Game of Thrones fans will know there’s something familiar about Iceland’s grand moniker. The “land of fire and ice” is a little bit reminiscent of George RR Martin’s fantasy saga and is equally epic. The landscapes of glaciers and magma fields, skirted by towering volcanoes and roaring waterfalls are indeed like a work of pure fiction – but you can see it all in style.
Frontiers is now offering its Land Rover Discover tour for up to four intrepid travellers at a time, who can tackle the five-day self-drive adventure, designed especially by Land Rover experts. The Land Rover Experience Instructors will guide the group between luxury boutique accommodations on the itineraries that kick off from February next year.
The tour will take you from geysers to glaciers around Iceland’s Golden Circle – the stunning ring road that loops around the island. Aside from the sights and the gourmet delights at each hotel, activities include snowmobiling at the Langjökull Glacier and spinning donuts on the black volcanic sand beaches, which are only accessible via a special permit.
To get an idea of the incredible vistas, check out the Land Rover Discovery Sport in action in this video by TestDriven.
The highlights of the Land Rover Discover tour
Day 1: Arrive Keflavik, Iceland // Stay: Hotel Borg
Arrive in Keflavík and transfer to the Hotel Borg. This Art Deco landmark commands a central position, perfect for exploring Iceland’s small capital.
Day 2: The Southern Coastline // Stay: Hotel Ion
This morning, get behind the wheel of your Land Rover for the first time for the drive along Iceland’s famous Route 1 towards your first destination. Follow its southern route, traversing plunging gorges, remote plains, lava beds and mountain passes. Having negotiated the black sands that border the fishing villages of Thorlakshofn, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, turn inland at the town of Þorlákshöfn.
Day 3: Skógafoss Waterfall // Stay: Hotel Ion
After a quick debrief with your Land Rover instructors, head towards the southern shores of Iceland, navigating river crossings and rocky passes as you go. The views are also sensational, and on a clear day the mountains of the Vestmannaeyjar islands are a sight to behold. Following lunch at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, continue your journey along the southern coast to the dramatic black sand beaches of Vik.
Day 4: The Golden Circle // Stay: Hotel Borg
Today you will experience Iceland’s trio of natural attractions, the famed Golden Circle, home to the island’s most beautiful landscapes. Drive the short distance from your hotel to Þingvellir National Park, a geological phenomenon and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes in the rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually — and visibly — moving away from each other, creating a deep fissure that creates beautifully clear diving conditions.
Day 5: Depart Iceland
After breakfast; take a last opportunity to explore downtown Reykjavík – the cathedral, restaurants, shops and harbor are all within walking distance. You are then driven from your hotel back to Keflavík Airport for your return flight home.
Multiple itineraries are available in February and March of 2016 starting at US $7,159 per person, based on double occupancy.