Circle Iceland in a Week
Overview
Drive around Iceland in just one week? Why not! The Ring Road is a delight to drive – well maintained and largely free of traffic. Barely an hour will pass on this slick self-drive when you won’t be pulling over to admire a stunning stretch of coastline or thundering waterfall. You’ll stay in seven must-see locations and have our iDiscover digital guide to enhance your trip.
Highlights
- Perfect for those who love touring through spectacular scenery
- See the natural wonders of the Golden Circle and South Coast
- Explore Vatnajokull National Park, the East Fjords and Lake Myvatn
- Choose from optional excursions such as whale watching and snowmobiling
- Spend a night at Hotel Husafell, renowned for its fine food
- Make your self-drive hassle-free with our exclusive digital travel guide, iDiscover
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- Unlimited mileage
- No charge for additional driver
- Exclusive use of iDiscover app
Full description
Seven days to drive the Ring Road
Two weeks would be better as per our Around Iceland holiday, but if time is limited, and you want to see as much of Iceland as possible, this holiday features several key highlights. Some drives are lengthy, but if you enjoy a road trip this itinerary is incredibly rewarding – offering fabulous scenery, comfortable accommodation, optional excursions and even time for relaxing in a geothermal lagoon or two.
The Magnificent Seven
After a night in Reykjavik, your first full day takes in the Golden Circle – Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir World Heritage Site. Next, you’ll explore the sublime South Coast with its black-sand beaches, bird cliffs, waterfalls and glaciers, before spending time at Vatnajokull National Park – famous for its colossal icecap and the iceberg-strewn lagoon of Jokulsarlon. You will then take a world-class coastal drive through the East Fjords before heading west towards Lake Myvatn where you can relax in the geothermal Nature Baths or visit Husavik for a whale-watching trip. A long drive the following day ends at the magnificent Hotel Husafell. All too soon, perhaps, you’ll be returning to Keflavik airport – but not before a chance to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Prices & Dates *
Airfares start from around £70 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire
| Departure | Duration | Car Category | Twin Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £901 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £967 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,005 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,175 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,284 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,397 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £937 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,003 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,041 |
Note Other variations such as single rooms, rooms without facilities, three or four people sharing a vehicle, will be quoted on request.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- Unlimited mileage
- No charge for additional driver
- Exclusive use of iDiscover App
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: Keflavik - Reykjavik
Fly to Keflavik. Collect your rental vehicle and drive to Reykjavik for an evening of exploration and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Fludir
Explore the natural wonders on the famed Golden Circle route: the tectonic rip in the earth's crust at Thingvellir, the thundering falls of Gullfoss and the bubbling Geysir geothermal area. Overnight at Hotel Fludir.
Day 3: Fludir - Vik - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Continue along the south coast and admire the views, including Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's best-known waterfalls and the Myrdalsjokull icecap, where you may wish to take an optional snowmobile trip (pre-bookable - please contact our team). You may also choose to visit the little museum at Skogar and the famous waterfall with an impressive 60 metre drop (perhaps walk the path to the top). Explore the Reynisfjara pebble beach with its caves and basalt formations. Investigate the bird cliffs at Dyrholaey, (closed from May 1st until June 25th so as not to disturb nesting birds), and walk along its black sand beach. Continue east past Vik and overnight at Hotel Klaustur.
Day 4: Skaftafell
You will be spoilt for choice today as there is much to see and do in the area: walking in the stunning Skaftafell National Park; discovering the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its immense icebergs (boat trips are pre-bookable - contact us for further details). Perhaps take an optional snowmobile trip on Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull - one of many excursion options. Overnight in the area.
Day 5: Skaftafell - Egilsstadir
Spend the day exploring the sweeping fjords of the east coast and the delightful fishing villages of Djupavogur and Seydisfjordur. Overnight in the nearby town of Egilsstadir.
Days 6: Egilsstadir - Lake Myvatn
Continue to the Myvatn region; with a possible visit enroute to Iceland's highest farm with a cafe and turf buildings at Modrudalur. Visit the relaxing Nature Baths (the north's answer to the Blue Lagoon) or venture up to the pretty village at Husavik and experience a thrilling whale watching trip on an old fishing boat (prebookable - contact us for details).
Day 7: Lake Myvatn - Husafell
Drive across the northern countryside, famous for its horse breeding, and then south towards Husafell in the region of Borgarbyggd. Spend the night at Hotel Husafell, where you can expect excellent service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable rooms, surrounded by a mountainous landscape.
Day 8: Husafell- Keflavik
Drive back towards Keflavik, taking a detour to the Blue Lagoon to bathe in its soothing geothermal waters (entrance fee at additional cost), before dropping off the vehicle at the airport and taking the afternoon flight home.
Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Superb value for your money, this 252-room hotel is for guests looking for simple yet comfortable accommodation.
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Icelandair Hotel Fludir
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Perfectly situated with great views, this bright and airy rural hotel has 32 rooms in the charming village of Fludir.
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Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
A modern hotel found in the southern Icelandic village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Icelandair Hotel Klaustur offers 57 different rooms.
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Hotel Eyvindara, nr Egilsstadir
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Guesthouse B&B
Hotel Eyvindara is an attractive inn that occupies a pretty and peaceful wooded setting (a…
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Sel Hotel Myvatn
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Sel Hotel Myvatn is the ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Lake Myvatn and its surroundings, with 58 smartly-furnished rooms situated on the southern shores of the lake.
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Hotel Husafell
Iceland
Grade: Superior
Type: Hotel
A stunning property full of contemporary flair, Hotel Husafell nestles in the magnificent landscape of Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Reykjavik.
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Hotel Skaftafell
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
The Hotel Skaftafell makes an ideal stopping off point for excursions into the park, out onto the glacier and to the area's iconic waterfalls.
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Lamb Inn at Ongulsstadir
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Guesthouse B&B
17 rooms set on a former northern farm, this beautifully situated property provides lovely views over the deep blue fjord and Ongulsstadir area.
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Blue Lagoon
from: £47
At leisure Year round
Iceland
Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.
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Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip
from: £78
3 hours Nov-Dec, Mar-Oct
Iceland
Husavik, in North East Iceland, is recognised as 'Europe’s Whale Watching Capital' and is also home to the fascinating Whale Museum.
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Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull
from: £149
2.5, 4–14 hours Year round
Iceland
The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the south west.
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Horse Riding in the South West
from: £56
1–3 hours Year round
Iceland
Experience riding the world's most pure-bred horse on a choice of riding excursions close to Hveragerdi, around a half hour drive from Reykjavik. From Eldhestar Horse Riding Centre (Vellir Farm) choose excursions lasting from one to three hours. Riders are matched with horses according to experience.
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Nature Baths
from: £30
Variable Year round
Iceland
Soak in milky-blue geothermal waters whilst taking in the magical views of the area around Lake Myvatn in north east Iceland.
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Choice of Vehicles
We offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday provided by the local Europcar franchise. Our long-standing relationship with them means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available on the day.
Alternatively, consider renting a motorhome and use this itinerary as a route outline. You'll have complete flexibility on where you overnight.
iDiscover digital app
If you book any self drive in Iceland with us you will also get free use of our exclusive digital travel app, iDiscover, pre-loaded with your personalised itinerary. With 4G connectivity, the app allows you access to a vast travel directory featuring scenic wonders, 'must-visit' sites as well as hidden gems and activities.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
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