6-Day Self-Drive Holiday in Iceland with the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

One of the rivers made up of the meltwater of Eyjafjallajokull leads into the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
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Free cancellation
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Perfect travel plan

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Keflavík Airport
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
6 days
Ending place
Keflavík Airport
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Apr. - Aug.
Ending time
Flexible
Minimum age
None

Description

Explore the best of Iceland on this affordable six-day self-drive tour. This top-rated tour takes you from the world-famous Blue Lagoon, through the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, around the wondrous Golden Circle, along the beautiful South Coast, and to the breathtaking Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

This is the perfect tour for those seeking complete freedom and flexibility while exploring some of Iceland's best attractions.

Your self-drive tour begins when you pick up your modern vehicle from the Keflavik International Airport. An expert local travel planner has arranged all the essentials, so all you need to do is head out and discover the sites at your own pace.

You're behind the wheel on this self-drive tour, so you can fill every minute with beautiful scenery, local hot spots, and historical landmarks. Alternatively, you can choose a few must-see locations and go slowly, taking time to meet the locals and capture gorgeous photos. On a self-drive tour, you're in total control to experience the best adventures of Iceland.

To ensure your holiday is relaxing and full of adventure, you'll lodge in total comfort, with an ensuite bathroom and breakfast included each night. We hand-pick all the accommodation options to ensure your Iceland experience is extra memorable.

On this tour, you'll see the most incredible sights and experience the true wonders of our shores. The sites will include the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the fascinating rift valley of Thingvellir, and natural treasures such as the Gullfoss waterfall and Reynisfjara black-sand beach.

One of the tour's highlights is an afternoon at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where you can watch in awe as beautiful icebergs break from Europe's largest glacier and float serenely to the ocean. If lucky, you might spot some lounging seals relaxing in the lagoon.

Most travelers say it's important to experience the real Iceland and feel its history within the stunning nature. To help you with this, you will receive a custom itinerary after you book. This will highlight plenty of unique spots, allowing you to head off the beaten track and relax without the crowds. 

You can add extra activities that appeal to you during the booking process. You can go hiking, ice-caving, snorkeling, horse-riding, snowmobiling, and even descend into an empty magma chamber of a volcano. Adventure lovers have endless options to make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

This trip has everything, from magnificent mountain hikes to black sand beaches, waterfalls, and the glacier lagoon. It also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can contact us any time with questions.

After your once-in-a-lifetime trip, you'll drop your rental car back at the airport before you fly home.

Don't miss the opportunity to book your six-day Iceland adventure of the country's top attractions and hidden gems and enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour. Check availability now by choosing a date. 

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Included

Five nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included. More detailed info below)
Vehicle for six 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 departure

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Caving
Snowmobile
Horse Riding
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Bird watching
Ice Caving
Self drive

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Reykjavik is a colourful, cultural and quirky capital city.

Day 1 - Arrival in Iceland and Explore Reykjavik With Optional Blue Lagoon Visit

Upon arrival, collect your car from the Keflavik International Airport before driving to your accommodation in the capital's downtown area.

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is close to Keflavik, and you can choose to add this activity when booking your tour. This excursion will be arranged around your flights. 

The Blue Lagoon is world-famous, boasting vivid azure waters, therapeutic treatments, and a reputation for healing qualities. Relaxing in its warm, milky-blue waters surrounded by the beautiful, moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula is an unforgettable way to start your trip.

If you can't fit a visit today, your travel agent can book you for day five or six of your adventure instead.

After settling at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city center with its abundance of cultural attractions, restaurants, and bars.

Reykjavik has many sites that reflect the nation's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Hallgrimskirkja, a dramatic Lutheran church, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from its tower. Its unique design, inspired by Iceland's basalt lava flows, makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

Nearby, the Harpa Concert Hall impresses with its modern, geometric glass design and is the center for cultural events like music concerts and theater performances.

For a taste of history, visitors can explore the National Museum of Iceland, which provides a comprehensive overview of the country's heritage from the Viking era to modern times.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, Iceland's most significant visual art institution.

If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, visiting Tjornin, a central pond often teeming with birdlife, followed by a stroll in the Hljomskalagardur park, can be rewarding.

If you want to check out Icelandic design or experience the city's thriving coffee culture, head to Laugavegur street and enjoy its various shops and cozy cafes.

You'll spend your first night in a great location in downtown Reykjavik.

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Day 2
Thingvellir National Park is popular for its geology and history, but scuba divers and snorkelers know it better for the Silfra ravine.

Day 2 - The Golden Circle Attractions - Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss

On day two of this summer adventure, you'll go on a trip around Iceland's famous Golden Circle driving route. 

