4-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Reykjavik Accommodation

Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

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

Description

Enjoy a relaxed summer holiday in Iceland with this four-day self-driving tour centered in the city of Reykjavik. With a rental car, you'll visit the major sites and hidden gems of the South Coast's rural countryside while spending your nights in the capital's urban comforts. This immersive tour is the perfect bet for both families and traveling friends.

You don't need to spend weeks planning the perfect trip or worrying about missing top attractions. We take care of the significant aspects of your journey while you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a personalized itinerary.

This trip includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so there's no risk involved. You can also contact us 24 hours a day, seven days per week, with any questions.

Your journey begins when you arrive at the Keflavik International Airport, where you'll find your rental car waiting for you. What you do during your first day is entirely up to you and depends on your flight schedule. You could kickstart your Iceland experience by visiting the mineral-rich waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon Spa. 

During the next three days, your itinerary will guide you to the world-famed natural attractions of the Golden Circle and South Coast, enabling you to witness first-hand the magic of geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and black sand beaches. 

This tour also includes a hands-on travel agent who can alter your itinerary and redirect you to such wondrous locations as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Hvalfjordur fjord, in case this is your second time in Iceland and you've already seen the sites listed above.

You can also add exciting extras to your trip during the booking process. These include snowmobiling, hiking on a glacier, horseback riding, snorkeling between continents, hot spring bathing, ice-caving, and exploring the Icelandic Highlands.

The summer is the midnight sun season, so you don't have to worry about reaching your destinations in time as the days are long and the nights stay bright. Adventures will be at your fingertips during this holiday.

You'll be pleasantly surprised when you realize just how much of Iceland you can see while based in Reykjavik. Staying overnight in the capital for the duration of your trip is arguably the most relaxed way to travel, and your nights will never be dull due to the city's buzz and charm.

After four days of unforgettable adventure, you'll drop your rental car back in the city or at the airport.

So don't wait! Book this four-day self-drive now and witness the beautiful nature of Iceland while staying in the comfort of the city. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Three nights of Reykjavík accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for comfort and quality levels. More detailed info below)
Vehicle for four days (Toyota Aygo or similar. Upgrades available)
CDW insurance for super budget level vehicle; other levels include gravel protection insurance
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 6 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
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland, is birthplace of the country’s parliament.Kerið
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast of Iceland bathed in the otherworldly light of the midnight sun.Seljalandsfoss
The mighty Skógafoss waterfallSkógafoss
Reynisfjara beach and Reynisdrangar cliffs in winterReynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Arial view of Reynisdrangar and Mt. ReynisfjallReynisdrangar
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
Snorkelling
Snowmobile
Super Jeep
Ice Climbing
Horse Riding
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing
Ice Caving
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

1 traveler
1 traveler

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 your summer self-drive tour in Iceland!

Upon your arrival at the Keflavik International Airport, you'll pick up your rental and begin the short but scenic drive to the capital city of Reykjavik, passing rugged lava fields and majestic mountains along the way.

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 is in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it'll 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. If you have extra free time, there is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Once in Reykjavik, you've reached the home base for your trip. Explore the buzzing downtown, visit the museums and galleries, dip in one of the city's many pools, or go for a stroll along the pier―it's entirely up to you.

A visit to the city wouldn't be complete without a stop at Hallgrimskirkja, an iconic Lutheran church whose distinct architecture is inspired by Iceland's natural landscapes. Its observation tower offers visitors panoramic views over the entire city.

The Harpa Concert Hall is another architectural gem with a stunning glass facade reflecting its beautiful surroundings. Inside, visitors can enjoy a range of musical performances from local and international artists.

Reykjavik is also home to the National Museum of Iceland, which offers a comprehensive overview of Icelandic history and culture. It showcases items from the settlement time to the modern day.

You'll spend your first night at your accommodation in Reykjavik.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 – Reykjavík

Day 2

Day 2 – Reykjavík

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

You'll be keeping a base in Reykjavik, so you don't have to start the day by packing your bags and loading them into your car. Instead, you can begin your second day by driving Iceland's most famed sightseeing route, the Golden Circle.

