Spend five nights exploring the landscapes of South Iceland, combining hotel comfort with the freedom of self drive. With return flights from Dublin, a stay at Hotel Ranga and two included experiences, this trip gives you time to follow the Golden Circle, visit the region’s key waterfalls and enjoy quiet evenings under clear winter skies.
Fly from Dublin to Keflavik with Icelandair and collect your car at Reykjavik Downtown. From here, the drive south brings you past wide plains, coastal views and the edges of the volcanic interior. Your base for the next five nights is Hotel Ranga, a countryside property known for its calm setting, observatory and access to South Iceland’s main routes.
Hotel Ranga offers comfortable rooms, breakfast each morning and easy access to nearby sights. During the winter months, the hotel operates an outdoor stargazing observatory and offers a peaceful atmosphere ideal for unwinding after each day’s exploring. You stay in a Standard Room with breakfast included throughout your stay.
One evening is set aside for a Northern Lights excursion. Travelling outside the town lights, this tour follows clear sky forecasts to give you the best possible chance of witnessing the aurora. Your guides explain the local conditions and help capture photos while you enjoy the experience.
This self guided drive covers three of Iceland’s signature routes. Using the Action Tour Guide app, you can follow the Golden Circle to Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir, continue through the Reykjanes volcanic region and explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at your own pace. The app provides directions, audio commentary and offline maps for easy navigation. Entrance fees are not included, giving you the flexibility to plan each day as you wish.
With your own car, you can shape the days to suit your interests. Visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, walk the black sands of Reynisfjara or spend a quieter afternoon in Hella or Hvolsvöllur. On your final morning, drive back to Reykjavik before returning your car and flying home to Dublin.
Return flights from Dublin with Icelandair, car hire for five days from Reykjavik Downtown with inclusive insurance, 5 nights at Hotel Ranga Hella (Bed and Breakfast) in a Standard Double or Twin Room, Northern Lights Mystery Tour, and a self guided Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and Snæfellsnes drive. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Flights depart Dublin 05 March 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (10 December 2025). Offers are subject to change.
Price from €1,900 per person
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
Finding your match...