Wonders Around Iceland. 10-Day Self-Drive Tour

Discover a variety of regions and landscapes around Iceland during this 10-day self-drive tour along with the famous Ring Road with a detour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This moderate journey will take you to the best places along the round trip to the two largest cities of Iceland, harsh volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, vast lava fields, black sand beaches, tiny fishing villages, and massive glaciers, as well as the main attractions of the Golden Circle route.

Highlights

  • Scroll around Iceland along the Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • Explore Reykjavik museums, cultural places, and culinary spots
  • Take a whale-watching tour from Husavik, the best place for whale seeing in the country
  • Enjoy stunning landscapes, cool activities and visit most of the best places in Iceland
Travel Style
Self-Driving Tour
Availability May-October, Daily
Tour Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Brief Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival at KEF Airport. Transfer to Reykjavik
Day 2. Golden Circle and South Coast | Hotel in Vik
Day 3. South-East Coast. Glaciers and Icebergs | Hotel in Höfn
Day 4. East Fjords and Egilsstadir | Hotel in Egilsstadir
Day 5. From Egilsstadir to Myvatn Lake | Hotel at Mývatn Lake
Day 6. Diamond Circle Route | Hotel in Akureyri
Day 7. Explore North Iceland and Arctic Coast Way | Laugarbakki
Day 8. Mysterious Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Hotel at Budir or Hellnar
Day 9. West Iceland, Return to Reykjavik | Hotel in Reykjavik
Day 10. Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Departure
Included in price
  • Accommodation (comfort/quality) for 9 nights
  • Breakfast at accommodation places
  • Rental car with unlimited mileage and CDW
  • Two authorized drivers assigned
  • Wi-Fi and GPS Navigator with the rental car
  • Detailed itinerary for the trip
  • Road map with the route marked in
  • 24/7 Emergency services by phone
  • Taxes, Service fee, and VAT
Not included
  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gasoline for the trip
  • Driving-related fees
  • Food and drinks, if not specified
  • Any services not listed above as “Included”

Optional Extras

  • Optional activities fitted to the itinerary of the tour

Tour Pricing

The indicated price per person is based on four adults sharing two double rooms during the shoulder tourist season and using a mid-size car type (Toyota RAV4 WD or similar) for the trip. Please send us a tour request to clarify the price for your group.

Reserve Now & Pay Later
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Day 1. Arrive at Reykjavik and Explore Downtown

After you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, our guide will meet you and provide you with a private transfer to Reykjavik (approx. 1 hour). After checking into the hotel, you can explore the city center on your own or relax at the hotel after your flight and change of time zones.

Things to do in Reykjavik:

  • Stroll through the compact center of Reykjavik to enjoy the charm of the city
  • Head to the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa concert hall with its glass architecture
  • Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church on the hill and take the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Reykjavik neighborhoods.
  • If the weather is inclement, visit several museums such as the Northern Lights Center, the Saga Museum, the Maritime Museum, or the Icelandic Whale Exhibition.

Driving distance 50 km/32 miles. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Day 2. Golden Circle and South Coast

Pick up your car in the morning and hit the road. Drive through Reykjavik to the Golden Circle route. The first stop along the way will be Thingvellir National Park, which served as the seat of parliament for centuries, from the early Viking settlers to the late 18th century. The park is also a geologically significant place where you can see the divergence of the American and European tectonic plates.

Next, travel to Haukadalur, the Valley of Geysers, where the Strokkur spews a mixture of hot water and steam into the air every 5-10 minutes up to 30 meters (100 feet); other hot springs in the area are quiet but colorful.

One of the main attractions on the way will be the Gullfoss waterfall, the second biggest in Iceland, with two cascades of 11 and 22 meters (36 and 72 feet) water falling into the gorge.

We advise you to visit the Fridheimar greenhouse for lunch, an excellent example of Icelandic gardening. It is open to the public, and you can enjoy an amazing meal in the restaurant surrounded by tomatoes.

