Essential Iceland – Summer
The Classic Iceland 10-day self-drive adventure is the ultimate way to experience the country’s rich natural diversity. Starting from Reykjavík, this circular route takes you through the celebrated Golden Circle, the dramatic South Coast, icy glacier lagoons, rugged East Fjords, and the volcanic wonders of the north. You’ll encounter majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal hotspots, and serene fjords—all while enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing northern lights or soaking in natural hot springs, this journey promises a deep connection with Iceland’s wild beauty.
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Price
Starting from £2,000 - £2,500 per person
Price Detail
Includes 9 nights' accommodation with breakfast, flights, rental car with unlimited mileage, detailed itinerary and maps, and 24/7 emergency helpline.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; Whale-watching from Reykjavík;
FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates. Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Discover numerous small springs boil and bubble all around you. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back, later in your trip, discover beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, also take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon. Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this area is a true oasis bordered by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other.
Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Höfn and Egillsstadir. Between the capes of Stokknes and Hvalnes, you pass through the beautiful Lónsvík bay. Occasionally, along the road and depending on the season, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of reindeer or observe the graceful flight of swans. Passing through small fishing villages such as Djúpivogur and Breiddalsvik, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. In Stodvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection. At the end of the day, you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Egillsstadir area
Day 5: Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Húsavík or Mývatn
Drive through the lunar landscapes of Mödrudalsöræfi and Iceland highlands. The road leads you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. There, you will feel the earth tremble beneath your feet due to the force of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Continue to Ásbyrgi, an impressive horseshoe-shaped gorge. There, you’ll find abundant vegetation and an easy path to a lake situated at the bottom of this depression and at the foot of a massive cliff.
Continue along the picturesque coastline of Tjörnes peninsula until you reach Húsavík, a charming fishing village and one of the most popular places for whale watching tours in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Húsavík or Mývatn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching in Húsavík
Day 6: Mývatn – Godafoss – Akureyri
Discover Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself, teeming with bird life. Take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Finally, explore the volcanic zone of the Krafla volcano, where you will discover the explosive crater of Víti and the extraordinary geothermal area of Leirhnjúkur. It was here that between 1975 and 1984, a series of volcanic eruptions left behind a series of small craters and a vast expanse of black lava. Halfway between Mývatn and Akureyri, also plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades. When in Eyjafjördur fjord area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. Spend the night in Eyjafjördur area or in neighbouring Skagafjördur, the next fjord further to the West.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Eyjafjördur or Skagafjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Mývan Nature Baths
Day 7: Skagafjördur – Borgarfjördur
Discover the area of Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. In fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen along the road in many places. Take some time to visit the museum at Glaumbær, a beautifully restored turf farmhouse, one of the few that has been properly preserved in Iceland. Nearby, stop at the Vídimýri church, which was built in 1834 using turf as well and is one of the few that has been preserved in the country. Continue through the Holtavörduheidi mountain pass towards Borgarfjördur region. Explore Grábrók, a small but picturesque volcanic crater, and Glanni, a beautiful waterfall on the Nordurá river. Make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and at Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flow out from underneath a lava field. Finally, why not visit the Icelandic Goat Centre in Háafell. This farm is working towards protecting and maintaining the goat stock in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-380 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: in Borgarfjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Krauma Spa
Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
From the village of Borgarnes, make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend this day and part of the next exploring the numerous places of interest of this region, including the basalt pillars of Gerduberg, the lovely wooden church of Búdir, and Arnarstapi, a small fishing village, where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Observe seabirds along those cliffs, home kittiwakes, cormorants, and arctic terns. Take a stroll at Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and at Skardsvík, its white sand counterpart. Then drive along the north shore of the peninsula, passing through fishing villages and discovering beautiful mountains such as Kirkjufell and ancient lava fields such as Berserkjahraun. Nearby, you can visit Bjarnarhöfn’s Shark Museum and even “enjoy” a snack of this tasty treat!
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 3 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula or in Borgarfjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Reykjavík
After completing your visits on Snæfellsnes peninsula and in Borgarfjördur area, you make your way back to Reykjavik to explore some of the attractions that Icelands capital has to offer.
