Visit some of Iceland’s best-known natural wonders on this year-round self-drive adventure to the Golden Circle and South Coast. With a whole week to explore, you’ll see majestic waterfalls, mighty glaciers and the sublime iceberg lagoon of Jokulsarlon. It’s the perfect introduction to Iceland – summer or winter – for first-time visitors and independent-minded travellers.
The Golden Circle’s triple whammy
Iceland’s famous trio of natural wonders – Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir – are easily combined in an unforgettable day touring the Golden Circle. At Thingvellir you can stroll along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and visit Iceland’s ancient parliament. The 32m-high, twin-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss pours into a narrow gorge, while Strokkur erupts like a steaming exclamation mark at the geothermal site of Geysir.
Waterfalls, glaciers and icebergs of the South Coast
Driving to the east, two of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls – bridal-veil Seljalandsfoss and thundering Skogafoss – lead a succession of natural wonders along the South Coast. From the frozen snout of the Solheimajokull glacier and Vik’s black-sand beaches to the basalt cliffs at Svartifoss and the icebergs of the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, this world-class drive transports you into a head-spinning realm of volcanoes, icecaps and surf-raked beaches.
The Volcanic Way touring route
The new touring route brings together the extensive volcanic areas of South Iceland and this itinerary offers easy access to many of the locations featured. We can also adapt or extend your itinerary to ensure you take in all the areas featured along the Volcanic Way. For instance, you may want to include a day trip to the Westman Islands or a superjeep experience on infamous Eyjafjallajokull.
Itinerary
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Iceland’s vibrant capital city, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the naturally heated waters.
Optional Experiences
Blue Lagoon
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss collectively known as the Golden Circle. Head south to Hveragerdi, where hot springs are the order of the day, for an overnight stay.
Optional Experiences
Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour
Travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the ‘Sister’s falls’ – Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns. Spend the night in Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland’s largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Spend two nights in the Skaftafell area.
Optional Experiences
Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier
Snowmobiling on Vatnajokull Glacier
Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours
Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Spend the day exploring the area hiking in the national park. One of the highlights is the 20m high waterfall Svartifoss, which cascades down a basalt cliff in the shape of a horse tail.
On the drive back along the south coast stop off at the stunning cliffs and beaches of Vik where the summer wildflowers are wonderful. Continue west to Myrdalsjokull Glacier (optional snowmobile tours on the glacier are available; please contact our team to book in advance) and visit Njal’s Saga country at Hvolsvollur en route to Hveragerdi when you will spend the night.
Optional Experiences
Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier
Katla Ice Cave Tour
Lava Centre
Drive along the craggy coast to the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit the hot springs and fumaroles in Krisuvik, the cliffs at Grindavik. Return to Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
Optional Experiences
Inside the Volcano
Head to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle and catch the flight home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
-
Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
-
Daily breakfast
-
Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
-
No charge for additional driver
-
24-hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
-
No surcharge guarantee
-
Full financial protection
From £917
7 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
8
Sea turtles snorkelled with
6
Faroese Islands explored
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
-
Phoebe
Travel Specialist
-
Gary
Travel Specialist
-
Ben
Travel Specialist
-
Freya
Travel Specialist
-
Jenna
Travel Specialist
-
Lauren
Travel Specialist
-
Jo
Travel Specialist
-
Kieran
Travel Specialist
-
Darren
Travel Specialist
