Pure Iceland – Summer
Experience the ultimate Icelandic road trip as you circle the island in just eight unforgettable days. This carefully curated itinerary combines iconic natural wonders with off-the-beaten-path gems—from glacial lagoons and geothermal landscapes to dramatic fjords and volcanic black sand beaches. Discover the highlights of every region while enjoying the freedom of a self-drive adventure, complete with scenic overnight stays and optional add-ons to personalize your journey.
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Price
Starting from £1,500 - £2,000 per person
Price Detail
Includes 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast, flights, car rental with unlimited mileage, detailed roadbook, and 24/7 helpline. Prices may vary based on travel dates, group size, and vehicle selection.
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 – Borgarfjördur – Skagafjördur or Eyjafjördur
The first day of your roundtrip takes you toward the northern part of Iceland. From Reykjavík, 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. We also recommend stopping by the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flow out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Continue over Höltavörduheidi pass to reach the North coast. The road winds between the waters of the Arctic Ocean and landscapes shaped during the last ice age. Marshy moorlands, rounded mountains, and farmland succeed each other until you reach the Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. In fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen along the road in many places. Once in that area, 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, before heading to Akureyri. Spend the night in Skagafjördur area or in neighbouring Eyjafjördur, the next fjord further to the East.
Driving distance / time: approx. 380-480 km / 5-6 hours
Overnight: in Skagafjördur or Eyjafjördur area
Day 3: Akureyri – Godafoss – Mývatn or Húsavík
When in Eyjafjördur area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. Then continue towards 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 Akureyri and Mývatn, also plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Eyjafjördur, Mývatn or Húsavík area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Mývan Nature Baths
Day 4: Húsavík – Tjörnes – Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir
Húsavík is a charming fishing village and one of the most popular places for whale watching tours in Iceland. From there, we recommend that you drive around the Tjörnes Peninsula. At Tjörnes lighthouse at its northernmost tip, walking very carefully along the grassy cliffs overlooking the waters of the Arctic Ocean, you have a chance to observe a colony of puffins from spring until early August.
Further along the waym, discover Ásbyrgi, an impressive horseshoe-shaped gorge and former bed of the great glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. It’s the same turbulent river that you will later discover in its present course at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, which marks the beginning of the stunning Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and National Park. From there, cross the barren regions of Mödrudalsöræfi until you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Egilsstadir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching in Húsavík; Vök Baths
Day 5: East Fjords – Höfn
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Egillsstadir and Höfn. Starting from Reydarfjördur fjord, where a small World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. In Stödvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection. Passing small fishing villages like Breiddalsvik and Djúpivogur, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Between the capes of Hvalnes and Stokknes, 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. As you approach your destination, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskard and enter in the Höfn region. You are now in the realm of Vatnajökull ice cap. With an area comparable to that of the islands of Corsica or Puerto Rico, not only is it Iceland’s largest glacier but also the largest in Europe!
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Day 6: Jökulsárlón – Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík
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, Skaftafell National Park, where multiple hikes are possible, including up to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. 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. Drive through Skeidarársandur sand plains towards the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m. In the beautiful region of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon and drive across the vast 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 7: Vík – Skógar – Golden Circle – Reykjavík
Begin the day with a refreshing walk on Reynisfjara in the region of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. There, discover a magnificent black sand beach and impressive cliffs made of basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. Next stops at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall renowned not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side. Finally, explore the famous attractions of the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Only a few kilometers away is the Geysir area where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Finally, drive to Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. After a walk through the park, drive back to Reykjavík.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-350 km / 3,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 8: 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
River crossings may be required on some routes. Drivers are solely responsible for safe navigation and vehicle use. We strongly advise renting a 4×4 vehicle allowed on F-roads. This itinerary is available only from late June to early September.
Overview
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Prices
Price
Starting from £1,500 - £2,000 per person
Price Detail
Includes 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast, flights, car rental with unlimited mileage, detailed roadbook, and 24/7 helpline. Prices may vary based on travel dates, group size, and vehicle selection.
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 – Borgarfjördur – Skagafjördur or Eyjafjördur
The first day of your roundtrip takes you toward the northern part of Iceland. From Reykjavík, 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. We also recommend stopping by the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where the water seems to magically flow out from underneath a lava field into the river below.
Continue over Höltavörduheidi pass to reach the North coast. The road winds between the waters of the Arctic Ocean and landscapes shaped during the last ice age. Marshy moorlands, rounded mountains, and farmland succeed each other until you reach the Skagafjördur fjord area, known for exceptional horse breeding. In fact, many stunning, Icelandic horses can be seen along the road in many places. Once in that area, 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, before heading to Akureyri. Spend the night in Skagafjördur area or in neighbouring Eyjafjördur, the next fjord further to the East.
Driving distance / time: approx. 380-480 km / 5-6 hours
Overnight: in Skagafjördur or Eyjafjördur area
Day 3: Akureyri – Godafoss – Mývatn or Húsavík
When in Eyjafjördur area, take some time to discover the charming, little town of Akureyri, the “capital of the North”. Then continue towards 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 Akureyri and Mývatn, also plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-250 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Eyjafjördur, Mývatn or Húsavík area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Mývan Nature Baths
Day 4: Húsavík – Tjörnes – Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss – Egilsstadir
Húsavík is a charming fishing village and one of the most popular places for whale watching tours in Iceland. From there, we recommend that you drive around the Tjörnes Peninsula. At Tjörnes lighthouse at its northernmost tip, walking very carefully along the grassy cliffs overlooking the waters of the Arctic Ocean, you have a chance to observe a colony of puffins from spring until early August.
Further along the waym, discover Ásbyrgi, an impressive horseshoe-shaped gorge and former bed of the great glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. It’s the same turbulent river that you will later discover in its present course at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, which marks the beginning of the stunning Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and National Park. From there, cross the barren regions of Mödrudalsöræfi until you reach Egilsstadir and Lake Lagarfjlót area.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Egilsstadir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale-watching in Húsavík; Vök Baths
Day 5: East Fjords – Höfn
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Egillsstadir and Höfn. Starting from Reydarfjördur fjord, where a small World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. In Stödvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection. Passing small fishing villages like Breiddalsvik and Djúpivogur, at times the road hangs precariously high on the mountain slopes. Between the capes of Hvalnes and Stokknes, 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. As you approach your destination, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskard and enter in the Höfn region. You are now in the realm of Vatnajökull ice cap. With an area comparable to that of the islands of Corsica or Puerto Rico, not only is it Iceland’s largest glacier but also the largest in Europe!
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-325 km / 3-4 hours
Overnight: in Höfn area
Day 6: Jökulsárlón – Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík
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, Skaftafell National Park, where multiple hikes are possible, including up to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. 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. Drive through Skeidarársandur sand plains towards the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m. In the beautiful region of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon and drive across the vast 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.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 2,5-3,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons ons, on request: Amphibian boat or zodiac tour on
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 7: Vík – Skógar – Golden Circle – Reykjavík
Begin the day with a refreshing walk on Reynisfjara in the region of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. There, discover a magnificent black sand beach and impressive cliffs made of basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. Next stops at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall renowned not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side. Finally, explore the famous attractions of the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. Only a few kilometers away is the Geysir area where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Finally, drive to Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. After a walk through the park, drive back to Reykjavík.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-350 km / 3,5-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 8: 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
River crossings may be required on some routes. Drivers are solely responsible for safe navigation and vehicle use. We strongly advise renting a 4×4 vehicle allowed on F-roads. This itinerary is available only from late June to early September.
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