Embark on a 6-day self-drive tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle, waterfalls, glaciers, and more. Discover natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes.
Embark on a 6-day self-drive tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle, waterfalls, glaciers, and more. Discover natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes.
Arrival
Reykjavik - Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Embark on your journey from the airport, traversing the otherworldly lava fields that define the Reykjanes Peninsula. This unique, volcanic landscape, adorned with moss-covered rocks and framed by distant mountains, serves as a mesmerizing gateway to Iceland’s…
Arrival
Reykjavik - Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Embark on your journey from the airport, traversing the otherworldly lava fields that define the Reykjanes Peninsula. This unique, volcanic landscape, adorned with moss-covered rocks and framed by distant mountains, serves as a mesmerizing gateway to Iceland’s natural marvels. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is a leisure. Your first night will be spent in Reykjavík, the country’s vibrant capital.
Driving: Approx 50 km (31 miles)
Accommodation: Reykjavík.
The Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park - Driving from Selfoss to Þingvellir ushers you into a world where the earth’s history is etched into every landscape. Your first destination, Þingvellir National Park, stands as a monumental site of cultural and geological significance, marking the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Laugarvatn - Continuing to Laugarvatn, you’ll encounter a serene lake area known for its geothermal activity. You can hike around the lake or visit the geothermal spa located on the water’s edge. The small town at the lake has a good restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.
Geysir - The journey progresses to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur delights onlookers by spouting water skywards at regular intervals.
Gullfoss Waterfall - A short drive away, Gullfoss waterfall mesmerizes with its majestic beauty, showcasing the raw power of nature as water plummets into the canyon below.
Fludir - Your adventure then leads you to Flúðir, a tranquil haven celebrated for its hot springs. The loop concludes as you return to Selfoss, encapsulating a day filled with the awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonders of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route.
Explore South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss - The drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur will take you through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, introducing you to the country’s diverse natural wonders. This route promises an unforgettable exploration of Iceland’s southern coast, marked by waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic terrain. Your first main stops outside the city are the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss, known for the path that leads behind its cascading water, offers a unique perspective.
Skogafoss - Just a short drive away, Skógafoss impresses with its sheer size and the thunderous sound of falling water.
Reynisfjara Beach - Further along the coast, Dyrhólaey presents a rugged promontory with panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, including the iconic arched rock that juts into the sea. Nearby, Reynisfjara beach astonishes visitors with its black sands, towering basalt columns, and the powerful waves of the North Atlantic crashing against the shore.
Vik - Next stop is Vík í Mýrdal, a charming village known for its picturesque church set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the endless ocean.
Fjaðrárgljúfur - A detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is highly recommended. This ancient canyon, carved by glacial meltwater, features steep walls and a winding riverbed, offering stunning views from its rim.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Your destination, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, is a small village with a big history. Known for its natural beauty and historical sites, including the Systrafoss waterfall and Kirkjugólf, the ‘Church Floor,’ which is a natural pavement of basalt columns, Kirkjubæjarklaustur serves as a perfect base to explore the surrounding area.
Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Skaftafell - This day promises an exploration of glaciers, lagoons, and black sand beaches, encapsulating the dramatic beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Your first destination is Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, a paradise for nature lovers. The drive east will unveil stunning vistas of vast lava fields, with the mighty Vatnajökull glacier looming in the distance. In Skaftafell, hike to the majestic Svartifoss, encircled by dark basalt columns that inspired the architecture of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church. The area offers numerous trails leading to glacier tongues and panoramic views.
Jokulsarlon - Further east lies Jökulsárlón, a breathtaking glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs. The contrast of the ice against the deep blue water creates a mesmerizing scene. Visit the adjacent Diamond Beach, where ice chunks from the lagoon wash onto the black sand, glistening like jewels under the sun.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur - After Jökulsárlón its time to head back to your accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. If you still have time, you can continue exploring the area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur, perhaps adding something you did not have time for the day before.
Back to Reykjavík and the Blue Lagoon
Reykjavik - From Kirkjubæjarklaustur drive back towards Reykjavík. Your route takes you back through South Iceland’s stunning scenery. Along the way, revisit or discover new wonders like the vast Eldhraun lava field, the black sands of Reynisfjara near Vík, and the towering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Blue Lagoon - Once in Reykjavík we recommend an afternoon visit to the Blue Lagoon, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This world-renowned geothermal spa, known for its healing waters, silica mud masks, and stunning setting amidst black lava fields, offers a perfect retreat. Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and experience the ultimate relaxation. Following your visit to the Blue Lagoon, return to Reykjavík for the evening.
Departure
Keflavik - Depart from your lodging in Reykjavík and make your way to Keflavík International Airport. Returning your rental car at Keflavík Airport marks the completion of your Icelandic adventure.
- Comfort Entrance at the Blue Lagoon
- Accommodation with private facilities and breakfast
- Detailed itinerary for each day in multiple languages
- Emergency telephone service
- Rental car with unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW, SCDW, GP, TP
- Pickup and drop off of car at the airport
- Comfort Entrance at the Blue Lagoon
- Accommodation with private facilities and breakfast
- Detailed itinerary for each day in multiple languages
- Emergency telephone service
- Rental car with unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW, SCDW, GP, TP
- Pickup and drop off of car at the airport
- Fuel expense and parking fees
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Fuel expense and parking fees
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
Embark on a six-day self-driving tour of Iceland. Your first major exploration is the famed Golden Circle. You will visit he UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park.
Next on the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, home to Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. Nearby, the Gullfoss waterfall tumbles down across two stages…
Embark on a six-day self-driving tour of Iceland. Your first major exploration is the famed Golden Circle. You will visit he UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park.
Next on the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, home to Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. Nearby, the Gullfoss waterfall tumbles down across two stages into a rugged canyon.
As you drive along the south shore of Iceland, your journey includes visits to beautiful waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water, and the stunning Skógafoss, towering at 60 meters high. Also, make sure to explore the remarkable Reynisfjara Beach, renowned for its powerful waves, unusual basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks.
Continue your adventure into Vatnajökull National Park, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Near the end of your trip, take some time to relax at the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík.
- Valid Drivers Licence is required
- Comfort Package: 4-star hotels or best hotels in each area
- Standard Package: 3-star hotels or guesthouses
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.