Others

Customer care service during office hours 24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland Service fee and taxes

Meals

9 Icelandic style breakfasts (except arrival day)

Transport

Rental car for 9 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device Car pick up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport Our unique Iceland Travel App You must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car category 5.0 or higher.

Guide

Iceland Travel Road Guide about Iceland in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and French

Accommodation

Accommodation in a standard room for 9 nights

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Breakfast on arrival day International airfare Personal travel insurance (highly recommended) Petrol/Gasoline Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified. More information here Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts 14:00 (2:00pm) – 16:00 (4:00pm) Guaranteed late check-out Any service not specifically listed under "Included"

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that.

Afterwards, head to Hafnarfjordur town for your overnight. Located in the Reykjavik metro area, this town is surrounded by interesting lava formations. It is known for its connection to legends of elves and its Viking heritage. The charming harbor area is a nice place to visit for dinner and a stroll.

Overnight in the Reykjavik area (Hafnarfjordur).

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm

Approximate distance: 40 km / 25 miles (with Reykjanes Peninsula: 85 km / 53 miles)
Day 2 Reykjavik Area – Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Reykjavik Area – Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur

Start your adventure with a visit to Thingvellir National Park. This beautiful area of lava fields, lakes and canyons is the heart and soul of Icelanders. Thingvellir is the spot where Vikings formed a parliament and met annually to discuss important issues affecting the nation. Today, the Icelandic parliament is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Thingvellir is also a geological paradise. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Scenic trails around the park lead to historical sites, old ruins, and beautiful views of the area, including a view of a waterfall.

Head into the charming West Iceland region of Borgarfjordur, one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. This is one of our favorite areas to find local handicrafts and taste treats. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the enormous Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot springs in Europe. Perhaps you’ll end your day with a relaxing visit to Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Approximate distance: 195 km / 122 miles
Day 3 Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Stykkisholmur – Laugarbakki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Stykkisholmur – Laugarbakki

Today you are for a treat: a whole day to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, home of Snaefellsjokull National Park. Snaefellsnes is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” since you can see samples of most Icelandic landscapes in one area. Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs where many types of seabirds live. If you enjoy hiking, there is a great nature trail you can hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages. (About 4.3 km/2.7 miles). Crowning the area is the glacier topped Snaefellsjokull volcano, legendary home to a guardian spirit. Driving through the park gives you a chance to view the mountain from many different angles.

Visit Djupalonssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled beach. Then head along the north coast through lively fishing villages. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, the photogenic Church Mountain. Olafsvik town is a great place for whale watching tours.

Head to Laugarbakki in the Midfjordur area of North Iceland.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland.

Approximate distance: 405 km / 252 miles
Day 4 Laugarbakki – Siglufjordur – Akureyri
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Laugarbakki – Siglufjordur – Akureyri

Pass by Hunafloi bay, a great area for seal watching. If you’re interested in learning more about seals, we suggest a visit to the Seal Centre in Hvammstangi.

The scenery changes to towering mountains and fertile valleys as you head into Skagafjordur, an area known for horse breeding and some of Iceland’s best- preserved historical buildings. If you’re a history buff you might enjoy Glaumbaer (Skagafjordur Heritage Museum), where you can walk through a turf manor farm dating back to the 18th century.

If you are interested in Medieval/Viking history and battle strategies, we suggest a visit to the 1238: Battle of Iceland exhibit in Saudarkrokur town. Innovative virtual reality transports you into the past and the fateful Battle of Orlyggsstadir, part of a devastating civil war. (The battlefield is in North Iceland.)

Drangey is the legendary hideout of the Viking saga outlaw, Grettir the Strong. Between mid-May and August, you can take a guided boat tour out to Drangey. The tour departs from Saudarkrokur town’s harbor.

Stop in Siglufjordur, a beautiful town with an even more beautiful fjord. The town’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum takes you back to the days of the early 20th century when a herring “gold rush” changed both Siglufjordur and Iceland.

Drive through the beautiful Troll Peninsula, which has some of Iceland‘s highest mountains. You’ll see waterfalls dropping into the ocean as you drive through charming fishing villages. You might take a whale watching tour in the town of Dalvik or visit the Beer Spa in Arskogasandur for hot spring bathing with a twist!

Continue to Akureyri, the colorful and friendly capital of the north.

Overnight in the Akureyri area.

Approximate distance: 310 km / 193 miles
Day 5 Akureyri – Godafoss – Myvatn – Husavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Akureyri – Godafoss – Myvatn – Husavik

Travel towards the famous Lake Myvatn area with a stop at the magnificent Godafoss waterfall (“Waterfall of the Gods”).

The Myvatn region is famous for all its hidden gems between the lava, including strange pseudo craters at Skutastadir, the vibrantly colored Hverarond mud pools and the “dark citadels” of Dimmuborgir. You might enjoy a stop at the Myvatn Nature Baths to relax in the azure blue geothermal waters.

Head to Husavik, a charming fishing town known for its great whale-watching opportunities. In addition to whale watching, you can enjoy Husavik’s relaxing GeoSea Baths. The baths are healthy and soothing geothermal ocean water, and the view over the Arctic Circle is beautiful.

Overnight in the Husavik area.

Please Note: The Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel. More information on the tunnel and fees is here.

