Circle of Iceland under the Midnight Sun: 8-Day Self-Drive Tour
Duration
8 Days
Availability
May - Sep
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
Travel the whole circle of Iceland this summer and get in touch with nature while the Midnight Sun shines above. Visit the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri Town on this 8-day self-drive tour. It is the perfect adventure for those looking to discover the wonders of this little island on their own terms and at their own pace.
Book your once-in-a-lifetime adventure now and experience the magic of Iceland’s Midnight Sun!
- Explore famous attractions such as black sand beaches, glittering waterfalls, and mighty glaciers under the eternal glow of the Midnight Sun
- Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, allowing you to discover Iceland at your own pace and on your own terms
- Customize your experience by adding extra days or unique adventures such as descending into a volcano or visiting an ice cave
- Relax and fully enjoy your summer vacation with a personal travel guide who will take care of all arrangements, including accommodations and transportation
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
- 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 – Arrival in Iceland
Your plane will land at Keflavík International Airport, located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field. Pick up your bags and your rental vehicle and make your way through this desolate landscape towards Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Once there, check into your hotel and explore the city if you are not too tired after your travels. A short distance from your accommodations is the downtown area with the famous Laugavegur Shopping Street and Harpa Concert Hall.
Highlights:
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Tjörnin Lake
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 – Golden Circle & South Iceland
Today, you’ll leave the city behind and head into the countryside. Your first stop will be the famous Golden Circle route, where you’ll visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. After you’ve completed the Golden Circle, drive the southern coastline towards Vík Village. En route, visit the stunning waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Spend the night in or near Vík Village.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
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 3 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Today, you’ll make your way to the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. En route, you’ll drive past Skaftafell Nature Reserve. A stop here is perfect for hikers and other nature enthusiasts who’d like to see where black sand meets green flora and a white glacier. At the lagoon, watch the icebergs float on a serene lake before retiring to your accommodations in the area.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Optional Activities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 use of lifevest. No age limit.
Day 4 – The Remote East Iceland
Now it is time to explore the beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. You’ll drive winding roads with the glittering ocean on one side and jagged mountains on the other. Your destination today is the East’s largest town, Egilsstaðir. The drive is very scenic, and you will pass many charming towns and villages along the way. You will notice how considerably less crowded this part of Iceland is, providing you with a chance to experience the raw Icelandic nature in almost complete isolation.
Highlights:
- Djúpivogur Town
- Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
- Lake Lagarfljót
- Egilsstaðir Town
Optional Activities
- Vök Nature Baths: Vök Nature Baths are surrounded by nothing but the untouched nature of East Iceland. Ticket includes entry to the baths and a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar. Bring with you a swimsuit and a towel but those can also be rented onsite. No minimum age.
Day 5 – The Volcanic Lake Mývatn Area
Today, you’ll explore the geothermal regions of northern Iceland. After breakfast, make your way to the Mývatn area, where you’ll see smoke billowing out of steam vents, bubbling mud pools, a hot spring inside a cave, and a labyrinth of lava. You will spend the night in the vibrant town of Akureyri, stopping at the beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall on the way there.
Highlights:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Lake Mývatn Area
- Húsavík Town
- Goðafoss Waterfall
Optional Activities
- 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.
- Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour: Hop aboard a boat and explore the diverse marine life around Iceland. You’ll search for both the mighty whales and the adorable puffins on this tour. Included on this tour is a specialized guide, warm safety overalls and a little surprise from a local winemaker. Minimum age is 7 years.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: Unwind in geothermal water just South of the Arctic Circle. Please bring a swimsuit and a towel. However, you can also rent a towel if you don’t have one with you. Alcoholic beverages available to purchase for those over 20 years of age.
Day 6 – Exploring Akureyri & North Iceland
You’ll wake up in Akureyri, the largest settlement in North Iceland. You can start the day by exploring this charismatic town before making your way to the Troll Peninsula. There, you’ll find charming towns and villages worth a stop, such as Siglufjörður and Hofsós. You’ll spend the night in the Northwest region, near the town of Hvammstangi. En route, you can stop at the strange-looking rock stack Hvítserkur.
Highlights:
- Akureyri Town
- Siglufjörður Town
- Hofsós Village
- Hvítserkur Rock
Optional Activities
- Whale Watching tour from Akureyri: Head to sea to search for the gentle whales which make the waters around Akureyri their home. 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
- Beer Spa: Soak in hops and yeast at the Beer Spa! Single and double tubs available. Bathwater is undrinkable, so there is no age limit but 16 years or younger must be accompanied by adults. Beer on draught at every tub for anybody over the age of 20.
- 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 7 – West Iceland
It is now time to head back to Reykjavík city, but not before having a few adventures in West Iceland first. Make your way through farmlands filled with sheep and horses toward the two stunning but vastly different waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Close by is Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, and the historic Reykholt Farm. Back in the city, you have the day to explore the vibrant downtown area or unwind in your hotel room.
Highlights:
- Hraunfossar Waterfalls
- Barnafoss Waterfall
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Reykholt Farm
Optional Activities
- Langjökull Ice Cave Tunnels: Step inside Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The man-made tunnels provide visitors with the unique opportunity to explore deep inside the heart of an ice cap. Included is a guided tour, transportation from the base camp up the glacier, and free wifi on the glacier shuttle so you can Instagram your photos right away! No age limit.
- 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.
- Inside the Volcano: Descend into the magma chamber of a 4,000 year old volcano. To get to the volcano, you have to be able to hike for 45-50 on uneven surface. All safety gear is provided as well as Icelandic meat soup to warm you up after the trip (vegetarian options available). Minimum age is 12 years.
Day 8 – Departure
You’ve now encircled the whole Ring Road, so there is nothing left but to say ‘goodbye’ to Iceland and start planning your next trip to this land of Ice and Fire. If your flight leaves in the evening or afternoon, you will have some time to explore Reykjavík a little before you head to the airport. If you didn’t have time on your arrival day, you could also schedule a visit to the Blue Lagoon on this day. That way, you will arrive at Keflavík Airport feeling relaxed and rested.
Highlights:
- Parliament House
- City Hall
- Reykjanes Peninsula
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
- 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.
- 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 license
- More information on what to pack HERE
