In-Depth 11-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Waterfalls & Hot Springs

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Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Ends in
Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Duration
11 days & 10 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Apr. - Aug.
Accommodation
10 nights included
Car rental
11 days included

Description

Savor your time in Iceland with this in-depth 11-day summer self-drive tour. You'll get to know Iceland's Ring Road better than the average traveler by spending more time exploring the incredible northern region and the phenomenal South Coast of Iceland. 

Drive the circle of Iceland in a clockwise direction and add or skip as many stops as you see fit. This self-drive detailed itinerary lets you see all the essentials plus some lesser-known gems at a great price! 

Visiting Iceland in the summer is an excellent choice. You'll experience unforgettable nights in mild weather under the midnight sun.

By booking this tour, you'll avoid spending weeks planning that perfect Iceland itinerary. We've already covered the planning part to save you from all the hassle.

Organizing your trip may sound exciting, but you risk missing out on some of the best attractions. By letting us handle the planning, we'll ensure that all the essential stops you need to see and experience during your self-drive tour are included.

Soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon before heading on the road trip of a lifetime. You'll start with the area sometimes nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature," Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You'll get a full day to discover its many natural wonders before a three-day deep dive into the north of Iceland. 

This beautiful part of the country is often overlooked in trips around the Ring Road, but this travel plan includes many more charming and lesser-known sights. You'll explore Akureyri town, Trollaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), the Diamond Circle consisting of Lake Myvatn, Husavik village, and much more.

Then you'll have a day to look around the Eastfjords. Its quaint villages along the shore are one of Iceland's best-kept secrets. After driving through the winding roads of the Eastfjords, you'll be greeted by the most popular attractions of Iceland that dot the South Coast,

These attractions include the Vatnajokull National Park, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and the town of Vik. You'll also see the Reynisfjara black sand beach with its sea stacks, the Solheimajokull glacier, and the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

Of course, a trip to Iceland would only be complete with the classic Golden Circle. You'll see the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park, which you'll visit before heading to Reykjavik city. Before heading home, you'll have a whole day to soak up the atmosphere of Iceland's capital city.

You also have the opportunity to add exciting extras to your already fantastic schedule. Activities like whale watching, visiting an ice cave, relaxing in geothermal baths, and going inside a volcano can be added to the appropriate day during the booking process.

These extra stops add to why people love this in-depth self-drive trip that has earned high ratings and positive reviews. It's also a family-friendly experience, perfect for guests of all ages.

Aside from having control and flexibility 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.

This trip is for anyone who wants to explore Iceland in-depth at a comfortable pace. Should you cancel your trip for any reason, you may do so for free and get a full refund 24 hours before departure.

Don't miss this amazing, slow-paced self-drive tour around Iceland. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

10 nights of accommodation
Continental breakfast on all days
New rental car for 11 days
CDW car rental insurance
Gravel protection car insurance
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Detailed itinerary & travel plan
Personal travel agent
24/7 helpline
VAT & all taxes