Approximate distance: 155 km / 96 miles
Day 6 Husavik – Asbyrgi – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Husavik – Asbyrgi – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir

Head around the fossil rich Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle to the northern entrance of Vatnajokull National Park. The 195 km / 122 miles Visitor’s Center has helpful information on the wildlife and geology and trail conditions. Check out Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe shaped canyon in the park. Trails wind through peaceful forested areas to a hidden canyon lake.

The national park roads take you through dramatic canyonlands created by a river flowing from Vatnajokull glacier. The crown jewel of the area is surely Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful one in Europe. Continue across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.

A suggested evening activity might be a visit to the Vok floating geothermal pools near Egilsstadir.

Please note that Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in the Eastfjords.

Approximate distance: 255 km / 159 miles
Day 7 Egilsstadir – Eastfjords – Hofn
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Egilsstadir – Eastfjords – Hofn

A great way to start the day might be a visit to Hallormsstadur, Iceland’s first reforestation project and its largest woodland. It’s so peaceful to spend some moments here enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees and that special sense of nature unique to East Iceland.

We also recommend a side trip to visit the award-winning Wilderness Center located at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful eastern highlands. The Wilderness Center has picked up quite a following on social media for its unique experiences. You can discover Iceland’s pioneer history and highland nature in a clever interactive way. Wilderness Center guides can take you on a hiking trip around beautiful Hengifoss falls or on a horseback riding trip to the scenic ruins of an old farmhouse. The Center is also famous for its excellent cafe. You can chat with the hosts as they prepare a meal made from historical recipes and with ingredients gathered from the highlands and area farms.

Drive south through the spectacular Eastfjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Each fjord has its own charm and history. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe. Several restaurants feature some of the famous langoustines in their cuisine.

Overnight in the Hofn area.

Approximate distance: 265 km / 165 miles
Day 8 Hofn – Klaustur – Vik / Hvolsvollur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hofn – Klaustur – Vik / Hvolsvollur

Throughout the day you’ll surely enjoy breathtaking glacial views of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon with its majestic icebergs floating in the 180-metre (591- foot) deep lagoon, is famous as a location for adventure and science fiction movies. Many of our guests enjoy the opportunity to take a guided amphibian boat or Zodiac boat tour on the lagoon. These should be booked in advance, and we are happy to help arrange a tour for you.

On the other side of the road is the Diamond Beach, well known from social media bloggers. Make sure your camera is ready to catch the dramatic views of tumbling ocean waves and icebergs strewn like jewels over the black sand coastline.

The Skaftafell area of southern Vatnajokull National Park is next on your agenda. This is a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes, a true fire and ice destination. There are several interesting hiking trails in the park, including one that leads to a basalt framed waterfall, Svartifoss. Skaftafell is also a great place to take a guided hike onto a glacier, an amazing way to discover how ice has shaped Iceland.

Drive through Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent (the town’s restaurants are famous for locally farmed, delicious arctic trout), before crossing the surreal Eldhraun, the largest single mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the earth. The 18th century eruption was so strong that the climate of Europe was affected by the volcanic ash. Head to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town.

The scenery here has become famous all over the world. Take a walk on the Reynisfjara black sand beach and view the powerful waves and spectacular basalt columns. Far out to sea you can view rock formations that legends say were once giant trolls.

Overnight in the Vik area or in the Hvollsvollur / Hella area.

Approximate distance: 290 km / 181 miles
Day 9 The Golden Circle – Reykjavik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

The Golden Circle – Reykjavik

Start your day by exploring two spectacular waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skogafoss is one of the country’s most photographed waterfalls, and it has a series of steps nearby that lead up to a beautiful view of South Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is a ribbon-like waterfall; a walking trail leads behind the waterfall itself.

Next, head to the beloved and famous Golden Circle wonders. Travel through peaceful farmland areas to the geothermal fields of Geysir. Footpaths lead around interesting bubbling mud pools and spouting hot springs. The most famous of these is the reliably erupting Strokkur geyser. We’re sure you will really enjoy photographing the various stages of the Strokkur as it erupts from the ground. The Gullfoss waterfall is a short drive away. Many Icelanders believe Gullfoss is the most beautiful waterfall in the country. The sight of glacial water thundering down two ledges into an enormous canyon is spectacular. A series of footpaths lead around the falls and give views of the cascades from different angles. While you are in the area, you might enjoy the chance to relax in a geothermal hot pool at the enchanting Secret Lagoon or the lovely natural steam baths and pools at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa.

After a day of wonders, head to the colorful capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. The rest of the day is open to explore the city’s vibrant culture.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate distance: 310 km / 193 miles
Day 10 Departure From Iceland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departure From Iceland

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the Lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles

10 days tour

10 Day Self-Drive Tour | Fantastic Iceland

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 10 Day Self-Drive Tour | Fantastic Iceland

Arrival

Reykjavik Area – Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur

Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Stykkisholmur – Laugarbakki

Laugarbakki – Siglufjordur – Akureyri

Akureyri – Godafoss – Myvatn – Husavik

Husavik – Asbyrgi – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir

Egilsstadir – Eastfjords – Hofn

Hofn – Klaustur – Vik / Hvolsvollur

The Golden Circle – Reykjavik

Departure From Iceland

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