Scenic 4-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour with Iceland's Golden Circle & Vik

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.

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.

Today is your last day in the land of fire and ice.

If you have an early flight, you can drive straight to the Keflavik International Airport, return your car, and board your flight home.

On the other hand, if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, you can still add a few sightseeing or cultural activities to your experience.

Spend the day getting to know Reykjavik and do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your flight home. If you have time in the morning or early afternoon, you might have some time for an adventure or two.

You can hike up the tower at Hallgrimskirkja church to get a fantastic view of the city. Just across the street is a beautiful sculpture garden where you can walk around the many statues crafted by artist Einar Jonsson.

Nearby is another architectural wonder called the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. The building has over 700 glass panels inspired by Iceland's northern lights phenomenon and other natural landscapes. It is also the perfect place to see cultural events like concerts, theater plays, festivals, and more.

If the sun is out, you can even go sunbathing on golden sands on this island in the North Atlantic. At Nautholsvik beach near the city center, hot, geothermal water is pumped into a man-made lagoon, creating the perfect temperature for bathing.

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 as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.  

We wish you a pleasant journey if you have an early flight back home.