Incredible 3-Day Guided Driving Golden Circle and South Coast Tour from Reykjavik

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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Fossháls 15, Reykjavík, Iceland
Duration
3 days
Ending place
Fossháls 15, Reykjavík, Iceland
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Mar. - Dec.
Minimum age
5 years old

Description

Discover Iceland’s top attractions and hidden gems on this three-day guided self-drive tour. Travelers keen to explore the Golden Circle route, plus South Coast waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers, should book this multi-day sightseeing tour now.

Your three-day tour begins with a pick-up from your Reykjavik accommodation. A driver will transport you from your hotel to the tour operator’s headquarters in Reykjavik, where the tour departs.

This excursion is a guided self-drive tour for up to four people. You’ll get the chance to drive a modified 4x4 vehicle with the luxury of an experienced local tour leader to guide you each step of the way. 

The price is per vehicle for four people. Your guide will lead a convoy of between one and five cars, so there could be up to 20 people on this tour. It’s an excellent way to meet other travelers yet still enjoy the private element of traveling in your own vehicle.

Each group will be given a modified 4x4 vehicle at the tour operator’s Reykjavik headquarters. Drivers must ensure they have a valid license.

When everyone is ready, the groups will leave in a convoy headed by the experienced tour guide.

On day one, you’ll visit the three major attractions along Iceland’s most popular driving route, the Golden Circle. Get ready to marvel at awe-inspiring natural wonders at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

After an epic first day of sightseeing, you’ll drive to your South Iceland accommodation. This tour includes two nights in a double or twin room with a private bathroom and breakfast included. You’ll also get lunch on days one to three and dinner on days one and two.

Day two starts with a nourishing breakfast before heading off to discover the natural treasures of the South Coast. Today you’ll visit the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vik village, and a picturesque landscape east of the Myrdalsjokull glacier before retiring at your accommodation nearby.

On the final day of this epic tour, you’ll drive back to Reykjavik, stopping at more top destinations and lesser-known treasures. The itinerary will vary based on the season and road conditions and will include beautiful nature locations, like waterfalls, beaches, and mountains.

Throughout the tour, your group will aim to visit any popular attractions before or after the crowds. This unique experience allows you to check off several bucket list sites while traversing remote backcountry roads unknown to the average traveler.

If you want to ensure you see Iceland’s top attractions yet also enjoy an off-the-beaten-track experience, then this tour is for you. Each day you’ll take short hikes around the areas you visit for the ultimate nature immersion.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the Golden Circle and South Coast over three days as part of a guided self-drive tour in a small convoy. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Modified 4x4 vehicle for four people (one group)
Return transfer from hotel to tour operator's headquarters in Reykjavik
Double or twin room accommodation for two nights with breakfast and private bathroom
Lunch on days one to three
Dinner on days one and two
English-speaking guide

Activities

Sightseeing
Self drive

Daily itinerary

Day 1
The Strokkur geyser is the show's star at the Geysir geothermal area on the Golden Circle.

Day 1 - Golden Circle Attractions

Day one of your exciting three-day sightseeing tour begins with a pick-up from your Reykjavik accommodation. A driver will take you to the tour operator’s city headquarters, where the excursion starts.

From there, you’ll meet the tour guide and others on tour. Each group will collect their modified 4x4 vehicle, fitting up to four people (or five if the fifth is a child).

Then it’s time for the convoy of vehicles to depart the city, headed by an expert tour guide. This guided self-drive tour offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the freedom of private transport and the fun of a group setting.

Today you’ll visit Iceland’s top attractions along the country’s most popular driving route, the Golden Circle.

First up is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Icelandic people and is a gorgeous attraction to kickstart an epic vacation.

The Icelandic parliament, the Althingi, was founded at Thingvellir in 930 AD. It’s also the only place you can walk between two tectonic plates globally. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shift a little further apart here every year, a fascinating fact to ponder.

The second Golden Circle attraction is the Geysir geothermal area. Its name comes from the Great Geysir, a currently dormant geyser that inspired the name for all others. Although Geysir lies quietly, you’ll witness the Strokkur geyser regularly erupting in a magnificent display, so ensure your camera is ready.