Destinations

Reykjavik houses seen from Hallgrimskirkja church.Reykjavik / 3 nights
Beautiful coastal geology helps to define the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.Snæfellsnes / 1 night
North Iceland is home to many incredible attractions, such as the Hvitserkur rock formation.North Iceland / 1 night
Lake Myvatn is Northeast Iceland's most famous attraction.Northeast Iceland / 1 night
East Iceland is a spectacular region.Eastfjords / 1 night
The Vatnajokull glacier in Southeast Iceland.Southeast Iceland / 1 night
Dyrhólaey peninsula from east to westSouth Coast / 1 night
An abandoned house on the Reykjanes Peninsula presents a striking contrast against a lush green landscape.Southwest Iceland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Seals hauling out at Ytri Tunga.Ytri Tunga Beach
Búðakirkja Church bathed by the Northern LightsBudir
Snæfellsjökull glacier above the black church at Búðir village.Snæfellsjökull
Lóndrangar under the midnight sun.Lóndrangar
Djupalonssandur has beautiful natural featuresDjupalonssandur
Mount Kirkjufell on Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of the most iconic mountains in IcelandKirkjufell
Borgarvirki (Citadel) is both natural and man-made.Borgarvirki
Hvítserkur, aka; “The Troll of North-West Iceland”, is a 15-metre (49ft) high basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay.Hvitserkur
Beautiful flowers can be found in the Kjarnaskogur forest in Iceland.Kjarnaskogur
Godafoss is a beautiful waterfall with ties to Iceland's religious history.Godafoss Waterfall
Lake Myvatn is surrounded by stunning natural beautyMývatn
Mt. Namafjall (Namaskard)Mt. Namafjall (Namaskard)
A hot spring and a lava cave: Grjótagjá hits two birds with one stone.Grjótagjá
Dimmuborgir, said in Nordic folklore to lead to the catacombs of hell.Dimmuborgir
Dettifoss waterfall in IcelandDettifoss
Asbyrgi Canyon in north Iceland is a centre of folklore and beauty.Ásbyrgi
Lagarfljot, in east Iceland, has a terrible monster in its depths, according to legend.Lagarfljót
Hallormstadaskogar surrounds lake Lagarfjlot.Hallormsstaðaskógur
Vestrahorn is a spectacular mountain, especially under the Northern Lights.Vestrahorn
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a breathtaking natural wonder in IcelandJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The icy diamonds of Diamond BeachDiamond Beach
Skaftafell Nature Preserve can be found in Öræfasveit, the western region of Austur-Skaftafellssýsla in Iceland.Skaftafell
Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve in summer.Svartifoss
Reynisfjara is an iconic beach in IcelandReynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Arial view of Reynisdrangar and Mt. ReynisfjallReynisdrangar
Dyrhólaey Peninsula is a 120 metre promenade famed for its staggering views of Iceland’s South Coast, as well as its historic lighthouse and wealth of birdlife.Dyrhólaey
Sólheimajökull is the most popular glacier to hike on for those based in Reykjavík.Solheimajokull Glacier
Skogafoss waterfall seen on a summer day in Iceland.Skogafoss
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast of Iceland bathed in the otherworldly light of the midnight sun.Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Kerid is a stunning volcanic crater in IcelandKerid Crater
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss Waterfall
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
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
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Caving
Hiking
Whale Watching
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Self drive

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Day 1

Day 1 – Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik - Arrival day
  • More

Welcome to Iceland! 

Your first agenda is to pick up your car at the airport in Keflavik. From there, you'll drive through the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards Reykjavik city, where you'll find your accommodation for the night.

On your way to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it a unique atmosphere. 

The lagoon's temperature averages around 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), offering a comfortable and relaxing feeling in both the swimming and bathing areas.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. 

Another geothermal spa you can visit today is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. 

At the Sky Lagoon, you can soak in the warm waters of its oceanfront infinity pool, taking in stunning views of the North Atlantic. You can also experience the rejuvenating seven-step spa ritual, which includes a cold plunge, steam room, sauna with panoramic views, and a nourishing body scrub.

If you have extra free time, there's plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes peninsula. Once you settle in at your accommodation, make sure to take a walk and have a look around. Reykjavik is a vibrant metropolis full of cute little cafes, world-class restaurants, interesting museums, and shops full of souvenirs to bring home.

We strongly recommend visiting the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. This landmark is Reykjavik's premiere cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and art festivals. When visiting at night, check out its facade, which features 714 glass panels with LED lighting.

Next, drive about 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) toward the Perlan Museum, an interactive museum featuring exhibits and displays about Icelandic nature. Its design features a hemispherical rotating glass with a viewing deck for you to enjoy the impressive cityscape.

Another essential stop is the Hallgrimskirkja church. Standing 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall, the church is Iceland's tallest and has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The church also allows visitors to go up its tower to enjoy the city's views.

After visiting these attractions, you'll spend your first night in Iceland in Reykjavik.

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Snæfellsnes

  • Snæfellsnes
  • More
  • Ytri Tunga Beach
  • Budir hamlet
  • Snaefellsjokull
  • Londrangar Basalt Cliffs
  • Djupalonssandur black pebble beach
  • Kirkjufell Mountain
  • More

You'll spend your first full day in Iceland exploring one of the country's most fascinating regions, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The area is sometimes nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature" because of its rich natural wonders.

You'll have many chances to stop and explore during your drive around Snaefellsnes. In Grundarfjordur fjord, you can marvel at the Kirkjufell mountain, known for being "the mountain shaped like an arrowhead" on the HBO series "Game of Thrones."

The mountain measures 1,519 feet (463 meters) tall and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the area. Moreover, you'll find a lake at the base of Kirkjufell, reflecting the mountain's mirror image during clear days.

