From Glaciers to Geysers – Summer
Experience Iceland’s most iconic regions at your own pace on this 7-day self-drive journey through the stunning South and West. From Reykjavík to the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes—you’ll uncover the country’s natural wonders, charming villages, and powerful waterfalls. With flexible driving routes, scenic overnight stays, and optional excursions like glacier walks and geothermal spas, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for summer travelers.
Guided
Self-Drive (Unguided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Price
Starting from £1,400 - £1,900 per person
Price Detail
Includes 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, flights, rental car, and itinerary guide. Final cost may vary based on travel dates, car type, and room category.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will 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 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
From Reykjavík, drive towards Borgarnes and then make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend the day exploring the numerous places of interest 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. 280-320 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 3: Borgarfjördur – Thingvellir – Laugarvatn or Selfoss
From Snæfellsnes, you drive towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Take some time exploring this area. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Further away, discover Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Leave Borgarfjördur area and continue 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 320 km / 4,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Selfoss area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Into the Glacier; Vidgelmir lava cave; Krauma
Spa.
Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover some of the most famous areas of Iceland. Stop at 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. Also, take a short detour to Dyrhólaey promontory, the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see some puffins from late April to early August. However, note that access to Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, approx. from May 15 until June 23. Past mid-August, the puffins have all gone out to sea and are nowhere to be seen! Finally, you might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings!
Driving distance / time: approx. 220-320 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull
glacier
Day 5: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover Iceland’s scenic southeast. 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.
Further to the west, in between your accommodation and Jökulsárlón, 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.
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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 6: Selfoss – Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar.
Continue towards Reykjavík. Once in Selfoss and Hveragerdi area, you can either go straight to the capital city and relax in one of its cosy coffee shops. Or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you discover Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal areas, as well as the recent lava fields of Fagradalssfjall volcano which erupted in 2021, 2022 and 2023! Once in that area, you can also enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t get the chance to do it earlier in your stay (book online at www.bluelagoon.com).
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-340 km / 2,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV
tour on black sand beach; Raufarhólshellir lava cave; Inside the Volcano
Day 7: 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 self-drive itinerary requires a valid driver’s license and comfort with independent travel. Routes and timing may vary due to weather or road conditions. Advance booking is recommended, especially for peak summer dates.
Overview
Guided
Self-Drive (Unguided)
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Prices
Price
Starting from £1,400 - £1,900 per person
Price Detail
Includes 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, flights, rental car, and itinerary guide. Final cost may vary based on travel dates, car type, and room category.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will 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 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
From Reykjavík, drive towards Borgarnes and then make your way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famous for the majestic Snæfell volcano. Spend the day exploring the numerous places of interest 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. 280-320 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vatnshellir lava cave
Day 3: Borgarfjördur – Thingvellir – Laugarvatn or Selfoss
From Snæfellsnes, you drive towards Borgarnes and the Borgarfjördur region. Take some time exploring this area. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Further away, discover Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Leave Borgarfjördur area and continue 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 320 km / 4,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Selfoss area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Into the Glacier; Vidgelmir lava cave; Krauma
Spa.
Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover some of the most famous areas of Iceland. Stop at 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. Also, take a short detour to Dyrhólaey promontory, the southernmost point of Iceland. A small road takes you to the top of this 120 m high sea cliff where you often can see some puffins from late April to early August. However, note that access to Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, approx. from May 15 until June 23. Past mid-August, the puffins have all gone out to sea and are nowhere to be seen! Finally, you might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings!
Driving distance / time: approx. 220-320 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull
glacier
Day 5: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Discover Iceland’s scenic southeast. 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.
Further to the west, in between your accommodation and Jökulsárlón, 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.
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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on Jökulsárlón
glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 6: Selfoss – Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar.
Continue towards Reykjavík. Once in Selfoss and Hveragerdi area, you can either go straight to the capital city and relax in one of its cosy coffee shops. Or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you discover Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal areas, as well as the recent lava fields of Fagradalssfjall volcano which erupted in 2021, 2022 and 2023! Once in that area, you can also enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t get the chance to do it earlier in your stay (book online at www.bluelagoon.com).
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-340 km / 2,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV
tour on black sand beach; Raufarhólshellir lava cave; Inside the Volcano
Day 7: 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 self-drive itinerary requires a valid driver’s license and comfort with independent travel. Routes and timing may vary due to weather or road conditions. Advance booking is recommended, especially for peak summer dates.
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