Lastly, head to Secret Lagoon, a natural pool, to take a dip and relax in the warm water at the end of the day. After the lagoon, move to Hella or Hvoslvollur for an overnight stay.

Driving distance 220 km/137 miles. Overnight stay in Hella or Hvolsvollur.

Day 3. South-East Coast. Glaciers and Icebergs

On this day, travel to the South Coast and drive through the lowlands to your first stop, the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most famous in Iceland. It is 63m/210ft high and offers fantastic walks along the path behind the falls. Here, you can find another waterfall called Gljufrabui, 40m/140ft high, falling into the gorge.

Then drive along with the farms of the Eyjafjoll area and arrive at the mighty Skogafoss falls, descending over 60m/200ft with water flowing from the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. This majestic waterfall is one of the most visited places in Iceland, and for a good reason.

Continue to Dyrholaey, a rocky headland that slopes into the ocean in the southernmost part of the country, and continue to Reynisfjara Beach, considered the most impressive black sand beach in Iceland. Here you will find unique vertical basalt columns and Reynisdrangar rocks in the water.

Visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon, the magnificent and massive canyon, about 100m/320ft deep and about two kilometers long. After walking through the canyon, head to Kirkjubaejarklaustur for an overnight stay.

Driving distance 205km / 125 miles. Overnight stay in Kirkjubaerjarklaustur.

Day 4. East Fjords and Egilsstadir

Today you will explore Iceland’s southeastern coast. In the morning, head to Skaftafell Park, where you can choose from several hiking trails. The most popular trail (1.5 hours) leads to Svartifoss, a slender waterfall surrounded by vertical basalt columns. You can also join a glacier hike (3-4 hours) from Skaftafell Park.

Before reaching the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, make a stop at the smaller glacial lagoon, Fjallsarlon. Here you will get much closer to the glacier, and you will have a better view of all cracks and crevices.

Next, visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most unique landmarks, with icebergs of all shapes from white to blue floating across the lagoon. We recommend that you take a Zodiac or Amphibian boat tour (May-October) in the lagoon to get closer to the glacier and icebergs in the water.

From the glacier lagoon, continue to Hofn and then to the East Fjords, winding along the coastline to the village of Djupivogur. On the way, you can stop at the Hvalnes Nature Reserve and take a short walk on the black stone beach to find swans and other birds that are often abundant in the calm waters at the foot of the cliffs.

Then arrive at Djupivogur village located on the bank of the Berufjordur fjord, where you can take a short walk (20 min) along the coast to the cliff-top lighthouse and enjoy beautiful views of the entire fjord.

Driving distance approx. 310 km. Overnight in Djupivogur.

Day 5. From Egilsstadir to Myvatn Lake

Depart in the morning towards the village of Egilsstadir. You can choose one of the routes, along the ring road, and visit the Petra Stone Museum in Stødvafjordur, or take Route 95 and take a short walk to the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, Hengifoss (128 m/410 ft ).

Upon arrival in Egilsstadir, you can take a short city tour and have lunch. Next, head to Lake Myvatn, through the mountain pass and the barren land of Medrudalur, which will take about 2 hours.

Pass the Krafla Power Station and stop at the Viti crater, part of the Krafla volcanic system. This crater is filled in the bottom with a bright blue lake. Then stop at Namafjall, an orange/yellow mountain south of Namaskard – hovering above the geothermal area Hverarond (Hverir). This area is sometimes called Hell’s Kitchen due to the boiling and steaming hot pots and the strong smell of sulfur in the air coming from all surrounding steam and fumarole gas, amongst them hydrogen sulfide.

Explore the surrounding of Myvatn lake and stop at the Jardbodin Nature Baths to relax in the warm waters there.

Driving distance 370 km. Overnight stay at Myvatn Lake.

Day 6. Diamond Circle and Whale Watching

The Diamond Circle route awaits you today to introduce you to its sights. Start a day with a drive around Lake Myvatn, home to Iceland’s largest number of volcanic and geothermal attractions. First, visit the Skutustadir pseudocraters, which formed when hot lava flowed through a wet swamp, causing steam explosions.

