This seven-day self-drive tour includes three central tourist regions from west to south of Iceland to make your journey exciting and dynamic. Spend your first day in Reykjavik before heading to the Snaefellsnes volcanic peninsula. Then take a day at the most popular route of Iceland, the Golden Circle. And then explore the fabulous South Coast by visiting massive waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in southeastern Iceland.
Highlights
- Explore Reykjavik’s colorful downtown
- Escape the crowds with a day at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Check out the Geyser’s valley, and other highlights of the Golden Circle
- Head to the South Coast for enjoying waterfalls, ocean cliffs, and glaciers
| Travel Style | Self-Driving Tour |
| Availability | All Seasons, Daily |
| Tour Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Brief Itinerary | Day 1. Arrive at Keflavik airport. Explore downtown and stay in Reykjavik Day 2. South Coast: Waterfalls, Beaches & Cliffs | Hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur Day 3. South Coast and Glacier Lagoon | Hotel in Vik Day 4. Golden Circle & Return to Reykjavik | Hotel in Reykjavik Day 5. Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon | Hotel in Borgarnes or Reykjavik Day 6. Mysterious Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Hotel in Reykjavik Day 7. Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Departure |
- Accommodation (comfort/quality) for 6 nights
- Breakfast included accommodation
- 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 service 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 low 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.
Get your rental car and travel to the South Coast. The day’s first stop will be at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is 63 m/210 ft high and is a stunningly beautiful waterfall, allowing a walking trail behind the water. There you can find another waterfall Gljufrabui, 40 m/130 ft high, and flow into the gorge.
Continue driving east along with the farms at the foot of the former coastline in the Eyjafjoll area. And arrive at the mighty Skogafoss waterfall 60 m/200 ft high and is fed by the meltwater of the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. This majestic waterfall is one of the most visited places in Iceland, and for a good reason. After visiting the waterfall, we recommend stopping for lunch at the Bistro Bar in Skogar.
Then, head to Dyrholaey, the rocky peninsula jutting out into the ocean in the southernmost part of the country. The roaring Atlantic Ocean and its frothy waves wash over the black sand at the foot of the cliff.
Continue to Reynisfjara, considered the most impressive black sand beach in Iceland and famous for its vertical basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rocks jutting out of the water opposite the beach. From the black sand beach, head to Vik to complete your exploration of the area around Reynisfjall mountain and continue the trip to Fjadrargljufur Canyon.
Fjadrargljufur is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 m/320 ft deep and two kilometers long. It has a narrow, winding shape and steep slopes. After about an hour’s walk through the canyon, head to Kirkjubaejarklaustur for an overnight stay.
Driving distance 300 km / 188 miles. Overnight in Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Today you will explore the southeast of Iceland at the Vatnajokull glacier area up to the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon.
The first stop of the day will be Skaftafell park, where you can take a short walk along the famous trail (1.5 h) that leads to Svartifoss, a slender waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. Or, for further exploration, you can join a glacier tour from Skaftafell Park.
Then continue east and, shortly before reaching the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, explore the Fjallsarlon lagoon. Here you can get closer to the glacier and better see all the cracks and crevices.
Then visit the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where you will have the opportunity to observe icebergs of all shapes and colors floating in the lagoon. Here you can take a “Zodiac” or “Amphibia” boat trip to get closer to the glacier and icebergs in the water. Here, you can also take an ice cave tour (3-4 hours) between November and March by the lagoon.
On the way back from the lagoon, you can stop at the picturesque Hofskirkja church in the Hof area, then head to Vik to spend the night there.
Travel distance 320 km / 200 miles. Overnight in Vik.
Today you will travel from Vik along the southern coast in the opposite direction and discover the popular Golden Circle route, including three famous attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Valley of Geysers, Gullfoss Falls, and several others.
After passing the South Coast, turn towards Kerid Crater, 55 m/180 ft deep, and a small lake at the bottom. The steep slopes of the crater resemble an ancient amphitheater. Walk around the hole and enjoy panoramic views from the highest point at the caldera’s rim.
