Essential Iceland
Essential Iceland
from £750 excluding flights
Customers rate Discover the World
Average score 4.8/5
Based on 982 reviews. Powered by
Highlights
See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and enjoy the view from the top of Skogafoss
Experience the ice wonders of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon
Stroll along black-sand beaches at Vik
Take a dip in the naturally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon
Try exciting optional excursions, from snowmobiling to superjeep safaris
Why this trip...
Nordic Heritage
With over 38 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out
Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Overview
Visit some of Iceland’s best-known natural wonders on this year-round self-drive adventure to the Golden Circle and South Coast. With a whole week to explore, you’ll see majestic waterfalls, mighty glaciers and the sublime iceberg lagoon of Jokulsarlon. It’s the perfect introduction to Iceland – summer or winter – for first-time visitors and independent-minded travellers.
The Golden Circle’s triple whammy
Iceland’s famous trio of natural wonders – Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir – are easily combined in an unforgettable day touring the Golden Circle. At Thingvellir you can stroll along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and visit Iceland’s ancient parliament. The 32m-high, twin-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss pours into a narrow gorge, while Strokkur erupts like a steaming exclamation mark at the geothermal site of Geysir.
Waterfalls, glaciers and icebergs of the South Coast
Driving to the east, two of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls – bridal-veil Seljalandsfoss and thundering Skogafoss – lead a succession of natural wonders along the South Coast. From the frozen snout of the Solheimajokull glacier and Vik’s black-sand beaches to the basalt cliffs at Svartifoss and the icebergs of the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, this world-class drive transports you into a head-spinning realm of volcanoes, icecaps and surf-raked beaches.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Iceland's vibrant capital city, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the naturally heated waters. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Iceland's vibrant capital city, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the naturally heated waters. Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Day 2 Hveragerdi
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss collectively known as the Golden Circle. Head south to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay at Hotel Ork.
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss collectively known as the Golden Circle. Head south to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay at Hotel Ork.
Day 3 Hveragerdi - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the 'Sister's falls' - Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns. Overnight at Hotel Klaustur,
Travel along the south coast past the impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Road 1 then winds past the Myrdalsjokull icecap and over the moss clad Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Perhaps take a walk to the 'Sister's falls' - Systrafoss and Kirkjugolfid (the church floor); a national monument of wind and sea eroded basalt columns. Overnight at Hotel Klaustur,
Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Skaftafell
Visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland's largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.
Visit the turf church of Nupsstadur then drive across the outwash plains of Iceland's largest icecap, Vatnajokull, to Skaftafell. Explore further east to the amazing iceberg lagoon at Jokulsarlon, not forgetting to walk across the road to catch sight of icebergs breaking up and heading out to sea or being washed ashore on the black sand beach. Spend two nights at Hotel Skaftafell.
Day 5 Skaftafell
Spend the day exploring the area hiking in the national park. One of the highlights is the 20m high waterfall Svartifoss, which cascades down a basalt cliff in the shape of a horse tail.
Spend the day exploring the area hiking in the national park. One of the highlights is the 20m high waterfall Svartifoss, which cascades down a basalt cliff in the shape of a horse tail.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £750 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £250 per person with Icelandair (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- Car rental throughout with 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
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
| Departure | Duration | Car Category* | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £893 |
| Jun - Aug | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,200 |
| Sep | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £938 |
| Oct - Apr | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £750 |
* Choice of Vehicles
We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.- We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.
- Our long-standing relationship with the local Europcar franchise means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits, including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available.
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Eric10 Visits to Iceland
5 Successful whale watching trips
4 Shooting stars with northern lights
You may also like
Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
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