Then take an hour-long walk at the large, mysterious Dimmuborgir lava formations formed by cooling the lava flows after the eruption. You can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to over 1 hour walking along the forested paths that will lead you to the unique rock formations along the route.

Then continue your drive to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. This monstrous waterfall on the Jokulsa a Fjollum flows from the Vatnajokull glacier. The waterfall is 100 meters wide and has a 45-meter descent into the Jokulsargljufur canyon.

Next, head north to the Asbyrgi Canyon, which can undoubtedly be considered one of the wonders of nature. It is a horseshoe-shaped canyon about 3.5 km/2 miles long with 100m/320 ft high walls. Walk from the parking lot through the forest growing at the bottom of the canyon and find a small lake called Botnstjorn.

In early summer, until around mid-August, you can also stop at the Hringsbjarg cliff on Tjornes Peninsula, where puffins nest on impressive cliffs along the coast. Then continue along the coastline towards the charming village of Husavik. Here you can stop and join a whale-watching excursion from the harbor. After Husavik, return to your hotel on Lake Myvatn to rest and spend the night there.

Driving distance 260 km/163 ml. Overnight stay at Myvatn

Day 7. Explore North Iceland and Arctic Coast Way

After seeing the sights of Lake Myvatn, head to the magnificent Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), an unmissable waterfall. Here you can get close to the water or take a walk around the waterfall to admire its views from different angles.

Next, continue to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. Stroll through the compact city center, visit the Akureyrarkirkja church, or follow the trail along the quiet old harbor to see the picturesque fjord. It is also a good place to have lunch before heading out further.

After a break in Akureyri, take the Arctic Coast Road to Trollaskagi (Troll Peninsula), where you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of beautiful mountains, cliffs, and fjords. You will pass the historic fishing villages of Hofsos and Siglufjordur.

On the way to the ring road, visit the Glaumbaer farm, a magnificent example of the peat houses that Icelanders have lived in since the Middle Ages. And make a stop at the Kolagljufur canyon right at the road to observe the gorge that contains a waterfall called Kolufossar.

If the time persists, you can make a short detour to Hvammstangi to see one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland. Head to Lagarbakki for an overnight stay.

Driving distance 400 km. Overnight stay in Laugabakki.

Day 8. Mysterious Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Depart from Laugarbakki in the morning towards the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The road in this area is full of beautiful scenery. The first stop on the peninsula’s northern coast will be the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall at the foot of Kirkjufell mountain. This mountain is one of the most photographed places, attracting many photographers regardless of the season.

The most iconic and mysterious attraction of the peninsula is the Snaefellsjokull glacier, with a mighty volcano under an ice bowl. Without a doubt, the area is impressive, and the local landscapes will surprise even seasoned travelers.

Continue around the Snaefellsjokull volcano from the north coast through the western tip of the peninsula to the south coast. Be sure to visit Djupalonsandur, the black pebble beach with the remains of a wrecked trawler and mysterious cliffs overlooking the ocean. In the old days, the beach was used as a fishing station, where rowing boats were moored, and people processed the caught fish on the shore.

Then take a stop at Londrangar’s unique rock formations formed by the eruptions of ancient volcanoes located on basalt rocks sticking out of the ocean. In summer, many seabirds nest on these rocks.

Stop at the small fishing village of Artnarstapi, where you will find the small harbor and Gatklettur arch. The whole rocky coastline in Artnarstapi is so beautiful that it is worth coming here alone for this. After a short stroll along the oceanfront, leave Arnarstapi and head to the nearby ancient church in Budir. Take the short walk from the church to the oceanfront, framed by yellow volcanic sand and black lava rocks. After that, you can spend the night at your hotel in Budir or Hellnar.

Driving distance 290 km/180 miles. Overnight stay in Budir or Hellnar.

