In this scenic seven-day self-drive tour, you will discover a new route passing by crowds. This route is tempting for those who have already visited popular areas like the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Drive from Reykjavik on the North to explore the mysterious Snaefellsnes Peninsula and head to Akureyri, the capital of the North, where you spend two nights. Then discover the great Diamond Circle route and the Myvatn Lake. After that, drive over the part to Arctic Coast road on the North to see fields, basalt formations, and geothermal pools. Continue your journey over West Iceland on the way back to Reykjavik, and then enjoy your stop in Reykjavik and visit the Blue Lagoon.
Highlights
- Explore epic waterfalls, including Hraunfossar, Godafoss, and Dettifoss
- Tour the incredible landscapes around Lake Myvatn and soak in the Nature Baths
- Take a walk in the center of Reykjavik and explore local attractions
- Observe the historical places in West Iceland and relax in the Blue Lagoon
| Travel Style | Self-Driving Tour |
| Availability | May-September, Daily |
| Tour Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Brief Itinerary | Day 1. Arrive at Keflavik airport. Explore downtown and stay in Reykjavik Day 2. Mysterious Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Hotel in Stykkisholmur Day 3. From Snaefellsnes to the North of Iceland | Hotel in Akureyri Day 4. Spectacular Diamond Circle route | Hotel in Akureyri Day 5. Drive the scenic Arctic Coast road | Hotel in Laugarbakki Day 6. West Iceland. Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon | Hotel in Reykjavik Day 7. Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Departure |
| Driving Distance | Approx. for the tour 1320km / 825ml |
- Accommodation (comfort/quality) for 6 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
- 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 LaterAfter 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.
On this day, you will have a trip to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, northwest Reykjavik. The first stop along the way will be the Bjarnarfoss waterfall, which falls off the cliff and flows down a steep slope into the valley. After a short walk to the waterfall, head to the nearby ancient church in the village of Budir and take a short stroll to the ocean, framed by yellow volcanic sand and black lava rocks.
The most iconic and mysterious attraction of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the magical Snaefellsjokull glacier with a mighty volcano under an ice bowl. This volcano is one of the most famous places in Iceland. The area is without a doubt impressive, and the local scenery will surprise even experienced travelers.
You will then stop at the small fishing village of Arnarstapi. Here you will find the small harbor and rocky arch of Gatklettur. The entire rocky coastline in Arnarstapi is so beautiful that it is worth coming here alone for this.
Next, you head towards the rocky cliffs of Londrangar, located at the foot of the Snaefellsjokull volcano. Lоndrangar is a unique rock formation formed as a result of ancient eruptions. Londrangar and Svaltuf Hill are the remains of a crater destroyed by the ocean.
And, of course, visit Djupalonsandur, a 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.
You will then drive to the northern part of the peninsula to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall at the foot of Kirkjufell Mountain. The mountain is one of the most photographed places on the peninsula, attracting many photographers regardless of the season.
At the end of the day, head to Stykkisholmur village for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Duration of 9-10 hours. The driving distance of 306 km / 192 miles. Overnight stay in Stykkisholmur.
On this day, you will have a scenic and uncrowded path from the eastern side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula to Akureyri. Iceland’s north coast may be the country’s best-kept secret. While most tourists visit the southern coast and the Golden Circle, visitors to Akureyri and Lake Myvatn can enjoy the beautiful scenery and wonderful volcanic regions.
Here are a few attractions to keep in mind during your trip:
The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi is also home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland.
Varmahlid is a small town to visit the Glaumbær farm and the Vídimyrarkirkja turf church. This is a great way to get to know the turf houses and see how the Icelanders lived in the medieval age.
Upon arrival in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city with a population of 18,000, get out and walk around the city. Be sure to visit the local restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as the Akureyrarkirkja church on the hill. If you have more time, take the trail along the tranquil old harbor for a better view of the scenic fjord.
Driving distance 390 km/245 miles. Overnight stay in Akureyri
This day, you will journey through the so-called Diamond Circle of Iceland. Start at Akureyri and head towards your first stop at Godafoss, a magnificent waterfall not to be missed.
Then, explore the area around Lake Myvatn, which has the highest concentration of volcanic and geothermal attractions in Iceland. Visit the Skutustadir pseudocraters, formed when hot lava flowed through a wet swamp, causing steam explosions. And take an hour’s walk between the sizeable mysterious lava formations at Dimmuborgir. After all these hikes, relax at the Myvatn Natural Baths, the northern equivalent of the Blue Lagoon.
Drive to Krafla Power Station and stop at Viti Crater, part of the Krafla Volcanic System. This crater at the bottom is filled with a bright blue lake. Also, make a stop at Namafjall, an orange and yellow mountain hovering above the geothermal area of Hverarond (Hverir).
Then continue your trip to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, flowing from the magnificent Vatnajokull glacier. The 100 m/320 ft wide waterfall falls from 45 m/140 ft into the Jokulsarglufur canyon. The average water discharge in summer is 400 m3/s.
