2-Day Golden Circle Road Trip
Description
Summary
Description
Dive into a two-day adventure through Iceland's renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route with this concise self-drive tour from Keflavik International Airport. Those eager to witness the island's breathtaking natural beauty within a short timeframe should book this magical trip now.
Your journey starts with a car collection at Keflavik Airport, where your new, Wi-Fi-enabled rental car, complete with CDW insurance, awaits. For a tranquil start, consider an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where serene waters offer a moment of relaxation and awe amid the volcanic landscapes.
The road then leads you to Reykjavik, a city where the old meets the new, creating a vibrant atmosphere ready to be explored. Amble through its streets to uncover a mix of historic landmarks, contemporary art, bustling cafes, and local shops. The picturesque views of the city, complemented by the backdrop of mountains and the sea, provide an idyllic setting.
You'll spend the night in a comfortable Reykjavik hotel.
On the second day, the famed Golden Circle driving route beckons. Here, the geysers' eruptive displays, powerful waterfalls, and a landscape carved by history and geology await. Each landmark, including the Geysir geothermal area, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park, invites exploration and admiration.
Enhance your Golden Circle experience with optional activities. Venture into the underwater world with a snorkeling experience at Thingvellir, unveiling the island's aquatic beauty. For a dash of adrenaline, a snowmobiling expedition or a ride on a monster truck promises a thrilling exploration of the icy terrains.
The gentle pace of horse riding offers a contrast, allowing you to absorb the landscape's serene beauty intimately. A zipline adventure adds an aerial perspective, while a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana introduces you to the soothing warmth of geothermal baths amidst stunning vistas.
Every traveler receives a detailed itinerary with their booking, offering the comfort of a well-planned journey alongside the freedom to explore. Our travel agents, available any time of day, ensure your trip is smooth and enriched with local insights.
There's no need for intricate planning or extensive preparation. With this self-drive tour, you gain a well-crafted route, favorable prices, and the flexibility to explore and indulge in the enchantments of Iceland as you please.
Other travelers love this express tour, highlighting the combination of iconic sights, cozy accommodation for one night, optional activities, and the autonomy to explore. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds to the ease, making your booking decision as stress-free as the journey itself.
As you return your car at the airport, reflections of the mesmerizing landscapes and enriched experiences accompany you. In just two days, the jewels of Reykjavik and the Golden Circle become cherished memories.
Don't miss the chance to book this express two-day self-drive tour exploring Reykjavik and the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. Check availability now by choosing a date.
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Day 1 – Reykjavík
- Reykjavík - Arrival day
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Your journey begins when you arrive at Keflavik International Airport. A sleek, Wi-Fi-equipped rental car, complete with CDW insurance, is ready for your trip.
The renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a haven of tranquility nestled amidst expansive black lava fields and serene landscapes, invites you for an optional yet immersive experience. It’s a world where relaxation and the awe of nature combine, offering a perfect start to your Icelandic journey.
Alternatively, head to the Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of Reykjavik. Visiting the Sky Lagoon offers a serene escape into nature while immersing yourself in geothermal waters with breathtaking ocean views.
The seven-step Skjol spa ritual, inspired by Icelandic traditions, includes a cold plunge, steam room, and body scrub, providing a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. With its stunning infinity pool and modern facilities, Sky Lagoon blends luxury with Iceland's natural beauty for an unforgettable wellness retreat.
If you book premium "Ser" tickets, you'll get private changing rooms.
Your exploration then leads you to Reykjavik, a city pulsating with life, culture, and stunning vistas. Hallgrimskirkja church towers over the cityscape, a beacon of architectural innovation, while the Old Harbor, with its rustic charm, brims with delightful cafes and eclectic shops. Every street and corner of Reykjavik is adorned with art, lending a creative touch to the city’s vibrant energy.
In the heart of Reykjavik, additional optional experiences await. You might explore the city’s iconic landmarks aboard a hop-on, hop-off bus, delving into its rich tapestry of culture and history.
The Reykjavik city card opens doors to many museums and galleries and public transport, offering an insightful journey into the city’s soul.
Those seeking an aerial perspective can embark on a helicopter tour, soaring over the city’s picturesque landscapes and architectural marvels.
Landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall also beckon, each telling its tale of Reykjavik’s artistic and cultural evolution. The city boasts numerous experiences, from the serene ambiance of its parks to the historical narratives inside its museums.
If culinary delights are your calling, a food walk through Reykjavik offers a sensory explosion. Or, the exhilarating experience of a whale-watching tour unveils the majestic beauty of the sea’s inhabitants.
As the day winds down, your accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik awaits. Comfort and relaxation are the order of the evening, preparing you for the next day’s journey into the mesmerizing landscapes of the iconic Golden Circle. Every moment is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of your Icelandic adventure.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 2 – Southwest Iceland
- Southwest Iceland - Departure day
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Kerid Crater
- Kleifarvatn
- Krysuvik
- Gunnuhver
- More
Your second day promises an immersion into the iconic attractions of the Golden Circle, a route renowned for its natural beauty, historical sites, and geological wonders. As you set out from Reykjavik, anticipation and excitement color every moment.
You might first stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical and geological significance. It's a place where tectonic plates meet, and Viking history echoes. The landscapes, marked by rift valleys, stunning vistas, and silhouetted mountains, paint a scene of awe-inspiring beauty.
The journey continues to the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall. Witness nature's raw power and majesty as waters plunge into the deep gorge, creating a spectacle of mist and rainbows.
Not far off, the Geysir geothermal area presents a dance of spouting hot springs. Strokkur steals the spotlight, erupting at regular intervals.
Amid this natural spectacle are several opportunities for extra adventure. The crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure offer an optional snorkeling experience, inviting adventurers to float between two continents.
For thrill-seekers, an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure or a monster truck ride across the enchanting landscapes beckons. These excursions offer unbeatable views, and adrenaline rushes. A serene horse riding experience promises a different pace and an intimate connection with Icelandic nature.
Alternatively, zip-lining through the ravines and over rivers presents yet another perspective of the Golden Circle's enchanting terrains.
A pause at Laugarvatn Fontana is the perfect place for relaxation. It's a geothermal bath in the heart of the Icelandic countryside, where warmth, wellness, and scenic views blend into a soul-soothing experience.
As the day's adventures end, you'll go to Keflavik International Airport in plenty of time for your flight home. Every curve and bend of the road holds memories of two unforgettable days. The untethered freedom, the iconic sights, and the optional adventures all weave into the narrative of your express Icelandic journey.
Experiences
What to bring
Good to know
Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Please know that your itinerary may be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
Please note that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
Prerequisites for the optional snorkeling tour:
Be at minimum 4’9 (145cm) tall/maximum 6’7 (200cm) tall
Be at minimum 99 lbs (45kg) / maximum 264 lbs (120kg)
Be able to swim and be comfortable in the water
Be physically fit
Not pregnant
Be at least 12 years of age
Not wear glasses. Please use contact lenses when joining us on tour.
Please note that you might have to turn in a physician's allowance to participate in this tour if you have any neurological, circulatory, or respiratory problems or underlying diseases, battled any illnesses, or have any physical problems. If you are over 45 and partake/have partaken in pipe smoking or heavy alcohol intake, you might need a medical waiver. You need a medical waiver if you are over 65 years of age. Please contact the operator for further information and application papers.
Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar.
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