South & West Discovery – Summer
Discover Iceland’s most iconic wonders on this self-drive adventure through the wild South and scenic West. From the black sand beaches of the South Coast to the vibrant streets of Reykjavík, every day offers new landscapes and local gems. Hike colorful highlands, explore glacial lagoons, and unwind in geothermal spas — all at your own pace with a pre-planned route and expert-curated suggestions. Perfect for travellers who want the freedom to explore, without missing the must-sees.
Guided
Self-drive journey
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Price
Starting from £2,500 - £3,000 per person
Price Detail
Includes 7 nights of accommodation with breakfast, flights, car rental with unlimited mileage, and a curated digital itinerary. Add-ons and activity bookings available upon request.
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 – 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: Golden Circle
Today, you will see some of the most famous sights in Iceland. You will start by exploring Borgarnes region. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring (the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second), Reykholt where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and the Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. From there you continue your journey along the Kaldidalur highland road until you reach Thingvellir (Þingvellir), considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. You continue to the famous Geysir area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Geysir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vidgelmir lava cave; Into the Glacier
Day 4: Landmannalaugar
From Geysir area you drive to Landmannalaugar, a highlight of every trip to iceland an unforgettable journey over lavafields and moon- like landscape. To reach this ryolith mountains of Landmannlaugar and then Eldgjá canyon, you will be crossing many rivers and drive over mountain passes. Please, drive carefully and remember that all off-road driving is strictly forbiden and is harshly punished by Icelandic authotiries. In Landmannalaugar, you can walk between colorful mountains, black obsidian lava and hot springs. Get comprehensive information about all hiking tracks in the warden hut. After hiking, you even have the posibility to relax in a natural geothermal spring close to the mountain hut.
Afterwards, you continue your journey over lavafields and a moon-like landscape along the highland road Fjallabaksleid, “behind the mountains”. Explore the volcanic fissure of Eldgjá and hike to the beautiful Ófærufoss waterfall before heading to the region of Vík and Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250 km / 5-6 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
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, 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.
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: South Shore – Reykjavík
Discover the South Coast before heading back to Reykjavík. On your way there, explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara and discover beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss. 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. 200-280 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Katla Ice cave; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier; Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach
Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavík
Today, you can either enjoy a relaxing time in Reykjavík or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you will 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. 0-180 km / 0-3 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Raufarhólshellir lava cave; Inside the Volcano
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
This itinerary is available only from late June to early September. A 4×4 rental vehicle is required due to highland road access. Drivers are solely responsible for assessing river crossings and weather conditions. Plan ahead and drive with care.
Overview
Guided
Self-drive journey
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
May- October
Prices
Price
Starting from £2,500 - £3,000 per person
Price Detail
Includes 7 nights of accommodation with breakfast, flights, car rental with unlimited mileage, and a curated digital itinerary. Add-ons and activity bookings available upon request.
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 – 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: Golden Circle
Today, you will see some of the most famous sights in Iceland. You will start by exploring Borgarnes region. You can make a stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring (the biggest in Iceland in terms of water production per second), Reykholt where the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived and the Hraunfossar waterfalls where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. From there you continue your journey along the Kaldidalur highland road until you reach Thingvellir (Þingvellir), considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. You continue to the famous Geysir area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Driving distance / time: approx. 300 km / 4-5 hours
Overnight: in Laugarvatn or Geysir area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Vidgelmir lava cave; Into the Glacier
Day 4: Landmannalaugar
From Geysir area you drive to Landmannalaugar, a highlight of every trip to iceland an unforgettable journey over lavafields and moon- like landscape. To reach this ryolith mountains of Landmannlaugar and then Eldgjá canyon, you will be crossing many rivers and drive over mountain passes. Please, drive carefully and remember that all off-road driving is strictly forbiden and is harshly punished by Icelandic authotiries. In Landmannalaugar, you can walk between colorful mountains, black obsidian lava and hot springs. Get comprehensive information about all hiking tracks in the warden hut. After hiking, you even have the posibility to relax in a natural geothermal spring close to the mountain hut.
Afterwards, you continue your journey over lavafields and a moon-like landscape along the highland road Fjallabaksleid, “behind the mountains”. Explore the volcanic fissure of Eldgjá and hike to the beautiful Ófærufoss waterfall before heading to the region of Vík and Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250 km / 5-6 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
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, 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.
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: South Shore – Reykjavík
Discover the South Coast before heading back to Reykjavík. On your way there, explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara and discover beautiful waterfalls along your way, such as Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss. 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. 200-280 km / 3-4,5 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Katla Ice cave; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier; Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach
Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavík
Today, you can either enjoy a relaxing time in Reykjavík or you can drive to the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula, where you will 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. 0-180 km / 0-3 hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Raufarhólshellir lava cave; Inside the Volcano
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
This itinerary is available only from late June to early September. A 4×4 rental vehicle is required due to highland road access. Drivers are solely responsible for assessing river crossings and weather conditions. Plan ahead and drive with care.
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