Day 9. West Iceland. Return to Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon

Start this day with a drive from Budir/Hellnar to Reykjavik. The first stop of the day will be the small village of Reykholt, where you will find an ancient geothermal bath built by Snorri Sturluson, one of the most prominent Icelandic scientists who lived in Reykholt during the Viking Age.

Afterward, head to Hraunfossar (Lava Falls), emerging from underground lava tubes beneath the Halmundarhraun lava field. Near these lava formations is the Barnafoss waterfall, formed by the regular river Hvita, flowing from the Langjokull glacier.

Then, head to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs, where you can dine and swim at the excellent Krauma Spa. After visiting Krauma SPA, drive Reykjavik.

Another option is to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort (45 min from Reykjavik) and relax in the warm mineral water. The Blue Lagoon is recognized by National Geographic as one of the 25 “Wonders of the World” and is a unique source of geothermal seawater.

Spend the rest of the day in Reykjavik, walk in the city center, and dine at one of the local restaurants.

Driving distance 285 km/180 miles. Overnight stay in Reykjavik

Day 10. Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Departure

Today is a time for your Iceland adventure to end. Check out your Reykjavik hotel and enjoy a private transfer to Keflavik Airport. Goodbye for now!

Driving distance 50km / 32miles.

Accommodation is included in the tour package. The cost of accommodation and the price of the tour depending on the chosen category (comfort or quality), as well as the time of year you visit Iceland (low/shoulder/high tourist season). The price per person specified in the tour description is calculated when four adults together accommodate in two double comfort rooms during the low tourist season or shoulder season if a tour is not provided during the low season. Please note that accommodation can be changed at your request to rooms of a higher category. If you plan to stay in Iceland longer than the duration of the tour, for example, to add a day before or after the tour, please notice that in the application form.

Hotels in Reykjavik and around Iceland

Reykjavik is a convenient place to stay during the trip, as it is the capital and a very lively and hospitable city. In the city center, there are many small hotels 3*-4* and guesthouses, which are conveniently located for evening walks and visiting local restaurants. For multi-day tours, we recommend staying at hotels fitted to the route. That allows to minimize road overlapping and extend traveling area outside of Reykjavik. It is less choice of lodging places in the countryside and most of the hotels are three-star. It is better to book accommodation in advance, especially for the summertime, otherwise, it will be difficult to find conveniently located hotels at an affordable price.

Tourist seasons

High season: June 1 – August 31; December 30 – January 2

Shoulder season: May 1 – May 31; September 1 – October 31

Low season: November 1 – December 29; January 3 – April 30

The high tourist season in Iceland is quite short, from June to the end of August. Most tourists visit the country in the summer months, and the maximum load for hotels, rental companies, tour operators reaches in July and August. Lodging and rental prices at this time are almost doubling compared to the low season, and availability may be limited. Therefore, we recommend booking a summer tour a few months before the trip.

Accommodation Type

Comfort: Standard rooms with separate bathroom and shower (or bath) in a three-star hotel or comfortable guesthouse. Breakfast is included.

Quality: High-quality rooms with separate bathroom and shower (or bath). A superior room in a three-star hotel or a standard room in a four-star hotel. Breakfast is included

In all tour package with a level of comfort or higher, you will have a separate bathroom in the booked rooms. Breakfast is always on.

Rooms

Double rooms in most Icelandic hotels are rooms with two single beds. In most cases, two single beds can be put into a double bed. However, this can vary between hotels/guesthouses. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed, so when you install an extra bed, space can be limited. You can choose a combination of rooms when booking.

Children

Children under 2 years old get free accommodation if they live in the same room as their parents. Families with one child are advised to book 3 persons in a double room. This room can accommodate an extra bed or mattress if the available room is too small to accommodate an extra bed. Two adults and two children book two double rooms. Children living in a separate room pay the full cost. When one adult travels with one child, the full cost of a double room is charged.

