6 days - from $1,670
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Feel the spray from the mighty waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss
- Visit Vik and the spectacular ocean life nearby - black beach of Reynisfjara
- Experience the magic of Diamond Beach and Jokusarlon Lagoon
- Spend days exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region plus visit the Thingvellir National Park
- Wander around Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik
DAY 1 Reykjavik - Hveragerdi
Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles
Your tour commences with the collection of your rental car from the airport depot to make your way to your hotel in Hveragerdi. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the “flower village“. You'll travel along the mystical lava landscapes of South Coast road to the charming village of Hveragerdi, admiring the rocky beaches with massive waves along the way.
Overnight: Hveragerdi area
DAY 2 Hveragerdi - South Coast - Vik
Approximate distance: 160km / 100miles
Today, Iceland lives up to its name of fire and ice as you drive along the spectacular south coast experiencing waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers! Your journey begins with stops at the beautiful, must see waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Continue on the ring road where if skies are clear you will see the famous volcanoes of Mt. Hekla (last eruption: 2000) and Eyjafjallajokull (last eruption: 2010) as well as Mydralsjokull glacier in the background. Continue via the seabird cliffs of Dyrholaey or the dangerous waves at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara to Vik, the southernmost town in Iceland.
Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.
Overnight: Vik area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Vik - Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon - Hofn
Approximate distance: 280km / 175miles
The ring road takes you over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur and the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, you will have Europe‘s largest glacier, the magnificent Vatnajokull in view. For a range of hiking abilities, you can visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, to experience this green oasis nestled between glaciers. Continue to the shimmering icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where you may even glimpse a few seals playing in the water. Nearby is the aptly named Diamond Beach, where parts of the broken icebergs come to rest on the black sand beach, creating a magical contrast between the white ice scattered across the black sands. Drive to the charming harbour town Hofn, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.
Overnight: Hofn area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Hofn - South Coast - Hvolsvollur/Hella
Approximate distance: 350km / 217miles
Take a leisurely trip back through the South Shore area, stopping to catch views in a different light or perhaps visit the places or try some activities that you might have missed the past 2 days. There is plenty on offer - a zip line adventure, snowmobile tour on Mydralsjokull glacier or visit the Skogar Folk Museum to see turf houses to name a few. In Hvolsvollur learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth, with a visit to the LAVA centre.
Overnight: Hvolsvollur/Hofn area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Hvolsvollur/Hella - Golden Circle (Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geyser) - Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 215km / 135miles
Enjoy the day exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Take a scenic drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs at Geysir. We recommend taking advantage of geothermal activity in this area with a relaxing soak at the Fontana Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, the oldest natural pool in Iceland. Finish with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament before heading to the capital, Reykjavik.
Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Reykjavik
Return the car to Keflavik International Airport today before taking your onward flight. Depending on your flight time, enjoy your day exploring Reykjavik, or visit the famous Blue Lagoon which is on the way to the airport (it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out).
Meals included: Breakfast
- 1 night in 3 star (comfort class) or 4 star (quality class) accommodation in Reykjavik
- 4 nights in standard hotels, guesthouses, and farmhouse accommodation (comfort class) and standard hotels and guesthouses accommodation (quality class)
- 5 day car hire
- Unlimited kilometres, Collision Damage Waiver, and Theft Protection
- Additional authorised driver
- Airport Service Charge for car pick up and drop off at Keflavik International Airport
- Complimentary unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
- Emergency phone line open 24 hours
- Customer care service during office hours; services of local representatives
- Access to Travel Companion App*. The app includes:
- Approximately 1500 star points, points of interest, tours and activities in the area, including 35 points of interest with an audio guide
- Access to your travel documents, create a personalised map links to electronic versions of the Iceland Travel Road Guide in different languages which covers interesting places as well as safety tips; Your hotel bookings with check-in and check-out dates
*The Travel Companion app is designed for easy use with your personal phone, tablet or computer
- 5 Icelandic- style Breakfasts
Driving route enables sightseeing at:
- Hveragerdi Village, also known as the Flower Village
- Waterfalls: Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss
- Black sand beaches near Vik
- Vatnajokull National Park
- Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
- Myrdalsjokull Glacier
- Hekla Volcano
- Gullfoss waterfall
- The hot springs at Geysir
- Thingvellir National Park
- Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon and Reynisfjara Beach
- Reykjavik
| Quality Class Hotels | ||
|---|---|---|
Economy 2wd (automatic) Compact 2wd (manual) Intermediate 2wd (automatic) Intermediate 2wd (hybrid automatic) Medium 4wd (automatic) Large 4wd (automatic) | ||
Double/Twin Double/Twin Double/Twin Double/Twin Double/Twin Double/Twin | ||
1 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 | $1,900 $1,940 $2,030 $2,030 $2,230 $2,590 | |
1 Jun 2025 - 24 Jun 2025 | $2,500 $2,550 $2,650 $2,650 $2,870 $3,310 | |
25 Jun 2025 - 26 Aug 2025 | $2,760 $2,870 $2,990 $2,990 $3,380 $4,090 | |
27 Aug 2025 - 30 Sep 2025 | $2,500 $2,550 $2,650 $2,650 $2,870 $3,310 | |
| Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |
Car Hire: The driver must present a valid driving license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental. A valid automobile driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) has the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise, an international driver’s license is required.
Quality Class: Our quality self-drive holidays allow you to spend your days exploring rural Iceland, knowing your nights will be spent in the most comfortable accommodation each area has to offer. Throughout the tour you‘ll stay in quality guesthouses and hotels where all rooms have a private facilities. Your final night will be in a 4 star hotel in Reykjavik.
Comfort Class: Our comfort self-drives offer you the chance to travel around Iceland in a carefree spirit, staying in accommodation with private facilities without stretching your budget. During your stay you‘ll be located in a combination of standard hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses. Your final night will be in a 3 star hotel in Reykjavik.
Ask about the wonderful sightseeing and experience bundle you can add to your self drive itineraries:
THE ADVENTURER: Get up close to nature with this bundle that includes Glacier Wonder walk on Solheimajokull (including 3.5 hours, glacier gear and safety equipment) - Snowmobiling on Langjokull (including guided 1-1.5 hour glacier walk, glacier gear and safety equipment).
