Best 3-Day Itinerary in Reykjavik

The black sand beach in the South Iceland
Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík Airport
Ends in
Keflavík Airport
Duration
3 days & 2 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Apr. - Aug.
Accommodation
2 nights included
Car rental
3 days included

Description

Explore the very best attractions in Iceland with this immersive three-day itinerary. Travelers on a stopover or short holiday to Iceland can pack their days with the must-see attractions and must-do activities on this self-drive tour.

On this trip, you'll be able to explore the vibrant and quirky city of Reykjavik. You’ll also visit the world-renowned Golden Circle, the stunning South Coast, and the famous Blue Lagoon. This trip is perfect for those wanting to make the most of their time in Iceland while immersing in the culture and atmosphere of Reykjavik.

Avoid spending weeks planning that perfect itinerary. We've already covered the planning part to save you from all the hassle of organizing a holiday. Moreover, we’ll offer that perfect tour for a great price and provide a detailed itinerary.

Though organizing your trip may sound exciting, you’re running the risk of missing out on some of the best attractions during the trip. By letting us handle the planning, we’ll ensure that all the important stops you need to see and experience in your self-drive tour are included.

You are taken care of as soon as you arrive at the airport, as your rental car will be waiting. You can take a short ride across one of Iceland's rugged lava fields to the Blue Lagoon.

Here, you can take the opportunity to bathe in tranquil azure waters amid a lava field. It's the perfect way to start your holiday by relaxing and rejuvenating after your flight in the famous waters of the Blue Lagoon.

On your next day, you'll head to Iceland's spectacular Golden Circle. You'll witness the picturesque Thingvellir National Park, the hot springs at the Haukadalur geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

It is a day to keep your camera prepped at the ready as you journey through a diverse and wild landscape of some of the most spectacular attractions in Iceland.

However, if you would like to re-order this trip by taking the Golden Circle tour on your first day, you can customize it as you please. You also have the opportunity to swap or include a trip to Iceland's South Coast.

For instance, if you would rather head straight for the Golden Circle on your first day, you can schedule a trip to the South Coast on your second day. Alternatively, you could visit the Blue Lagoon on your last day for a final dip in Iceland's waters before heading to the airport the next day.

On a trip to Iceland's South Coast, you'll journey through mountains, glaciers, rolling hills, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Your final stop will take you to one of the best natural attractions in Iceland, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Here, you can watch magnificent blue icebergs stir in the lagoon on their way out to the shore, stop at the otherworldly Diamond Beach, and even catch a glimpse of a seal if you're lucky. 

The extra stops are only some of the reasons people love this Reykjavik road trip, earning high ratings and positive reviews. This adventure is perfect for all ages.

Aside from having flexibility and freedom during the tour, you’ll also get the necessary support you may need. Our packages come with a personal travel agent you can contact any time of the day, seven days a week.

Should you wish to cancel your trip for any reason, you may do so for free and get a full refund 24 hours before departure.

Make the most of your precious time in Iceland. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

2 nights of accommodation in Reykjavik (different levels available; breakfast included; more detailed info below)
Vehicle for 3 days (Toyota Aygo or similar, upgrades available); all cars are new
CDW insurance for Super Budget Level, Other levels include gravel protection insurance for vehicle
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 3 nights

Map

Attractions

Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the major stops along the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.Thingvellir
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Caving
Snowmobile
Super Jeep
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing
Bird watching
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

Car

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Large car

Large car

Category
Large
Transmission
People
Large bags
SUV

SUV

Category
JEEPSUV
Transmission
People
Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Day 1

Day 1 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Arrival Day
  • More

Welcome to Iceland, a volcanic island of immense beauty and diversity with plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Once you've collected your bags at Keflavik International Airport, you'll pick up your car and hit the road. On your way to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, you have the option of stopping off at the world-famous Blue Lagoon for a dip in the tranquil azure waters.

Known for its spa, healing waters, and luxurious treatments, a stop at the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day of traveling.

However, if there's no time on your arrival day or you would prefer to visit the lagoon on another day of your trip, it can easily be added to another day that your travel consultant can arrange.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik and check into your accommodation, you can explore the world's northernmost capital. Why not explore some of the city's best-known landmarks, such as Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, Perlan observation deck, Reykjavik harbor, or even stroll down the bustling shopping street of Laugavegur?

Aside from the prominent landmarks, we'd recommend you sample some of the local cuisines, join in with the local nightlife, or check out some of the fascinating local museums and art galleries. You can visit the Saga Museum to learn about Iceland's first settlers, historical figures, and key moments.

If you wish to learn about the country's maritime history, check out the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. It provides an insight into how the Icelandic fishermen lived and formed the nation.

There's also the National Museum of Iceland, which houses important collections of artworks, tools, artifacts, and archaeological remains.

If you arrive early in the morning, you can maximize your time by heading directly to the Golden Circle. That way, you can explore the South Coast tomorrow.

More details on this option can be found on your day two itinerary. Also, you'll spend each night in your comfortable Reykjavik accommodation.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 - Reykjavík

Day 2

Day 2 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Gullfoss waterfall
  • More

On your second day, you'll visit Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. This route comprises three spectacular and diverse main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Your first stop will be at the Thingvellir National Park, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of two tectonic plates (North American and Eurasian). You'll get to explore the park's beauty and history as the founding location of Iceland's parliament in 930 AD (Althingi).

Next, you'll visit the Haukadalur geothermal valley, which is home to bubbling and steaming mud pots and the famous hot springs, Strokkur and Geysir. Although Geysir is no longer active, it famously lent its name to the term "geyser" for other hot springs around the world.

Strokkur, on the other hand, is highly active and will spout a jet of boiling water up to over 66 feet (20 meters) roughly every five to 10 minutes.

Your final stop of the day takes you to the incredible Gullfoss waterfall. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, with the thunderous water from the Hvita river plummeting 105 feet (32 meters) over two cascading steps.

However, if you decide to explore the Golden Circle on your first day, we recommend exploring the beautiful and diverse natural attractions of Iceland's South Coast.

The journey offers plenty of spectacles to take in. These include mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, more waterfalls, and even lava fields you'll want to witness.

A tour of the South Coast will take you to the stunning and mesmerizing waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. You'll also see the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, various terrains, and Iceland's crown jewel, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Once you've completed your time at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, you'll drive back to Reykjavik to rest up for your final day of adventure.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 3 - Reykjavík

Day 3

Day 3 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krýsuvík
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

It's your final day in Iceland. However, depending on your flight time, you may be able to fit in some extra activities or sightseeing.

If you have a later flight, you could take the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon in Reykjanes peninsula today instead. It is often the perfect way to complete your trip to Iceland by relaxing and unwinding in the soothing mineral-rich waters, giving you the perfect time to reminisce on your adventure.

Alternatively, you could use your free time to do the last bit of sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Reykjavik or get another bite to eat at one of the capital's fantastic restaurants.

If you have an early flight home, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

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Experiences

What to bring

Warm clothes
Driver's license
Hiking shoes

Good to know

Make sure you arrive in Iceland before noon to do this trip. Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavík City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license is required, along with a one-year-long on-road experience. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time.

It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.

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