You can also explore another natural wonder associated with foreign literature, the Snaefellsjokull glacier. Interestingly, it's the glacier from which the peninsula got its name. It's also known for being the entrance to the Earth's center in Jules Verne's classic novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

The Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano stands 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) tall, while the glacier covering it measures about 4.2 square miles (11 square kilometers). 

In addition, folklore says that the glacier was an ancient energy source. Moreover, superstitious Icelanders believe that the rock formations surrounding the glacier were trolls petrified by the sunlight. Others also claim that these rock formations were homes to the hidden people.

Other attractions include Djupalonssandur, a beautiful black sand beach where you'll see an impressive shipwreck, and the basalt columns off the shore of the small fishing village Arnarstapi. The peninsula also has plenty of charming villages for you to stop in, many of which have swimming pools you can enjoy. Among the towns worth exploring are Olafsvik and Stykkisholmur.

If you crave more adventure, you can add optional activities on this day. If you would like to explore the insides of the Earth, like the characters in Journey to the Center of the Earth, the Vatnshellir cave tour is the perfect addition to your day. On this hour-long tour, you'll descend approximately 115 feet (35 meters) below the surface.

If you prefer culinary adventure, the Viking sushi boat tour in Breidafjordur is better for you. You'll embark on a voyage to experience the beauty of West Iceland by boat. At the end of the cruise, you'll taste fresh scallops and roe like the Vikings would've enjoyed it.

After an exciting day, you'll stay the night on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

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Day 3

Day 3 – North Iceland

  • North Iceland
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  • Borgarvirki basalt strata and ruins
  • Hvitserkur Rock Stack
  • Kjarnaskogur
  • More

It's time for you to head north to new adventures. On your way to Akureyri, you'll encounter many beautiful sights. We recommend stopping along the way and choosing one of the optional activities for an extra special day.

We suggest you visit Hvitserkur sea stack in Hunafloi bay. The sea stack is home to birdlife and plants you can see from the Vatnsnes peninsula. Sometimes called "The Troll of Northwest Iceland," Hvitserkur is believed to be a petrified troll.

It measures 49 feet (15 meters) tall, and you'll see it protruding from the bay. Interestingly, the rock stack is a favorite nesting ground for seagulls, fulmars, and shags.

From one troll to another, the Trollaskagi peninsula, or simply the Troll peninsula, is an area full of awe-inspiring mountains and a beautiful coastline. 

One of the peninsula's most famous mountains is Kerling. Standing 5,064 feet (1,538 meters) tall, Mount Kerling is the area's highest. Moreover, its structure features basaltic rock though its uppermost part is made of rhyolite, extending to Mount Vindheimajokull and Mount Sulur.

Aside from the breathtaking landscapes, the peninsula is known for its Icelandic horses. Trollaskagi is home to many horse farms that offer horseback riding. If you choose to ride an Icelandic horse, you'll notice it has a different gait and tolt than other horses.

Additionally, these horses are intelligent, sturdy, and curious, making them easy favorites of equestrians.

There are also two different but equally fun optional activities that can be added to this day. One is a whale-watching tour departing from Akureyri. Eyjafjordur fjord, where Akureyri belongs, is a picturesque setting to visit the ocean giants. 

You're likely to spot humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins, and you might even be lucky enough to see blue whales, orcas, and fin whales. You can also visit the old churches, heritage museums, and Saga trails that tell stories about Vikings.

Another optional activity available today is the Beer Spa, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Akureyri. The experience you'll have at Bjorbodin Beer Spa is like no other. 

You'll relax in a warm bath of beer and beer yeast, which is good for the skin. You can also sip some beer from a nice cold mug in the tub.

Tonight, you'll stay at a comfortable accommodation in North Iceland.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Northeast Iceland

  • Northeast Iceland
  • More
  • Kjarnaskogur
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Lake Myvatn Area
  • Namaskard Pass
  • Grjotagja Cave
  • Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
  • More

You've got another packed day in the beautiful Northern Region of Iceland ahead of you.

The day's first stop is at the impressive Godafoss waterfall in the river Skjalfandafljot. Godafoss offers a unique experience revolving around beauty and raw power. 

Its water falls from 39 feet (12 meters) with a width of 98 feet (30 meters). Keep watch of the water as it cascades and splits into two, resembling a horseshoe.

Aside from its majestic beauty, Godafoss also holds a special place in the country's history. In around 1000 AD, the Viking Chieftain threw his pagan idols away into this waterfall, signifying Iceland's conversion to Christianity.

