12-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour | Explore the Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Depth

Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Ends in
Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Duration
12 days & 11 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
All year
Accommodation
11 nights included
Car rental
12 days included

Description

Embark on the Icelandic summer vacation of a lifetime with this 12-day self-drive trip around the country. This road trip should not be missed by those who wish to take their time, immerse themselves in every region, and ultimately control their own journey.

On this holiday, you'll take a clockwise road trip around Iceland, staying at countryside hotels in some of the world's most incredible locations. You'll be in no rush as you leisurely travel to spectacular areas such as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Lake Myvatn, and the untouched East Fjords.

Due to the casual pace of the journey, you can also seek out hidden gems far from the crowds rather than shooting from one major attraction to the next.

This summer holiday is unique because it allows you to make the most of the country's south. This region is home to some of Iceland's most dramatic and famous features, such as the Golden Circle's geysers, mighty ice caps, and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. You'll enjoy every minute here.

Another drawcard of this 12-day summer road trip is the optional tours you can add to most days. These include classic Icelandic excursions such as glacier hiking, lava caving, horseback riding, and whale-watching. But those seeking a unique experience could book a helicopter tour, a boat adventure, a trip into a magma chamber, and even a spa treatment in a beer bath.

Throughout the trip, you'll also have the chance to bathe in many traditional geothermal spas and pools.

As this is a self-drive package, all your hotels, tours, and admissions will be sorted before arrival. As such, your only obligations on this trip are to reach your excursions and accommodation on time. Otherwise, what you see and what you do is up to you. 

You will be provided with a wealth of information on the attractions you can see on your trip, but the joy of a self-drive is that you can personalize it entirely to the needs and desires of your group. Your sightseeing days can go on for as long as you like because you don't need to wait for guides or other travelers.

Also, because the midnight sun occurs throughout summer, the nights will be almost as bright as the days.

You'll also have a personal travel agent, and you can contact us with questions anytime. The best thing about this 12-day summer self-drive tour is that free cancellation is included up to 24 hours before your trip, so it's risk-free.

Travelers love this highly-rated self-drive tour, so don't miss out!

Immerse yourself in Iceland's incredible landscapes with this slow-paced journey around the country, focusing on the magnificent sites of the south. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

11 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included. More detailed info below)
Vehicle for 12 days (Toyota Aygo or similar. Upgrades available)
CDW insurance for super budget level vehicle; other levels include gravel protection insurances
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 4 nights
Beautiful coastal geology helps to define the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.Snæfellsnes / 3 nights
Reykholt was home to Snorri Sturluson, a medieval writer.Reykholt
Deildartunguhver geothermal hot spring in West IcelandDeildartunguhver
North Iceland is home to many incredible attractions, such as the Hvitserkur rock formation.North Iceland / 1 night
Lake Myvatn is Northeast Iceland's most famous attraction.Northeast Iceland / 1 night
East Iceland is a spectacular region.Eastfjords / 1 night
The Vatnajokull glacier in Southeast Iceland.Southeast Iceland / 3 nights
An abandoned house on the Reykjanes Peninsula presents a striking contrast against a lush green landscape.Southwest Iceland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Hraunfossar is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in West Iceland.Hraunfossar
Seals hauling out at Ytri Tunga.Ytri Tunga Beach
Búðakirkja Church bathed by the Northern LightsBudir
Lóndrangar under the midnight sun.Lóndrangar
Djúpalónssandur Black Lava Pearl Beach is a beautiful place on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.Djúpalónssandur
Snæfellsjökull glacier above the black church at Búðir village.Snæfellsjökull
Mount Kirkjufell on Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of the most iconic mountains in IcelandKirkjufell
Hvítserkur, aka; “The Troll of North-West Iceland”, is a 15-metre (49ft) high basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay.Hvítserkur
Godafoss is a beautiful waterfall with ties to Iceland's religious history.Godafoss Waterfall
Lake Myvatn is surrounded by stunning natural beautyMývatn
Asbyrgi Canyon in north Iceland is a centre of folklore and beauty.Ásbyrgi
Dettifoss waterfall in IcelandDettifoss
Hallormstadaskogar surrounds lake Lagarfjlot.Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hengifoss is Iceland's third highest waterfall.Hengifoss
Vestrahorn is a spectacular mountain, especially under the Northern Lights.Vestrahorn
Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland's most popular and unique attractionsJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The icy diamonds of Diamond BeachDiamond Beach
Skaftafell Nature Preserve can be found in Öræfasveit, the western region of Austur-Skaftafellssýsla in Iceland.Skaftafell
Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve in summer.Svartifoss
Reynisfjara beach and Reynisdrangar cliffs in winterReynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Arial view of Reynisdrangar and Mt. ReynisfjallReynisdrangar
The mighty Skógafoss waterfallSkógafoss
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast of Iceland bathed in the otherworldly light of the midnight sun.Seljalandsfoss
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss
Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the major stops along the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.Thingvellir
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland, is birthplace of the country’s parliament.Kerið
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
Caving
Kayaking
Hiking
Snowmobile
Horse Riding
Whale Watching
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Helicopter
Ice Caving
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

