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Golden Circle Self Drive

from £625 excluding flights

  • 4 nights
  • Year round
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive
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Highlights

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Watch a geyser erupt high into the air at Geysir

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Marvel at Iceland's impressive waterfalls, including two-tiered Gullfoss

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Walk through the tectonic rift valley at Thingvellir National Park

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Enjoy Reykjavik with its blend of Nordic and modern style

Why this trip...

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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

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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

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Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

Discover the iconic highlights of south west on this excellent value self drive combining an overnight stay in Reykjavik with a three-night stay in the southern countryside. Based in the heart of the Golden Circle, you’ll be within easy driving distance of a myriad of natural attractions.

The Golden Circle’s trio of natural wonders are not to be missed by first time visitors and with the flexibility that comes with hiring a car, you are able to visit them at your own pace. Spend time walking the rift at Thingvellir, also the site of the ancient parliament. Marvel at Gullfoss as it cascades glacial water down two tiers into a mile-long gorge. And enjoy Strokkur erupting boiling water high into the air every 10 minutes or so.

From your countryside base you can also choose to venture further east along the south coast taking in the stunning waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss as well as the black sand beaches of Vik and cliffs of Dyrholaey.

Itinerary

Fly to Keflavik airport, collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive to Reykjavik, just under an hour away, where you will overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Spend the day exploring Iceland’s capital, perhaps visiting some of the many fascinating museums, art galleries and landmarks or alternatively take part in an optional excursion, such as whale watching or quad biking. Then head into the countryside. Iceland’s roads are generally quiet and well-signposted. There are various routes you may wish to take to your next accommodation depending on how late you wish to leave the city. Perhaps drive via Thingvellir National Park where there is a truly beautiful lake, and walk the rift in between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Alternatively take the direct route to Geysir, a journey which should take just over an hour. Check in to your accommodation for the next three nights.

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Enjoy an early morning visit to the Geysir geothermal area and watch Strokkur eject its spout of boiling water into the air. Then visit the beautiful two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss (snowmobile excursions onto the Langjokull glacier are available from here and are pre-bookable). Next, head south to the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and explore along the south coast to the cliffs at Dyrholaey and the black sand beach at Vik, with its photogenic rock formations just offshore at Reynishverfi. Optional activities on the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, including glacier hikes, ice climbing and snowmobiling, can also be pre-booked).

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Drive the fjord-side route along scenic Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord) into West Iceland, where you can visit the Settlement Centre at Borgarnes before continuing to historic Reykholt for a hike to the falls at Hraunsfossar and the largest hot springs in the country at Deildartunguhver.

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Return to Keflavik Airport via the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its sweeping lava fields and bubbling hot springs and mud pools, or relax and unwind before you flight home with a visit to the mystical, milky waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Accommodation Options

We have based this holiday on one night at Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik and three nights at Litli Geysir Hotel (winter) or Icelandair Hotel Fludir (summer), both of which are perfectly located near to the famed Golden Circle route.

However, with a wide choice of accommodation available, we can change those specified in the itinerary to suit your personal preference.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists
  • litli geysir hotel double bedroom
  • iceland reykjavik hotel klettur superior room
  • hotel klettur breakfast room
  • hotel fludir restaurant

Excursions

  • iceland south west superjeeps on snow sthcstad
    Iceland

    Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep

    from £225

    4 hours | Year round

    This unique superjeep tour takes you up onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop the volcano that infamously erupted in 2010.

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  • iceland south west snowmobiling on eyjafjallajokull south coast ad
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

    from £188

    3 hours | Year round

    Snowmobiling on the infamous Eyjafjalajokull glacier is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun…

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

    £300

    7 hours | Jun-Sep

    A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

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  • iceland highlands superjeep on glacier rth
    Iceland

    Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier 

    from £162

    3.5 hours | Year round

    Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

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  • iceland south west katla ice cave entrance sthcstad
    Iceland

    Katla Ice Cave Tour

    from £175

    3 hours | Year round

    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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  • south west iceland lava centre exhib2
    Iceland

    Lava Centre

    from £31

    Various hours | Year round

    The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.

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  • iceland highlands landmannalaugar5 rth
    Iceland

    Landmannalaugar by Superjeep

    from £250

    8 hours | Year round

    A journey through the wild and beautiful Icelandic highlands, this excursion explores colourful rhyolite mountains, bubbling hot springs and curious rock formations.

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  • south iceland snowmobiling on glacier istk
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

    from £222

    2.5 hours | Year round

    This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland,…

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  • iceland snowmobiling on langjokull img
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Langjokull

    from £182

    3 hours | Year round

    An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a…

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  • iceland reykjanes peninsula inside thrihnukagigur volcano
    Iceland

    Inside the Volcano

    from £294

    6 hours | May-Oct

    A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

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  • lava show vik view from audience
    Iceland

    The Icelandic Lava Show

    from £37

    40 minutes | Year round

    The new Icelandic Lava Show is the only show in the world where you will be able to witness the sight and…

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  • iceland raufarholshellir lava tunnel rth
    Iceland

    The Lava Tunnel

    from £53

    Year round

    Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland

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  • iceland south west glacier hiking solheimajokull img
    Iceland

    Blue Ice Experience

    from £125

    3 hours | Mar-Aug

    Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.

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  • iceland snorkelling day tour silfra2 di
    Iceland

    Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

    from £120

    3 hours | Year round

    The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a…

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  • iceland south west blue lagoon winter adstk
    Iceland

    Blue Lagoon

    from £63

    At leisure | Year round

    Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

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  • iceland south east jokulsarlon boat is
    Iceland

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    from £42

    35 mins | May-Aug

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

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  • iceland jokulsarlon at dusk rth
    Iceland

    Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours

    from £94

    1 hours | May-Oct

    Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the…

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  • iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth
    Iceland

    Secret Lagoon

    from £23

    Variable hours | Year round

    The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at…

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  • iceland south west horse riding ish
    Iceland

    Horse Riding in the South West 

    from £67

    1 -3 hours | Year round

    Experience riding the world's most pure-bred horse on a choice of riding excursions close to Hveragerdi, around a half hour drive from…

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  • iceland langjokull ice cave2
    Iceland

    Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull

    from £156

    5 hours | Year round

    The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the…

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  • iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave
    Iceland

    Cave Explorer

    from £50

    1.5 hours | Year round

    Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

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  • iceland snaefellsnes orca watching cs
    Iceland

    Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

    from £72

    3 hours | Feb-Sep

    Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There…

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  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

    from £225

    5 hours | Year round

    A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

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  • iceland wildlife humpback whale rth
    Iceland

    Reykjavik Whale Watching

    from £88

    3 hours | Year round

    An island whose whale-rich waters are world-famous, a journey out onto the ocean on a whale watching excursion.

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    Iceland

    Wonders of Iceland at Perlan

    from £34

    At leisure hours | Year round

    Wonders of Iceland includes Perlan view, Planetarium and the spectacular Ice Cave tour

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Prices and Departures

Price from £625 excluding flights

Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play or EasyJet. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast
  • Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £625 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

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.

  • 4WD

    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.

  • Go electric

    With a selection of electric cars now available including the Kia Niro and Volkswagen ID.3, you can choose to upgrade from as little as £12 per person, per day. We recommend this option for summer only, due to the colder temperatures in winter affecting battery range.

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As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.