The next stop along the course will be the Haukadalur valley, a geothermal area where you will find the Geysir and Strokkur hot springs. Strokkur is the most active geyser in Iceland, shooting a mix of hot water and steam up to 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) in height, and this happens every 5-10 minutes. Another exciting place to visit along the way is the Fridheimar tomato greenhouse, where you can take lunch.
To cool off, continue to the Gullfoss Falls, Iceland’s second-largest waterfall and one of the most attractive highlights in the country.
The day’s last stop will be Thingvellir National Park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Thingvellir is known for its geological structure as the border between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is also widely known as the seat of the world’s first parliament. During the Viking Age in 930 AD, it was founded by locals and remained a social center until the late 18th century.
After exploring the three foremost attractions of the Golden Circle, return to Reykjavik for a rest and overnight stay.
Driving distance 310 km/195 miles. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Spend the day exploring some of the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula. You can explore lava fields, geothermal areas, lighthouses, and small fishing towns with a little more time. Here are some ideas to consider:
Krisuvik Geothermal Zone: You can walk around the parking lot, but take your time to get a close look at the steam vents and hot pools. A short, steep path leads up to the hill, from where on a clear day, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding colorful hills.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs: Here, you can find a couple of pools of bubbling and steaming mud, and you can smell it from a great distance. Steam temperatures can be high, so stick to pedestrian crossings and viewpoints.
Gardur Lighthouse: Two lighthouses near the airport: one on the coast (older and less stable) and the other a little further inland. It is a great place to walk and stretch your legs, and the views of the coast are beautiful.
Blue Lagoon: Enjoy the famous Blue Lagoon (great for all ages). The beautiful milky blue water in the lagoon 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.
Duration of 5-6 hours. Driving distance 150 km / 94 miles
Leave Reykjavik early in the morning and drive northwest towards the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The first stop on this day 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 Budir village. From there, take a short hike to the ocean, framed by yellow volcanic sand and black lava rocks.
The most iconic and mysterious attraction of the Snйfellsnes 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 impressive, and the local landscapes will surprise even seasoned travelers.
Stop at Arnarstapi, the small fishing village. Here you will find the small harbor and Gatklettur rocky arch. The entire rocky coastline in Artnarstapi is so beautiful that it is worth coming here alone for this.
Next, head to the rocky cliffs of Londrangar at the foot of the Snaefellsjokull volcano. Lоndrangar is a unique rock formation that appeared due to ancient eruptions. Londrangar and Svaltuf hill are the remains of a crater destroyed by the ocean. In summer, many seabirds nest on these rocks.
And, of course, visit Djupalonsandur, a black pebble beach with the remains of a crashed trawler and mysterious rocks. In the old days, the beach was used as a fishing station, rowing boats were moored here, and people processed the caught fish on the shore.
You will then drive to the northern part of the peninsula to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, located 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. Then, travel through the Vatnaleid pass to the southern end of the peninsula and return to Reykjavik to spend the night there.
Driving distance 430 km/270 miles. Overnight stay 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the tour or before the trip, you will have some questions that we want to answer in advance to provide complete information about the tour and how to prepare so that the trip is most comfortable for you. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In general – the earlier, the better. Consider the fact that most of our tours are privately guided, and therefore an 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 Quote Request tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the tour request.
We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before arrival.
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
• Number of people traveling together
• Type of vehicle for transportation
• Accommodation type (we offer 2 categories, you can choose one or a mixture of both)
• 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 lead traveler name. Pick-up and drop off on other days will be from hotels reserved according to the tour itinerary.
Check-in time is usually between 14:00 – 16:00 for accommodation in Iceland. 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 do provide free access to Wi-Fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses do 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 a 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 with their own, but if you would like us to provide child seats and/or boosters on the tour, please send us an e-mail.
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 visitors 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 cancellations policies. For full information about cancellation policies please read our Terms and 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, any 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.