Car

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Large car

Large car

Category
Large
Transmission
People
Large bags
SUV

SUV

Category
JEEPSUV
Transmission
People
Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Day 1

Day 1 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Arrival Day
  • More

On day one, you will land at the Keflavik International Airport, and after passing through customs, find your rental car waiting for you. The freedom of your self-drive will be apparent immediately, as you have three options for how to start your holiday.

If you elect to do so while booking, you could begin your trip in style by heading to the luxurious Blue Lagoon spa. This incredible place boasts geothermal pools with healing properties, saunas, steam rooms, and therapeutic treatments such as massages.

Its surroundings could not be more beautiful, with the jagged black lava landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula contrasting with the striking blue waters.

Those eager to explore Iceland's nature immediately could instead choose to start their vacation by exploring this peninsula. Reykjanes is a wonderland of lunar landscapes, hot springs, and volcanic peaks and has a stunning coastline with countless geological formations. These qualities make it a great place to familiarise yourself with Iceland's unusual terrain.

Finally, you could head straight to the capital, where your hotel will be situated. One of the world's most vibrant cities, Reykjavik is well worth exploring for any who loves culture, cuisine, live music, the arts, interesting architecture, history, and quirky nightlife.

The city's streets are home to many art galleries, including the acclaimed Einar Jonsson Museum, a famous Icelandic sculptor. Reykjavik also boasts contemporary architecture, such as the Perlan museum. Perlan is inside a glass dome resting on hot water storage tanks and houses a museum, planetarium, and a top-notch revolving restaurant.

The tranquil Tjornin pond and Hljomskala park are must-visit attractions for an escape within the city. Enjoy watching the ducks and geese at Tjornin before strolling through Hljomskala park and reading about the park's sculptures.

For history buffs, the Arbaer Open Air Museum glances into Reykjavik's past with its collection of traditional Icelandic houses.

After enjoying your first day, you'll retire at your Reykjavik accommodation for the night.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 - Snæfellsnes

Day 2

Day 2 - Snæfellsnes

  • Snæfellsnes
  • More
  • Reykholt historical site
  • Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls
  • Deildartunguhver hot spring
  • More

On the second day of your immersive Icelandic vacation, you'll begin your slow-paced journey around the Ring Road. You'll start with the west, a wonderful region of idyllic countryside, beautiful coastlines, and a diverse peninsula nicknamed 'Iceland in Miniature,' Snaefellsnes.

As you take the Ring Road out of Reykjavik, you'll soon come to Hvalfjordur, a spectacular fjord vibrant with color throughout summer. Those who want to find one of the country's tallest waterfalls, Glymur, can take the scenic route to the fjord and will find it nestled in the mountains, while those eager to get to other sites can take a tunnel that goes underneath it.

Borgarnes is the next major attraction, a picturesque town with a long history. It's most famous for its fascinating Icelandic Settlement Center Museum. But it's not the only historic town in the region. The nearby Reykholt village is well-known for being home to the legendary medieval chieftain and writer Snorri Sturluson.

