5 Day Budget Summer Self Drive Tour of the Golden Circle, South Coast & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Today, you will experience Iceland's most popular tour, The Golden Circle, boasting some of the country's most famous sights.

Your first stop on the Golden Circle route is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir National Park. Historically, culturally and geologically important, Thingvellir not only saw the 930 AD founding of the first democratically elected parliament but is home to the American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed from the earth.

During your time at Thingvellir, you can partake in a snorkeling tour at Silfra Fissure, one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. The glacial water is so clear in Silfra that visibility can sometimes reach 328 ft (100 m).

Next up is Haukadalur, home to the country's world-famous hot springs, the largest of which has lent its name to all geysers in the English language. Though that one now lies dormant, the nearby Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sometimes reaching heights of 66 ft (20 m)!

Finally, only a short distance away, you will visit the incredibly photogenic waterfall, Gullfoss. A part of the glacial river Hvita, Gullfoss translates to "Golden Falls," dropping 105 ft (32 m) down two tiers. From this stop, you could also opt for a snowmobile tour across the nearby Langjokull glacier. Alternatively, gallop away on a horse riding tour through the region. You will spend the night near the town of Selfoss.

The third day will see you traveling eastward, passing over the black sands of Solheimajokull glacier. At the glacier, you will have the option to either go snowmobiling or glacier hiking, both of which will offer the perfect blend of adrenaline-fuelled adventure and incredible sightseeing.

Eventually, you will reach the small fishing of Vik, where you can choose to partake in an ice caving tour at Myrdalsjokull glacier. This excursion is the only ice cave tour of its kind that is available in the summer. While in town, you could also choose to stroll down to the black sand beach Reynisfjara, where you can check out the distinctive basalt columns that have formed into the cliffsides. Beware, waves can be unpredictable here, so always keep a good distance from the shoreline.

You will next head toward Vatnajokull National Park, where you will be able to hike numerous trails through the sublime and beautiful and Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Of particular recommendation is the 3.1-mile (5 km) path toward Svartifoss waterfall. Ask at the Visitor's Centre, and the staff will be eager to point you in the right direction.

After some hiking, you will make your final stop of the day at the crown jewel of the Southern Peninsula, the gorgeous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this is truly a paradise, with enormous icebergs floating in the pale blue water, the stillness of the scene interrupted only by the playful splashing of nearby seals. It is also possible to walk a short distance to Diamond Beach, where icebergs make their way out to the ocean from the lagoon.

For accommodation, you will spend the night in the area around Vatnajokull National Park.

Today, you will be heading back to the capital, Reykjavik, but why not first revisit some of the spots that have thus far made your holiday so exciting? Jokulsarlon, in particular, changes every day, always displaying a transient natural beauty. This morning is the perfect opportunity to take a boat trip for a new perspective of the icebergs and glaciers.

During your journey back to the city, there are still numerous stops for you to explore. Fjadrargljufur Canyon, for example, boasts an oasis of luscious flora, while Dyrholaey mountain might be your chance of seeing one of Iceland's most famous residents, the puffin! You could also make a stop in the Skaftafell nature reserve for a glacier hike in the shadow of Iceland's tallest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur.

When you arrive back in the city, you will have one final chance to indulge in Icelandic culture. You could check out some of Reykjavik's most famous landmarks, including the shining Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik City Hall, and Hallgrimskirkja church. If you're looking to relax, you could always hit one of the city's many jazz nights or even stroll through a late-night museum. You will spend the night in the town.

Today is your last day and, unless you’re planning on extending your trip (which can happily be arranged), you will have to fill your last hours here with something memorable. 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.