3-Day Self-Drive Tour - Golden Circle & The South Coast

The day kicks off at one of Iceland's most renowned attractions - Þingvellir National Park, most commonly known as Thingvellir. This natural wonder is a UNESCO Heritage Site and comprises incredible lava fields, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and even a rift valley. It’s a location where two different continental plates meet, meaning it's one of the rare places on Earth where you can walk across two continents at once. Geology isn't the only thing that makes Thingvellir a point of interest. It is also the site where the world's first parliament was founded. Walk the grounds of this impressive park and find informative signs alongside the stunning views.

Thingvellir isn't the only main highlight of the day. Your itinerary includes all the Golden Circle stops, which include the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. 

The Geysir region is home to the Great Geysir, Iceland's first world-famous attraction, and still boasts several active geysers today. Finish off the route with the cascading waters of Gullfoss Waterfall, or "Golden Falls," one of Iceland's most iconic sights. Follow the thunderous falls with calmer Faxafoss—a wide, serene waterfall just down the road. It’s a favorite among locals for its peaceful setting and the fish ladder built alongside it to help salmon migrate upstream. 

Don't forget to take time along the way to enjoy some additional attractions included in your customized guide!

Over the years, the South Coast has become one of the most visited places in Iceland, and for a good reason. Driving along the coast, you will encounter charming villages, impressive volcanoes, craggy cliffs, vast glaciers, stormy black sand beaches, and photogenic waterfalls. 

In addition to your highlighted stops, today's itinerary includes a guided glacier tour at Sólheimajökull Glacier. As you trek across this giant ice cap, your guide will teach you all about the glacier's history and geology, as well as some fun facts about Icelandic nature. It's truly an unforgettable experience. 

After the glacier hike, you’ll proceed to see more gems of the South Coast. You'll stop at famous attractions such as Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind, and Dyrholaey Arch on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive leads to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the set of numerous movies and TV shows - including  Game of Thrones and Star Trek. With an expanse of jet-black sand framed by basalt columns and crashing waves, you’ll be taking photos every second! 

The South Coast is a treasure trove of hidden gems, so you won't want to miss out on our other suggested stops. 

The last day of the tour will look a little different for each traveler. Whatever suits your taste, there are endless possibilities. Want to end your nature adventure by sampling city life? Explore the famous landmarks of Reykjavík, such as Harpa Musical Hall, the Icelandic Parliament, and Hallgrímskirkja Church, or buy some souvenirs on the Laugavegur shopping street.

Those who want to discover more natural wonders can continue onto the lava-covered Reykjanes Peninsula, located right by Keflavík International Airport. Another famous geothermal region of Iceland, the peninsula boasts a scenic spread of tectonic rifts, hot springs, lakes, mud pools, cliffs, and lagoons.  

Up for a warm hike? Wander the winding paths of Seltún hot springs, where steam rises from the earth and bubbling pools shimmer near your feet. Follow the trail past hissing vents and colorful geothermal mud, then climb to the viewing platforms for a bird’s-eye view of this otherworldly terrain. 

Just want to relax? Head over to the iconic Blue Lagoon and enjoy a relaxing soak. The parking is free, and it is on the way to the airport, midway between Reykjavík and Keflavík airport, making it the perfect “stopover.” 

Want to go to North America? Cross the bridge between two continents to cement an epic adventure with a massive geographical leap. 

Your glacier hike on Sólheimajökull's outlet glacier is included in the specified price, but entry to the Blue Lagoon is not. You will need to book in advance on their website.

To offer the best price possible, this self-drive package is fixed and cannot be changed or altered. The package has been optimized for the best experience.

Detailed Itinerary Included

√ Detailed map of Iceland with all stops
√ Easy-to-follow daily travel plans
√ Mobile-friendly design
√ Descriptions and photos for all major stops
√ Approximate time needed at each stop
√ Tips on the best nearby restaurants
√ Exclusive locations not included in the tour description

Information about your rental car

Pick-up: Choose between pick-up locations at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or Reykjavik City office in downtown Reykjavík. It is very centrally located and easy to reach on foot for those staying in downtown Reykjavik. Picking up from the downtown office is from 08:00-18:00.

For the best experience, we recommend that you pick up your car early on your arrival day and return it in the afternoon or evening on your last day.

Drop-off: Pick-up and drop-off are in the same location (changes only available upon request).

This package includes comfortable accommodation in prime locations. Breakfast is included, and each room features a private bathroom.

When booking for 2 or 4 persons, twin or double rooms will be provided. 

For bookings of 3 or 5 persons, a combination of double/twin rooms and triple rooms will be arranged. 

Additionally, a single room can also be arranged for an extra fee.

To ensure the best possible price and experience, this self-drive package is fixed and cannot be modified.

By default, the tour includes a mini/economy (Toyota Aygo or similar) vehicle option. However, when you make your booking, you can upgrade the vehicle to a Standard (Toyota Avensis or similar), Economy SUV (Dacia Duster or similar), or Full-Size SUV (Mitsubishi Pajero or similar) car model. 

Please note: All rental cars have automatic transmissions. If an automatic transmission is not available, the van option can come with a manual transmission.