This great Iceland travel package is our most popular self-drive tour to date. It takes you on a round trip of Iceland to many of the island’s finest natural wonders. Places visited include Þingvellir national park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Gullfoss & Geysir, Lake Mývatn and the amazing Snæfellsnes peninsula. If you are looking for the ideal Iceland self-drive vacation, this might be the one for you.
This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).
Your Iceland self-drive vacation is about to begin. Once you arrive at Keflavik International Airport and clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík. After you have checked in to your hotel and received your travel documents, we would like to have an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. Explore the pearls of the city in the afternoon before staying the first night in the capital of the north. If you arrive early, you might be interested in optional day tours, such as whale watching from Reykjavík Harbor or relaxing at the Blue Lagoon. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavik.
Today your Iceland travel begins for real! Pick up your rental car in the morning and start your day by driving to Þingvellir National Park. Because of its beauty and its geological and historical value, Þingvellir was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the site where the Vikings first assembled in ancient times. After exploring the treasures of the park, head south to see Geysir Spouting Spring and Gullfoss waterfall to complete the “Golden Circle”. Enjoy the afternoon seeing the sizzling hot springs and geysers and the force of the great waterfall. Drive to the south coast and stay the night at a hotel/guest house/cottage in the area.
Today you will explore the beautiful south coast of Iceland. After breakfast and packing, drive east to the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Above the waterfalls, you can get a glimpse of Eyjafjallajökull where the great volcanic eruption took place in 2010. You can even enjoy an optional snowmobile tour on the glacier. Drive along the south shore to Dyrhólaey natural reserve where you can find one of the best seabird colonies in Iceland. You will cross Mýrdalssandur and Eldhraun before arriving in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Don’t forget to take a look at the amazing Fjaðrárgljúfur just before reaching the village, a narrow and beautiful canyon and one of our favourite hidden treasures of Iceland. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Today you will head to the famous Skaftafell area, located in the Vatnajökull National Park. After passing Skeiðarársandur you will arrive at Skaftafell. We recommend that you take the easy hike to Svartifoss waterfall that is surrounded by beautiful pitch black basalt columns or the 3 hour hike to Kristínartindar Peaks. Stop at Svínafellsjökull glacier fall, where the opening scene of Batman Begins was filmed. Head east to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón that comes from the roots of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. If the conditions are favorable, you can take an optional boat tour where you will sail between the icebergs while the local guides tell you the story about this great phenomenon. Stay overnight in the area around Höfn in Hornafjörður.
Time to travel the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. After passing Djúpivogur, you will explore the east coast. Travel through tranquil coastal villages towards the largest village in the east, Egilsstaðir. On the way, you might want to stop and have a look at Petra’s mineral collection in Stöðvarfjörður fjord. Nearby Egilsstaðir, there is a small forest called Hallormsstaðarskógur. In the ancient times, it was believed that a large worm-monster lived in the lake by the forest, our very own Loch Ness monster. If you manage to snap a photo of it you are in for some seriously good rewards. Stay one night in Egilsstaðir.
Today you will drive to the amazing and almost surreal Mývatn area. Drive from Egilsstaðir through Möðrudalsöræfi route to Lake Mývatn. We recommend that you take the Dettifoss Road and explore Dettifoss Waterfall (the most powerful in Europe) and Ásbyrgi Canyon. After that drive to Húsavík, where you can take an optional whale watching tour before continuing to Lake Mývatn. Please note that we recommend a 4×4 vehicle if you are taking the longer route to Mývatn via the Dettifoss Road. Around the Mývatn area, you will find amazing attractions such as the colourful Námaskarð pass, the Skútustaðir pseudo craters, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Krafla volcano and the Natural Baths of Mývatn. Stay the night in Mývatn.
Start the day early by exploring the sights around Lake Mývatn before driving to Akureyri. On your way to Akureyri (the “Capital of the North”) stop and enjoy the charming Goðafoss waterfall. In Akureyri we recommend that you visit the Botanical Garden, an oasis in the heart of this charming town. Also recommended is the Akureyri Church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the center of town. After a full day of sightseeing, it’s always popular to spend the afternoon in the town’s outdoor geothermal swimming pool & water park. A drive into Eyjafjörður fjord is well worth doing. There you will find a lush agricultural area, old churches and a farm that produces the best ice cream in Iceland, straight from the cows’ udders… well, almost! It is possible to take a flight from Akureyri airport to Grímsey island and cross into the Arctic Circle. We recommend booking that tour well in advance. Overnight in or around Akureyri.
It’s time to continue your Iceland travel. Leave Akureyri behind and start making your way to the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On the way you can stop in the Skagafjörður Fjord and enjoy an optional riding tour. Visit Borgarvirki natural fortress before reaching Snæfellsnes. On Snæfellsnes, you can choose from a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, a bird watching-cruise (in summer), or whale watching from Stykkishólmur Village or simply relax and take in the Snæfellsjökull glacier’s alleged supernatural energy. The Snæfellsjökull glacier in the Snæfellsjökull National Park was the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Snæfellsnes area.
Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull National Park, with amazing bird life, lush valleys, and rugged lava fields. It is ideal to drive around the peninsula, exploring Dritvík Cove, Lóndrangar Cliffs as well as Hellnar Cliffs and Arnarstapi with its bursting bird-life and the small villages on the coast. After exploring Snæfellsnes it’s time to continue to Reykjavik. Before finishing your “ring road”, take a look at the highlights of West Iceland. Sights along the way are the volcanic crater Grábrók, Hraunfossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver (the largest hot spring in Europe) and the settlement centre in Borgarnes. Once heading back to Reykjavík, you can either take the scenic Hvalfjörður Fjord route where you can stop and hike up to the famous Glymur waterfall or if you want to return directly to Reykjavík take the Route 1 underwater tunnel. Arrive in Reykjavik, return the car and stay the night in central Reykjavik.
Your Iceland travel is coming to an end. How time flies when you’re having fun. Transfer to Keflavik International Airport in time for your departure flight back home. If you are leaving in the afternoon you can visit the blue lagoon on your way to Keflavík Airport (optional). Soak in the restorative waters of the lagoon that is situated in the middle of a pitch black lava field. Your luggage will be kept safe while you are relaxing in the lagoon. After that, you will be dropped off at Keflavík International Airport. Have a safe journey home!
Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.
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We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.
Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.
Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.
Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.
Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