After spending time in the area, you'll drive 29 miles (47 kilometers) to the delightful town of Husavik, sometimes called the "whale-watching capital of Iceland." Two whale-watching tours are among your optional activities for the day, both departing from Husavik. First, you can join a traditional tour where you'll ride a standard boat and search for whales in the bay.

The other option features a RIB boat tour. Compared to a conventional boat, a RIB boat is smaller and faster. It can take you closer to the whales without creating much disturbance.

After enjoying your time with the whales, you can spend your time in Husavik soaking in the Geosea Geothermal Baths if you prefer a more relaxing day. Unlike most pools in the country, the baths feature heated seawater rich in minerals. The waters have a constant flow and are chemical-free.

After a memorable time in Husavik, you'll drive 35 miles (56 kilometers) toward Lake Myvatn. It's a shallow volcanic lake surrounded by incredible flora and fauna. It measures four miles (6.5 kilometers) wide and almost six miles (9.5 kilometers) long, covering an area of 14 square miles (37 square kilometers).

The area has plenty of beautiful views, and there are some exciting activities you can add for the full Lake Myvatn experience. You can dip at the Myvatn Nature Baths, featuring geothermally heated pools near Lake Myvatn. Here, you can unwind before tucking in for the night.

Your accommodation for the night will be in Northeast Iceland.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Eastfjords

  • Eastfjords
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  • Dettifoss waterfall
  • Asbyrgi canyon
  • More

Today marks your fifth day in Iceland, and you have options for spending it. You can explore the Myvatn area further, take the trip to Asbyrgi canyon, or join an optional day tour to Askja caldera and Viti crater.

If you didn't get your fill of the Myvatn region the day before, you can take your time and immerse yourself in the gorgeous nature of the area today. The lake is beautiful, and you'll see the Skutustadagigar pseudocraters on its south side.

These volcanic landforms stretch to about 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) from Lake Myvatn. These formations were created around 2,300 years ago when the Ludentaborgir and Threngslaborgir volcanoes erupted. 

Meanwhile, around 9.7 miles (15.6 kilometers) from Lake Myvatn, you'll find Dimmuborgir, or the "Dark Fortress," with gothic-looking rock formations. You'll find the Grjotagja hot spring cave within it, which you might recognize from the "Game of Thrones" TV show.

On the previous day, you've seen three of the five attractions that make up the Diamond Circle sightseeing route: Husavik, Godafoss, and Myvatn. If you'd like to complete the Diamond Circle, you can use the day to drive to Asbyrgi, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped canyon and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

If you choose one of the two options above, you can add an entrance to the Vok Baths as an extra on this day. Vok Baths are geothermally heated pools that extend into Lake Urridavatn, allowing you to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature.

The other optional extra available on this day will take up the whole day. It's a tour of Askja caldera and Viti crater. This Askja lunar tour takes you into the rugged highlands of Iceland, where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin trained for the moon landing.

You'll stay the night in one of the towns of the East and wake up ready to explore the Eastfjords tomorrow.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Southeast Iceland

  • Southeast Iceland
  • More
  • Lake Lagarfljot
  • Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
  • Vestrahorn
  • More

Today, you'll explore the wonderful Eastfjords region of Iceland, an area with diverse and beautiful landscapes. It's also less visited than many other parts of Iceland.

A great first stop of the day is the town of Seydisfjordur. It sits at the base of a beautiful fjord and is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. 

The town's atmosphere is adorable, the houses are colorful, and the church is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Iceland. In Seydisfjordur, you can also find many lovely places to have lunch. Make sure to visit the blue church, the town's most famous attraction, and take pictures of the rainbow pathway leading to it.

As you continue your drive along the coastline of East Iceland, you can stop at plenty of other picturesque fishing villages. An example of a spot worth visiting is Lake Lagarfljot, which supposedly has a monster living in it. Folklore says that a worm-like creature called the Lagarfljot Wyrm is responsible for disrupting the lake's surface.

After spending time at the lake, you'll drive 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) toward Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur. The forest covers a massive 285 square miles (740 square kilometers). Moreover, it boasts lush trees, abundant wildlife, and hiking trails.

You can also check out The Eggs of Merry Bay in Djupivogur artwork. The outdoor artwork features 34 huge granite eggs created by renowned Icelandic visual artist Sigurdur Gudmundsson. Interestingly, the eggs represent the eggs of the area's nesting birds.