Chek-In time and early arrival

Check-in time for accommodation in Iceland is usually from 14:00 to 16:00. Some hotels offer early check-in for a minimum fee. However, it depends on the hotel and room availability. The only way to ensure an early check-in is to also book the night before. However, if the room is ready, you can check-in sooner.

Hotel booking changes

If you want to change the hotel, we will do everything possible to change your stay in the hotel. Please note that due to low availability and high demand in summer we cannot guarantee some hotels. If you want to book a particular hotel, we will naturally do our best to provide it to you, but keep in mind that there may be an additional charge.

WI-FI and Internet connection in hotels

Most hotels and guest houses in Iceland provide free access to wi-fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses may charge a small fee for internet access.

The self-driving tour package includes a car rental for your Icelandic drive. We recommend using a 4WD vehicle, especially in winter. The tour package includes a Wi-Fi modem, GPS navigator, CDW / SCDW insurance, Gravel protection, and Liability Waiver. Full details from the car rental company will be provided after the booking request.

Age requirement and drivers license

A full driver’s license must have been held for at least 12 months and must be presented at the start of the rental. Renter must be 20 years of age to rent a vehicle at Blue Car Rental. To rent a large-size SUV or a passenger car the renter must be 23 years of age.

Credit card imprint

All rentals are subject to the full rental agreement terms and conditions at the time of rental. A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges as extra insurance, parking fines, damages, or any cost due to the rented car as a result of the renter’s use of the car.

Fuel tank

The rental car will normally have a full tank of fuel. The car should be returned full or a charge will be made for having the tank refilled even if it is missing just some liters. In case the fuel tank is not full at the time of the rental, the car should be returned with the same amount of gas in it.

Child seats

In Iceland, young children must travel in safety seats while in a vehicle. Child seats are available if pre-ordered at a reasonable additional charge. These child seats are generally suitable for children aged from 6 months to +4 years of age. Booster seats are free of charge.

Early return

Early returns are always allowed. However, no refunds can be given for unused, or partly used car hire vouchers unless the amendments or cancellations have been made before the pick-up date.

Insurance

Third-party liability is equivalent to the amount stipulated by Icelandic law at each time. This also applies to the amount of individual driver liability. Third-party coverage and personal accident insurance are automatically included in your rental and in the self-risk liability amount mentioned here below. If for some reason, the renter causes damages to a third-party vehicle, without causing damages to the rented vehicle, the third-party liability is a total of ISK 35.000.

Collision/super collision damage waiver (CDW/SCDW)

The Super Collision damage waiver (SCDW) along with the Collision damage waiver (CDW) included in our prices. A renter who only has the CDW is liable for damages amounting up to ISK 350.000 but since the SCDW is included, the maximum self-risk amount is ISK 90.000 for all 2wd cars and ISK 120.000 for all 4wd cars and larger passenger cars. We offer our customers to provide them with more security when traveling and a more enjoyable experience.
The following damages are however always on the renter’s responsibility and are not covered by the CDW or the SCDW;

  • Negligence
  • Damages are caused by driving into waters and rivers and when driving off-road.
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Damage to tires, headlights, wind-screen, and the underside of the car.
  • Damage caused by the wind blowing up the door.
  • Damage caused by sand and ash storm. (only applies if the renter has not opted for the SAAP insurance).
Gravel protection (GP)

This protection includes damage to the windscreen, headlights, front bumper, mirrors, and the hood of the car when gravel or rocks gets thrown onto the vehicle by another car. The gravel protection (GP) is included. The self-risk amount for a broken windscreen is ISK 20.000.

