Express 7-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Best Attractions with Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík Airport
Ends in
Keflavík Airport
Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
May - Oct.
Accommodation
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included

Description

Encircle Iceland and witness its most spectacular attractions with this express seven-day summer self-drive tour. This adventure shouldn't be missed if you want to immerse yourself in Iceland's breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, this tour lets you enjoy the different attractions at your own pace and terms.

By booking this tour, you'll avoid spending weeks planning that perfect itinerary. To save you from all the hassle, we'll handle the planning part and offer that perfect tour for a great price.

Organizing your trip may sound exciting, but you risk missing out on some of the best attractions. By letting us handle the planning, we'll ensure that all the essential stops you need to see and experience during your self-drive tour are included.

Traveling clockwise around the island, against the flow of the regular tourist crowds, you'll have endless opportunities to marvel over the diverse beauty of Iceland. Hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, glacier lagoons, and fascinating geological features are all on your agenda. 

You'll have plenty of time to explore the most famous sites across the Eastfjords, the Golden Circle, and the magnificent North. After booking, you'll receive a detailed itinerary, and you can choose to visit spectacular hidden gems far from any other guests.

As this is a self-drive tour, you get to spend every day exactly as you like, tailoring your experience to the desires of your group.

If you're fascinated by culture and folklore, you'll find many mystical sites and villages around the Ring Road. If you are passionate about wildlife, you can look for puffins, seals, and even reindeer.

If you seek relaxation, you'll find hot springs throughout their journey. You can also add unique and exciting adventures, such as lava caving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and snorkeling.

These extra stops and activities add to why people love this week-long summer road trip, earning high ratings and positive reviews for the tour. It's also one of the easiest tours, perfect for guests of all ages.

The only obligations you have to meet are reaching your countryside hotels each evening and meeting your guides for any tours you add when booking.

As this is a summer tour, you can start sightseeing early and finish late because the sun never sets in Iceland during this season. Considering the freedom of this package, you can spend much of your time exploring after most have retired beneath the light of the Midnight Sun.

Aside from having control and flexibility during the tour, you'll also get the necessary support you may need. Our packages come with a personal travel agent you can contact any time of the day, seven days a week.

After booking, all the details will be organized for you, allowing you to enjoy the build-up to your epic road trip around Iceland without stress. Should you wish to cancel your trip for any reason, you may do so for free and get a full refund 24 hours before departure.

Take advantage of this incredible seven-day summer self-drive to see Iceland's best attractions. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

6 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included. More details below)
Vehicle for 7 days (Toyota Aygo or similar. Upgrades available); all cars are new
CDW insurance for super budget level vehicle; other levels include gravel protection insurance
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Detailed Itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 2 nights
North Iceland is home to many incredible attractions, such as the Hvitserkur rock formation.North Iceland / 1 night
East Iceland is a spectacular region.Eastfjords / 1 night
The Vatnajokull glacier in Southeast Iceland.Southeast Iceland / 1 night
An abandoned house on the Reykjanes Peninsula presents a striking contrast against a lush green landscape.Southwest Iceland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Borg á Mýrum is a church estate in Iceland.Borg á Mýrum
Hvítserkur, aka; “The Troll of North-West Iceland”, is a 15-metre (49ft) high basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay.Hvítserkur
Borgarvirki (Citadel) is both natural and man-made.Borgarvirki
Beautiful flowers can be found in the Kjarnaskogur forest in Iceland.Kjarnaskogur
Godafoss is a beautiful waterfall with ties to Iceland's religious history.Godafoss Waterfall
Lake Myvatn is surrounded by stunning natural beautyMývatn
Asbyrgi Canyon in north Iceland is a centre of folklore and beauty.Ásbyrgi
Dettifoss waterfall in IcelandDettifoss
Borgarfjordur Eystri is a beautiful and remote corner of the East Fjords.Borgarfjörður eystri
Hallormstadaskogar surrounds lake Lagarfjlot.Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hengifoss is Iceland's third highest waterfall.Hengifoss
Vestrahorn is a spectacular mountain, especially under the Northern Lights.Vestrahorn
Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland's most popular and unique attractionsJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The icy diamonds of Diamond BeachDiamond Beach
Skaftafell Nature Preserve can be found in Öræfasveit, the western region of Austur-Skaftafellssýsla in Iceland.Skaftafell
Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve in summer.Svartifoss
Reynisfjara beach and Reynisdrangar cliffs in winterReynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Arial view of Reynisdrangar and Mt. ReynisfjallReynisdrangar
The mighty Skógafoss waterfallSkógafoss
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast of Iceland bathed in the otherworldly light of the midnight sun.Seljalandsfoss
Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland, is birthplace of the country’s parliament.Kerið
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the major stops along the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.Thingvellir
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Snowmobile
Horse Riding
Whale Watching
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Bird watching
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

Car

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Large car

Large car

Category
Large
Transmission
People
Large bags
SUV

SUV

Category
JEEPSUV
Transmission
People
Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Day 1

Day 1 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Arrival Day
  • More

You'll start your holiday once you land at the Keflavik International Airport. After passing through customs, you'll find your rental car waiting.

