Summer 4-Day Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & South Coast
Description
Summary
Description
Join this four-day summer self-drive tour of Iceland's most incredible attractions, from the world-famous Golden Circle to the wondrous terrains of the South Coast. This is the perfect adventure for those who want to experience Iceland's very best attractions in a short time under the longer daylight hours of the midnight sun.
Forget about the stress and hassle of planning your trip to the land of fire and ice. With this all-inclusive self-drive tour package, a team of local travel experts takes care of your travel needs from arrival to departure.
Upon booking, you'll receive a personal itinerary to experience Iceland's best spots and the hidden retreats only the locals know about. Fortunately, there is still room to personalize your trip if you want to spend more time in one location and skip another. You are behind the wheel with no tour guides or groups of travelers rushing you.
Furthermore, all lodgings in the tour are provided, always with an ensuite bathroom and a full continental breakfast. Other inclusions are car rental for four days with free Wi-Fi, CDW insurance, and a personal travel agent you can contact anytime.
After you arrive in the country, you can choose to have a rejuvenating soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon Spa before journeying to Europe's most northerly capital city, Reykjavik. Bathing in the tranquil azure waters of the Blue Lagoon amid a volcanic landscape is the perfect way to start your trip to Iceland.
Next, you'll journey into Iceland's famous Golden Circle, where you'll see a range of fantastic sites. These include the dramatic landscape of Thingvellir National Park, the towering spouting geyser called Strokkur, and one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls, Gullfoss.
Then, you'll adventure down the Ring Road through the diverse plains of Iceland's South Coast. You'll witness waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, rolling hills, quaint towns, and coasts. Among the most notable stops are the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Skogafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
The wide variety of attractions and spectacular spots make Iceland's South Coast one of the best parts of the country to visit on a shorter trip.
There are also plenty of other extra activities you can add to your trip to enjoy some incredible experiences.
You can take a snorkeling tour in Silfra fissures between two continents or scale an ice cap on a glacier hike. You can descend into a unique blue ice cave, zoom across Langjokull glacier on a snowmobile, or ride one of the charming Icelandic horses.
In the event of unforeseen emergencies and changes in your travel plans, fret not, as you can cancel your booking 24 hours before departure and receive full refund.
Treat yourself to an incredible trip in Iceland with this four-day summer self-drive tour. Check availability now by choosing a date.
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Day 1 – Reykjavík
- Reykjavík - Arrival day
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Welcome to Iceland! Once you've got your bags, collect your car at the airport in Keflavik and head towards the capital city, where you'll find your accommodations for the night.
En route to Reykjavik, you’ll drive a scenic route of 31 miles (50 kilometers) in the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is the perfect introduction you can have to Iceladn’s diverse terrain. The peninsula features lava landscapes, stunning coasts, and geothermal fields.
The most famous attraction in Reykjanes is the Blue Lagoon, and you could choose to make a stop here. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It is located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.
If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. There is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula if you have extra free time.
When you arrive in Reykjavik, you can start exploring the city. Visit some of Reykjavik's many museums, shops, and restaurants, or walk around, enjoying the warm rays of the midnight sun.
To check off the most popular landmarks in the country from your bucket list, you can stroll around downtown Reykjavik. Some are in the city center, primarily accessible by a short walk.
For example, you can begin by visiting Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland. Its tower reaches 244 feet (74.5 meters) and boasts unique architecture inspired by the basaltic landscapes of the countryside. While on the church tower or hill, you’ll also get a panoramic view of the city to the coast.
The Sky Lagoon is an option for those who did not book the Blue Lagoon. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a serene geothermal spa with breathtaking ocean views. Its highlight is the seven-step Skjol bathing ritual, designed for ultimate relaxation. Guests can choose standard entry or upgrade to a premium option with private changing rooms
Your accommodation tonight will be in the city to prepare you for the next day’s drive.
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Experiences
Day 2 – Southwest Iceland
- Southwest Iceland
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Kerid Crater
- More
After spending a little time in Reykjavik, it is time to hit the road. Drive past the Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant. This scenic route is surrounded by mountains that fade away as you reach Iceland's biggest lake, Thingvallavatn.
You have now entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament.
