Duration
6 days
Availability
May - September
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
No Age Limit
6 Days under the Midnight Sun | Summer Self-Drive Tour of West Iceland, Golden Circle & South Coast
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Overview
Self-Drive Tours allow you to explore the wonders of Iceland at your own pace. Let us take care of all the arrangements, so you can visit glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs and more without a worry. For this 6-Day Summer Tour, we’ll choose the best accommodation to fit your travel plan, organise transport, and book excursions. All you have to do is pack a bag and enjoy the Icelandic summer.
On this tour, you’ll visit the stunning attractions found in West and South Iceland, including those on the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. We will provide you with a detailed itinerary — created by local experts — with ideas of what to see and do on your way. However, you are behind the wheel, so you are free to follow your own path.
Between sightseeing, you can choose to go on short, guided excursions such as horseback riding, glacier hiking, or whale watching. There is also plenty of time to unwind in some of Iceland’s best geothermal spas and pools, including the Blue Lagoon.
The midnight sun will illuminate the night, and you are not bound by tour guides or large buses. So, you have the freedom to explore longer and do more on this fantastic Summer Self-Drive Tour.
Book now and spend 6 amazing days under the midnight sun in Iceland.
Included
- 5 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for all levels; more detailed info in accommodation tab)
- Vehicle for the duration of the trip with unlimited mileage (VW Golf 2WD or similar. Upgrades available)
- Medium Protection Package for car rental: CDW, SCDW, PAI, THW and GP (More info click here)
- Mobile WIFI including 3GB total
- Personal itinerary with fun and practical information about Iceland
- 24/7 helpline and a hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
- Taxes
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Gasoline/Petrol
- Driving-Related Fees
- Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
- Any services not listed as “Included”
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arriving in Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! After you land, pick up your bags and your rental car and make your way to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. As you make the short, 45-minute drive to the city, you’ll pass through the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The land here is still forming, and further inland is a new lava field created in a recent eruption. Perhaps you spotted it when the plane descended?
Sights of natural wonders created by past volcanic eruptions and the movement of glaciers will fill up your next few days. This is, after all, the Land of Fire and Ice.
However, for your first night, you will spend it in the city at a comfortable accommodation in the downtown area.
- Reykjavík – Iceland’s capital city
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Day 2 – Exploring West Iceland
Today your adventure on the road begins. You will be exploring West Iceland today, starting with the beautiful waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. A short drive away is Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhver.
Seeing that you are behind the wheel, you get to choose where you go and how long you’ll stop there. History buffs can, for example, explore the settlement of Reykholt, where a Medieval writer of the Sagas, Snorri Sturluson, used to live. Families can visit Háafell Goat Farm to pet the friendly creatures found there. The choice is yours.
Another option is to visit Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave. It is one of the most popular visitor activities in West Iceland. The cave has easily accessible walkways, and a knowledgeable guide will be with you every step of the way. You can add a tour of Víðgelmir during the booking process.
Those looking to take a relaxing break during their road trip can stop at the Krauma Spa near Deildartunguhver hot spring. In fact, the spa uses water from the hot spring, mixed with cool water from a glacier, to create the perfect bathing experience.
In the evening, head to your accommodation in the Borgarfjörður region. It will be a short drive away from the town of Borgarnes, where you can get food and other supplies for tomorrow.
- Hraunfossar Waterfalls – small rivulets streaming from a lava field
- Barnafoss Waterfall – A rapid waterfall only a short walk from Hraunfossar
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring – Europe’s most powerful hot spring
- Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. Tour includes an English speaking guide and use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp. No age limit.
- Krauma Spa: Unwind while enjoying the beautiful views of West-Iceland’s landscapes. Krauma Spa takes water from the nearby Deildartunguhver hot spring and cools it down with water from a glacier to create the perfect bathing experience. Bring a bathing suit and towel, but you can also rent those onsite. No age limit.
Day 3 – The Golden Circle
After breakfast, make your way to Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. Here, you’ll walk between continents, see geysers erupt, and marvel at a gorgeous waterfall.