To get to your hotel in Reykjavik, you will drive for 40 minutes or so along the spectacular Reykjanes Peninsula. With its iconic volcanoes, lunar landscapes, and geothermal springs, you may want to make several detours for an excellent introduction to Iceland's stark nature.

If you do so while booking, you can head to the most famous site on the peninsula, the luxurious Blue Lagoon spa. Its deep blue waters have many healing qualities, providing an alternative way to unwind after a flight than with a relaxing silica mask or sweating it out in a steam room or sauna.

Alternatively, you may focus on exploring Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. It has a thriving culture and picturesque beauty, with a wealth of attractions that appeal to all travelers. It also has an abundance of museums, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Check out the Perlan museum, up on Oskjuhlid hill, to enjoy the best views of the city. Aside from its unique rotating glass dome design, the Perlan also hosts various exhibitions about the natural wonders of Iceland.

Another must-see is the great Hallgrimskirkja church, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Perlan. The church stands 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall and features design elements that draw inspiration from glaciers, mountains, and the hexagonal basalt columns around the Svartifoss waterfall.

Since this is a self-drive tour, your freedom is unlimited. You are also welcome to explore some of the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. 

You may also check out the boutiques and restaurants along the famous Laugavegur main street before retiring for the night in your Reykjavik hotel.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 - North Iceland

Day 2

Day 2 - North Iceland

  • North Iceland
  • More
  • Borg a Myrum church and farm
  • Hvítserkur Rock Stack
  • Borgarvirki basalt strata and ruins
  • Kjarnaskógur
  • More

On day two of your week-long Icelandic holiday, you will depart Reykjavik and explore West Iceland on your way to the north. 

You're welcome to take your time and detour many cultural and natural attractions or drive straight to your primary destination, Akureyri, to explore its many wonders.

Cultural sites in West Iceland include the villages of Borgarnes and Reykholt. The former is home to the Settlement Centre, where you can learn all about the olden days of Iceland and the country's best ice cream parlor.

The latter, meanwhile, was once home to Snorri Sturluson, a legendary writer, historian, and chieftain. You can learn about his medieval works and dramatic life at a local museum. 

In terms of natural attractions, your options are nearly endless. About 47 miles (76 kilometers) from Reykholt is the stunning fjord of Hvalfjordur. It boasts Glymur, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Inland, you can find Deildartunghver, Europe's highest-flowing hot spring. 

The twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are also well worth a visit due to their dramatic contrasts and individual beauty. 

Once you reach North Iceland, you can take a detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula. It is Iceland's premier location for seal-watching. It is also home to the Icelandic Seal Center in the charming village of Hvammstangi.

You can also find the monolith of Hvitserkur off the peninsula's coast. It's a mysterious rock formation with the shape of an elephant protruding from the sea.

Meanwhile, your primary destination is Akureyri. Like Reykjavik, this charming town boasts many boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as well as some stunning architecture and a range of museums. It's also connected to attractions in North Iceland, such as the tiny fishing hamlets on the peninsulas to the north.

Four equally appealing tours are offered if you want to add some adventure to your sightseeing journey.

In West Iceland, you can visit the winding lava cave of Vidgelmir and explore its beautiful depths. Interestingly, Vidgelmir is Iceland's longest cave, measuring 5,200 feet (1,595 meters) long, 52 feet (15.8 meters) high, and 54 feet (16.5 meters) wide.

Alternatively, you can arrange for a monstrous super jeep to guide you up the slopes of Langjokull glacier and enter its ice tunnel. This man-made cave into the ice cap is one-of-a-kind, making this a particularly unique opportunity.

Finally, you can head to the village of Dalvik to experience the unusual Beer Spa. You can enjoy a pint as you bask in warm, young ale before driving to your North Iceland accommodation.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 3 - Eastfjords

Day 3

Day 3 - Eastfjords

  • Eastfjords
  • More
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Lake Myvatn Area
  • Asbyrgi canyon
  • Dettifoss waterfall
  • Borgarfjordur eystri fjord and valley
  • Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
  • More

On the third day of your week-long summer vacation to Iceland, you’ll explore the many wonders of the incredible north. 

Though you can look for attractions that appeal to you, independently embarking on the Diamond Circle sightseeing route is highly recommended. The diversity and beauty of its sites are like no other.

