Golden Circle Self Drive
Golden Circle Self Drive
from £559 excluding flights
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Highlights
Watch a geyser erupt high into the air at Geysir
Marvel at Iceland's impressive waterfalls, including two-tiered Gullfoss
Walk through the tectonic rift valley at Thingvellir National Park
Enjoy Reykjavik with its blend of Nordic and modern style
Why this trip...
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
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Nordic Heritage
With over 39 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
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 arrive Iceland
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.
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.
Day 2 Reykjavik - Geysir
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.
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.
Day 3 explore the Golden Circle and South Coast
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).
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).
Day 4 enjoy a hike in the countryside
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.
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.
Day 5 depart Iceland
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.
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.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £559 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 »
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
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 | 4 nights | B - VW Golf | £558 |
| Jun - Aug | 4 nights | B - VW Golf | £780 |
| Sep | 4 nights | B - VW Golf | £718 |
| Oct - Apr | 4 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £559 |
* 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.
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Eric10 Visits to Iceland
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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.
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