Step 1
Reykjavik
The Self Drive Around Iceland incorporates the country’s most beautiful drives and allows you, in the span of a week, to discover the incredible variety of Icelandic landscapes: tranquil verdant countryside and expansive untamed coast, impressive glaciers and desert lands, ancient lava fields and magnificent waterfalls, geysers and fumaroles emitting sulfurous vapours, imposing fjords and majestic mountains…You’ll even have the chance to see icebergs!
Trip available from May to September
Regions visited during this trip to Iceland : Reykjavik | Golden Circle | Highlands | Northwest | South Coast | East | Northeast
N.B.: This trip to Iceland is an individual tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our Iceland specialist advisors.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Arrival at Keflavik international airport. Rental car pick up and drive to Reykjavík. Settle into your accommodation. Let’s go for your Self Drive Around Island. The rest of your night is at your leisure in the world’s northernmost capital. Spending the night in Reykjavík.
Distance travelled: 50 km, 1h
Night in Reykjavík
Rental car pick up and departure towards Iceland’s famous Golden Circle: observe the effects of the oceanic rift in Thingvellir, the Strokkur geyser at Geysir (the place which originally gave the phenomenon its name) and the Gullfoss waterfall where the Hvítá river has dug an impressive canyon. Discover the marvels lying at the feet of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Black sand beaches and bird cliffs on the ocean-side of the road. On the other side, innumerable waterfalls crash from cliff tops and glacial tongues drift down from the mountains higher up. Stop at the Skogar waterfall and visit its rustic museum. If you are in a 4WD vehicle, drive down to the black sand beaches of Dyrholaey. Staying overnight in the Vík region. In summer with the 4WD option only: Add a day to your trip to explore the natural reserve of Fjallabak which houses some of Iceland most spectacular and wildest sites, the Hekla volcano, the volcanic rift of Elgjá, and of course, the hot water river of Landmanalaugar, nestled in the mountains that geothermal activity has stained many colours over the years!
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h
Night in Vik
You’ll continue to the east to Skaftafell National Park and discover there the Svartifoss waterfall as well as the basaltic rock formations around it. Then, you will drive along the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón in a Greenland-like setting composed of icebergs and glaciers, all the while being watched by curious seals. Staying overnight in the Höfn region. In summer with the 4WD option only: Add a day to your trip and discover the Laki region where the biggest recorded volcanic eruption since the island was populated occurred leaving behind surreal and lunar-like landscapes.
Distance travelled: 280 km, 5h
Night in Höfn
Explore the eastern fjords. You’ll take a magnificent coastal road that leads you from one fjord to the next. Stop wherever you are most tempted; to watch the seals of Lónsvík at play or swans in the bay of Álftafjördur. (depending on the season) Or an exhibit about Iceland’s French fishermen in Fáskrúdsfjördur, the mineral and rock collection of the Petra museum at Stödvarfjördur, or the charming port of Djúpivogur. Staying overnight in the Egilsstadir region.
Distance travelled: 260 km, 5h
Night in Egilsstadir
Your day beings with the crossing of rocky desert-like hills and expanse’s until you arrive at the Dettifoss falls, the largest in Europe. The waterfall marks the entrance of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park that extends to the Ásbyrgi canyon in the North. You will then arrive in the Mývatn region, home to some of the most surprising and interesting geological and geothermal manifestations in Iceland. Here, you have the option to relax in an outdoor geothermal pool. Staying overnight in the Mývatn region.
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h
Night in Mývatn
Take your time to discover the surroundings of Lake Myvatn: Pseudocraters, explosion craters, recent lava flows and cauldrons of boiling mud. Continue driving west, stopping at the famous Godafoss falls before entering the city of Akureyri, the «capital of the north», before finally arriving in the region of the Skagafjördur fjord. If time permits, visit the Glaumbær folk museum, situated on a renovated 19th century farm. Staying overnight in the Skagafjördur region.