Start with Thingvellir National Park, a continental rift valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the park's many canyons, lakes, and gorges showcase how the earth is continuously pulling apart, and today, you can opt to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra, a fissure created by this movement of the earth. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Then, you'll visit the Geysir geothermal area to witness the hot spring Strokkur spew boiling water high up in the air every few minutes. Geysir's otherworldly landscape is also home to boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.

The final Golden Circle site is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Watch in awe as this dramatic cascade hurls down in two tiers into an ancient canyon below. The well-maintained path at Gullfoss allows you to enjoy its splendor from different vantage points, and you may even see a rainbow if it's a sunny day.

You can top your day off by going snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier or horseback riding in the beautiful South Iceland countryside. Snowmobiling is an exciting way to explore the vast icy expanse of Langjokull, so if you're seeking an adrenaline rush, you won't want to miss it.

Those who choose horse riding will love meeting the friendly Icelandic horses known for their calm and playful temperaments. Horse riding is a fantastic way to discover more of the tranquil South Iceland countryside, so if this appeals to you, ensure you add this option when booking.

These activities are also great for kids, although the age limits vary slightly.

If you'd prefer something more relaxing, visit the magical Secret Lagoon geothermal baths to soak your body in warm waters amid natural surroundings. 

Once you're ready to head back to the capital, know you can take a different route than before, ensuring new sights. Spend another night exploring Reykjavik before settling in at your accommodation.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 3 – Reykjavík

Day 3

Day 3 – Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss waterfall
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
  • More

On day three, you'll have a full buffet of activities and attractions from which to choose. Today, you can head out of the city to explore Iceland's renowned South Coast's many natural and cultural marvels.

Stop at the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, or strap on your hiking boots and visit the hidden waterfall Gljufrabui. All are stunningly beautiful in their unique way.

A bit further along the coast, you'll find the village of Vik and its resident black beach Reynisfjara, where the eerie but picturesque Reynisdrangar sea stacks stand steadfast in the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Basalt columns line the shore in a striking array, so you'll want your camera ready to capture the magnificence of the area.

If you're an ambitious driver, start the day early to drive to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of the country's most beautiful and celebrated natural sites. The experience is complete with a stop at Diamond Beach, where the lagoon's icebergs wash up and glisten in the sunlight on a blanket of black sand.

Suppose you want less driving and more action. In that case, you can go glacier hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier or visit an authentic ice cave in Myrdalsjokull glacier, the only one accessible all year round.

If you feel like heading out even further, you can drop off your car at a meeting point and board a modified super jeep to take you on an adventure in the otherworldly Highlands. 

Other options include visiting the DC-3 plane wreck, swimming in the old pool Seljavallalaug, visiting puffin colonies, or scouting off-map locations to your heart's content. The midnight sun of Iceland's summer ensures you have enough daylight to complete a fulfilling day trip.

After a full day of sightseeing and adventure, you'll return to the city for your final night.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 4 – Reykjavík

Day 4

Day 4 – Reykjavík

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

Today is the time to say goodbye to Reykjavik. After packing your bags, it is time to head back out to the black lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to catch your departing flight at the Keflavik International Airport.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and look back on the incredible adventure you've just taken in the land of fire and ice.

If your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Those who have time to explore Reykjavik further could visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, a dynamic cultural hub that houses contemporary art exhibitions and a rich program of events.

The city also offers ample opportunities for foodies, with a burgeoning restaurant scene where you can taste everything from traditional Icelandic dishes to modern fusion cuisine. To immerse yourself in local culture, visit Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, filled with designer boutiques, cozy cafes, and artisanal craft stores. 

The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to many attractions that extend far beyond its well-known geothermal spa. This geologically active area features the Bridge Between Continents, a symbolic structure built over a fissure representing the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The Seltun geothermal area displays sizzling mud pools, fumaroles, and brightly colored mineral deposits, offering an almost lunar-like landscape. Reykjanes Lighthouse and the nearby Gunnuhver hot springs are also must-see attractions, with the latter being a dynamic and dramatic geothermal field.

Allow plenty of time to reach the airport and return your car before checking in for your flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to see you again soon.

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Experiences

What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothing
Good waterproof shoes
Swimsuit and towel
Camera
Driver's license

Good to know

Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.

Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Snorkeling participants 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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