Info
Included
Activities
Attractions
Itinerary
Map
What to bring
Good to know
Accommodation
Car
Meals
Cancellation Insurance
Terms
Reviews
Similar tours
Free pickup
No credit card fees
No booking fees
Duration
3 days
Difficulty
Easy
Free pickup
Keflavík International
Available
Apr. - Aug.
See Iceland's finest sights and most popular attractions in only 3 days on this summer self-drive tour! This tour is perfect for those that don't have much time, but want to see as much as possible, including the most popular sites in Iceland, the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and more!
From the international airport, a short drive takes you directly to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon where you can beat the jet lag with a soothing dip in geothermally heated waters. Your next day will see you undertake the fantastic Golden Circle sightseeing tour, made up of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
You are free, however, to customise this as you please. For instance, the Golden Circle can be undertaken on the first day of your trip, leaving the second to explore the glorious South Coast of Iceland, complete with its mighty glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and jet black beaches.
The days are yours to enjoy however you like. You are the driver, so you can spend longer at the attractions you like and leave other ones behind. During the long and bright summer nights, you can listen to the birds chirping in the calm nature, while basking in the glow of the Midnight Sun.
We know what brings you to Iceland: a chance to revitalize your spirit after too long spent at the daily grind. A quiet space to reflect is even more important on a short holiday!
Make the most of a fleeting visit to Iceland! Check availability by choosing a date.
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)
CDW insurance for Super Budget Level, Other levels also include SCDW and gravel protection insurance for vehicle
GPS System
Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history and culture of Iceland
Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
Taxes
Activities
Snorkelling
Caving
Snowmobile
Super Jeep
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing
Bird watching
Self drive
Attractions
Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle
Reykjavík
Hvítá River
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Geysir
Gullfoss
Eyjafjallajökull
Þingvellir
Strokkur
Reykjanes
Sólheimajökull
Silfra
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Langjökull
Nesjavellir
Kerið
Keflavik International Airport
Reynisdrangar
Öxarárfoss
Haukadalur
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and the Blue Lagoon Spa
Welcome to Iceland, a volcanic island of staggering beauty and unlimited possibilities. First things first, you will pick up your rental vehicle from the airport, then head out towards the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
A geothermal complex, The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s top visitor attractions, drawing huge numbers each year with its enriching, mineral-laden silica mud, soothing azure waters and astounding surrounding scenery.
When your time at the lagoon is over, head to Iceland’s charming capital city, Reykjavík, where you will 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 Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church, Harpa Concert Hall or Perlan Observation Deck?
Aside from these, you are recommended to sample the local nightlife and culinary scene, or head to one of the capital’s many museums or art galleries. If, however, you arrived early in the morning, it is possible to add a Golden Circle tour to your day make the most of the long hours of summer sunlight. More details can be seen in day 2 of your itinerary.
You will be spending your first night in Reykjavík accommodation.
Day 2
The Golden Circle and/or South Coast
Your second day will see you partake in Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. This is comprised of three major attractions; Þingvellir National Park, Haukadalur geothermal valley and Gullfoss waterfall.
You will begin at Þingvellir, famed for its important role in Iceland’s history as the founding place of the world’s first elected parliament. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, in large part due to the fact that it is one of the few places on earth where it is possible to see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates sticking out from the earth.
The second site is Haukadalur geothermal valley, famously the home of the hot springs, Strokkur and Geysir. Whilst Geysir is no longer active, it is famous for having lent its name to geysers across the world. Strokkur, on the other hand, will erupt every five to ten minutes, shooting a jet of boiling water up to twenty metres 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 32 metres over two cragged steps, this waterfall creates a billowing cloud of mist as its glacial water cascades into the valley below.
If, however, you happened to have undertaken the Golden Circle on your first day, you are encouraged to spend the day sightseeing along the picturesque South Coast.
You will be passing waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, all the way to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Colloquially known as the “Crown Jewel of Iceland”, this peaceful, iceberg-filled lake is one attraction you will not want to miss.
After your time at the lagoon is over, you will begin the journey back to Reykjavík, where you will spend the night.
Day 3
Reykjanes & Departure
It is your final day in the land of ice and fire, but depending on the time of your flight, there may still be time to fit in some added sightseeing.
