Drive through Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast on a three-day self-guided adventure.
Begin with the iconic trio of Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall—all within easy reach of each other. Then head south, where dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and other natural wonders await. For an unforgettable experience, hike across the Solheimajökull glacier, where icy blues meet volcanic ash in a surreal landscape.
Best of all? We take care of the logistics—accommodation bookings and a detailed route are included. All you have to do is arrive and drive.
From
Please note: the lowest price is applicable when booking for a group of 4-5 people
Enjoy three days exploring Iceland's most popular attractions and hidden gems during this special curated road trip. This itinerary introduces you to the best sites of the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjanes Peninsula, with the flexibility only a self-drive can offer. As an added bonus, this tour also includes a guided glacier hike. Don't miss out on this unique excursion!
Get ready to discover the best Iceland has to offer on this exciting 3-day road trip. Our self-drive itineraries are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the freedom of the open road but would also like some structure and travel advice. Once you purchase a self-drive tour you will receive instructional guides on what to wear, accommodation, and most importantly a detailed PDF on all your stops.
Enjoy detailed background information on each attraction, how to get there, parking information, driving tips, nearby spots to eat, and bonus stops nearby if you want to see other sites in the area.
Day one of your itinerary is packed with popular Iceland attractions, famed for their geology, history, and natural beauty. The first stop, Thingvellir National Park, is the perfect example of how culture and nature have been linked throughout the country’s history. This geological wonderland is one of the rare places on Earth where you can walk across two continental plates at once. Thingvellir has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, owing to the fact that it was where the world's first parliament was founded.
Other hot spots that await you include the active Geysir Hot Springs and the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, where you can stop for a dip. Finish the Golden Circle with Gullfoss Waterfall (the Golden Falls). On your way to the south, stop at Faxi waterfall or explore some of the area’s hidden gems listed in your complete self-drive PDF guide.
On day two, you head to the scenic South Coast . This dramatic coastline comprises giant glaciers, active volcanoes, jagged cliffs, and black sand beaches, and is sometimes nicknamed “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diverse landscapes.
You’ll start with mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss and its hidden cove, before driving to Skogafoss for that crushingly fantastic cascade. A hike across the icy and ashy landscapes of Sólheimajökull Glacier is next, with all the equipment included. Views from the outlet compare nicely with those of Dyrhólaey Arch, the next destination, and the panoramas of the Atlantic.
As you drive along the coast, you will stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – the most famous of the island’s unique volcanic beaches – a cinematic location with stormy waves and tall basalt columns. Prepare to be amazed!
Your final day allows for more flexibility on your itinerary, which depends on your flight departure time. If time allows, we have included several stops along the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. The otherworldly landscapes of this geothermal region boast mossy lava fields, jagged volcano craters, impressive rock formations, spectacular mountains, and soothing hot springs.
End your trip with a relaxing soak in the famous Blue Lagoon or one of the lesser-known local hot springs that are suggested in your guide.
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
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.
A self-drive tour is a package that includes accommodation, car rental, and a suggested itinerary. Travelers receive detailed information outlining where to go and what to see in Iceland, along with general tips and practical guidance.
Each package includes accommodation and car rental (as specified for each tour), a suggested route with points of interest, GPS coordinates for key stops (hotels, activities, highlights), and a comprehensive self-drive handbook with helpful travel information.
A variety of local accommodations are used throughout the itinerary.
Comfort category rooms are private and include a private bathroom. These are typically found in guesthouses, hotels, motels, or lodges, and align with an approximate 3-star standard.
During winter months (October to April), a 4WD vehicle is recommended for added safety. It does not need to be a large jeep—smaller 4WD cars are often more comfortable for those unfamiliar with driving bigger vehicles.
In summer, any car is suitable depending on group size, luggage, and budget preferences.
Driving time varies by itinerary. Some tours are faster paced, while others allow for a more relaxed experience. Expect to drive between 200–400 km per day, with most days staying under 350 km. As the tour is self-guided, travelers are free to make detours or additional stops at their own pace.
You never know what might happen while in a foreign country so we highly recommend you to have good travel insurance. Sure it costs a bit extra, but it can take a load off the mind and end up being a totally worth it in case something sudden could happen.
Take a look at what type of insurance is provided with your credit card, alternatively buy special travel insurance from an insurance provider.
As for the car rental, you can opt to buy extra insurance at the time of collecting the car. It may be wise to buy extra insurance such as windshield protection, as a cracked windshield from a stone being thrown off another car is among the most common incidents on Icelandic roads.
Other extra car insurances would be for example sand and ash protection, or additional insurance to lower the self-risk in case of an incident.
Self-drive adventures have been optimized for the best value experience, which includes doing some thrilling activities in the amazing Icelandic nature. As the packages are offered at the best possible price, no partial refunds or modifications to the itinerary can be permitted. That includes opting out of an included activity and getting a refund for that activity. You can, of course, choose not to do the activity, but as mentioned, there would be no partial refunds of the package price.
In case of issues during the trip, it’s best to contact the service provider directly.
All relevant contact information is included in your travel documents.
Twin beds cannot be guaranteed in advance. However, most hotels can arrange this setup upon request. After receiving the hotel information, travelers are encouraged to contact the accommodation directly to make the request.