Distance travelled: 220 km, 4h
Night in Skagafjördur
Continue south to the valley of Reykholt where you will find the hot water springs of Deildartunguhver, the Fastest flowing hot springs in Europe. Stop at the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss and drive back to the capital along the impressive Hvalfjörður, Icelandic for « whale fjord ». If time permits, at the apex of the fjord, take the hike to Glymur, Iceland’s tallest waterfall. Return your rental vehicle and enjoy your nights accommodation in Reykjavík. In summer with the 4WD option only: Choose to follow either the Kaldidalur road between the Reykholt and Thingvellir valleys along the bottom of the Langjökull glacier, or the road from Kjölur that passes between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers to the Hveravellir springs.
Distance travelled: 200 km, 4h
Night in Reykjavík
Return your rental car at Keflavik international airport and enjoy your flight home.
Distance travelled: 50 km, 1h
Surfing the Artic waves
Of course it is possible, come surf the cold Arctic waves !
Discover one of the most surprising activities to do in Iceland!
This 8 hours excursion starts with a visit of the wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula before jumping onto your surfboard ! To surf the best waves in the best conditions, keep an ear out to the precious local advices, they always love to share their tips for this unique experience!
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Sleeping in a yurt in Iceland
Thinking of sleeping in a yurt in Iceland? Well, it may seem unbelievable, but yes it is possible!
Make your trip to Iceland unforgettable spending a night in a yurt!
Embark on a zodiac tour to be able to reach a small isolated island in the middle of a glacier river (south Iceland).
You will find several yurts there. It’s time to reconnect with the nature and enjoy every second of this experience : it all starts off by turning your phone off, taking the fishing nets out of the water and season the fresh salmon for tonight’s bbq.
After stargazing and perhaps get the chance to see northern lights, slip under your sheepskin cover in your yurt for a lovely night..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Sleep in an ice cave
Do you long to experience the deep cold? Well put on your crampons and helmet, grab your ice pick and traverse a glacier to explore an ice cave that will also be your accommodation for the night.
The exact location is confidential, but we can tell you that it is located 25 km from the Skaftafell region.
Once you have arrived at the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s time to meet your equipment! Helmets, crampons and ice picks will make sure you are properly prepared! Enter the ice cave and be amazed by the many focal points as you discover the various shades of blue created by the varied density of the ice.
After a local Icelandic diner, set out your sleeping bag and enjoy your night under the glacier. What an adventure!
This activity is available from mid-December to mid-March.
Note: This activity is not recommended for families and seniors.
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Watching the midnight sun beyond the Arctic Circle
Experience one of the most unique events in Iceland : the midnight sun.
Hop on a ferry in Akureyri, and sale to the island of Grimsey, straddling the Arctic Circle. During summer solstice, (approx. 20 – 22.st of June ) the sun remains constantly above the horizon for 24 hours.
Meet Atlantic puffins and more than 12 other different species before settling in your guesthouse to enjoy a local meal. Shortly after it will be time to find a perfect spot for the spectacular scene: enjoy the endless sun of Grímsey..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Blue Lagoon Day Tour
Spend a relaxing time in the Blue Lagoon
During your stay in Iceland you cannot miss a bath in this fountain of youth whose presence we owe to the island’s geothermal activity. Located about 50km from Reykjavik, you can spend a few relaxing hours there, or even the whole day! Open air baths in the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters and temperatures around 40°C (104°F) are an unforgettable experience.
Golden Circle Tour
A day to discover the “Golden Circle!”
This tour allows you to explore Iceland’s most iconic sites, only 100 km from Reykjavik, and to get your first look at the country’s untamed interior.
Meeting point: at your hotel at 8:30
Departure time: 09:00
Length of tour: 8 hours
Return: at 17:00 to your hotel
The Self Drive Around Iceland incorporates the country’s most beautiful drives and allows you, in the span of a week, to discover the incredible variety of Icelandic landscapes: tranquil verdant countryside and expansive untamed coast, impressive glaciers and desert lands, ancient lava fields and magnificent waterfalls, geysers and fumaroles emitting sulfurous vapours, imposing fjords and majestic mountains…You’ll even have the chance to see icebergs!