After exploring Dettifoss, head to Asbyrgi Canyon, which can undoubtedly be considered one of the wonders of nature. It is a horseshoe-shaped canyon about 3.5 km/2 ml long with 100 m/320 ft high walls.
Visit Husavik village, famous for its incredible whale watching. Here you can stop and join a whale-watching excursion from the harbor. After Husavik, return to Akureyri for rest and overnight stay.
Duration 10 hours. Driving distance 345 km/215 ml. Overnight stay in Akureyri.
Spend the day exploring the arctic coast road between Siglufjordur and Hvammstangi. Start the day with a drive north of Akureyri and visit the village of Hayganes, where you can take a whale-watching boat tour.
Then follow the tip of the peninsula to the fishing town of Siglufjordur. Learn about the history of fishing in Iceland at the local museum, which also houses old boats and cars. Take a dip in the Sundlaugin pool at Hofsos village, conveniently located by the water with great fjord views.
On the Vatnsnes peninsula, you will find a black and white rock formation near the coast known as Hvitserkur, a basalt troll that, according to legend, was caught by the sun’s rays and turned to stone. The area is also home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland near Hvammstangi. Visit Glaumbaer Farm to see turf houses and learn how Icelanders lived.
You will reach Laugarbakki to stay there overnight at the end of the day.
Driving distance of 335 km/173 miles. Overnight stay in Laugarbakki.
On this day, you will travel further south along the ring road. The first stop along the way will be Hraunfossar (Lava Falls), emerging from underground channels in the Halmundarhraun lava field. Next to it is another Barnafoss waterfall, which originates from the glacial river.
Next, visit the small village of Reykholt, one of Iceland’s most historical landmarks, where you can look at an ancient geothermal bath built by one of the most prominent scientists of the Viking Age, Snorri Sturluson.
The next stop will be at Deildartunguhver, the hot spring with the highest flow of boiling water in Europe. Here you can dine and, if you wish, take a dip in the Krauma Spa. Then continue back to Reykjavik, drive through the tunnel under the Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord), and return to Reykjavik.
Spend the rest of the day in the city or visit the Blue Lagoon, located 50 km from Reykjavik near the village of Grindavik. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and no wonder why. The beautiful milky blue water contrasts sharply with the surrounding black lava field and creeping gray moss. The water temperature in the lagoon is 38-40°C (102-106°F) all year round, making it the ideal temperature for swimming. Most people stay in the lagoon for 2-3 hours, but there are no restrictions on staying in the lagoon during opening hours. After swimming in the Blue Lagoon, return to Reykjavik.
Travel distance 265 km/165 miles. Overnight in Reykjavik.
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!
Duration 1 hour. Driving distance 50km / 32miles.
Accommodation during the tour is included in the tour price and depends on the chosen category and season of your visit to Iceland. The indicated price per person based on four adults together on the tour sharing two double rooms (comfort) during the low season. Please note that accommodation upgrades are available upon request. If you plan to stay in Iceland longer than the duration of the tour, for example, add a day before or after the tour, simply indicate this in the tour request form.
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
Accommodation Type
Comfort: Standard rooms with a bathroom and shower (or bath) in a three-star hotel or a comfortable guest house. Breakfast included.
Quality: The high-quality rooms with a private bathroom and shower (or bath). Superior room in a three-star hotel or standard room in a four-star hotel. Breakfast included
In all package bookings that are set to comfort level or higher, you will always have a private bathroom in accommodations booked by Top Iceland Tours. Breakfast is always included.
Rooms
The double rooms in most Icelandic hotels are double rooms with two single beds. In most cases, two single beds can be folded to make a double bed. However, this varies from one hotel/guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed, therefore, when adding an extra bed, space may be limited. You can choose a combination of rooms at the time of booking.
Children
Children under the age of 2 years stay free if they live in the same room with their parents. Families with one child are advised to book 3 people 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 to book two double rooms. Children living in a separate room pay the full price. When one adult travels with one child, a full price of a double room will be charged.
Check-in time and early arrival
Check-in time for accommodation in Iceland is usually between 14:00-16:00. Some hotels offer early check-ins for a minimal fee. However, that varies from hotel to hotel and based on room availability. 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.
Changes to hotel reservations
If you want to change your hotel, we will do our best to change your stay for you. Please note that due to the low availability and high demand in the summer, we cannot give guarantees for certain hotels. If you want to book a specific hotel, we will naturally do our best to provide it for you, but keep in mind that additional charges may apply.
Wi-Fi and Internet connection in hotels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
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.
In general – the sooner the better, considering the fact that most of our tours are privately guided, availability on certain dates might be limited.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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).
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/
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
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
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.
Nearly all restaurants in Iceland offer some vegetarian food. There is no problem with purchasing vegetarian meals on 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.
Tipping in Iceland is not required but always appreciated.
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.
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.