Driving distance / time: approx. 150-200 km / 2-2,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching from Reykjavík; FlyOver
Iceland; Inside the Volcano
Day 10: Departure
It is now time to head back home, after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
This itinerary is available from May to October. Some roads and activities may be weather-dependent. Drivers are responsible for route safety and navigation, especially in remote regions. For certain highland routes, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
Overview
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Prices
Price
Starting from £2,000 - £2,500 per person
Price Detail
Includes 9 nights' accommodation with breakfast, flights, rental car with unlimited mileage, detailed itinerary and maps, and 24/7 emergency helpline.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; Whale-watching from Reykjavík;
FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates. Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Discover numerous small springs boil and bubble all around you. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back, later in your trip, discover beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, and explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, also take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon. Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this area is a true oasis bordered by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other.
Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Höfn and Egillsstadir. Between the capes of Stokknes and Hvalnes, you pass through the beautiful Lónsvík bay. Occasionally, along the road and depending on the season, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of reindeer or observe the graceful flight of swans. Passing through small fishing villages such as Djúpivogur and Breiddalsvik, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. In Stodvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection. At the end of the day, you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Egillsstadir area
Day 5: Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Húsavík or Mývatn
Drive through the lunar landscapes of Mödrudalsöræfi and Iceland highlands. The road leads you to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. There, you will feel the earth tremble beneath your feet due to the force of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Continue to Ásbyrgi, an impressive horseshoe-shaped gorge. There, you’ll find abundant vegetation and an easy path to a lake situated at the bottom of this depression and at the foot of a massive cliff.
Continue along the picturesque coastline of Tjörnes peninsula until you reach Húsavík, a charming fishing village and one of the most popular places for whale watching tours in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Húsavík or Mývatn area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching in Húsavík
Day 6: Mývatn – Godafoss – Akureyri
Discover Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself, teeming with bird life. Take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Finally, explore the volcanic zone of the Krafla volcano, where you will discover the explosive crater of Víti and the extraordinary geothermal area of Leirhnjúkur. It was here that between 1975 and 1984, a series of volcanic eruptions left behind a series of small craters and a vast expanse of black lava. Halfway between Mývatn and Akureyri, also plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades. When in Eyjafjördur fjord area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. Spend the night in Eyjafjördur area or in neighbouring Skagafjördur, the next fjord further to the West.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Eyjafjördur or Skagafjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Mývan Nature Baths
Day 7: Skagafjördur – Borgarfjördur
Discover the area of Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. In fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen along the road in many places. Take some time to visit the museum at Glaumbær, a beautifully restored turf farmhouse, one of the few that has been properly preserved in Iceland. Nearby, stop at the Vídimýri church, which was built in 1834 using turf as well and is one of the few that has been preserved in the country. Continue through the Holtavörduheidi mountain pass towards Borgarfjördur region. Explore Grábrók, a small but picturesque volcanic crater, and Glanni, a beautiful waterfall on the Nordurá river. Make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and at Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flow out from underneath a lava field. Finally, why not visit the Icelandic Goat Centre in Háafell. This farm is working towards protecting and maintaining the goat stock in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-380 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: in Borgarfjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Krauma Spa
Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
From the village of Borgarnes, make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend this day and part of the next exploring the numerous places of interest of this region, including the basalt pillars of Gerduberg, the lovely wooden church of Búdir, and Arnarstapi, a small fishing village, where basalt columns have been eroded by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Observe seabirds along those cliffs, home kittiwakes, cormorants, and arctic terns. Take a stroll at Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and at Skardsvík, its white sand counterpart. Then drive along the north shore of the peninsula, passing through fishing villages and discovering beautiful mountains such as Kirkjufell and ancient lava fields such as Berserkjahraun. Nearby, you can visit Bjarnarhöfn’s Shark Museum and even “enjoy” a snack of this tasty treat!
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 3 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula or in Borgarfjördur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Reykjavík
After completing your visits on Snæfellsnes peninsula and in Borgarfjördur area, you make your way back to Reykjavik to explore some of the attractions that Icelands capital has to offer.
Driving distance / time: approx. 150-200 km / 2-2,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching from Reykjavík; FlyOver
Iceland; Inside the Volcano
Day 10: Departure
It is now time to head back home, after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Need to Know
This itinerary is available from May to October. Some roads and activities may be weather-dependent. Drivers are responsible for route safety and navigation, especially in remote regions. For certain highland routes, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
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