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Categories Summer Tours Iceland Self Drive Vacations Adventure & Eco Travel Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

Do you like our Geysers, Glacier and Waterfalls itinerary but wish you could spend more time discovering South and West Iceland? We’ve created a leisurely version of this best-selling tour so you can do just that!

We’ve taken one of our most popular itineraries and created a leisurely version for you! The leisurely pace of your journey also allows you to experience natural wonders like glaciers, volcanic beaches, waterfalls and hot springs. Plus, you’ll have more time to try activities and experiences and connect with local life in South and West Iceland. Since you won’t need to change hotels every day, you can enjoy Iceland’s famous places to the fullest.

Car categories:

Grp Z Economy 2wd Toyota Aygo 3 door Manual

Grp A Economy 2wd Toyota Yaris or similar Manual

Grp Y Economy 2wd Toyota Yaris or similar Automatic

Grp B Compact 2wd VW Golf or similar Manual

Grp B2 Compact 2wd VW Golf or similar Automatic

Grp C Intermediate 2wd Toyota Corolla or similar Manual

Grp N Intermediate 2wd Toyota Corolla or similar Automatic

Grp R1 Intermediate 2wd Kia Ceed Phev or similar Automatic/Hybrid 5 4 Wagon

Grp F Medium 4wd ** KIA Sportage or similar Manual

Grp O Medium 4wd ** KIA Sportage or similar Automatic

Grp E2 Medium 4wd ** Dacia Duster or similar Manual

Grp N3 Green Collection Medium 4wd * Hyundai Tucson or similar Automatic/Hybrid

Grp V1 Green Collection Medium 4wd Tesla Y Automatic/Electric

Grp O2 Medium 4wd ** Kia Sorento or similar Automatic

Grp I Large 4wd ** Toyota Land Cruiser or similar Automatic 5 5 Large

Grp D2 Full Size 4wd Passenger Van ** VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar Automatic

Grp Q Full Size 2wd Passenger Van Ford Transit 9 seater or similar

Itinerary

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Drive along the mystical lava landscapes of the South Coast to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. The road takes you past rocky beaches with thundering waves. Hveragerdi is perfect for getting to know typical small-town Icelandic culture, but with a unique twist. Hveragerdi is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.”

Overnight in the Hveragerdi area.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Approximate Distance:

210 km / 130 miles

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) – Bubbling Geysers – Golden Waterfall

Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Many important historical events happened in this area. Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkeling in clear waters between two continents. Thingvellir sits near Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake.

Visit two other amazing sites of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy adventure, you might try white water rafting in the river running from Gullfoss.

A wonderful way to relax during the day is to visit either the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.

A delightful culinary experience is a visit to the Efstidalur Dairy Farm. You can take a guided tour to learn about the farm and life on the farm, as well as try some of the home-made dairy treats like cheese, skyr and ice cream. The farm’s restaurant looks into the dairy barn, where you might get a glimpse of the cows who provide the milk for Efstidalur’s tasty treats.

Overnight in Hveragerdi area.

Optional:

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkeling (Meet on Location)

Fontana Geothermal Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Snowmobiling

Approximate Distance: variable

Enjoy More of the Golden Circle and Thjorsardalur Valley

Today is open for you to explore more of the area around the Golden Circle and South Iceland. Here are some suggestions.

You might enjoy visiting the Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. You’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Hekla volcano towering over the region. You can visit the site of a Viking age farm that was covered by lava from one of Hekla’s eruptions. A replica shows you how the longhouse looked (admission not included). Game of Thrones fans might recognize some of the landscapes as locations used in Season 4 of the show. A short and easy hiking trail from Stong leads to the enchantingly green landscapes of Gjain canyon. The lava formations around the canyon are spectacular. Thjorsardalur is also home to Haifoss, Iceland’s third highest waterfall, as well as the uniquely divided waterfall of Hjalparfoss.

Today you could opt to take the South Coast road to the charming coastal villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, both with lovely old buildings and great seafood restaurants. You can visit unique museums like the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri and the historical homes at the Eyrarbakki Heritage Museum.

If you love local history, another option would be a guided tour of Laugarvatnshellir cave in the Golden Circle area. This cavern was the cozy home of two Icelandic families during the early 20th Reconstructions show how the unique family homes looked. You could also visit the charming Fridheimar farm. At Fridheimar you can tour the tomato greenhouses, buy local products at their market and even enjoy a tomato-based lunch (meal must be booked in advance).

Overnight in Hveragerdi or Selfoss.

Optional:

Gullfoss Canyon Rafting – From Drumbó Base

Silfra Snorkeling (Meet on Location)

Fontana Geothermal Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Snowmobiling

The Scenic South Coast

Approximate Distance:245 km / 152 miles

Distinctive Waterfalls – Cliffs & Stone Arches – Black Sandy Beaches & Seabird Colony

Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The center has interesting exhibits for all age groups.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one a photo worthy visit) and Myrdalsjokull glacier. Seljalandsfoss waterfall has a path that you can take behind the misty cascade. Skogafoss waterfall is one of the most photographed falls in Iceland. Its perfect shape makes a fantastic backdrop for a selfie. Nearby is the Skogar Folk Museum, where we recommend exploring the old turf farm or checking out the historical exhibits inside.

You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on Myrdalsjokull glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland. Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore Reynisfjara, a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches.

Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

Head through the vast lava fields of Eldhraun that were created in a devastating eruption in the 18th century that impacted both Icelanders and Western Europeans. Your destination is Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a town named after a medieval convent.

Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Optional:

Kayaking by Solheimajokull Glacier

Solheimajokull Glacier walking tour

Zipline Adventure in Vik

Black Sand ATV tour

Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

Floating Icebergs and Diamond Beach

Approximate Distance:260 km / 162 miles

Europe’s Largest National Park – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Today you’ll be in Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Visit the awe-inspiring Skaftafell area of the park, which is set between glaciers. There are several excellent hiking trails including one to the basalt lined Svartifoss Falls. If you want to experience glacier adventure, we recommend taking a guided hike on one of the park’s glaciers. (Venturing onto a glacier should only ever be attempted with the assistance of a licensed and experienced guide.)

Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and enjoy the amazing view. If you’re lucky you might glimpse a few sunbathing seals. Many people enjoy taking an amphibian boat trip on the Glacier Lagoon itself. Nearby the Glacier Lagoon is the Diamond Beach, an area where glittering pieces of glaciers perch on the volcanic black sand coastline.

If you would like to view another glacier lagoon, you should check out Fjallsarlon. It is a smaller and less visited ice lagoon with distinctive beauty. You can take Zodiac tours in this lagoon that give you amazing views of the icebergs.

Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Optional:

Amphibian Boat on the Glacier Lagoon

Glacier Wonders-glacier hike in Skaftafell

South Iceland to West Iceland

Approximate Distance:320 km / 198 miles

Take a leisurely trip back through the South Shore area, visiting places you might not have seen on Day 4. This is a good day to try activities like riding ATV vehicles on a black sand beach, snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull glacier, or kayaking on the Solheimajokull glacier lagoon.

Your destination is the beautiful Borgarfjordur region, an area full of enchanting landscapes, Viking history, handicrafts and local cuisine.

If you enjoy Viking history, this afternoon we recommend a visit to the interactive Settlement Museum in Borgarnes town. You’ll learn how Viking pioneers settled Iceland, as well as tales about the controversial Viking hero Egill Skallagrimsson.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Optional:

Zipline in Vik

Kayaking by Solheimajokull glacier

Solheimajokull glacier walking tou

Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Snaefellsjokull National Park

Approximate Distance:330 km / 205 miles

Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Glacier-Crowned Mountain – Rock Formations

Today you are for a treat: a whole day to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, home of Snaefellsjokull National Park. Snaefellsnes is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” since you can see samples of most Icelandic landscapes in one area. Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs where many types of seabirds live. If you enjoy hiking, there is a great nature trail you can hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages. (About 4.3 km/2.7 miles). Crowning the area is the glacier topped Snaefellsjokull volcano, legendary home to a guardian spirit. Driving through the park gives you a chance to view the mountain from many different angles.

Visit Djupalonssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled beach. Then head along the north coast through lively fishing villages. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, the photogenic Church Mountain. Olafsvik town is a great place for whale watching tours. In eco-friendly Stykkisholmur, you might join a boat tour in Breidafjordur Bay (approx. 2 hours) to admire the rich birdlife and sea life of the area. During the boat tour, a shellfish plough is lowered into the ocean and a wonderful selection of shellfish and sea life is caught for viewing and tasting scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and much more.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Optional:

Vatnshellir Caving

Whale Watching from Olafsvik

Viking "Sushi" boat tour

Explore Beautiful Borgarfjordur

Approximate Distance:215 km / 134 miles

Picturesque Waterfalls – Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring – Heritage Fjord

We’ve left today open to enjoy Borgarfjordur on your way to Reykjavik. While in Borgarfjordur ,you might visit the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave or take an exciting ride up Langjokull glacier in a special truck to view a unique ice tunnel and ice cave and see a glacier from the inside out. If you enjoy scenic hikes, you’ll definitely want to visit the Husafell Nature Area. A series of walking trails leads to scenic and historical areas. There are trails to suit different hiking levels and landscapes, so you’ll surely find one that suits you perfectly.

Within the area are also two scenic, impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, appears as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations. The nearby Barnafoss falls has brilliantly blue waters. Visit Deildartunguhver, the most powerful and fastest hot springs in Europe. You can’t bathe in these springs, but the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths uses water from Deildartunguhver combined with cool mountain springs to create the ideal temperature for relaxation.

Head onwards to Iceland’s colorful capital city, Reykjavik. The rest of the day is open to enjoy the city’s restaurants, museums and nightlife.

Overnight in the Reykjavik area.

Optional:

Into a Glacier tour

Krauma Nature Baths

Sky Lagoon Pass

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Reykjanes Peninsula – Blue Lagoon

Approximate Distance:120 km / 75 miles

Volcanic Landscapes – Bubbling Mud Pools – Quaint Fishing Village – Geothermal Spa

Today explore a different side of Iceland with a visit to Reykjanes peninsula. Designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2015, Reykjanes lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It has over 50 geosites related to geothermal and tectonic plate activity. It’s a paradise for geologists and photographers alike! Visit the moon-like surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krysuvik geothermal area with its multicolored bubbling mud pools. You can also cross the Mid-Atlantic ridge on the Bridge between Continents. Visit Grindavik fishing village, known for its delicious local food, especially a focus on saltfish.

If you enjoy hiking and volcanoes, you can take a trail to visit the site of Iceland’s most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021 and 2022 at Geldingadalur and Meradalur and see the island’s newest lava up close.

Reykjanes is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon where you can relax in the soothing mineral waters. Note: The Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance. We can help with that!

If you enjoy adventure, you can enjoy guided ATV tours, hiking, snorkeling and golfing. Or indulge your inner explorer at the Vikingaheimur museum where you can learn about Viking discoveries between Iceland and the New World.

Afterwards head to Reykjavik for your overnight. Enjoy the food scene and lively culture of Iceland’s capital.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Approximate Distance:50 km / 30 miles

Return to Keflavik International Airport**

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport.* We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

**Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9-day rental is up and use our airport transfer.

Notes