6 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of Iceland with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

On your second day, your real adventure begins. Get ready to embark on the route of the Golden Circle, home to some of Iceland's most fantastic attractions. An excellent way to warm up before meeting nature head-on is a horse-riding excursion where you can personally get up close with the friendly and charming Icelandic horses.

You could also take a tour of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Once there, you'll hop aboard an elevator and descend into the enormous and empty magma chamber to explore the volcano's vibrant colors and sheer size.

Your first stop on the Golden Circle route is Thingvellir National Par, where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia meet in a beautiful rift valley. The park is also the historical site of Althingi, Iceland's first parliament established in 930 AD. If you wish to experience floating in crystal clear water in the rift itself, you can add snorkeling in Silfra fissure to your booking and swim between the continents.

Another highlight is Haukadalur, a geothermal valley with Geysir and Strokkur, two world-famous geysers. The latter is fully active and provides an impressive display every few minutes as it erupts. The area also boasts other geysers, both big and small, hot springs and bubbling mud pools. 

Last but not least, there is Gullfoss, a cascading waterfall of great unharnessed energy. After enjoying the beauty of the falls, you can opt for a snowmobile tour on top of Langjokull glacier.

Your final destination will be the area of Blaskogabyggd, where you will spend the night at your booked accommodation.

On day three, your drive south begins as you pass the infamous glacier volcano Eyjafjallajokull that so memorably erupted back in 2010 and stopped all European air traffic for a few days.

En route, you can stop and see two of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the former of which you can walk behind into a cave to feel its mist on your face.

You can also detour to the folk museum at Skogar and behold restored traditional turf houses. As your drive continues towards Solheimajokull glacier, you have the option of adding a glacier hike or another snowmobiling tour to your package to make the day even more thrilling.

When you arrive in the coastal village of Vok, take your time to visit the black beach of Reynisfjara, sporting unique rocky basalt cliffs just offshore by the name of Reynisdrangar. Just be careful of the beach's powerful hidden currents. If you look up at Mount Reynisfjall in the summer, you might spot some resident puffins as they dive down the cliffs to feed off the sea.

Your final destination of the day will be the quaint and quiet Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you will spend the night at an accommodation in the area.

On your fourth day, pay a visit to the waterfall Foss a Sidu or the stunning basalt columns Dverghamrar before getting back on the ring road and crossing the black sandy plains of Skeidararsandur.

This breathtaking road of glacial wasteland will bring you to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the greater Vatnajokull National Park, where endless opportunities for sightseeing and adventuring await.

You can hike up to Svartifoss waterfall, where it cascades down a black basalt column wall, or add a guided glacier hike along the edge of one of Vatnajokull's many outlet glaciers.

As you have explored Skaftafell to your heart's content, continue east to arrive at the very highlight of the trip, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

There, glistening icebergs that have broken off Iceland's largest ice cap gather to float in a blue lagoon of incredible beauty and ever-changing scenery. If you want to take a closer look, book one of two available boat rides in the lake itself so that the icebergs can surround you from all angles.

Once you have explored the lagoon, make the short walk to the one and only Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice have washed up on shore to sparkle in the sun like icy diamonds.

After this incredible day, you will make your way back to the area of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you will spend another night.

On your fifth day, it is time to head back to Reykjavik. Feel free to take your time since this is your adventure, and you are the driver. This is the opportunity to visit all the sights you missed on your way south.

You can check into your accommodation in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the capital further or visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula and its incredible landscapes.

You are sure to be tired after your travels, which is why it is recommended to take a short drive out of the city and visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon Spa. The mineral-rich waters of this healing wonder are sure to rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Just remember that the spa is in high demand, so book your vouchers in advance. You'll spend the night in Reykjavik.

This will be the last day of your Iceland adventure. 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.

The opportunities in the city are endless; you can visit the black beach at Grotta, hike through Ellidarardalur, or visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church and the landmark building Perlan for panoramic views of the city.

Provided you have the energy, you might even have the time for a whale watching or horse-riding tour to top off your trip with something as memorable and unique as the rest of it. If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey.

Just remember to drop off your car at the airport in due time before your flight. Have a safe journey home, and make sure to hold onto these memories forever.