3-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle & the South Coast

Welcome to Iceland, a volcanic island of staggering beauty and unlimited possibilities. You will first pick up your car from Keflavik International Airport and then head towards Reykjavik.

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

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there's 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. If you have extra free time, there's still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, you'll check in to your accommodation before heading out to discover the local culture. Why not visit some of the city's best-known landmarks, including the Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church, Harpa Concert Hall, or Perlan observation deck?

Reykjavik is rich in cultural offerings, particularly its museums. The National Museum of Iceland is an essential visit, taking guests through Icelandic history from the Settlement Age to modern times. The Reykjavik Art Museum is another highlight, offering a comprehensive collection of works from local and international artists across three distinct venues in the city. 

Aside from these, we recommend you sample the local nightlife and culinary scene. Reykjavik's dynamic nightlife comes alive with lively bars and live music, often operating into the early hours. The city's culinary scene is a testament to Iceland's rich natural resources, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional dishes. You'll discover innovative menus and various vegetarian and vegan options.

If you arrive early in the morning, it's possible to add a Golden Circle tour to your day to make the most of the long hours of summer sunlight. More details can be seen on your day two itinerary.

You will spend your first night in Reykjavik accommodation.

Your second day will see you partake in Iceland's most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. This comprises three significant attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. 

You'll begin at Thingvellir, famed for its important role in Iceland's history as the founding place of the world's first elected parliament. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site, mainly because it's one of the few places on Earth where it's possible to see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates sticking out. 

The second site is the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley. It's the home of the famous hot springs, Strokkur and Geysir. While Geysir is no longer active, it's renowned for giving its name to geysers worldwide.

Strokkur, on the other hand, will erupt every five to ten minutes, shooting a jet of boiling water up to 66 feet (20 meters) into the air. Aside from these two superstars, the area is rich with bubbling mud pools and smaller hot springs. 

Your final stop of the day, if you so choose, is the mighty waterfall Gullfoss, undoubtedly one of the most beloved attractions in the country. Dropping 105 feet (32 meters) over two cragged steps, this waterfall creates a billowing cloud of mist as its glacial water cascades into the valley below. 

If you covered the Golden Circle on your first day, you are encouraged to spend the day sightseeing along the picturesque South Coast. This Icelandic region offers many beautiful attractions, which are mostly framed by the Atlantic Ocean.

You'll pass waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, all the way to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Colloquially known as the "Crown Jewel of Iceland," this peaceful, iceberg-filled lake is one attraction you won't want to miss.

Afterward, you'll begin the journey back to Reykjavik, where you will spend the night.