The South of Iceland is an area which no visitor should miss. Composed of the amazing Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and the renowned Geysir), a beautiful coastal drive through a landscape which is surrounded by volcanic beaches, glaciers, fertile farmlands as well as spectacular waterfalls, all the while taking you to the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón and finally to the mountainous national park Skaftafell, an oasis by the roots of Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull. This trip is ideal for all those who prefer to explore the country at a moderate pace without spending to much time on the road. We especially recommend the tour to families with children and point out that accommodation in cottages with a fully equipped kitchen is a practicable alternative regarding accommodation
Day 1: Reykjavik – South Iceland
Arrival and a quick visit to Iceland’s capital. – South Iceland
One of our friendly drivers will be at Keflavík airport ready to welcome you and take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Our capital is a great city to explore on foot; however, if you wish to take a bus tour of the greater Reykjavík area we can certainly arrange that for you. You could also use the day to visit one of the cities excellent museums or have a scenic view of Reykjavík from the tower of church Hallgrímskirkja.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, apartment or hotel in Reykjavík
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Driving distance approx. 260 km / 155 mi.
A day packed with the most visited and celebrated landmarks of Iceland.
After an early delivery of your rental car, the route is set for Þingvellir Iceland’s first National Park. There you can take a walk through one of the most amazing rift valleys in the world which also used to hold the Icelandic parliament from 930 to 1798. With plenty of time on your hands snorkelling in the rift Silfra is recommended, this is one of the top scuba diving destinations of the world due to its amazing clarity and the fact that you are actually snorkelling between continents. The next destination is the mother of all hot springs Geysir. Although Geysir now most lies dormant you will not be disappointed for its neighbour Strokkur erupts approximately every 5 minutes. Thereafter a visit to Gullfoss waterfall will close The Golden Circle (on a sunny day take care to look for rainbows in the surrounding drizzle). On your way back to the Ring Road and tonight’s accommodation at Hvollsvöllur, you can visit the church of Skálholt; a former diocese and the location of Iceland’s first official school and also enjoy a quick stop at the red crater lake Kerið.
Day 3: The South Coast
Driving distance approx. 220 km / 139 mi.
The glaciers and waterfalls of Southern Iceland
Before getting back on the road the Icelandic we recommend you visit the Saga Centre in Hvolsvöllur where you will experience the fascinating atmosphere of the Viking age and get to know the characters of the famous Saga Njála. Then when you are back on Route 1 the next destination will be the beautiful Seljalandsfoss (do not miss the spectacular walk behind the cascade) followed by a stop at the minuscule village Skógar famous for its folk museum and another great waterfall, Skógarfoss. After such breathtaking waterfalls you will continue past Eyjafjallajökull and towards his neighbour the glacier Mýrdalsjökull where you will have the opportunity to go on a guided glacial hike. From there you will drive over the black sands of Mýrdalssandur before reaching the last stop of the day at the majestic canyon Fjaðrarárgljúfur. From there continue towards today’s accommodation in a hotel, hut or guesthouse in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 4: Skaftafell and the Glacier Lagoon
Driving distance approx. 299 km / 186 mi
The Icelandic Alps with a twist and a boat ride amidst icebergs
Today you will head towards Skaftafell a part of Vatnajökull (the largest glacier in Europe) National Park. Skaftafell is a favourite hiking and camping ground for many Icelanders and is far known for its picturesque mountain landscape. The next stop after the Skaftafell is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon which has severed as a shooting location for Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Batman Begins’. A guided boat tour of the lake is recommended in order to get a better view of the icebergs and to learn a little bit more about the visible effects that global warming has had on the lagoon. Head back to Skaftafell for tonight’s accommodation.
Day 5: Ebony beach, craters and rock formations
Driving distance approx. 270 km / 168 mi.
Extraordinary forces of nature
On today’s schedule is a further exploration of the South Coast or if you have a 4×4 vehicle you can also head for Lakagígar, where you can get an extraordinary view of an entire system of volcanic fissures which opened in the 18th century and caused more mayhem and loss of lives than any other volcanic eruption in historic times. On the way back to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, you can visit smallholding Hólmur and get to know the Icelandic farm animals or have a look at the magnificent canyon Fjaðrarárgljúfur. When in Vík enjoy the exploration of one of the most extraordinary beaches in the world. Although swimming is not recommended (actually prohibited and dangerous) the view on the ebony volcanic beach of Vík is more than enough to satisfy any visitor. This scenic place which faces the Atlantic on one side and volcano Katla on the other is awe-inspiring and if you get a chance to talk to one of its friendly inhabitants be sure to ask them about the regular evacuation drills performed there and the folktales related to the majestic Reynisdrangar and island Dyrhólaey. Stay in Vík for the night.