This route focuses on the magnificent Lake Myvatn, about 49 miles (79 kilometers) from Akureyri. It’s a region of serene bodies of water, abundant flora and fauna, and spectacular geology. Rows of craters and incredible lava fortresses, such as Dimmuborgir, stand in contrast to the blooming colors of life in the area.

Despite being such a verdant oasis, Myvatn is surrounded by dramatic, barren landscapes and features. Namaskard Pass is a perfect example of a lifeless plateau littered with furious steam vents. Located 8.6 miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Myvatn, Namaskard Pass’ soil is hot and acidic, creating colorful streaks of red, green, yellow, and orange on the ground.

En route to Myvatn, it’s recommended to stop at another feature of the Diamond Circle, the beautiful and historic Godafoss waterfall. About 33 miles (53 kilometers) from Namaskard Pass, the Godafoss waterfall is worth the drive, especially when you see the water falling from a height of 39 feet (12 meters) with a width of 98 feet (30 meters).

Meanwhile, detouring north before Myvatn will take you to the serene village of Husavik, renowned for being one of the world’s best whale-watching locations.

The last sites of the Diamond Circle are a little further east. Dettifoss is a stark waterfall that pours into an ancient valley with more force than any other in Europe. Asbyrgi, meanwhile, is a forested canyon formed into a perfect horseshoe shape and a paradise for hikers.

After exploring the sites on your North Iceland itinerary, you’ll then follow the Ring Road. You’ll drive through the spectacular scenery of Vatnajokull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching the largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstadir.

To break up your sightseeing, you can visit two incredible geothermal spas today, the Myvatn Nature Baths and the Vok Baths. The Myvatn Nature Baths have many facilities, and its waters boast a reputation for healing qualities akin to the Blue Lagoon. 

Meanwhile, the Vok Baths are immersed in a beautiful lake in East Iceland, providing the perfect place to end your day. 

In the evening, you’ll spend the night in a hotel in East Iceland.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 4 - Southeast Iceland

Day 4

Day 4 - Southeast Iceland

  • Southeast Iceland
  • More
  • Hengifoss
  • Vestrahorn
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • More

On day four of your week in Iceland, you'll traverse a region that few guests manage to reach, the remote and breathtaking Eastfjords.

Though the Ring Road will take you around the magnificent bays, you may detour Egilsstadir to witness the beautiful Borgarfjordur Eystri, among other attractions along off-the-beaten tracks.

Before heading to the coast, check out some incredible attractions around the town, such as Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest, and the mysterious Lake Lagarfljot. 

The Hallormsstadaskogur forest is about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Egilsstadir. It covers an impressive 285 square miles (740 square kilometers) filled with trees, hiking trails, and dynamic wildlife.

Meanwhile, Lake Lagarfljot is a famous fishing spot surrounded by natural beauty. It's also known for its folklore, claiming the lake is where the Lagarfljot Wyrm, a mysterious beast lives. The beast is believed to be the cousin of the Loch Ness monster and is the one disrupting Lake Lagarfjlot's surface.

As you drive over mountain passes and on narrow coastal roads, you'll be overwhelmed by the sheer majesty of this region. The sparkling bays, dramatic peaks, minuscule villages, and the sparsity of other guests all add to its appeal. 

Furthermore, you'll likely see many seabirds nesting on the cliffs and seals on the beaches, highlighting the Eastfjords' abundant wildlife. Interestingly, this is also the only part of Iceland where herds of wild reindeer roam free. 

As you come to the end of the Eastfjords, be sure to admire the striking mountains of Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn. Though not as popular as other Icelandic mountains, Eystrahorn has some exciting features only a few mountains have.

The mountain is made up of gabbro, a dark and jagged lava rock rich in iron and magnesium. It's difficult to climb Eystrahorn because of its steep gravel slopes. However, watching it stand 2,480 feet (756 meters) tall from the Krossasnesfjall mountain range is worth the drive.

As for Vestrahorn, it's also made with gabbro rock like Eystrahorn, giving its dark and jagged appearance. It is 1,490 feet (454 meters) tall and stands separately from other mountains in nearby Vatnajokull National Park.

After another full day of sightseeing, you'll drive toward a hotel in the country's southeast and stay there for the night.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 5 - Southwest Iceland

Day 5

Day 5 - Southwest Iceland

  • Southwest Iceland
  • More
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
  • Skogafoss waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • More

On day five, you will travel across the magnificent South Coast, a region full of natural wonders. 

There could be no better introduction to this area than the first attraction, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Located between one of the many tongues of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, and the ocean, this lake is filled with breathtakingly beautiful icebergs. 