Those more interested in nature can seek out a wealth of sites nearby, such as the twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. Though just a short distance from each other, their appearances could not contrast more.

Barnafoss is a furious rapid that surges down a narrow gorge. Hraunfossar, meanwhile, is broad and made of many small gentle falls that flow over a plateau of lava in many little rivulets.

Near these waterfalls is the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Adjacent to this beautiful natural feature is a modern spa that harnesses its energy called Krauma. Those seeking to break up their travels with relaxation can organize a dip here and bask in luxury while admiring the spectacular surroundings.

You have two other options if you prefer to break up today with an exciting Icelandic adventure. It's possible to descend beneath the lava landscapes of Iceland's terrain on a caving tour, where you can marvel over the beauty of the underworld and see firsthand the effects of Iceland's eruptions.

Alternatively, you could take a unique trip in a super jeep up the slopes of Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjokull. Near its peak, you'll discover and explore the Ice Tunnel, an artificial matrix of vividly blue corridors and rooms that have been carved into the ice cap. Nowhere on earth has such a tunnel been cut, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As evening winds around, you'll go to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where your hotel awaits, so you can explore each of its wondrous sites in depth tomorrow without rushing. If you aren't tuckered out from the adventure so far, you can even begin some of this exploration with the guiding light of the midnight sun.

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Day 3 - Snæfellsnes

Day 3

Day 3 - Snæfellsnes

  • Snæfellsnes
  • More
  • Ytri Tunga Beach
  • Budir hamlet
  • Londrangar Basalt Cliffs
  • Djupalonssandur black pebble beach
  • Snaefellsjokull
  • Kirkjufell Mountain
  • More

On day three of your slow-paced summer holiday in Iceland, you'll explore one of its most diverse regions, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It's around 59 miles (90 kilometers) long, and its northern and southern shores boast incredible sites.

The south is particularly clustered with natural attractions. The basalt cliffs of Gerduberg are famous for their hexagonal columns. The beach of Ytri Tunga boasts a lovely seal colony.

You can hike into the gorge of Raudfeldsgja to find a waterfall and try your strengths by lifting stones on the historic beach of Djupalonssandur. Don't forget the massive basalt sea stacks of Londrangar, home to thousands of seabirds.

The northern shore coastline is best known for being home to the country's most iconic mountain, Kirkjufell. Shaped like a church, a pyramid, or 'an arrowhead' in the context of the seventh season of Game of Thrones, it's a striking feature made all the more beautiful by its adjacent falls.

Northern Snaefellsnes is also home to many historic fishing villages, such as Bjarnahofn, famous for its shark museum, and Stykkisholmur, renowned for its folklore and thriving fishing culture. At the former, you can taste the 'delicacy' of fermented shark, whereas, at the latter, you can opt into the Viking Sushi Boat Tour while booking.

On this unique trip, you'll set out into the seas to find magnificent views of the peninsula, many islands, and the Westfjords and to fish up a fresh lunch. Birdwatchers will rejoice at the number of species found around here.

However, the highlight of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is found on its tip, where its crowning subglacial volcano is located. Snaefellsjokull is so beautiful that it's now the central feature of a National Park of its own name and is surrounded by magnificent lava fields and a dramatic coastline.

If you didn't opt for the boat tour, you could take a lava caving tour just below the glacier into Vatnshellir lava cave, a fantastic choice for those who missed their caving opportunity the day before.

After a day jam-packed with adventure and sightseeing, you'll retire at a hotel on the peninsula.

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Day 4 - North Iceland

Day 4

Day 4 - North Iceland

  • North Iceland
  • More
  • Hvítserkur Rock Stack
  • More

On the fourth day of your relaxed, 12-day circumnavigation of Iceland, you will depart the beautiful West Iceland for the spectacular north.

The journey from Snaefellsnes to Akureyri is only a few hours, but the landscapes you will pass on your journey beg to be investigated and explored. As this is a self-drive package, you can take any detours you want. You may, for example, wish to travel to the Vatnsnes Peninsula, renowned for its many seal colonies and the unusual rock monolith of Hvitserkur.

