Summer 4-Day Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & South Coast

Welcome to Iceland! Once you've got your bags, collect your car at the airport in Keflavik and head towards the capital city, where you'll find your accommodations for the night.

En route to Reykjavik, you’ll drive a scenic route of 31 miles (50 kilometers) in the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is the perfect introduction you can have to Iceladn’s diverse terrain. The peninsula features lava landscapes, stunning coasts, and geothermal fields.

The most famous attraction in Reykjanes is the Blue Lagoon, and you could choose to make a stop here. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is located 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 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. There is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula if you have extra free time.

When you arrive in Reykjavik, you can start exploring the city. Visit some of Reykjavik's many museums, shops, and restaurants, or walk around, enjoying the warm rays of the midnight sun.

To check off the most popular landmarks in the country from your bucket list, you can stroll around downtown Reykjavik. Some are in the city center, primarily accessible by a short walk.

For example, you can begin by visiting Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland. Its tower reaches 244 feet (74.5 meters) and boasts unique architecture inspired by the basaltic landscapes of the countryside. While on the church tower or hill, you’ll also get a panoramic view of the city to the coast.

The Sky Lagoon is an option for those who did not book the Blue Lagoon. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a serene geothermal spa with breathtaking ocean views. Its highlight is the seven-step Skjol bathing ritual, designed for ultimate relaxation. Guests can choose standard entry or upgrade to a premium option with private changing rooms

Your accommodation tonight will be in the city to prepare you for the next day’s drive.

After spending a little time in Reykjavik, it is time to hit the road. Drive past the Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant. This scenic route is surrounded by mountains that fade away as you reach Iceland's biggest lake, Thingvallavatn.

You have now entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament.

The park is nestled in a valley located between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart. As they move, they tear up huge ravines and fissures. One of those fissures, Silfra, is located in Thingvallavatn lake. It is filled with crystal clear water, providing exceptional visibility of up to 328 feet (100 meters), making it the perfect spot for snorkeling.

If you think you'd enjoy exploring the crystalline waters of the fissure and swimming between the continents, then you can opt for a snorkeling tour in Silfra today. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The Great Geysir hot spring, along with its bursting sidekick, Strokkur, is not far away from the Thingvellir National Park. Although Geysir no longer vents as it once did, Strokkur still erupts approximately every five to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water 66 feet (20 meters) high into the sky.

Right next door is the most famous waterfall in Iceland, Gullfoss. Here, you can stroll down to the fall's edge and get a sense of the river's power as it plummets down a narrow canyon.

If you are eager for more excitement, take an optional snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier and be picked up from Gullfoss waterfall. You can also choose to take a horse-riding tour on this day.

Next, you can head back to the main road and stop at the Kerid volcanic crater, where a rainbow of colors dazzles the eye. The rusty red hues of the volcanic rock contrast with the clear blue-green water of the serene lake sheltered within.

Spend the night in the peaceful area of Southwest Iceland.

On the penultimate day of your summer adventure in Iceland, you will explore the spectacular South Coast. This region, framed by the raging waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, is crisscrossed by diverse natural features. 

Start the day by driving to the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss and its lesser-known neighbor, Gljufrabui. With water cascading down from a height of 197 feet (60 meters), Seljalandsfoss is a sight to behold. With the walkable narrow cave behind its water curtain, you can get an alternate view of its magnificence.

A few minutes down the road is the mighty waterfall of Skogafoss and the Skogar Folk Museum, where you can find a great exhibition about the countryside's history.

The Skogafoss waterfall drops from the same height as Seljalandsfoss, but with a broader mouth of 82 feet (25 meters). With luck on your side and a sunny weather, you can expect to see a double rainbow above its heavy mist.

Today, you can also try a glacier hike tour on the Solheimajokull ice cap or snowmobiling on the glacier Myrdalsjokull. You'll also have the option of exploring a unique and stunning ice cave on the glacier Myrdalsjokull, the only one of its kind accessible all year round.

Your last stop will be the breathtaking black beach of Reynisfjara and the tranquil village of Vik. Explore the beach and the eerie cliff of basalt columns, but beware of the dangerous waves that can easily sweep you from the shore and carry you out to sea.

You'll get a great view of Reynisdrangar cliffs from the village of Vik before returning to Reykjavik, where you can explore the city late in the evening as the midnight sun lights up your surroundings.

Wander through this quirky capital with its culture, food, and nightlife. Your last night in Iceland will be in an accommodation in downtown Reykjavik.