The park is nestled in a valley located between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart. As they move, they tear up huge ravines and fissures. One of those fissures, Silfra, is located in Thingvallavatn lake. It is filled with crystal clear water, providing exceptional visibility of up to 328 feet (100 meters), making it the perfect spot for snorkeling.
If you think you'd enjoy exploring the crystalline waters of the fissure and swimming between the continents, then you can opt for a snorkeling tour in Silfra today. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
The Great Geysir hot spring, along with its bursting sidekick, Strokkur, is not far away from the Thingvellir National Park. Although Geysir no longer vents as it once did, Strokkur still erupts approximately every five to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water 66 feet (20 meters) high into the sky.
Right next door is the most famous waterfall in Iceland, Gullfoss. Here, you can stroll down to the fall's edge and get a sense of the river's power as it plummets down a narrow canyon.
If you are eager for more excitement, take an optional snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier and be picked up from Gullfoss waterfall. You can also choose to take a horse-riding tour on this day.
Next, you can head back to the main road and stop at the Kerid volcanic crater, where a rainbow of colors dazzles the eye. The rusty red hues of the volcanic rock contrast with the clear blue-green water of the serene lake sheltered within.
Spend the night in the peaceful area of Southwest Iceland.
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Day 3 – Reykjavík
- Reykjavík
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Solheimajokull Glacier
- Dyrholaey
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
- More
On the penultimate day of your summer adventure in Iceland, you will explore the spectacular South Coast. This region, framed by the raging waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, is crisscrossed by diverse natural features.
Start the day by driving to the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss and its lesser-known neighbor, Gljufrabui. With water cascading down from a height of 197 feet (60 meters), Seljalandsfoss is a sight to behold. With the walkable narrow cave behind its water curtain, you can get an alternate view of its magnificence.
A few minutes down the road is the mighty waterfall of Skogafoss and the Skogar Folk Museum, where you can find a great exhibition about the countryside's history.
The Skogafoss waterfall drops from the same height as Seljalandsfoss, but with a broader mouth of 82 feet (25 meters). With luck on your side and a sunny weather, you can expect to see a double rainbow above its heavy mist.
Today, you can also try a glacier hike tour on the Solheimajokull ice cap or snowmobiling on the glacier Myrdalsjokull. You'll also have the option of exploring a unique and stunning ice cave on the glacier Myrdalsjokull, the only one of its kind accessible all year round.
Your last stop will be the breathtaking black beach of Reynisfjara and the tranquil village of Vik. Explore the beach and the eerie cliff of basalt columns, but beware of the dangerous waves that can easily sweep you from the shore and carry you out to sea.
You'll get a great view of Reynisdrangar cliffs from the village of Vik before returning to Reykjavik, where you can explore the city late in the evening as the midnight sun lights up your surroundings.
Wander through this quirky capital with its culture, food, and nightlife. Your last night in Iceland will be in an accommodation in downtown Reykjavik.
Accommodation
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Day 4 – Reykjavík
- Reykjavík - Departure day
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- Kleifarvatn
- Krysuvik
- Gunnuhver
- More
Today is your last day in the land of fire and ice.
If you have an early flight, you can drive straight to the Keflavik International Airport, return your car, and board your flight home.
On the other hand, if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, you can still add a few sightseeing or cultural activities to your experience.
Spend the day getting to know Reykjavik and do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your flight home. If you have time in the morning or early afternoon, you might have some time for an adventure or two.
You can hike up the tower at Hallgrimskirkja church to get a fantastic view of the city. Just across the street is a beautiful sculpture garden where you can walk around the many statues crafted by artist Einar Jonsson.
Nearby is another architectural wonder called the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. The building has over 700 glass panels inspired by Iceland's northern lights phenomenon and other natural landscapes. It is also the perfect place to see cultural events like concerts, theater plays, festivals, and more.
If the sun is out, you can even go sunbathing on golden sands on this island in the North Atlantic. At Nautholsvik beach near the city center, hot, geothermal water is pumped into a man-made lagoon, creating the perfect temperature for bathing.
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.
We wish you a pleasant journey if you have an early flight back home.
Experiences
What to bring
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.
For the snorkeling tour, participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.
Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar.
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