7-Day Slow-Paced Summer Road Trip: Golden Circle & South Coast

Duration

7 Days

Availability

May - Sep

Difficulty

Easy

Minimum Age

None

Overview

Take your time exploring the waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons of South Iceland with this week-long holiday in the land of fire and ice. On this 7-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour, you’ll travel along Iceland’s south coast, exploring everything between the Golden Circle in the West and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the East.

Spend your summer surrounded by Iceland’s stunning natural beauty. Book your tour today!

Included

  • 6 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
  • Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history, and culture of Iceland
  • 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

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland on a summer's day. Tree in the foreground, blue skies.

Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland

As your plane prepares for landing, look out the window to see the newly formed lava from the recent eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. After you’ve picked up your bags, get your vehicle from the rental agency and make your way through the volcanic Reykjanes to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, where you’ll spend the night.

Highlights:

  • Reykjavík City
  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • 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.
Purple sky over Skógafoss Waterfall in South Iceland.

Day 2 – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches of South Iceland

Today, it’s time to explore the Icelandic countryside. You’ll drive along Iceland’s southern coastline, with massive glaciers in the North and the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the South. Ahead lie silvery waterfalls and black sand beaches. After a day of beautiful attractions, you’ll spend the night in or near the village of Vík.

Highlights:

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • 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.
Piece of an iceberg on the Diamond Beach at Jokulsarlon lagoon during sunset.

Day 3 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Today, you’ll continue your journey further East. Your destination today is Vatnajökull National Park, home to an exciting nature reserve, a stunning black sand beach, and a glittering glacier lagoon. You’ll then spend the night in the realm of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.

Highlights:

  • Vík Village
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • 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 8 years.
  • Jökulsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour: Get a front-row seat to see the giant icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The small Zodiac boat can get closer to the icebergs than the larger amphibian boat, providing you with a unique perspective over the bergs. Includes the use of floatation overalls and lifejackets. Minimum age is 10 and children must also be taller than 130 cm (4’3”).
  • Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Tour: Sail amongst the enormous icebergs on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This tour is especially suited for families with young children as well as photographers looking for a great shot of the ice. Included is a guided tour in English and the use of Lifevest. No age limit.
Svartifoss Waterfall, surrounded by black basalt columns, South Iceland.

Day 4 – Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Today, you’ll explore the wonders found in the South-East corner of Iceland. Beautiful waterfalls, rugged canyons, and massive glaciers will be the center of attention for today’s journey. Once you’ve explored this region to your heart’s content, head back to your accommodation near the village of Vík.

Highlights:

  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss Waterfall
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
  • Glacier Hike in Skaftafell: Easy glacier hike, suitable for most people. 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.
Flowers in front of Kerid crater lake in Southwest Iceland.

Day 5 – Hidden Gems of South Iceland

Now it is time to explore those sites on Iceland’s South Coast that you missed on your first day on the road. Of course, you are also free to revisit some of your favorite spots if you prefer. At the end of the day, make your way to your accommodation in southwest Iceland.

Highlights:

  • Dyrhólaey Rock Arch
  • Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
  • Kerið Crater Lake
  • ATV tour on Black Beach: Drive across black sand beaches, glacial streams, and rugged hills to the DC3 Plane Crash on this thrilling Quad Bike Tour from South Iceland’s Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
  • Secret Lagoon: Unwind in the warm, geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. The natural hot springs are located only a short distance from Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, providing a relaxing respite for weary travellers. Swimsuits and towels can be rented onsite if you do not have your own. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.
Gullfoss Waterfall on Iceland's Golden Circle route in the summer.

Day 6 – Golden Circle

Now it is time to explore Iceland´s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. Today, you’ll see geysers erupt, a stunning waterfall, and follow in the footsteps of Vikings. After exploring the Golden Circle to the fullest, you’ll return to Reykjavík, where you will spend the night.

Highlights:

  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Þingvellir National Park
  • 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.
Swan at Tjornin Lake, Reykjavik, Iceland,

Day 7 – Departure

Now, it’s time to bid farewell to Iceland. When the time comes, you’ll drive to Keflavík Airport, where you will return the car and board your plane. If your flight leaves late in the day, you can explore Reykjavík or stop by the Blue Lagoon. Just make sure you arrive at the airport in good time for your check-in. See you later, or as the Icelanders would say: Sjáumst seinna!

Highlights:

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
  • Tjörnin Lake
  • 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 accommodation levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.

Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations

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. 

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. 

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 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 tires.

Compact 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.

Large 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.

Map

A map of Iceland showing a route of a 7-Day summer self-drive tour.

Good to know

  • Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
  • The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. 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 license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent.
  • For snorkeling, 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
  • More information on what to pack HERE
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