Sand and ash protection (SAAP)

The car rental company also offers insurance coverage against damage due to sand and ash storm which damages the paint of the car, windows, lights, and plastic. These damages can cost between 500.000 to 1.500.000 ISK to fix. By purchasing SAAP the self-risk in case of damage from sand and ash is lowered to 90.000 ISK. We offer the SAAP for only 1.650 ISK per day. Volcano eruptions in the past years have increased the risk of damage to the paint and windows of all cars and no insurance company will cover these damages. In high winds and dry weather, the ash from the volcanos and sand on the south coast can cause huge damage to the cars and all the cost has fallen on the renter, until now. (NOT included)

Liability waiver

The Liability Waiver reduces the self-risk/deductible amount for any damage covered by insurances to zero. This includes CDW/SCDW, GP, TP (thief protection), and SAAP and is subjected to the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. Excluded are any damages not covered by insurances as stated in Article 29 and 32 in the Rental Agreement and terms and conditions. Keep in mind that this is not extra insurance but an option for our renters to waive their liability in case of any damages to the rental car during the rental time. This allows our renters to have a carefree experience while enjoying our beautiful island.

Service fee

This fee does not apply when the damages incurred are not caused by the renter. There is a handling fee of 4.500 ISK for all fines or charges that result from renters’ use of the car and the renter does not pay himself. Blue Car Rental will charge the renter for fines and charges plus the previously mentioned handling fee. If the car is returned extra dirty there is a cleaning fee of 15.000 ISK. This is in the case of an extremely dirty car, especially on the inside. Not from regular use of the car. Smoking is strictly forbidden in the car. If someone smokes inside the car, the renter will be liable for a cleaning fee and fine of 45.000 ISK. If the car is damaged and needs to be picked up, the retrieval fee is a total of 250 ISK per km. outside of the capital area or a minimum of 35.000 ISK.

Assuming that before ordering a tour or when you prepare for the trip, you may have questions that we want to answer in advance to provide you with complete information about the tour and make it comfortable as possible. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

How long in advance should we book the tour?

In general – the sooner the better, considering the fact that most of our tours are privately guided, availability on certain dates might be limited.

How do we pay for the tour?

We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before arrival.

Payments are collected online while booking. We accept major credit cards. If you have any problems with using a credit card, please contact us. If another way of payment is preferable, please contact us through e-mail at info@topicelandtours.com

How do I book and what is the process?

Once you are confident about your trip selection proceed to press the Tour Request tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the tour request.
After agreeing on the details of the tour and price, we require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before arrival date.

Once a booking is made an automatic e-mail is sent informing you that the order has been placed and is currently being processed by the Top Iceland team. You will then be contacted by one of our trusted travel agents with further details.

What the tour price depends on?

Several factors determine the tour price:

  • Time of the year you plan on visiting (high, low, and shoulder seasons)
  • Accommodation type (we offer comfort and quality grades, you can choose one or a mixture of both)
  • Number of people traveling together (up to 15 people in a group)
  • Type of vehicle for transportation (SUV, Minivan, or Minibus)
  • Optional Activities (Various optional activities are available with each trip)
Where do you pick up from?

Pick-ups are included in the tour price and provided from Keflavik airport upon your flight arrival, your driver-guide will await you at the arrival hall holding a tag with the lead traveler name. Pick-up and drop off on other days will be from hotels reserved according to the tour itinerary.

We are arriving very early. What is the check-in time?

Check-in time for accommodation in Iceland is usually between 14:00-16:00. The only way to secure an early check-in is to book the night before as well. However, if a room is ready you should be able to check-in early.

Do hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi internet connection?

Most hotels and guesthouses in Iceland provide free access to Wi-Fi Internet. Some hotels and guesthouses might charge a small fee for access to the internet.

What to bring for tours? Which clothes are recommended?

Solid, warm & waterproof shoes, as well as warm rain & windproof outdoor clothing, is recommended for all the tours. (Please see the question below about weather and temperature).

What is the weather like in Iceland? How cold is it?

