6-Day Summer Road Trip: West and South Iceland’s Waterfalls

Duration

6 Days

Availability

May - Sep

Difficulty

Easy

Minimum Age

None

Overview

On this tour, you’ll visit the stunning attractions found in West and South Iceland, including those on the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. Stop at the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver.

Book now and spend 6 amazing days under the midnight sun in Iceland!

Included

  • A custom itinerary made exclusively for you
  • 5 nights at hand-selected accommodation
  • A fully insured vehicle with WiFi throughout your trip
  • In-depth itinerary with local tips and insights into Iceland’s nature, history, and vibrant culture
  • Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
  • 24/7 on-call support during your travels
  • Breakfast each morning of your trip
  • 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

Empty asphalt road winding through the lava fields of Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula.

Day 1 – Arriving in Iceland

After you land, pick up your bags and rental car and make your way to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. En route, you’ll pass through the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. 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.

Highlights:

  • Reykjavík
  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Blue Lagoon: Your experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, complimentary towel service, and your choice of a first drink.
  • Sky Lagoon: Included is access to the Sky Lagoon, with the exquisite Skjól Ritual experience.
Water flowing from a lava field and into a blue river, forming Hraunfossar Waterfall in Iceland.

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. 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.

Highlights:

  • Hraunfossar Waterfalls
  • Barnafoss Waterfall
  • Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Borgarnes Town
  • Viðgelmir Lava Cave: One of the largest caves in Iceland. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and the use of caving equipment such as a helmet and headlamp.
  • Krauma Spa: Your experience includes access to the Krauma’s geothermal waters, relaxation room, saunas, infrared cell, and steam bath.
Eruption of the Geysir geyser. Valley Haukadalur, Iceland. Golden Ring Tourist Attraction. Sunny day with clear blue sky. Amazing nature

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. Stop first at the historic Þingvellir National Park before visiting the geothermal area of Geysir. Lastly, stop by at the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Spend the night in the area.

Highlights:

  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Snorkeling in Silfra: Swim between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkeling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up afterward. 
  • Horseback Riding: Get to know the Icelandic horse on a riding tour through the countryside. Icelandic horses are small, friendly, and very intelligent creatures, making this excursion perfect for both new and experienced riders. Riding helmets, boots, and rainwear are provided. 
  • Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling: Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience is needed; you only have to bring warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets, and balaclavas are included. 
Purple sky over Skógafoss Waterfall in South Iceland.

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. Close to the glaciers are two stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. You will then drive to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara before spending the night in or near the village of Vík.

Highlights:

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier Hiking: This glacier hike is fun and easy, requiring no prior experience. The tour provides an English-speaking glacier guide and supplies necessary safety gear such as a helmet, crampons, and an ice axe.
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier Snowmobiling: Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience is needed; you only have to bring warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets, and balaclavas are included. 
Flowers in front of Kerid crater lake in Southwest Iceland.

Day 5 – Back to Reykjavík

Now, it is time to make your way back to Reykjavík. It is up to you whether you rush back to explore the world’s northernmost capital or take your time getting back to discover more of South Iceland’s attractions. 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.

Highlights:

  • Seljavallalaug Pool
  • Kerið Crater Lake
  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • 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.
  • Whale Watching Tour: See the whales in their natural habitat. Admission includes a professionally guided tour and warm, floatable overalls for your safety and comfort. A second try is also included in case there are no sightings.
Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland

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 leave the downtown area if you wish. 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.

Highlights:

  • Tjörnin Lake
  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
  • Blue Lagoon: Your experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, complimentary towel service, and your choice of a first drink.
  • Sky Lagoon: Included is access to the Sky Lagoon, with the exquisite Skjól Ritual experience.

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

Map of South and West Iceland

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

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