Of course, if you have booked one of the three excursions possible on this day, you must arrive at your starting location in North Iceland in good time.

The first of these is a horseback riding tour. You'll be introduced to the unique horse breed of Iceland, renowned for its small size and friendliness, before being guided through the spectacular natural surroundings near Akureyri. Whether you are a beginner or an expert rider, this tour can be tailored to you.

The second is a whale-watching and angling tour. North Iceland boasts some of the most bountiful waters in the world in summer, and you are almost guaranteed to see at least one humpback whale as you gaze across the stunning fjord of Eyjafjordur.

Other animals regularly seen include white-beaked dolphins and Atlantic puffins. Orcas, blue whales, and even belugas are spotted on rare occasions.

The final tour on offer today is the most unique, a beer bath at the Beer Spa in the village of Dalvik. Though an unusual way to relax in a country with so many hot springs, the warm, young beer you will bathe in is said to have therapeutic properties, and adults are welcome to enjoy a pint with their dip.

After a day of enjoying beautiful landscapes, hidden gems, and an unforgettable excursion, you'll reach Akureyri. If you have the opportunity, this is a great town to explore. Nicknamed the Capital of the North, it is a cultural hot spot, boasts beautiful architecture, and has plenty of attractions worth seeing.

You'll spend the rest of the night resting in your North Iceland accommodation.

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Day 5 - Northeast Iceland

Day 5

Day 5 - Northeast Iceland

  • Northeast Iceland
  • More
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Lake Myvatn Area
  • More

On the fifth day of your travels, you'll immerse yourself further in the beauty of North Iceland. Those interested in culture could spend the morning in Akureyri, visiting its museums, boutiques, galleries, and the world's northernmost botanical gardens. If you're eager to dive into North Iceland's natural attractions, you can hit the road straight away.

One of the major attractions nearby is the village of Husavik, arguably the oldest settlement in Iceland. This village is even more renowned than Akureyri for its whale-watching opportunities, and you can set out into Skjalfandi Bay to search for the giants of the deep.

You can take a traditional whale-watching boat for more comfort or an RIB vessel for added excitement and closer interaction with the animals.

Husavik is also becoming increasingly known for being home to the Geosea Baths. This saltwater geothermal spa is unique in Iceland and is highly recommended for those who want an alternative relaxation experience. With its views overlooking the ocean, there are few better places to unwind.

Its only competition in the area is with the Myvatn Nature Baths, which you can alternatively elect to organize entry to while booking. Located inland by the spectacular Lake Myvatn, what this more traditional spa lacks in uniqueness, it makes up for in amenities and size.

You must reach Lake Myvatn by the end of your day regardless, as it is where you'll spend your sixth night. It's recommended to stop off at the beautiful waterfall of Godafoss on your journey, famous for its intrinsic role in Iceland's history.

If you get to the lakes in good time, you can explore their magnificent features and landscapes. You'll find the lava fortress of Dimmuborgir, the barren volcanic pass of Namaskard, and the bizarre and beautiful pseudocraters of Skutustadir. You may also have time to enjoy the lakes under the midnight sun, with their abundant fauna, vibrant flora, and unique geology.

If not, however, you'll have time to check out these sites tomorrow. You'll retire for the night in one of the accommodations in Northeast Iceland.

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Day 6 - Eastfjords

Day 6

Day 6 - Eastfjords

  • Eastfjords
  • More
  • Asbyrgi canyon
  • Dettifoss waterfall
  • More

On the sixth day of your journey, you'll depart the north, travel across the barren, lifeless landscapes of the north Icelandic Highlands, and enter the country's remote east. However, you can take a super jeep tour before leaving Myvatn to head to the spectacular calderas of Askja and Viti.

Though this excursion requires some hiking, it will allow you to immerse yourself in a landscape so otherworldly that NASA used it to simulate the moon's surface. It will also provide you with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bathe in a crater lake's strikingly blue, geothermally heated water. This tour offers you the best views of the country's unspoiled interior.