If you’d like to start your day off with an adventure, you can add a horse riding tour to this excursion during the booking process. The Icelandic horse is a small and intelligent creature. Which makes him a perfect companion for both new and experienced riders.
At Þingvellir National Park — the first stop on the Golden Circle — Iceland’s Viking settlers would gather to lay the laws of the land. The park is also where two continental plates meet, resulting in spectacular scenery. Here, you can opt for a snorkelling tour where you’ll swim between the two tectonic plates.
From Þingvellir, travel to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Here, you can see bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. Then, there is only a short drive to the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss is also the departure point for a snowmobile tour on Langjökull Glacier in the Highlands. You can opt for a trip during the booking process to race across the ancient ice.
You can explore the Golden Circle and nearby attractions for as long as you want. The Midnight Sun will provide lighting well into the night. When you are ready to retire, head to your accommodation in the area.
- Þingvellir National Park – Historic site with beautiful landscapes
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Bubbling mud pools and the erupting geyser, Strokkur
- Gullfoss Waterfall – A stunning cascade which falls down two steps into a canyon
- Snorkeling in Silfra: Snorkeling between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkelling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up after the dive. Minimum age 12 years.
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull: An exhilarating tour on top of a glacier, no previous riding experience needed. Included is a one-hour snowmobile ride with a guide and use of overalls. Two people share a snowmobile and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passenger is 8 years.
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour: Meet the friendly Icelandic Horse. Includes 1-1.5 hour guided horseback ride with a specially trained guide. Use of riding helmets, boots & rain wear. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 4 – South Iceland
Today, you’ll explore the wonders of South Iceland, where two mighty glaciers will be visible throughout your journey; Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers. During the booking process, you can add one of two tours to explore these ice giants further.
The first option is a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier or the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Your friendly glacier guide will provide you with crampons and other safety equipment before leading you on to the ice to witness the glacier’s frozen landscapes.
Another option is to take a snowmobiling trip on top of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. You’ll hop aboard a snowmobile and race across the snowy surface of the glacier, accompanied by a trained guide. The guide will provide you with all safety gear beforehand, and is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Close to the glaciers are two stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The former falls in a narrow stream over a cave, in which you can enter for a unique perspective of the waterfall. The latter, Skógafoss, is much broader and more powerful. There is a staircase next to it, leading to a viewing platform so you can see the mighty cascade from above.
You will then drive to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara near the village of Vík. Here, you’ll see the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash upon the jet-black sand and tall, strangely shaped cliffs. You will then spend the night at accommodations in or near Vík.
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – You can walk into a cave behind the stream of this waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall – Tall and wide and you can walk right up to the wall of water
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Here you’ll find black sands, cliffs made of columns, and large sea stacks
- Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier: A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience needed. Tour includes an English speaking glacier guide, use of helmet, crampons, ice axe and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
- Snowmobiling on Sólheimajökull Glacier: Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience needed and all you have to bring are warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets and balaclavas are included. Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passengers is 5 years.
Day 5 – Heading Back
Now it is time to make your way back to Reykjavík, but not before having a few adventures first. It is up to you whether you rush back to explore this northernmost capital of the world or take your time getting back to discover more of South Iceland’s attractions.
If you wish to start your day off with a bang, then nothing can beat a trip to an authentic ice cave. The Katla Ice Caves in Mýrdalsjökull Glacier are the only one of their kind open in the summer. They get their name from the Katla Volcano on which Mýrdalsjökull sits. You can add a tour to the ice caves during the booking process.
On your way back to the city, you can choose to stop at any of the places you explored in the previous days. Alternatively, you can check out some new locations, such as Seljavallalaug Pool Kerið Crater Lake or Friðheimar Greenhouse.
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, has a lot to offer. You can explore cultural sites such as Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja Church or many of the museums and galleries found in the downtown area. If you are looking for more nature, we recommend a whale watching tour from the Old Harbour. You might even spot a few puffins too.
