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Guide to Iceland
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Guide to IcelandBook your tripSelf Drive ToursBudget Self Drive Tours4 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of Iceland with the Golden Circle & Glaciers
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Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable
Car & accommodation
Starting time
Keflavík Airport, Flexible
Duration
4 days
Available
Apr. - Aug.
Minimum age
None
See some of Iceland's most marvellous attractions on this wallet-friendly self-drive tour, perfect for those who only have a limited amount of time to explore the island of ice and fire. The personal itinerary you'll receive when booking this budget tour will lead you to black beaches, beautiful waterfalls and spouting geysers.
During the scope of only four action-packed days, you'll experience the sites of the Golden Circle, gaze down the 3.000 years-old crater lake Kerið, and visit the cascading waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before reaching the black shores of the coastal beach Reynisfjara.
The possibilities for adventures are plentiful, and you can add an array of activities to your journey during the booking process, all at a discounted price. These include going snorkelling between continents at Silfra fissure, zooming across Langjökull Glacier on a snowmobile, hiking a massive ice cap, or getting to know the Icelandic horse on a riding tour of the Icelandic countryside.
Take control of the wheel, set your own pace and be the master of your excursion, but allow us to help you locate everything from the most popular highlights to the most enigmatic of hidden treasures along the way.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the wonders of this volcanic island on this budget tour designed for your benefit. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Vehicle for 4 days (Toyota Aygo or similar, upgrades available)
CDW insurance for vehicle
GPS System
Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history and culture of Iceland
Taxes
Activities
Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Snowmobile
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Bird watching
Ice Caving
Self drive
Attractions
Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle
Reykjavík
Hvítá River
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Geysir
Gullfoss
Eyjafjallajökull
Þingvellir
Strokkur
Reykjanes
Sólheimajökull
Mýrdalsjökull
Silfra
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Langjökull
Vík í Mýrdal
Hvolsvöllur
Kerið
Gljufrabui
Keflavik International Airport
Reynisdrangar
Öxarárfoss
Haukadalur
Skogar Museum - Skógarsafn
South Coast
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Reykjavik
After landing in Iceland, collect your car at Keflavík International Airport and head on out to Reykjavík city.
On your way to Iceland’s capital city, you could choose to make a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colours 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. Then the day is yours. Use the time and go exploring the bustling downtown and its myriad of cafés, restaurants, museums, galleries, boutiques and bars.
Your first night in Iceland will be spent in the city of Reykjavík.
Day 2
The Golden Circle
On the second day, head out of the city and make your way to the many sights of the one and only Golden Circle. The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great historical and geographical value.
The park lies in a continental rift and boasts of incredible landscapes. It is also where the first Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, was founded. If you're up for getting a little wet, you can add a snorkelling tour in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra Fissure; frequently voted as one of the top diving sites in the world.
Next up are the geysers at the geothermal valley Haukadalur. It is the home of Geysir and Strokkur, the latter of which frequently spouts boiling water from the ground as high as 20 metres in the air. Close by you'll find Gullfoss waterfall, an amazing display of unharnessed power cascading from an ice-cold glacial river.
You'll see just why all these sites are so renowned upon visiting them, and if you're up for more action, you can opt to go snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier or horseback riding through the Icelandic countryside.
Pay a visit to the colourful marvel that is the volcanic crater lake Kerið, before reaching your accommodation in Hvolsvöllur, the peaceful area in which you will be spending the night.
Day 3
The South Coast with Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Beach
Your third day will begin with a visit to three great waterfalls of the south coast, starting with Seljalandsfoss. You can walk behind this unique cascade to enjoy the view from behind a 60-metre drop of falling spring water. Close by lies Seljalandsfoss' lesser known, but equally beautiful neighbour; Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
From there, you'll make your way to Skógafoss and see how it tumbles down the steep cliffs of a former coastline. The Skógar Folk Museum also belongs to the area. There you can quench your thirst for culture by enjoying a heritage exhibition of ancient artefacts and reconstructed turf houses.
This day includes the options of going glacier hiking or snowmobiling on top of Sólheimajökull Glacier—or venturing inside a natural ice cave in Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, the only one of its kind available all year round.
Your last stop of the day will be Reynisfjara; the otherworldly black beach at Vík Village. There, the majestic basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar rest visible just offshore. The currents here are very strong, so make sure to heed all warning signs to avoid accidents.
In the summer, Atlantic puffins make the cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain their home, and you might spot one or two nosediving down into the ocean in search of food.
After exploring the South Coast, it is time to head back to Reykjavík city, where you can stroll through the city centre once more before retreating to your accommodation.
Day 4
Departure
If you have the time, you can spend the day doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Reykjavík, before dropping your car off at the airport in time for your journey home.
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. If your flight is later there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.
Map
What to bring
Warm and waterproof clothes
Driver's license
Swimsuit and towel
Hiking shoes
Good to know
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 have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
Some optional activities might need either a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkelling.
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.
Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.
Accommodation
See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. Budget level 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. We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.
Super Budget
Dormitory beds with shared bathrooms in guesthouses or hostels. Located in the region of the best attractions. Breakfast is not included.
Budget
Rooms with shared bathrooms in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, with good locations near the best attractions. Breakfast is not 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. The cost of your cancellation insurance depends on the duration of your tour or package. A base cost of 5,000 ISK per person is applied to all tours and packages with a duration of 5 days or less. An additional 1,000 ISK per person will be added to the insurance cost for each day after. 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. COVID-19 Related Cancellations If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related reasons, the cancellation insurance provides further protection for your booking. If you purchase a self-drive tour or guided tour package along with the cancellation insurance, you will also get a full refund. If you test positive on arrival, to get the full refund after arrival, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your test result within 4 hours after you receive the test result. If your flight gets cancelled due to COVID, to get the full refund, please email us at info@guidetoiceland.is with your booking details and your flight cancellation confirmation prior to your scheduled flight departure time. 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.