If this is the case, it is recommended that you explore the diverse peninsula known as Reykjanes. This volcanic landscape boasts a number of interesting attractions, including the glittering lake Kleifarvatn, the steaming hot spring Gunnuhver and the “Bridge Between the Continents” marking the two tectonic plates that divide Iceland.
If visiting Reykjanes, you could also choose to visit the famous Museum of Rock n’ Roll in Keflavik, or for the historically minded, the Viking World Museum in Njarðvík.
Finally, you will have to return to Keflavik International Airport. There, you will drop off your rental vehicle and catch your flight home. Until next time, we hope you’ve had an incredible experience in Iceland.
Map
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 cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Accommodation
See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. Bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s). Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur. Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies among locations and availability is highly limited. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level. Please note that not all locations offer quality level accommodation. Comfort level accommodation will be arranged at those particular locations, which is reflected in the quality level upgrade price. We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.
Comfort
Rooms with a private bathroom in three star hotels or quality guesthouses. Very close to the best attractions at each location. Breakfast is included.
Quality
Rooms with a private bathroom in a four star hotel or superior rooms in a quality three star hotel at the best locations in Iceland. Breakfast is included.
Car
Below you can see the car rental options available for this self-drive tour. All our vehicles are new or current models, of maximum 2 years of age. Super Budget levels come with standard CDW insurance, while all other levels also include Gravel Protection (GP), and Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) insurances. Please note that off-road driving is illegal for all types of cars. All levels come equipped with a GPS and free Wi-fi. You can enjoy unlimited data with the Wi-Fi device, which can be connected to up to 10 devices at once. The car rental will provide 24-hour roadside emergency services. Age requirement for each level can be found below. For all levels, the driver must possess a valid driving license for at least one year before the date of the rental. We recommend Budget 4X4 level for summer driving and Comfort 4X4 for winter driving.
Super Budget 2WD
A small 2WD vehicle such as Toyota Aygo or similar, fit for basic travelling in everyday conditions. Compact and comfortable for up to 2 travellers with very little luggage. No highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.
Budget 2WD
A basic 2WD vehicle, such as a Toyota Yaris or similar, suitable for travelling in everyday conditions. Comfortable for 3 travellers with light luggage. This vehicle does not have highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.
Budget 4x4
A basic 4WD (4X4) jeep or SUV such as a Dacia Duster or similar. Comfortably fit up to 3 travellers with 2 large pieces of luggage. Fit for most travel and decent for snow and off-asphalt driving. Has basic highland capabilities. The driver must be of 20 years of age or above.
Comfort 4x4
A medium sized 4WD (4x4) jeep or SUV such as a Toyota Rav4, or similar. Comfortably fit up to 4 travellers with 3 large pieces of luggage. Fit for most travel and good for snow and off-asphalt driving. Has basic highland capabilities. The driver must be of 21 years of age or above.
Luxury 4x4
A large 4WD jeep such as a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar. Comfortable for up to 4 travellers with 4 large pieces of luggage. Fit for nearly all travelling. Has full highland capabilities to drive on accessible mountain roads. The driver must be of 21 years of age or above.
Van
A large 9-seater van such as a Renault Trafic (2WD manual), Mercedes Benz Vito (4WD automatic, has highland capabilities and better suited for winter driving), or similar. Comfortable for 5 to 7 travellers. If seated full, luggage space is limited. The driver must be of 23 years of age or above.
Meals
You can now add meals to your booking. Select to include dinner on every night as an optional extra, and we will provide you with vouchers as part of your booking confirmation. We will choose from top-rated restaurants that fit with your vacation itinerary and make your reservations for you. At the restaurant, you will be offered a set menu, from which you can choose from meat, fish or vegetarian options. If you would prefer something else, the voucher will act as a credit that you can redeem at the restaurant against menu items that are not part of the set menu. Please notify the restaurant on arrival about any dietary requirements. Vouchers are non-refundable.
Cancellation Insurance
This insurance guarantees that you can cancel tour and package bookings and receive a full refund, minus the insurance cost of 5,000 ISK per person. The cancellation must be made more than 48 hours before the listed starting time on your voucher. To cancel your booking and claim your refund, simply contact info@guidetoiceland.is and declare full cancellation. Please note that this insurance covers the cancellation of the whole tour or package. Individual services cannot be cancelled and refunded separately, but are all covered and refunded in case of a full cancellation.