Essential Iceland
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.
Highlights
- See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route
- Experience the ice wonders of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and Myrdalsjokull icecap
- Stroll along black-sand beaches at Vik and spot trolls in the sea stacks at Dyrholaey
- Try exciting optional excursions, from snowmobiling to superjeep safaris
- Enjoy long summer days or visit in winter to search for the northern lights
- Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall and enjoy the views from the top of 60m-tall Skogafoss
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- 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
- Full financial protection
Full description
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.
Prices & Dates *
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £120 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.
From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices for other combinations of passengers and rooms available on request. Other vehicle types also available.
| Departure | Duration | Car Category | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2019 - Mar 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £831 |
| Nov 2019 - Mar 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £890 |
| Apr 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £878 |
| Apr 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £937 |
| May 2020 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £964 |
| May 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,038 |
| May 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,091 |
| Jun - Aug 2020 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,319 |
| Jun - Aug 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,432 |
| Jun - Aug 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,554 |
| Sep 2020 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,135 |
| Sep 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,209 |
| Sep 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,262 |
| Oct 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £917 |
| Oct 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £981 |
| Nov 2020 - Mar 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £852 |
| Nov 2020 - Mar 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £916 |
| Apr 2021 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £901 |
| Apr 2021 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £965 |
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Daily breakfast
- 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
- Full financial protection »
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
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 Reykjavik, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon.
Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Day 2: Hveragerdi
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss. Head south to Hveragerdi for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel Örk.
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; overnight at Hotel Klaustur. 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 Klauster.
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.
Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.
Days 5: Skaftafell area
Spend the day exporing the area hiking in the national park.
Overnight at Hotel Skaftafell.
Day 6: Skaftafell - Hveragerdi
On the drive back along the south coast stop off at the stunning cliffs and beaches of Vik where the summer wildflowers are wonderful. Continue west to Myrdalsjokull Glacier (optional snowmobile tours on the glacier are available; please contact our team to book in advance) and visit Njal’s Saga country at Hvolsvollur en route to Hveragerdi.
Overnight at Hotel Ork.
Day 7: Hveragerdi - Reykjavik
Drive along the craggy coast to the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit the hot springs and fumaroles in Krisuvik, the cliffs at Grindavik. Return to Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel Cabin.
Day 8: depart Keflavik
Head to Keflavik, drop off rental vehicle and catch the 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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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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Hotel Smyrlabjorg
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Set in a rural location west of Hofn and within easy reach of the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, this friendly farm hotel offers a wide selection of well furnished, mostly modern rooms, with private bathrooms.
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Hotel Klaustur
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
A modern hotel found in the southern Icelandic village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
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Lake Hotel, Egilsstadir
Iceland
Grade: Superior
Type: Hotel
Located on the shores of Lake Logurinn, this newly renovated hotel offers 50 unique and beautifully appointed rooms.
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Hotel Ork, Hveragerdi
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
Found 45km east of Reykjavik in the 'greenhouse village' of Hveragerdi, this hotel offers 85 spacious, en suite 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.
Discover MoreExcursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Other Information
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
Our next generation iDiscover app is here! Free to download for all Iceland holiday bookings before you travel, iDiscover is our innovative and exclusive digital travel guide that has been designed by us to enhance your holiday experience and to allow you to use your own smart device whilst on holiday. Personalised with your full itinerary, this easy-to-use app is packed with useful features such as a guide of must-see sites, local hikes and places to eat that you can add to your daily itinerary.
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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