will take beginners.

This all looks fabulous and so exciting! I love the log cabins. Any recommendations for accommodation in Akureyi?

Look at Skjaldarvik Op. Family run accommodation 5 miles outside Akureyi. The family breed Icelandic horses too. You can ride from the accommodation into the lake and around the hills. Its fabulous. The family are so friendly, with their 2 adorable dogs and large hot pool in the garden.

Look at Discover The World. They can organise great itineraries but not sure about self catering. Try and do a super Jeep tour. Do the Golden Ring and go to Snaefellness. Husavik for whales and the Western Fjords because it’s brilliant.