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Travel through South Iceland on this compact yet complete driving vacation. In just five days you will discover the charm of the Golden Circle including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring and the historic site of Þingvellir National Park. Explore the surreal volcanic beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s Geopark. In addition, you’ll have time to view the rolling hills, black sand and mystical lava columns of Iceland’s South Shore.

Itinerary

Reykjanes Peninsula

Approximate distance: 30 km / 19 miles

Volcanic Wonderland – UNESCO Geopark – Viking Heritage – Blue Lagoon

Pick up the car at the airport and drive to the Geohotel in charming Grindavík village (about 25 – 30 minute drive from the airport). Check in to your hotel.

If you are arriving on a morning flight, you are in a fantastic part of Iceland to explore and enjoy. The Reykjanes peninsula area is an ideal introduction to Iceland´s volcanic personality. The region has been designated a UNESCO Geopark for its otherworldly and beautiful volcanic features. There are 55 points of interest in the area. Some of these include Krýsuvík, a primoridial geothermal area of bubbling earth and steam, and the Midatlantic Ridge that the divides the North American and European tectonic plates.

Experience the area´s terrain on an ATV tour between lava and mountains and along the sea. Try whale watching or sailing. Visit the Viking World museum and discover Norse history and the famous Íslendingur Viking ship at that sailed to North America in 2000. Other area activities include birdwatching, hiking and playing golf in Sandgerði, on the edge of the ocean.

Or take a scenic drive through the area, visiting Geopark sites and enjoying seafood in charming village restaurants.

Of course, a very important place to visit in this area is the relaxing Blue Lagoon, which is a short drive from your hotel. The soothing geothermal mineral waters are perfect for your skin, and it´s a great way to shake off jetlag! (Important: if you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon, admission must be booked in advance. we can assist you with this.)

Overnight stay in the Reykjanes area (Geo Hotel, Grindavík or similar)

South Coast Road to Gullfoss and Geysir

Thundering Waves – Magical Church – Viking Horses – Golden Falls – Spouting Geysers

Approximate distance: 215 km / 134 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Start with a drive along a scenic road taking you by thundering waterfalls and the mysterious mountains surrounding Lake Kleifarvatn. Stop at Strandakirkja, a lovely old church, Local legends have it that the church has been believed provides good fortune and success to those in need of it. The road takes you into the green farmlands and coasts of South Iceland. Take an optional tour of Fakasel, an interactive horse center, where you can meet friendly Icelandic horses and discover more about this ancient Viking breed. Your ultimate destination is the Golden Circle region. Visit Gullfoss, the Queen of Waterfalls. Nearby is the Geysir Geothermal area, where hot springs bubble and even shoot into the air. Most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts like clockwork. Maybe you´ll opt to bathe in one of the local favorite hot spring pools of the area. These include the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, or the Fontana Steambaths in Laugarvatn.

Overnight in the Geysir region, at Hotel Edda Laugarvatn ÍKÍ or similar.

South Coast Waterfalls and Thjorsardalur Valley

Approximate distance: 444 / 277 miles

Majestic Waterfalls - Cliffs & Stone Arches - Black Sandy Beaches and Bird Colony-

Breakfast at your hotel. Today explore the famous South Shore region. Visit the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, each with its own unique attributes. In the region is the beautiful yet imposing Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption, An interesting multimedia exhibit at the foot of the volcano tells the story.

Dyrholaey is a rocky headland characterized by a black lava arch. Every year thousands of sea birds nest here during the summer. (Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.) In this area you can also enjoy views of the vast black sand beaches and unusual rock formations.

Next drive through the Thjorsardalur valley and its contrasting landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls, huddling below the impressive volcano Hekla, Iceland‘s most frequently-erupting one. This is also the location of Stong, a Viking age farm where you can see a replica longhouse. Follow the road through Thjorsardalur back to your accommodation in Laugarvatn.

Overnight at Hotel Edda Laugarvatn ÍKÍ or ML

Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur area

Approximate distance: 300km / 186 miles

Historical and geological park - Picturesque Fjords - Waterfalls

Breakfast at your hotel. Visit Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site),. This was the meeting place of Iceland‘s Viking parliament. It also has geological significance; the MidAtlantic ridge runs in a canyon through the park.

Continue westward, via scenic Hvalfjordur fjord or the unpaved Kaldidalur highland track. (Kaldidalur is open June-August, and a 4WD car is required needed). Dsicover the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the 13th century scholar, Snorri Sturluson.

Head to Reykjavík in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Reykjavík or Reykjavík area (Hótel Klettur, Reykjavík Lights, Hotel Vellir or similar)

Approximate distance: 52 kmm / 33 miles

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport, Drop off your car at the airport. We recommend departing Reykjavik no later than 3 hours before your flight. 

*Please note that the package price is based on 4 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 5 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 4 day rental is up and use our flybus departure transfer.

Notes