Trip available from May to September
Regions visited during this trip to Iceland : Reykjavik | Golden Circle | Highlands | Northwest | South Coast | East | Northeast
N.B.: This trip to Iceland is an individual tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our Iceland specialist advisors.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Arrival at Keflavik international airport. Rental car pick up and drive to Reykjavík. Settle into your accommodation. Let’s go for your Self Drive Around Island. The rest of your night is at your leisure in the world’s northernmost capital. Spending the night in Reykjavík.
Distance travelled: 50 km, 1h
Night in Reykjavík
Rental car pick up and departure towards Iceland’s famous Golden Circle: observe the effects of the oceanic rift in Thingvellir, the Strokkur geyser at Geysir (the place which originally gave the phenomenon its name) and the Gullfoss waterfall where the Hvítá river has dug an impressive canyon. Discover the marvels lying at the feet of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Black sand beaches and bird cliffs on the ocean-side of the road. On the other side, innumerable waterfalls crash from cliff tops and glacial tongues drift down from the mountains higher up. Stop at the Skogar waterfall and visit its rustic museum. If you are in a 4WD vehicle, drive down to the black sand beaches of Dyrholaey. Staying overnight in the Vík region. In summer with the 4WD option only: Add a day to your trip to explore the natural reserve of Fjallabak which houses some of Iceland most spectacular and wildest sites, the Hekla volcano, the volcanic rift of Elgjá, and of course, the hot water river of Landmanalaugar, nestled in the mountains that geothermal activity has stained many colours over the years!
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h
Night in Vik
You’ll continue to the east to Skaftafell National Park and discover there the Svartifoss waterfall as well as the basaltic rock formations around it. Then, you will drive along the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón in a Greenland-like setting composed of icebergs and glaciers, all the while being watched by curious seals. Staying overnight in the Höfn region. In summer with the 4WD option only: Add a day to your trip and discover the Laki region where the biggest recorded volcanic eruption since the island was populated occurred leaving behind surreal and lunar-like landscapes.
Distance travelled: 280 km, 5h
Night in Höfn
Explore the eastern fjords. You’ll take a magnificent coastal road that leads you from one fjord to the next. Stop wherever you are most tempted; to watch the seals of Lónsvík at play or swans in the bay of Álftafjördur. (depending on the season) Or an exhibit about Iceland’s French fishermen in Fáskrúdsfjördur, the mineral and rock collection of the Petra museum at Stödvarfjördur, or the charming port of Djúpivogur. Staying overnight in the Egilsstadir region.
Distance travelled: 260 km, 5h
Night in Egilsstadir
Your day beings with the crossing of rocky desert-like hills and expanse’s until you arrive at the Dettifoss falls, the largest in Europe. The waterfall marks the entrance of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park that extends to the Ásbyrgi canyon in the North. You will then arrive in the Mývatn region, home to some of the most surprising and interesting geological and geothermal manifestations in Iceland. Here, you have the option to relax in an outdoor geothermal pool. Staying overnight in the Mývatn region.
Distance travelled: 300 km, 5h
Night in Mývatn
Take your time to discover the surroundings of Lake Myvatn: Pseudocraters, explosion craters, recent lava flows and cauldrons of boiling mud. Continue driving west, stopping at the famous Godafoss falls before entering the city of Akureyri, the «capital of the north», before finally arriving in the region of the Skagafjördur fjord. If time permits, visit the Glaumbær folk museum, situated on a renovated 19th century farm. Staying overnight in the Skagafjördur region.
Distance travelled: 220 km, 4h
Night in Skagafjördur
Continue south to the valley of Reykholt where you will find the hot water springs of Deildartunguhver, the Fastest flowing hot springs in Europe. Stop at the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss and drive back to the capital along the impressive Hvalfjörður, Icelandic for « whale fjord ». If time permits, at the apex of the fjord, take the hike to Glymur, Iceland’s tallest waterfall. Return your rental vehicle and enjoy your nights accommodation in Reykjavík. In summer with the 4WD option only: Choose to follow either the Kaldidalur road between the Reykholt and Thingvellir valleys along the bottom of the Langjökull glacier, or the road from Kjölur that passes between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers to the Hveravellir springs.