Moreover, the artist imported the granite from China. Each egg is roughly the same size as the others, with only minor differences.

Another increasingly popular East Iceland destination, especially for people interested in photography, is the Stokksnes peninsula. It's slightly off the beaten track but well worth it for the beautiful views of Vestrahorn mountain.

One of the country's most breathtaking mountains, Vestrahorn's peaks can reach up to 454 meters (1490 feet). Its cliffs rise from the sides of a beautiful lagoon while black sand beaches surround it.

Your accommodation tonight will be near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the town of Hofn in Southeast Iceland.

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Day 7

Day 7 – South Coast

  • South Coast
  • More
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss
  • More

Today is dedicated to the wonders of the Vatnajokull National Park, a wilderness area in Southeast Iceland. The National Park is full of beautiful sights to see, and of course, it's home to Europe's largest ice cap, the Vatnajokull glacier.

The glacier boasts an impressive surface area of around 3,127 square miles (8,100 square kilometers). That's enough to cover about 10 percent of Iceland's landmass.

However, today's star attraction is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the crown jewel of Iceland. It's a lagoon full of gorgeous blue and white icebergs that break from the glacier and float peacefully to the sea. It has a maximum depth of 814 feet (248 meters), making it the country's deepest lake.

The lagoon's biggest attraction is the towering icebergs breaking off the glacier. As you explore the lagoon, check out the icebergs breaking and floating into the water before finding their way to the sea. In addition, you may spot some seals playing on the ice.

An optional activity you can add while at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a boat tour of the lake. You can choose the more thrilling Zodiac tour or the more relaxed and family-friendly amphibian boat tour. Both tours bring you closer to the beauty of the lagoon.

Meanwhile, some ice washes ashore on nearby Breidamerkursandur beach, about 0.56 miles (900 meters) from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Because the chunks of ice lying on the black sand beach look like shining diamonds, people called it "Diamond Beach." Seeing the icebergs wash up on the black sands is a visual treat you shouldn't miss.

After admiring the loose icebergs of Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach, it's time to head to Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Here, you'll find scenic hiking trails to walk and take in the stunning views. If you're feeling ambitious, start the day early to have enough time to hike to Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell.

You can also add a glacier hike at Skaftafell in the afternoon. There's nothing quite like stepping foot on a real-life glacier, making the trek a worthy addition to your adventure.

After an action-packed day, you'll stay in South Iceland for the night.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Southwest Iceland

  • Southwest Iceland
  • More
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
  • Dyrholaey
  • Solheimajokull Glacier
  • Skogafoss waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • More

There is much to see today as you go down the South Coast of Iceland. You can make many exciting stops along the way, including waterfalls and black-sand beaches. There are also some exciting activities you can add to this day.

You can start your day by visiting lesser-known attractions like the waterfall Foss a Sidu and Fjadrargljufur canyon before heading to the must-see attractions around the village Vik.

When driving toward Foss a Sidu, you'll already see the waterfall from a distance. You'll see a beautiful white strip of water falling over the cliffs. Interestingly, the area is rich in folklore, as a dog named Mori is believed to be wandering around it.

Next, you'll head to Fjadrargljufur, a beautiful canyon about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Foss a Sidu. It measures 1.2 miles (two kilometers) long and 328 feet (100 meters) deep. The valleys were formed around 10,000 years ago, but the bedrock is about two million years old.

As you explore Fjadrargljufur, check out its sheer walls and different waterfalls. These elements create a majestic contrast between foaming waters and dark rocks accented by the green moss all around.

Though the village of Vik is worth a visit, the main draw is the gorgeous views of Reynisfjara's black sand beach. There you can see Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Dyrholaey, the peninsula with an arch-shaped hole.

Next up on the South Coast are the legendary waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The powerful Skogafoss waterfall is up first. 

Make sure you have time to stop here and walk up to the waterfall to feel the mist on your face. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is also impressive, and you can walk behind it due to a small alcove on the cliff wall.

If you'd like a more unusual experience in South Iceland, you could hike to Seljavallalaug pool. It's the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It's outside under the open skies, and it takes some walking to get there, but the views are well worth it.

You can choose between two options to add an extra activity to this day. The first is a visit to the Katla ice cave, a spectacular frozen cave in Kotlujokull glacier.

The other option is a glacier hike on Solheimajokull glacier, an unforgettable experience.