Here below, a table with average temperatures, precipitation, and daylights by months in Iceland:

Month Avg. High  Avg. Low Avg. Rainfall Avg. Sunlight
January 36°F (2°C) 28°F (-2°C) 4 inches 5 hours
February 36°F (2°C) 28°F (-2°C) 4.3 inches 8 hours
March 38°F (3°C) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches 12 hours
April 43°F (6°C) 34°F (1°C) 2.9 inches 16 hours
May 48°F (9°C) 40°F (4°C) 2.3 inches 18 hours
June 54°F (12°C) 46°F (8°C) 2.1 inches 21 hours
July 57°F (14°C) 49°F (9°C) 2.7 inches 19 hours
August 55°F (13°C) 47°F (8°C) 3.5 inches 16 hours
September 50°F (10°C) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches 13 hours
October 44°F (7°C) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches 9 hours
November 39°F (4°C) 30°F (-1°C) 4.2 inches 6 hours
December 36°F (2°C) 29°F (-2°C) 4.1 inches 4 hours

Please remember, that weather in Iceland changes rapidly and you cannot count on long-term forecasts. Two most reliable sources of the weather forecast: https://www.vedur.is/ and https://www.yr.no/

How about the daylight? Is it completely dark in winter?

Fortunately not, even on the shortest days of the year, there are several hours of daylight every day – between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you wish to check a specific time of a year we recommend to use https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/iceland/reykjavik

Is it obligatory to have child seats/boosters?

Yes, it is requested by Icelandic law to have child seats/boosters. Some families are already traveling on their own, but if you would like us to provide child seats and/or boosters on the tour, please send us an e-mail at info@topicelandtours.com

What about food on tours?

We arrange refreshment stops at cafés or restaurants on every day tour, where you can purchase your lunch and snacks. Therefore, you do not need to bring your food for the tours, however, if you prefer to bring some snacks or drinks, that is accepted. Please note that food is not included in the price of the tour.

Can I get vegetarian meals on tours?

Nearly all restaurants in Iceland offer some vegetarian food. There is no problem with purchasing vegetarian meals on tours.

How many bathroom stops are on the tours?

The bathrooms are available at visitor centers at many stops on popular routes such as Golden Circle and South Coast. Some bathroom stops are available on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour. Your driver-guide will inform you about available places for bathroom stops on the route.

How about tipping in Iceland?

Tipping in Iceland is not required but always appreciated.

Can we cancel or change our reservation? What are the cancellation fees?

Cancellation policy for multiday tours and accommodations:

All cancellations should be made in writing and be notified as soon as possible.

  • For changes made 15 days or more before arrival date: 20% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 14-8 days before arrival date: 50% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 7-4 days before arrival date: 75% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 3 days or less before arrival date: 100% cancellation fee

Please note: Activities (Optional Extras) are individual products provided by other local operators that can have different cancellation policies. For full information about cancellation policies please check the page Terms & Conditions.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds of tours canceled before departure by Top Iceland Tours:

When the tour is prepaid, a full refund will be issued in case a customer does not wish an alternative date of the tour or an alternative tour. When a tour is purchased through a third party (tourist office/booking agency or a hotel), please take your voucher back to the third party and they will issue the full refund after reconfirming with Top Iceland Tours that the tour was canceled.

Refunds of delayed, altered, or shortened tours after the departure:

When a tour is delayed due to weather, unsafe travel conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, no refunds are provided if the tour still operates. When the tour is altered or shortened after the departure due to weather, any unsafe travel conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, a partial refund is provided. The percentage of the refund is calculated according to how much of the initial itinerary has been completed.

Cancellations or change of multiday tours and accommodations by customers:

All cancellations should be made in writing and be notified as soon as possible.

  • For changes made 15 days or more before arrival date: 20% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 14-8 days before arrival date: 50% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 7-4 days before arrival date: 75% cancellation fee
  • For changes made 3 days or less before arrival date: 100% cancellation fee

This cancellation policy may apply also when booked through a third party.

No Show

When passengers are not present at the pickup place at the appointed time, we try to contact the lead traveler through the hotel staff or by phone. If we can’t contact the lead traveler, and there are no passengers are shown during an hour, this is considered as “No Show” and no refund will be made.

Route map. Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Self-Drive Tour