The Gullfoss waterfall is the day’s final attraction, boasting size, power, and beauty. It cascades into a canyon on the Hvita river and often features a rainbow on sunny days.

After visiting some of the country’s top attractions, you’ll drive to your South Iceland accommodation to spend the night.

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Day 2
The South Coast is full of diverse natural wonders from glaciers to waterfalls, beaches, and canyons.

Day 2 - South Coast Beaches and Villages

After a hearty breakfast on day two, you’ll head off in a convoy to explore some of the most breathtaking locations on the South Coast.

First, the guide will lead you to Reynisfjara, possibly Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. You’ll arrive early in the day to beat the crowds at this much-loved destination.

Reynisfjara boasts a dramatic coastline of sea stacks, crashing waves, and towering basalt columns. The sea stacks are called Reynisdrangar, which legend says are trolls who turned to rock.

While here, you can take time to marvel at the dramatic basalt columns lining the shore. These uniform-looking columns vary in size and form when lava cools and contracts, creating a visual masterpiece.

Next, you’ll visit the nearby village of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost mainland settlement. Vik is quaint and scenic, and you’ll also see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from here. Your tour includes lunch daily, so Vik is a likely spot for your group to stop for a meal.

Your guide will lead you to a little-visited area called Myrdalssandur, east of the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It’s an excellent spot to immerse yourself in nature, away from the crowds. Take the opportunity to capture images of the rugged landscape, from rocky hills to gentle streams.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore Myrdalssandur and appreciate your surroundings before heading to your nearby accommodation for the night. 

The South Coast offers spectacular northern lights viewing opportunities. Your rural accommodation is far from city lights for unobstructed aurora views. So, if you’re traveling during winter and the conditions are right, you may want to try your hand at northern lights hunting this evening.

Summer travelers can make the most of the midnight sun. Extended daylight hours mean you can fit more into your day and stay out long into the evenings.

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Day 3
On the final day of your three-day guided self-drive tour, you'll head back to Reykjavik, stopping at beautiful South Coast attractions along the way.

Day 3 - Sightseeing on the Road to Reykjavik

You’ll start day three with a delicious breakfast before starting the drive to Reykjavik. Today’s itinerary is flexible to reflect the season and weather conditions. No matter what time of year you travel, you’ll enjoy another day of breathtaking natural attractions.

Summer travelers can take a remote road through the Highlands. Your 4x4 vehicle can easily traverse streams and bumpy roads, allowing you to visit fantastic locations north of the Myrdalsjokull glacier.

Your guide can lead you to places like Holmsarfossar, a pristine waterfall surrounded by moss-covered hills. 

You could also see the Maelifell volcano, an awe-inspiring green cone-shaped mountain amid a black volcanic landscape with glaciers looming beyond. 

Maelifell is a perfect example of an attraction reserved for those only with an appropriate 4x4 vehicle. Your expert guide will lead you across the best route to get there, a challenging feat for independent travelers who don’t know the roads or trails well.

Winter travelers will take a road south of Myrdalsjokull glacier. This route brings the opportunity to see other beautiful sites, such as the Hjorleifshofdi mountain peak.

Hjorleifshofdi is a massive rock formation on the coast. It boasts ample opportunities for exploration, with grassy hiking trails on top, a cave, and a black sand beach below.

Your guide can also lead you to Seljalandsfoss, one of the South Coast’s most-loved waterfalls. This unique waterfall has a path encircling it, which you can walk around for superb views from every angle. Ensure you have your rain gear and shoes with good grip to enjoy the experience fully.

After an unforgettable three days, you’ll finish the tour in Reykjavik in the late afternoon. You’ll drop the vehicle at the tour operator’s headquarters, say goodbye to fellow travelers, and then a driver will take you back to your accommodation.

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What to bring

Warm, waterproof clothes
Good walking shoes
Drivers must bring their license
Phone charger for cigarette outlet or battery pack

Good to know

The price is based on four people per vehicle. Please select the number of people at checkout.

The guide will lead a convoy of up to five vehicles, so there may be up to 20 people on this tour. Radios are used to communicate between vehicles while driving.

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