Your first stop on the Golden Circle is the Thingvellir National Park. Here, you can see the spectacular Almannagja gorge, where the national assembly, founded in 930 AD, used to gather.

A natural wonder of Iceland, the gorge also marks the divide between two tectonic plates. A walk along the easy path is literally a stroll between the continents of Europe and North America.

You can opt into an exhilarating snorkel tour through the Silfra fissure at Thingvellir. Don't worry about the cold water, because you'll be cozy and warm in a dry suit. Silfra is known for having some of the most transparent water on the planet, so clean it's even drinkable! Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Next on your Golden Circle tour is the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur geothermal valley. There are many steaming hot pools and fumaroles here, including the geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 10 minutes. Its spray can reach 66 feet (20 meters), but it has been known to blast water to heights almost double that.

Lastly, the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall is Iceland's most popular attraction on the traditional Golden Circle route. It's possible to walk close to the edge of these falls in decent weather, where you get a beautiful view of the cascading water and can feel nature's incredible power.

After Gullfoss, you can add an exciting snowmobiling excursion on Langjokull glacier. If neither this nor the snorkel appeals to you, you can opt for a horse-riding tour instead. 

Otherwise, head straight to the main road and stop at the volcanic crater lake Kerid. The volcanic rock here is painted in fiery orange and rust-red colors, while the lake within is an azure oasis. The contrast is a breathtaking sight.

You'll spend the night in a charming accommodation in Southwest Iceland near the Golden Circle.

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Day 3
Reynisfjara is a spectacular black sand beach.

Day 3 - The South Coast: Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Black-Sand Beaches

As you continue your journey on day three, you'll drive towards Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano under a glacier that made world headlines in 2010, bringing European air traffic to a standstill.

You'll then visit the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Seljalandsfoss is unique for the path encircling it, allowing you to view its beauty from different angles. Skogafoss is known for its power and is equally as beautiful. You can walk up a staircase to the top of Skogafoss for stunning South Coast vistas.

After admiring the waterfalls, a detour to the Skogar folk museum is highly recommended, where you can explore life in the old days of Iceland through the restored turf house, church, and other buildings.

Then, drive towards the Solheimajokull glacier, where you can go on an optional glacier hike or snowmobiling tour. Both experiences promise excitement and incredible beauty.

You can also opt for an exciting ice cave tour that departs from the Vik village, where you're picked up by a super jeep and driven up the volcano Katla before you descend into the cave in Myrdalsjokull glacier. The Katla ice cave is one-of-a-kind because you can enjoy its vivid blue colors and striking formations in summer. Other ice caves are open only in winter.

After your tour, take a moment to walk along Reynisfjara beach, with a short stop at the village of Vik. Reynisfjara is one of Iceland's most spectacular beaches because of its impressive black basalt cliffs and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. It's also a fantastic puffin-watching location.

This beach, however, is one of Iceland's most dangerous places, so be careful not to get too close to the pounding surf. Currents hidden in the swirling water can sweep you out to sea in no time. 

After this day of witnessing many breathtaking sights, you can rest for the night in one of the villages and accommodations along the South Coast.

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Day 4
The Diamond Beach varies day to day on how many icebergs it has washed upon it, based on tides, the wind and other conditions.

Day 4 - Southeast Iceland - Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach

On your fourth day, set out for the waterfall Foss a Sidu and the nearby Dverghamrar basalt columns in South Iceland before taking the road over the vast glacial sands of Skeidararsandur.

Foss a Sidu waterfall cascades gracefully down a cliff face and is framed by the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape, so ensure you've got your camera ready.

Dverghamrar, often called the "Dwarf Cliffs," is a unique geological formation featuring striking hexagonal basalt columns believed to have formed from rapidly cooling lava.

Next on your route is the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajokull National Park. Once there, you can hike to yet another impressive waterfall, Svartifoss. Its basalt columns inspired architect Gudjon Samuelsson when he designed the Hallgrimskirkja church and the roof of the National Theatre in Reykjavik.

There are plenty more options for hiking at Skaftafell. One popular choice is a guided glacier walk along the edge of the Skaftafellsjokull glacier, a breathtaking trip that offers fantastic views over the surrounding area. You need to make sure to opt into this while booking.

Once you're finished at Skaftafell, drive about 40 minutes further east to reach the magnificent Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the highlight of this trip. The lagoon is famous for its glistening icebergs.

You can take an optional boat tour for a closer look at them, either in a zodiac or amphibious vessel. Keep your eyes peeled in this area for the resident seals, whether from a boat or the shore. 

From Jokulsarlon, walk down to Diamond Beach, where icebergs become stranded upon the shore like glittering jewels. Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach are considered by many to be the most beautiful locations in Iceland.

