3-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour | Golden Circle & South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

On arrival at the Keflavik International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car, or if you're already staying in Reykjavik, you can choose to pick your car up there.

Iceland's famous Golden Circle is on today's agenda.

You'll stop at Thingvellir National Park for a stroll and marvel at the separation of the tectonic plates. The North American and Eurasian plates are gradually being forced apart here, allowing you to walk between continents. Thingvelllir is also known for its historical significance, being the site where the Althingi parliament was founded in 930 AD.

Admire the spouting geyser Strokkur at the Geysir geothermal area, another of the much-loved Golden Circle attractions. Geysir's otherworldly landscape also features steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pits.

You'll also stand in awe in front of the plummeting Gullfoss waterfall. Some say it's Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, and that's saying a lot in a country full of pristine waterfalls. Gullfoss is also called the "Golden Falls" and often boasts a rainbow in front on sunny days.

There are several other attractions worth visiting in the area. You can check out the small towns of Skalholt and Fludir. Don't miss a soak in the Secret Lagoon geothermal bathing area in Fludir. It's one of the country's oldest bathing sites, loved for its rustic and natural appeal.

You also have two options for additional activities today, including a snowmobile ride at Langjokull glacier or snorkeling at the Silfra ravine in the Thingvellir National Park. Snowmobiling is an exciting way to discover the vast white expanse of the glacier while your snorkeling adventure takes you through water so crystal clear and clean that you can drink it. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

You're in charge, so it's your choice how to spend the day. After an excellent day of discovering some of the country's top attractions, you'll relax at your accommodation in Southwest Iceland for the evening.

After a good night's sleep, you'll carry on exploring the wonders of Iceland's South Coast on day two of your summer self-drive tour.

Numerous waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and gorgeous views in all directions are what this day has in store for you, ending with the glittering and glistening icebergs floating on Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach.

Perhaps you want to explore Seljalandsfoss waterfall from behind or hike up to the top of Skogafoss waterfall. These waterfalls are unique yet equally beautiful and two of the most-loved attractions on the South Coast. Both have a cascade of 200 feet (60 meters).

You could also relax in the Seljavallalaug pool or admire the impressive but dangerous waves of the Atlantic crashing on the shore at Reynisfjara black sand beach. Reynisfjara beach is considered one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches globally. It features striking basalt columns on its shoreline and impressive sea stacks in the ocean.

Maybe you want to walk to the remains of an airplane that crashed in the desolate black sands on the South Coast. Its remains contrast dramatically against the jet-black sands and stark surroundings, an excellent photo opportunity.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is also called the "Crown Jewel of Iceland." It features towering icebergs in a fairytale-like lagoon. The nearby Diamond Beach should not be missed. Here, you'll see large ice chunks wash up on the shore, a beautiful site.

Don't worry if you don't have time for everything you want to see today. You can visit any attractions you missed tomorrow.

There are some optional icy add-on tours for today. You can go glacier hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier, snowmobiling across the Myrdalsjokull glacier, or explore the dark ice caves of the Katla volcano.

You'll spend the night in one of the towns or accommodations in Southeast Iceland.

It's the last day of your trip and time to return to Reykjavik or the Keflavik International Airport.

If you missed the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon yesterday, you could visit it this morning. You can add on one of two boat trips around the lagoon, a superb way to admire the giant icebergs up close.

You may have left out many attractions the previous day, such as the stunning Nature Reserve of Skaftafell. Skaftafell has several spectacular hiking routes, such as the much-loved trail to the Svartifoss waterfall, framed by dramatic basalt columns. You can also add an exciting glacier hike to your Skaftafell itinerary.

As you drive back along the South Coast, you may wish to visit the Fjadrargljufur canyon. It's approximately 330 feet (100 meters) deep and 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long, with the Fjadra river flowing through it. The canyon boasts dramatic and steep walls, with cliffs sculpted by thousands of years of erosion caused by glacial meltwaters from the last Ice Age.

The scenic Dyrholaey peninsula is another highly-rated stop on your drive back. Its name translates to "door-hole" in English, referring to the massive rock arch that forms a door-like structure out at sea. This landmark is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, notably known as a nesting site for puffins. The area also offers breathtaking views of black sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. 

Whatever you choose to do, give yourself plenty of time to drive back to Keflavik, return your car, and check in if you're catching an evening flight. If you're staying in the city, you can return your vehicle to your hotel in Reykjavik or the airport the following morning.

We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to see you again soon.