Colored vivid blues, gleaming whites, and streaked with black ash from past eruptions, many of these icebergs are as large as multistorey buildings. To get a more intimate experience at this unbelievable place, you can take a boat tour into the lagoon on an amphibious vessel or a zodiac.

When the icebergs break up small enough to pass through a narrow channel to the sea, they wash onto the black sand shoreline of Diamond Beach. Before continuing along the South Coast, it is highly recommended to take a walk along the beach and be mesmerized by how the icebergs glitter. 

The next site on the route is Skaftafell, a nature reserve with an abundance of attractions. Many hiking routes connect the sites, including glacier tongues and the famous waterfall of Svartifoss.

If you elect to do so while booking, you can enjoy a hike on one of the glacial outlets. Equipped in all safety gear necessary, you’ll ascend the beautiful Svinafellsjokull glacier and marvel over its fascinating formations, plunging crevasses, and spectacular views.

The next major attraction you’ll visit on the South Coast is Reynisfjara, another black sand beach. Reynisfjara is renowned for its haunting beauty, powerful waves, and coastal geology. 

Most notable are the twin sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. Legend says the stacks were created when two trolls were caught in the sun while pulling a ship to shore.

Next to Reynisfjara is another incredible coastal site, the enormous rock arch of Dyrholaey. Though beautiful throughout the year, it’s particularly worth visiting in summer when thousands of puffins nest in its rocks.

The final three foremost attractions of the South Coast are equally spectacular waterfalls. The first and most powerful is the Skogafoss waterfall, falling from a 197-foot (60-meter) cliff in a spectacular cascade. 

Next is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is just as tall but much more serene and has a path that fully encircles it. 

Last but not least is the Gljufrabui waterfall. It’s unique because it’s not visible from the Ring Road and is thus often overlooked. Moreover, it pours over a great boulder into a fairytale-like grotto, requiring a short walk through a narrow gorge to reach.

After a thrilling exploration of the South Coast, your accommodation for the evening will be in the area.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 6 - Reykjavík

Day 6

Day 6 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Kerid Crater
  • Gullfoss waterfall
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • More

On the sixth day of your adventure in Iceland, you'll visit the three spectacular sites that make the Golden Circle the country's most famous sightseeing route.

The first is Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall with incredible power and majestic beauty. It is also a monument to Iceland's environmental history, having been saved by the daughter of a local farmer from being turned into a power plant. In summer, walkways lead up to its lip, allowing you to feel the spray against your face.

Next is the Geysir geothermal area, about 5.6 miles (nine kilometers) from the Gullfoss waterfall. The area is home to the explosive Strokkur geyser. While waiting a few minutes for Strokkur to erupt, there are many hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots to marvel over.

Finally, you'll drive to Thingvellir, one of Iceland's three National Parks. Framed between the edges of two visible tectonic plates, separating Europe and North America. This spectacular place has many trails leading to ravines, springs, forests, a small waterfall, and some of the country's most important historical sites.

Traveling around the Golden Circle, you can embark on one of two classic Icelandic adventures. The first is a snorkeling tour within the crystal clear spring water of the Silfra ravine in the Thingvellir National Park. Equipped with a drysuit, you'll explore between two continents in an underwater world of vivid blue. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The second is a snowmobiling excursion. From the car park at Gullfoss, you'll board a super jeep that'll take you up the slopes of Langjokull glacier. Once on its gleaming surface, you'll embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure amid spectacular views.

After following the Golden Circle trail and embarking on a thrilling tour, you can head to Reykjavik to explore Iceland's cultural capital. If you prefer spending more time with nature, there are several attractions around the sightseeing route that many guests overlook, such as Kerid crater lake and the Secret Lagoon.

After conquering the Golden Circle, you'll spend the final night of your week-long vacation in Iceland in Reykjavik.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 7 - Reykjavík

Day 7

Day 7 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krýsuvík
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

On the final day of your summer holiday in Iceland, you’ll return your car to the Keflavik International Airport in time to catch your flight. However, if you have a late departure, you can make the most of Reykjavik and enjoy more of its art, architecture, and other attractions.

Otherwise, you can use the last hours with your vehicle to visit some of the beautiful natural attractions around the city. The Reykjanes Peninsula, Mount Esjan, and the Reykjadalur hot spring valley are all beautiful places you can explore in half a day.

If you didn’t visit the Blue Lagoon on the day you arrived, you can schedule it just before departure. Considering how much action you packed into the last week, you’ll be grateful for the rejuvenating qualities of the healing waters and spa facilities.

We wish you a safe flight home and hope you’ll visit Iceland again soon!

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Experiences

What to bring

Driver's License
Swimsuit
Camera
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 be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time.

Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Snorkeling 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.

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