After you have made the most of these incredible sights, spend a night in a peaceful countryside hotel in Southeast Iceland.

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Day 5
The Reykjanes Peninsula boasts the Blue Lagoon Spa near its tip.

Day 5 - Reykjavik City with Optional Blue Lagoon or Volcano Tour

At the start of your fifth day, head back towards Reykjavik. You can check in at your hotel in the afternoon and explore the city. Dotted around the downtown area are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. 

You can also find a slew of fascinating museums. Learn about the Viking settlers at the Settlement Exhibition or the history of Iceland at the National Museum. You can also explore the alternative culture at the Icelandic Punk Museum and the Freddi Arcade and Toy Museum.

The Arbaer Open Air Museum is a vibrant window into Iceland's past. The museum comprises over 20 buildings, including traditional turf houses, a church, and a village shop, each relocated and authentically restored to represent different eras of Icelandic history. Through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations, visitors get an immersive insight into the lifestyles and occupations of Icelanders in ancient times.

If you're in the mood for relaxation after your days on the road, you can take a trip to the mystical Blue Lagoon Spa for a soak in its mineral-rich waters. After the long drive along the South Coast, it's well worth it to soothe those tense muscles and do nothing but bask in peace.

Alternatively, you could opt for an underground adventure where you descend into the empty magma chamber of a volcano. The journey begins with a moderate hike across the stunning Icelandic landscape to the Thrihnukagigur volcano.

After reaching the volcano, visitors are lowered 393 feet (120 meters) down into the volcano's vast and colorful magma chamber inside an open cable lift. This remarkable geological phenomenon is the only place on earth where the magma chamber of a volcano is safely accessible and provides an unparalleled view of the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.

With its vibrant mineral colors and the sheer scale of the chamber, the "Inside the Volcano" tour is a truly one-of-a-kind geological adventure, so don't miss out. You can add it when booking.

After another fantastic day, you'll retire to your Reykjavik accommodation.

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Day 6
The Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset.

Day 6 - Explore Reykjavik or Reykjanes Before Dropping Your Car at the Airport

On your departure day, you'll drop your car at the Keflavik International Airport in time to check in for your flight home. 

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you'll finish your stay unwinding before heading 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 have just taken in the land of fire and ice.

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

You could consider exploring more attractions in downtown Reykjavik and nearby. Have you stopped by Perlan, a remarkable landmark with fascinating exhibitions and a viewing deck that allows you to see for miles around? Or have you climbed the church tower at Hallskrimskirkja for a panorama across the city? 

A stop by Ellidaardalur might be nice too. This is a lovely green park southeast of the city, with plenty of walking paths for a sedate stroll and biking trails beside charming waterways.

With the freedom of a rental car, you could explore the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, west of the city center. It's known for its beautiful coastal views, birdwatching opportunities, and the iconic Grotta Lighthouse. The lighthouse isn't usually open to visitors, but even so, it provides fine views on a clear day across Faxafloi bay, by which Reykjavik sits.

If you like, visit some attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula on your way to the airport. Aside from the Blue Lagoon spa, the Reykjanes Peninsula boasts unique attractions. You could visit the Bridge Between Continents, the otherworldly landscapes of the Seltun geothermal area, the active Gunnuhver hot springs, and the historic Reykjanes Lighthouse.

You'll drop your rental car at the airport in plenty of time for your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you again soon.

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What to bring

Warm clothes and waterproof outerwear
Good hiking boots
Driver's license
Camera

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.

Some optional activities might require you to have 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 snorkeling or diving, and 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.

Wearing cotton or jeans as the outer layer during your trip to the Thrihnjukagigur volcano tour is not allowed. Please wear suitable waterproof clothes and sturdy hiking shoes for this trip. It's always the same temperature inside the crater – about 42–43 F (5-6 C). The Thrihnjukagigur volcano tour involves a hike of approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk.

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Accommodation

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary.

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.

Please note that not all locations offer quality level accommodation. Comfort level accommodation will be arranged at those particular locations, which is reflected in the quality level upgrade price.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Comfort

Rooms with a private bathroom in three star hotels or quality guesthouses. Very close to the best attractions at each location. Breakfast is included.

Quality

Rooms with a private bathroom in a four star hotel or superior rooms in a quality three star hotel at the best locations in Iceland. Breakfast is 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) insurance. Please note that off-road driving is illegal for all types of cars.

All levels come equipped with 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 (automatic) and Suzuki Vitara (manual), or similar. Comfortably fit up to 4 travelers 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 Mercedes Benz Vito or similar. Comfortable for 5 to 7 travelers. If seated full, luggage space is limited. The driver must be of 23 years of age or above.

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