8-Day Winter Road Trip: South & West Iceland with Reykjavik Day
Duration
8 Days
Availability
Sep - Apr
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
Hunt for the magical Northern Lights on this 8-day winter self-drive tour of West and South Iceland. Visit the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the famous Golden Circle before traveling along Iceland’s south coast, seeing silvery waterfalls and black sand beaches. Before returning to Reykjavík — where you’ll have a free day to explore the city — you’ll see the magical Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Immerse yourself in the unique culture and landscapes of Iceland, a land of Vikings and volcanoes, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out; reserve your spot today!
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland in the winter, with the opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights
- Explore the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula at your own pace, and spend a day discovering Reykjavík's wonders
- Customize your trip by adding extra days or additional excursions, such as ice caving, a helicopter ride, and a Blue Lagoon trip
- Stay in comfortable accommodations and have all your travel arrangements taken care of, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip
Included
- 7 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
Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland
You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport. After collecting your bags, pick up your rental car and head towards Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. On your way to the city, you’ll drive through the lava field of the Reykjanes Peninsula. If you are not too tired after your flight, you can explore this volcanic wonderland further, and perhaps visit the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, you can head straight to Reykjavík to rest up for your adventures on the road tomorrow.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- Hafnarfjörður Town
- Reykjavík
Optional Activities
- 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 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Now, it is time to leave the city behind and explore the wild nature of Iceland. Today, you’ll be visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This relatively small area is packed with diverse attractions such as black pebble beaches, charming towns, and photogenic mountains. At the end of the day, head to your accommodations in the region. If the skies are clear of clouds tonight, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing over Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Highlights:
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
- Búðakirkja Church
- Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach
- Kirkjufell Mountain
Optional Activities
- There are no optional activities for this day
Day 3 – Golden Circle
Now it is time to visit the three famed sites of Iceland’s Golden Circle route: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. Þingvellir is the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy, located on a tectonic plate boundary. From there, visit Geysir Geothermal Area and see the geyser Strokkur erupt before heading to the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Overnight in the area.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- 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
Your first stop on the South Coast is Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This is a high and narrow cascade which falls over a large cave. From Seljalandsfoss, it is a short drive to another waterfall, Skógafoss, which is vastly different but equally impressive. Your next stop is Reynisfjara. The roaring waves of the N-Atlantic ocean come crashing upon the jet-black sand of this stunning beach. You’ll spend the night in or near Vík Village.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vík Village
Optional Activities
- 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 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Now, it is time to head further East. From Vík, head towards Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. En route, you will pass Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This forested area is a hiker’s paradise filled with many treks and trails. You will then arrive at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs, float on a serene, blue lake. Close by is a black sand beach known as the Diamond Beach. Spend the night in the area.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Optional Activities
- 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.
Day 6 – Back to Reykjavík
Now, it is time to head back to Reykjavík, but not before having a few adventures first. On your way, you could explore some of the attractions you saw yesterday further or discover some new ones, such as the historic Skálholt area or Heiðmörk Park. The latter of which serves as a perfect spot to look for Northern Lights spotting if the conditions are favorable.
Highlights:
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
- Eldhraun Lava Field
- Eyjafallajökull Glacier
- Heiðmörk Park
Optional Activities
- Ice Caving in Vatnajökull: Explore a cave in Europe’s largest glacier. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 7 – Free Day in Reykjavík
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore the vibrant and wonderful Reykjavík. A walk down Laugavegur shopping street is a must when visiting this city. It is filled with charming shops, cafés, museums, galleries, and friendly faces. If you’re unsure of what to do, contact your travel advisor. They’ll be more than happy to suggest and book activities and adventures.
Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Tjörnin Lake
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
Optional Activities
- Reykjavik Summit Helicopter Tour: Get a birds-eye view of the city. Included is a helicopter ride over the city of Reykjavík and a landing on a nearby mountain. Minimum age is 12 years.
- Whale Watching Tour: See the whales in their natural habitat. Includes 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.
- 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 8 – Departure
Today is your last day, but if your flight leaves in the afternoon or at night, you’ll have some time for a few last adventures before you go. You can explore Reykjavík further, explore the surrounding countryside, or take a dip in the luxurious Blue Lagoon. Once at the airport, drop off your car at the service desk, take one last look at the wild lava fields of Iceland, and board your plane. Have a great flight home!
Highlights:
- Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
- City Hall
- Parliament House
- Sun Voyager Sculpture
Optional Activities
- 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
Good to know
- Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels, increasing your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
- 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, 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.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- Driving licence
