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
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 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £831 |
| Apr 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £876 |
| Apr 2019 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £954 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £846 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £912 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £950 |
| May 2019 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £992 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1,153 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,262 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,375 |
| Jun - Aug 2019 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £1,507 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | B - VW Golf | £1031 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £1,097 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £1,135 |
| Sep 2019 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £1,177 |
| Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £846 |
| Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £903 |
| Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £969 |
| Apr 2020 | 7 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £835 |
| Apr 2020 | 7 nights | F - Suzuki Vitara | £885 |
| Apr 2020 | 7 nights | H - Kia Sorrento | £959 |
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
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: Reykjavik
Fly to Keflavik and drive to Reykjavik for an overnight stay in Reykjavik, perhaps stopping en route at the Blue Lagoon.
Day 2: Hveragerdi
Spend the day exploring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and two-tiered Gullfoss. Head south and check in at Hotel Ork in Hveragerdi for an overnight stay.
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.
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. Continue to Hotel Skaftafell for a 2 night stay.
Days 5: Skaftafell area
Spend the day exporing the area hiking in the national park.
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. Spend another night 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.
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 Klaustur
Iceland
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
A modern hotel found in the southern Icelandic village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
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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.
Discover MoreExcursions
Diving Silfra Day Tour
from: £347
8 hours Year round
Iceland
Possibly one of the most unique dives that guests will…
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Katla Ice Cave tour
from: £147
3 hours Year round
South West Iceland
Explore the inside of a remote natural ice cave with its beautiful colours and formations in the company of an experienced guide.
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Lava Centre
from: £23
Various Year round
Iceland
The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.
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Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour
from: £114
3, 5 hours Year round
Iceland
The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a wonderful snorkelling experience.
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Snowmobiling on Langjokull
from: £173
4 hours Year round
Iceland
An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a mind-boggling 953km².
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Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier
from: £186
From 2 hours Year round
Iceland
This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland, one of the most scenic regions of the country.
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Solheimajokull Glacier Walk
from: £138
5 hours Year round
Iceland
An excursion that takes you out onto the frozen glacial tongue of Solheimajokull, this is the opportunity for visitors to Iceland to experience a hike over the surface of a glacier itself.
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Blue Ice Experience
from: £76
3 hours Mar-Aug
Iceland
Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.
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Ice and Fire Sightseeing Flight
from: £450
1.75 hours Year round
Iceland
A journey by plane, this tour examines Iceland's breathtaking topography, viewing the island's magnificent ice-coated volcanic terrain in a way that reveals the land to be a true myriad of colours and hues.
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Blue Lagoon
from: £49
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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Hot Springs and Lava Cave Tour
from: £186
7 hours Jun-Sep
Iceland
Accompanied by a guide, learn how the lava caves are formed and discover the beauty of both stalagmites and stalactites.
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Kayaking in the South West
from: £37
1–3 hours Jun-Aug
Iceland
Explore the sheltered waters near Stokkseyri on a fun kayaking adventure. Enjoy paddling under your own steam - a peaceful and relaxing way to explore and view the Icelandic wildlife. Seals frequent this area and often follow the kayaks!
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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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Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
from: £40
20 mins May-Aug
Iceland
Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
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Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours
from: £69
1 hours May-Oct
Iceland
Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the boat enables quick and close-up access to the dramatic icebergs which inhabit and characterise the lagoon.
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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
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 you 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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Around Iceland
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