Day 6: Take your pick on the way back to Reykjavík
A mountain oasis, volcanic island or a mystical geothermal peninsula
On your last day on the road, you can choose from three options depending on your vehicle and disposition. For those travelling by jeep or in a larger type of a 4×4 vehicle we recommend a visit to the beautiful valley Þórsmörk; a flowering oasis surrounded by steep mountains, glaciers and rapid rivers. Hike the short distance up Valahnjúkur, visit the “Elf church” and explore the awe-inspiring Stakkholtsgjá. The other options available to all vehicles are on the one hand a boat trip fromLandeyjarhöfn to Vestmannaeyjar (“Westman Islands”) and on the other a drive around the Reykjanes area. If you select the former alternative you can stop for a few hours on the largest of the islands (and the only one which is habited) called Heimaey. This island became renowned all over the world when its volcano Eldfell erupted in 1973 and about half of the town went under lava. The brave people of Heimaey were determined to fight the eruption and protect what they could for their livelihood so during months they drenched the lava with seawater and were thus able to save their harbour. Check out the puffin habitats, have a look at the Norwegian timber church and the monuments of the Turkish invasion and hike up to Skansinn for an incredible island view. The third and last of these wonderful day trips is a tour around the geothermal area of Reykjanes peninsula. This is one of the most surprising regions of Iceland; everywhere you look there is evidence of volcanic activity and a mystic atmosphere which is enhanced by the vapour and fumes which often surface. On your way to Reykjanes, you could go by the tranquil Krýsuvíkarvegur and visit the Ghost Centre at Stokkseyri a very entertaining and interactive museum which tells the story of Iceland’s most famous phantoms. Once on the peninsula we recommend you visit the lighthouses of Garðskagi, the extraordinary bridge which takes you from Europe to America in just a few steps, Brimketill (a pseudocrater by the sea) and Gunnuhver (geyser) and of course the Blue Lagoon where you can relax, bathe and use the spa facilities of this magical and supposedly healing lagoon. Head back to Reykjavík for your accommodation.
Day 7: Departure
Thank you for your stay!
On the last day we will provide transfer to Keflavik airport with FlyBus. If your flight is in the afternoon you can explore the city further, visit shopping mall Kringlan or what we would recommend if you did not take the Reykjanes tour yesterday would be to stop at the Blue Lagoon and get to know this unique place while treating yourself to some relaxing spa treatment after a week full of activities. Thank you for your stay and we look forward to seeing you again!
Different accommodation choices
There are 2 different types of accommodation we provide. Simple (private) and Comfort. These are aimed to fit most travellers needs. The reason for which we have 1 category without private facilities is that when travelling in Iceland you spend almost no time at the hotel. Our most common accommodation is Simple (private) but that gives you the privacy you want but still for a very reasonable price.
Comfort
The Comfort Class is for those who like to travel comfortably and with a touch of exclusivity whenever possible. The accommodation will always be at a respected hotel or guesthouse with a private room and private facilities. Breakfast included.
Simple Class
The Simple Class is for the traveller who would like a reasonable amount of privacy, but who also isn’t concerned with all the frills. This option is the ideal compromise between economy and luxury. Accommodation is provided in a hotel, guesthouse, or hostel in a private room without facilities. Breakfast is included.
Seasons
We divide the travel season in 3 different seasons. We are more flexible on the price in the low and shoulder season so please contact us for an offer if you are travelling in these 2 seasons.
The Summer season is from 1st of June-31st of August.If you are ordering outside that timeframe then contact us for a better price
Our rental cars
We offer wide variety of rental cars and can provide cars that are not listed below on request: If you are interested in driving in the highlands of Iceland the smallest car you can take is the Suzuki Jimny, That is also by far the most common car but you have to know that it only fits 2-3 persons since there is no space for luggage when four persons are travelling together.
Additional Equipment
-GPS navigation system (Free of charge)
-Mobile phone (Free of charge)
-Ipad with 3G internet (Free of charge)
Service Included
-Pickup from Keflavik Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik
-Meeting with your travel consultant
-Map of Iceland
-24-hour service phone
-Free dropoff at Keflavik airport at departure.
-Taxes and service fees
Do you want more information regarding prices or customization of this tour?
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My husband and I located Iceland Self Drive through Trip Advisor. They presented sample itineraries for the time we had available, discussed options, and booked our car and all our hotels for nine days. Two levels of hotels were offered -- with and without private...More