7-Day Winter Road Trip: Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes
Duration
7 Days
Availability
Sep - Apr
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
Spend a week in Iceland chasing the stunning Northern Lights and exploring geysers, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs with this winter self-drive tour. See Iceland’s most beloved sites, which include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Book your adventure in Iceland today and create memories that will stay with you forever!
- Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, allowing you to go at your own pace to hunt for the Northern Lights.
- Enhance your trip with optional excursions, such as snorkeling, visiting the Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, and exploring ice caves.
- Customize your itinerary by adding extra days or excursions, with the help of your own personal travel advisor.
- Visit iconic sites such as the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
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
Day 1 – Welcome to Iceland
You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport, located a short drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Pick up your car after collecting your bags and head towards the city where you will find your hotel. If you are not too tired and if conditions are right, take a short drive away from the city lights in the evening to hunt for the beautiful Northern Lights.
Highlights:
- Reykjanes Peninsula
- 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
Today, you’ll visit the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This area is packed with diverse attractions such as black pebble beaches, glittering waterfalls, lava fields, and charming villages. Towering over the whole area is the mighty Snæfellsjökull, a glacier believed to emit mystical energy. If the skies are clear of clouds, search for the Northern Lights before settling into your accommodations in the area.
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 head towards Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, all found on the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Here, you’ll walk between continents, see geysers erupt, and hear the thundering sound of a powerful waterfall. You’ll then spend the night at a lovely countryside hotel 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 Coast
After breakfast, head out to explore the southern regions of Iceland. Today, you’ll see glittering waterfalls and a hauntingly beautiful black sand beach while driving in the shadows of two massive glaciers. Your destination is the little village of Vík, where you’ll find your accommodations for the night.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Optional Activities
- Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier: A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience is needed. The tour includes an English-speaking glacier guide, the use of a helmet, crampons, an 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 is 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 license. The age limit for passengers is 5 years.
Day 5 – Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
On this day, you’ll explore a beautiful nature reserve, a glittering glacier lagoon, and a black sand beach nicknamed ‘The Diamond Beach.’ All these can be found by the foot of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll then spend the night in this stunning region. And remember to check the skies for signs of the Northern Lights.
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 – Ice Caves & South Iceland
Now, it is time to head back to Reykjavík, but not before having a few adventures first. Since you are behind the wheel, you decide where to stop. You can further explore the places you saw in the previous days or discover new places. Your personal travel advisor will be more than happy to recommend some beautiful spots.
Highlights:
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
- Eldhraun Lava Field
- Eyjafallajökull Glacier
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 – Farewell
Today, it is time to head back home with a heart full of memories and a social media account full of new pics. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you have some time to explore Reykjavík or take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Once it is time to leave, you’ll head through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards the airport. Have a great flight home and come back soon!
Highlights:
- Tjörnin Lake
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
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, which increases 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 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.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- Driving license
- More information on what to pack HERE