Once you continue on your Ring Road journey, you can make plenty of incredible detours. You could, for example, elect to see the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi, which is filled with verdant forest.

Near here is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, which thunders into an ancient, black canyon with ominous force. Dettifoss has a wide cascade of 328 feet (100 meters) visible even from afar.

Upon reaching the east, your main destination will be the region's largest settlement, the charming town of Egilsstadir. This town sits close to Iceland's biggest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur, which boasts lovely trails for hikers and birdwatchers and the serene lake of Lagarfljot.

Lagarfljot is best renowned for two things. Firstly, it has for centuries been plagued with the rumor that it holds a terrible, worm-like creature, similar to the Loch Ness Monster. Secondly, it is known for being home to the Vok Baths. The only geothermal spa of its kind in East Iceland, its ethereal pools curve into the lake, and you can organize to bathe in them when booking.

After another action-packed day on the road, you'll retire for the night in East Iceland.

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Day 7 - Southeast Iceland

Day 7

Day 7 - Southeast Iceland

  • Southeast Iceland
  • More
  • Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
  • Hengifoss
  • Vestrahorn
  • More

The adventure continues on day seven of your immersive summer holiday in Iceland as you navigate the magnificent East Fjords.

Seydisfjordur is a charming town in Eastern Iceland nestled at the end of a fjord and surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Its vibrant wooden buildings lend the settlement an artsy, creative vibe that's palpable as you stroll its scenic streets.

Whether marveling at the striking Blue Church or walking along the historic hiking trails, Seydisfjordur offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.

Of all the regions you'll explore on this trip, the East Fjords is the furthest from Reykjavik, thus the freest from other travelers. As such, you can marvel over the stunning views without other people getting into your eye line and the frames of your photographs.

Many visitors to Iceland declare the East Fjords their favorite region for its sheer beauty. It has some of the country's tallest mountains, boasting views over the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. The fjords and bays are majestic, and this region has abundant wildlife.

The shores are great for spotting seals. The seas are often home to whales and dolphins. Puffins and other seabirds crowd the cliffs, and wild reindeer can be found only here. Ensure you have your camera ready for any magical photo opportunities.

The East also has many sleepy villages nestled in the fjords that seem as old as time. These are wonderful places to immerse yourself in the more rural side of Iceland's culture, particularly at the settlement of Djupivogur, known for its chilled way of living, coastal hot pools, and public art.

You'll be able to detour constantly as you travel to the region's hidden gems. Or, if you're mainly seeking Iceland's most famous and photographed features, you'll find one towards the end of your journey. Vestrahorn is a striking, twin-peaked mountain with a notably dark coloration, which ominously stands by the edge of the seas at the very south of the East Fjords.

You'll retire for the night in Southeast Iceland.

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Day 8 - Southeast Iceland

Day 8

Day 8 - Southeast Iceland

  • Southeast Iceland
  • More
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss
  • More

Your eighth day will be spent in South Iceland exploring the two most majestic locations of Vatnajokull National Park, with a possible tour of each. The first site has the unofficial title of 'the Crown Jewel of Iceland's Nature', the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

This enormous lake sits between the ocean (with which a narrow river connects it) and a crumbling outlet glacier. It's filled with vast icebergs throughout the year. They shimmer an ethereal blue and offer a mesmerizing walk along the shores. To make the site even more appealing, it's home to many seals, which can be seen swimming in the waters or relaxing on the icebergs.

For a more immersive experience here, you can take an amphibious or zodiac boat into the lagoon, where you can see the animals up close and even touch the ice.

After making the most of this otherworldly location, you would be remiss not to walk to the adjacent coastline. Nicknamed the Diamond Beach, this is where the icebergs come to rest after they finally escape Jokulsarlon, washing on the black sands and glistening beautifully as they slowly melt.

Today's second main attraction is the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Before Vatnajokull National Park was established and enveloped Skaftafell, this breathtaking area was a National Park in its own right.

It boasts countless paths leading to outlet glaciers, glacier lagoons, lava fields, and many other features, although its most beloved attractions are the Svartifoss waterfall and the Svinafellsjokull glacier tongue.

