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

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

• 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.