- Seljavallalaug Pool – Old but free pool, situated in a valley by the roots of Eyjafjöll Mountains
- Kerið Crater Lake – A red crater filled with bright blue water
- Friðheimar Greenhouse – Fantastic, visitor-friendly tomato farm. Renowned for its fresh produce
- Harpa Concert Hall – A beautiful building by the harbour with a multi-coloured facade
- Hallgrímskirkja Church – The landmark building of Reykjavík and Iceland’s largest church
- Katla Ice Cave: Visit an authentic ice cave in a glacier that covers an active volcano! Don’t worry, all volcanoes in Iceland are monitored so this is perfectly safe. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and use of all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 6 years.
- Whale Watching Tour – Reykjavík: See the whales in their natural habitat. By Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you’ll board the boat and head to sea. Included is a professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort. Also included is a second try in case of no sightings. No age limit.
Day 6 – Departure
Today is your departure day and time to bid farewell to Iceland. If your flight leaves late, you can store your luggage at the hotel while exploring the city. You still have your car, so you can go out of the downtown area. Perhaps visit the nature exhibition at the dome-shaped Perlan building or get an insight into the days gone by at Árbæjarsafn Museum.
Located en-route to the airport is the world-famous Blue Lagoon Spa. If you wish, we can book a time slot for the lagoon a few hours before your flight so you can arrive at the airport feeling refreshed and replenished. We can also book any other adventures for you if you wish. Such as a whale watching tour if you missed it yesterday or a helicopter tour to a nearby mountain.
When it is time to leave, you’ll drop the car off at Keflavík airport and say “sjáumst” to this land of fire and ice.
- Anything you want to explore – Just let us know if you want recommendations
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Accommodation
You’ll have a choice of three accommodations levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.
For budget-level, single rooms will be allocated to bookings for one person. Shared twin/double or triple room(s) will be arranged for two or more people. Groups with an odd number of participants will be allotted a single room in quality-level. Children and teenagers will be arranged in the same room as their parents. Additional cost may occur if additional room(s) is needed.
Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations. At those particular locations, comfort level accommodations will be arranged, which has already been calculated in the upgraded price. We do our best to accommodate special requests, but additional costs may incur.
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Budget
Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and shower located in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, in good locations with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel.
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Comfort
Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará.
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Quality
Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina.
Car
You’ll have a choice of three options for your rental car. See details for each option in the boxes below. We only work with highly reputable dealerships, ensuring you a smooth ride throughout your holiday.
The vehicles for all levels are current models, no older than two years. They all come standard with a medium protection package including CDW (Collision damage waiver), GP (Gravel Protection), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and a Theft Waiver (THW). They also come equipped with free Wi-Fi with 3GB total. You will also get 24-hour roadside emergency services from the car rental agency. In the wintertime, all cars have winter tyres.
The driver must hold a valid driving licence which they have had for at least 12 months before the date of the rental. Age requirement varies for each level, and you can find more information on that in the boxes below.
Please note that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
Budget 2WD
2WD vehicle such as a VW Golf, good for city driving and shorter trips. Fits up to 5 travellers & light luggage. No Highland capabilities. Driver must be at least 20 year old.
Comfort 4x4
4x4 jeep or SUV. Fits up to 5 travellers and 2 large pieces of luggage. Decent for snow and off-asphalt driving. Basic highland capabilities. Driver must be min. 20 years old.
Luxury 4x4
Large 4x4 like a Toyota Land Cruiser. Comfortable up to 5 travellers with 4 large pieces of luggage. Full highland capabilities. Driver must be min. 21 years old.
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Good to know
- Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
- The itinerary is dependent upon road and weather conditions and so it may be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified and we will do our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
- Some optional activities may need a valid driving licence, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent. For snorkelling, you will need to know how to swim and fill out an online medical document.
- The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, even in the summertime. Make sure to be prepared and bring both warm and waterproof clothing.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good walking/hiking shoes
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- Driving licence