Svartifoss is famed for its unique appearance. It pours between towering columns of black basalt, formed into perfect hexagons by a rare volcanic process. Svinafellsjokull, meanwhile, is renowned for being one of the best ice caps in the country for glacier hiking.

You're welcome to organize an excursion here when booking, and as it is conducted in the afternoon, you can embark on it alongside a Jokulsarlon boat trip.

After marveling over Vatnajokull's incredible features, you travel a short way along the South Coast to your hotel near Vik's historic, beautiful village, perfectly positioned for your sightseeing adventure tomorrow.

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Day 9 - Southwest Iceland

Day 9

Day 9 - Southwest Iceland

  • Southwest Iceland
  • More
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
  • Skogafoss waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • More

On the ninth day of your epic adventure around Iceland, you will explore the many sites lining the South Coast. Several travelers attempt to fit this region, Skaftafell, and Jokulsarlon, into a single day and find themselves skipping and rushing attractions. However, due to this package's focus in the south, you can give each one justice.

Traveling from Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the first significant site you will come to is the village of Vik, which sits next to the famous Reynisfjara beach. Considered one of the world's most stunning non-tropical beaches, it's renowned for its black volcanic sands, thunderous waves, and massive sea stacks of Reynisdrangar.

A short distance from here is another geological marvel, the Dyrholaey coastal rock arch, large enough for ships to travel through. Though spectacular throughout the year, it's a marvelous summer attraction, as it's one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins. These birds are usually unafraid of humans, so you can intimately view these creatures and their burrows.

The following site you'll visit is a 197-foot (60-meter) tall waterfall, Skogafoss, which boasts significant power. It's possible to get close to this feature and view it from many angles due to an adjacent staircase. Ensure you have waterproof clothing, as you may get wet!

As you continue along the South Coast, you'll catch glimpses of Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, two massive glaciers. While the former is more famous for its massive eruption in 2010, the latter is of more interest to you today, as there are two tours you can take upon it.

The first is a glacier hike on one of its tongues, Solheimajokull. Under the care of an experienced guide, you'll navigate around the crevasses and ice walls to find some of the South Coast's most beautiful views.

Alternatively, you could take an ice-caving tour into one of its naturally occurring tunnels after taking a super jeep to its summit. This excursion only occurs on Myrdalsjokull in summer.

After this adventure, you'll come to another waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. Though as tall as Skogafoss, it's much more gentle and boasts a fully encircling path. Those who wade through a shallow stream into a mountainside cleft nearby will discover its secret neighboring falls, Gljufrabui.

Towards the end of your day, you will reach the picturesque, rural area of Southwest Iceland, where your hotel will be waiting.

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Day 10 - Reykjavík

Day 10

Day 10 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Gullfoss waterfall
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Kerid Crater
  • More

On the tenth day of your holiday around Iceland, you'll leave the Ring Road to follow the Golden Circle, the country's most popular sightseeing trail. While traveling this route, you can also choose from two epic Icelandic adventures.

The first site you'll visit is Gullfoss, one of the country's most dramatic waterfalls. Tumbling in two tiers, its spray is famous for casting off countless rainbows in the sun, adding to its unreal beauty.

After admiring this site, those who wish to take a snowmobiling excursion can be picked up from the nearby car park and escorted in a super jeep to Langjokull glacier. Snowmobiling is a thrilling way to explore the ice cap and witness the south of Iceland from a new perspective.

The following location on the Golden Circle is just a ten-minute drive from Gullfoss, the Geysir geothermal area. As its name suggests, this area is home to the Great Geysir, an exploding hot spring so spectacular that it gave its name to all similar phenomena worldwide.

These days, the site's star is the much more explosive Strokkur, which erupts every ten minutes to magnificent heights.

Finally, you'll come to the Thingvellir National Park. This incredible place has something for everyone. Those fascinated with geology can marvel over the tectonic plates enclosing it, history buffs can learn about its significant role in modern democratic thought, and nature lovers can explore its beautiful lava fields, forests, streams, and ravines.