After a fruitful day of exploration, you'll stay the night in Southwest Iceland.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik
  • More
  • Kerid Crater
  • Gullfoss waterfall
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • More

Day nine will bring you to Iceland's classic sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, a three-part circle with plenty of other stops available along the way. It's indeed an essential day for anyone visiting Iceland.

The first stop on your Golden Circle adventure is the Gullfoss waterfall. It's a powerful and beautiful waterfall that you can admire from the conveniently situated viewing platforms. Alternatively, you can walk down some steps and up to the waterfall to hear and feel its power.

The Gullfoss waterfall features two incredible cascades. The shorter drop measures about 36 feet (11 meters) tall, while the second is about 69 feet (21 meters) tall. It also has 459 cubic feet (140 cubic meters) of water surging down per second, something best experienced during summer.

Next up, about six miles (9.7 kilometers) away, is the geothermal area around Geysir hot spring. Geysir's neighboring hot spring, Strokkur, is the main attraction there, which erupts every five to 10 minutes to the delight of onlookers. Its eruptions can sometimes reach over 66 feet (20 meters) tall.

You can stop at Kerid crater lake or Reykjadalur valley to add more geological wonders to your Golden Circle adventure. Kerid is a relatively young crater at just 3,000 years old. You'll see its bright and vivid red rocks complementing the deep azure blue waters at the bottom.

Meanwhile, thanks to the surrounding hot springs, Reykjadalur lets you dip in a hot river. You'll also see rolling hills with steam vents dotting the area.

To finish up the Golden Circle, you'll stop at the Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's most geographically and historically significant place. The Icelandic parliament gathered in Thingvellir each summer for hundreds of years, and many significant moments in the country's history happened there. 

Thingvellir is also where you can see the rift in the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. On this day, you can also choose to snorkel in Silfra fissure at Thingvellir. With the water's visibility of up to 328 feet (100 meters), you'll see underwater canyons as clearly as possible. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

You can also ride a snowmobile on Langjokull glacier or go horse riding while enjoying the captivating surroundings.

You'll be staying in Reykjavik city in the evening and rest up for another exciting day.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik
  • More

On your last full day in Iceland, you'll spend the day in the country's capital, Reykjavik. The city is bustling with life, and you'll have no problem finding things to do. You can visit some of the city's museums, go shopping, or take in the atmosphere on a walk in the city center.

Explore Laugavegur, the city's main street. It's home to different stores and boutiques offering good finds and local items you may want to include in your last-minute shopping.

If you want more action on this day, we have a few suggestions for activities you can add as extras to make your day in Reykjavik special. If you'd like to visit many different places, we recommend adding the 24-hour City Card.

The card grants you access to pools in the capital, the zoo, and all sorts of museums in Reykjavik. In addition, it lets you customize the perfect day out in Reykjavik.

If you'd prefer a more specific museum experience, add an entrance to Whales of Iceland instead. There, you'll get to know the gentle giants of the sea through extraordinary displays. You can also enjoy some refreshments at their cafe.

You can also take flight on this day by adding an extra helicopter tour. This geothermal helicopter tour is a great way to learn more about Iceland's nature and get a unique perspective on the beautiful views near Reykjavik.

If you'd like to get even more immersed in the geology of Iceland, you could opt for the Inside the Volcano tour, where you'll go inside a volcano's empty magma chamber. You'll be brought to Thrihnjukagigur volcano, just outside of the city, where you'll descend into a cave that once was filled with hot, molten lava.

After enjoying your last full day in the country, you'll stay another night in Reykjavik, resting for departure day.

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Accommodation

Experiences

Day 11

Day 11 – Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik - Departure day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krysuvik
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

All good things come to an end, and this tour is no different. The last day of your Iceland tour has arrived. It may come too soon, but you can always return to Iceland for more adventures.

If you have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you’ll end your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. It’s the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters while looking back on your incredible adventures in the land of fire and ice. 

If you don’t feel like swimming, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. You can do your last-minute shopping if you haven’t done it the previous day. You can also visit some of the city’s landmarks you may have missed.

If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey. You can take your car to the Keflavik International Airport and have a safe flight full of wonderful memories of Iceland.

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Experiences

What to bring

Warm Clothes
Camera
Swimsuit
Driver's license
Sunglasses

Good to know

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. Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar.

Please note that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.

Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner.

Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Participants also need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.

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