Distance travelled: 200 km, 4h
Night in Reykjavík
Return your rental car at Keflavik international airport and enjoy your flight home.
Distance travelled: 50 km, 1h
Take your pick: hotels, mountain huts, campsites…
The vast majority of Icelandic establishments are modest, but clean and comfortable. Most of the guesthouses, farmhouses and hotels offer catering. Your accommodation during your Self Drive Around Iceland will fall under whichever category of establishment you choose. There is also a camping option (all camping equipment provided). With our voucher system, you’ll be able to camp when and where you want, giving you as much freedom as you want to adapt your itinerary based on the weather as well as your own location choices.
We recommend that your book your Iceland self-drive as soon as possible in order to have to the most choice when it comes to the establishment itself and the type of accommodation you stay in.
Request QuotePricing based on two persons, double room, with a regular car
In guesthouses, farmhouses or countryside hotels, from May to September
In mountain huts, or hostels from May to September
Camping, from June to August
*Fixed price based on the number of people, the season and the category of car chosen
Surfing the Artic waves
Of course it is possible, come surf the cold Arctic waves !
Discover one of the most surprising activities to do in Iceland!
This 8 hours excursion starts with a visit of the wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula before jumping onto your surfboard ! To surf the best waves in the best conditions, keep an ear out to the precious local advices, they always love to share their tips for this unique experience!
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Sleeping in a yurt in Iceland
Thinking of sleeping in a yurt in Iceland? Well, it may seem unbelievable, but yes it is possible!
Make your trip to Iceland unforgettable spending a night in a yurt!
Embark on a zodiac tour to be able to reach a small isolated island in the middle of a glacier river (south Iceland).
You will find several yurts there. It’s time to reconnect with the nature and enjoy every second of this experience : it all starts off by turning your phone off, taking the fishing nets out of the water and season the fresh salmon for tonight’s bbq.
After stargazing and perhaps get the chance to see northern lights, slip under your sheepskin cover in your yurt for a lovely night..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Sleep in an ice cave
Do you long to experience the deep cold? Well put on your crampons and helmet, grab your ice pick and traverse a glacier to explore an ice cave that will also be your accommodation for the night.
The exact location is confidential, but we can tell you that it is located 25 km from the Skaftafell region.
Once you have arrived at the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s time to meet your equipment! Helmets, crampons and ice picks will make sure you are properly prepared! Enter the ice cave and be amazed by the many focal points as you discover the various shades of blue created by the varied density of the ice.
After a local Icelandic diner, set out your sleeping bag and enjoy your night under the glacier. What an adventure!
This activity is available from mid-December to mid-March.
Note: This activity is not recommended for families and seniors.
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Watching the midnight sun beyond the Arctic Circle
Experience one of the most unique events in Iceland : the midnight sun.
Hop on a ferry in Akureyri, and sale to the island of Grimsey, straddling the Arctic Circle. During summer solstice, (approx. 20 – 22.st of June ) the sun remains constantly above the horizon for 24 hours.
Meet Atlantic puffins and more than 12 other different species before settling in your guesthouse to enjoy a local meal. Shortly after it will be time to find a perfect spot for the spectacular scene: enjoy the endless sun of Grímsey..
This unique experience is an Iceland Like A Local finding
From
Blue Lagoon Day Tour
Spend a relaxing time in the Blue Lagoon
During your stay in Iceland you cannot miss a bath in this fountain of youth whose presence we owe to the island’s geothermal activity. Located about 50km from Reykjavik, you can spend a few relaxing hours there, or even the whole day! Open air baths in the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters and temperatures around 40°C (104°F) are an unforgettable experience.
Golden Circle Tour
A day to discover the “Golden Circle!”
This tour allows you to explore Iceland’s most iconic sites, only 100 km from Reykjavik, and to get your first look at the country’s untamed interior.
Meeting point: at your hotel at 8:30
Departure time: 09:00
Length of tour: 8 hours
Return: at 17:00 to your hotel