10 days - from $3,850
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the attractions of the Golden Circle - see the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the active geyser, Strokkur.
- Wonder at the landscapes of lava fields, black sand beaches, sea cliffs, an ice lagoon and glacier backdrops
- Spend a day discovering the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula - the birdlife, wild rock formations and quaint fishing villages
- Opportunity to sail on Breidafjordur Bay and watch the seafood being caught plus enjoy a tasting!
- Stand on the bridge between two continents
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 - Golden Circle (Thingvellir - Gullfoss - Geyser)
Approximate distance: 210km / 130miles
Enjoy the day exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Start with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. Then 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. You can also visit Efstidalur Dairy Farm and try some of their homemade dairy products. They also offer tours to learn about the life on the farm.
Overnight: Hveragerdi area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Golden Circle or South Coast
Approximate distance: variable
Today offers an opportunity to explore more of the southern area around the Golden Circle or South Iceland.
You can visit Thjorsardalur valley and its ever changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. The impressive and beautiful Hekla volcano towers over the region. It is possible to visit the site of a Viking age farm that was covered by lava from one of Hekla's eruptions and see the replica longhouse that has been built. It is a short walk from here to the mesmerising Gjain canyon.
Alternatively, you can take the South Coast road to the charming coastal villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, both home to lovely old buildings and great seafood restaurants. You can visit unique museums like the Ghost Centre in Stokkseyri and the historical homes built by the Danish at the Eyrarbakki Heritage Museum. Other options in this area are to take a guided tour of Laugarvatnshellir cave, a cavern which has been reconstructed to look like the family home it once was to two Icelandic families or visit the charming Fridheimar farm. At Fridheimar you can tour the tomato greenhouses, buy local products at their market or pre book a tomato-based lunch.
Overnight: Hveragerdi area or Selfoss
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 South Coast - Vik - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Approximate distance: 245km / 152miles
Today, drive along the spectacular south coast and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. To learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth, we recommend a visit along the way to the LAVA centre. Afterwards, your journey continues with Mydralsjokull glacier in the background to the beautiful, must see waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. For those looking for adventure it is possible to book a snowmobiling tour on Mydralsjokull glacier or for history buffs, Skogar Folk Museum offers a chance to see turf houses.
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. The ring road then takes you over Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest single lava flow, towards Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a picturesque village that is the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised arctic char trout, which you might like to try tonight.
Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.
Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Approximate distance: 260km / 162miles
Today as you travel 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. A highlight today is to see the shimmering icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where you may even glimpse a few seals. 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.
Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Borgarfjordur
Approximate distance: 320km / 198miles
Take a leisurely trip back through the South Shore area, and perhaps visit the places or try some activities that you might have missed on Day 4. Drive on to Borgarfjordur, a charming area of volcanic landscapes and Viking history. This afternoon, we recommend a visit to the interactive Settlement Museum in Borgarnes town to learn how Vikings settled Iceland. The area is also known for its beautiful handicrafts and local farm products.
Overnight: Borgarfjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Approximate distance: 330km / 205 miles
Explore the highlights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home of Snaefellsjokull National Park. Snaefellsnes is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” since you can experience most of Iceland's varying landscapes in one area. Visit the sea cliffs in Arnarstapi where many types of seabirds live, hike to nearby Hellnar villages and see Snaefellsjokull volcano, the legendary home to a guardian spirit. Also visit Djupalonssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled beach and see the famous church mountain, Kirkjufell as you drive along the north coast through lively fishing villages.
A great experience is to take a boat tour on Breidafjordur Bay where you can see the rich bird and sea life from the water. Whilst on the cruise a wonderful selection of seafood is caught for viewing and tasting!
Overnight: Borgarfjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Borgarfjodur - Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 215km / 134miles
Today is at leisure to either spend more time exploring the attractions in the Borgarfjordur area or head towards Reykjavik to discover the capital.
From Borgarfjordur, you might like to visit the inside of a lava tube at Vidgelmir Cave or take an exciting ride up the Langjokull glacier in a specialised truck to view a unique ice tunnel, ice cave and see a glacier from the inside out.
In Reykjavik, it is easy to walk around town, taking in the sights of the waterfront, shopping and eating in the main street plus there are many museums to visit to learn more about different aspects of Iceland.
Overnight: Reykjavik area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Reykjavik Peninsula - Blue Lagon
Approximate distance: 120km / 75miles
Today we recommend you explore the Reykjanes Peninsula and its UNESCO GeoPark site. You will see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. There are charming fishing villages and lighthouses along the peninsula. If you enjoy hiking and volcanoes, you can take a trail to visit the site of Iceland’s most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021 and 2022 at Geldingadalur and Meradalur and see the island’s newest lava up close. Also, if time permits you might enjoy the opportunity to relax in thermal waters of the renowned Blue Lagoon - it is suggested to book in advance so you do not miss out. Tonight, enjoy the local food and lively culture of Iceland's capital.
Overnight: Reykjavik area
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10 Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 50km / 30miles
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
- 2 nights in 3 star (comfort class) or 4 star (quality class) accommodation in Reykjavik
- 7 nights in standard hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation (comfort class) and standard hotels and guesthouses accommodation (quality class)
- 9 day car hire
- Unlimited kilometers, 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
- Links to electronic versions of the Iceland Travel Roadbook in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch, which covers interesting places to visit
- Access to your travel documents, feature to save places to a personalised map and safety information and driving tips
- 9 Icelandic- style Breakfasts
Driving route enables sightseeing at:
- Hveragerdi village. Also known as the flower village
- Golden Circle – Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, Thingvellir National Park,
- Fontana Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir
- Efstidalur Dairy Farm
- Thjorsardalur valley and Gjain canyon
- Coastal villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki
- Fridheimar farm,
- LAVA centre
- Must see waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss
- Mydralsjokull glacier
- Skogar Folk Museum to see turf houses
- Seabird cliffs of Dyrholaey
- The black sand beach of Reynisfjara
- Vik, the southernmost town in Iceland
- Eldhraun
- Kirkjubaejarklaustur
- Vatnajokull National Park
- Jokusarlon Glacial Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Borgarnes
- Borgarfjordur region
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur and Kirkjufell
- Breidafjordur Bay
- Reykjavik
- Reykjanes Peninsula
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.
* Does not include device. Designed for easy use with your personal phone, tablet or computer.
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 bundles you can add to your self drive itineraries;
THE ADVENTURER: Get up close to nature with this bundle that includes Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier and a Glacier Experience hike on Solheimajokull Glacier.
THE WELLNESS SEEKER: The perfect way to enjoy the natural hot springs in Iceland, visit the Krauma Natural Geothermal Spa in West Iceland, Sky Lagoon in the Reykjavik area and the Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths in Laugarvatn, in the Southern part of Iceland.