In one of these ravines is a natural spring called Silfra, where the adventurous can embark on a snorkeling tour between the continents. The waters here are so fresh that they are drinkable. Silfra's visibility is up to 328 feet (100 meters), and the colors underneath the water are otherworldly.

Please note that snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

As this is your last day on the road, you may wish to pack in some detours. Thankfully, this area boasts many lesser-known sites well worth a visit, including the Kerid crater lake, the Secret Lagoon bathing site, and the Fridheimar tomato farm.

Once you've finished sightseeing, you'll return to Reykjavik, where your final hotel will be waiting.

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Day 11 - Reykjavík

Day 11

Day 11 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More

On the penultimate day of your holiday, you are welcome to have a well-earned rest enjoying the bustling capital of Reykjavik. After all, the city appeals to visitors of all kinds, with museums and galleries, public art, interesting architecture, world-renowned restaurants, stylish boutiques, and beautiful natural spaces.

You have two exciting tour options if you're not finished with adventure. Firstly, you could head to the domestic airport and take an incredible helicopter flight over the capital and its surroundings. This spectacular new perspective is a fantastic final activity, sure to leave you with some lasting memories.

Secondly, you could embark on another adventure exclusive to Iceland, a descent into a magma chamber. Thrihnukagigur stopped being an active volcano centuries ago, but rather than collapse in on itself as most do upon becoming dormant, its magma chamber drained and was preserved.

Using a mining lift, you'll enter this magnificent, vast space and have the chance to wander around its base, marveling over the vivid colors and beautiful formations.

Of course, you'll still have your rental car this day, so you're welcome to go entirely off this agenda and explore more South and West Iceland sites. The Reykjanes Peninsula, the geothermal valley of Reykjadalur, and the beautiful tabletop mountain of Esjan are all just a short drive away.

Reykjadalur is a geothermal wonderland just a short drive from Reykjavik in Southwest Iceland. This popular hiking destination is celebrated for its scenic beauty, featuring a steam-filled valley dotted with bubbling hot springs, mud pots, and a warm river.

The highlight of a trip to Reykjadalur is the opportunity to bathe in the naturally heated waters of the river, an outdoor bathing experience unlike any other.

Regardless of how you spend your day, you can enjoy your final night knowing that you have made the most of your vacation in Iceland.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 12 - Reykjavík

Day 12

Day 12 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krýsuvík
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

Your twelfth day is sadly your last in Iceland. You'll need to return your rental car to the airport a few hours before your flight departs.

If you have a late departure, however, you can use the opportunity to explore more sides of the capital city and its surrounding nature or discover the superb sites of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Those who could not fit a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on their first day can experience it today. Though your journey around Iceland was made without rushing, you'll undoubtedly still be grateful for the luxurious, rejuvenating waters after all the adventure.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a marvel of geologic phenomena and historic landmarks, holding more than just the famed Blue Lagoon. Lunar-like lava fields, dramatic cliffs, and geothermal activity dominate its landscape.

One of the key highlights is the Bridge Between Continents, a symbol of the meeting point between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The region is also home to the fascinating Reykjanes Geopark. This UNESCO site displays the unique volcanic activity of the area, including the Krysuvik geothermal area with its strikingly colorful soils.

Lighthouses dot the peninsula, like the ones at Gardskagi and Reykjanesviti, providing stunning coastal views. For history and culture enthusiasts, the Viking World Museum in Njardvik is a must-visit, showcasing a replica of a 9th-century Viking ship, among other artifacts.

Meanwhile, Gunnuhver hot springs present a dramatic scene of boiling waters and steam, a testament to Iceland's geothermal power. The peninsula also provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.

When you drop your car at the airport and head home, you'll depart with memories to last a lifetime. We hope you enjoy your flight home and come back soon.

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Experiences

What to bring

Warm Clothes
Camera
Swimsuit
Driver's license
Sunglasses

Good to know

Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.

Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner.

Please note that you might need to present medical documents should you choose to go snorkeling. Participants also need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.

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