Iceland Classic Highlights Road Trip

If you are planning on driving in Iceland during winter, between September and May, we highly recommend choosing a 4×4 vehicle for your safety and to make your vacation more enjoyable. The weather in Iceland can change suddenly and you could encounter snow or sleet. Some roads are also not accessible for smaller vehicles but can be reached on 4×4´s.

To ensure your safety on our self-drive tours in Iceland, we only provide 4WD cars from 1st of October through March, due to possible snow, sleed, and other hazardous road conditions.

Included in rental rate

• Unlimited mileage
• CDW (Collision Damage Waver)
• SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waver)
• GP (Gravel Protection. Includes damages to windscreens, headlights and the car)
• TP (Theft Protection)
• Extra driver option
• 4G WiFi with unlimited data to stay connected during your tour
• VAT 24%

Not included in rental rate

Can be added in the booking process

• Liability waiver for carefree travelling
  Small car: 3.290 ISK per day
  Medium/Large car: 3.890 ISK per day
• GPS navigation system
  Some cars have free GPS systems on board
  1.550 ISK per day
• SAAP (Sand and Ash Insurance)
  Recommended for those travelling the south coast.
  Rates depend on the size of the rental car.
• Baby seat
  0 – 13 kg 4.000 ISK per rental
• Child seat
  15 – 36 kg 4.000 ISK per rental

You can choose from three main categories of accommodations in the booking request process, comfort, quality, and luxury. Breakfast is included in all categories.

Comfort

This includes rooms with private bathroom and shower, in hotels and guesthouses.

Breakfast is included.

Quality

This includes rooms with private bathroom and shower, in 3 — 4 star hotels or the best available in the area.

Breakfast is included.

Luxury

This includes rooms or suites with private facilities, in luxury accommodation. Please note that this category has very limited availability and is not available in all parts of Iceland.

Breakfast is included.

Day 1

Welcome to Iceland! 

After touching down at Keflavík airport, you will pick up your rental car and head out on your awesome Icelandic adventure. You will head out South towards the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. As you head along the South Coast to Selfoss, you can stop at the world-famous Blue Lagoon. 

Make sure you get your tickets in advance because this breathtaking volcanic spa is extremely popular! Once you’ve soaked your weary airplane legs in the hot springs, you can carry on to your accommodation in the greater Selfoss area. You could take a wander down the mighty Ölfusá river, or perhaps you’ll head straight for a cold beer and a hearty meal!

Km driven: 110

Day 2

After a good night’s sleep, you’ll set off to the Reykjadalur valley, just north of the village of Hveragerði. A short hike will be rewarded by a dip in the geothermal river. Lay back and enjoy the open sky as the mountain air clears out your lungs. 

Next, you’ll be heading out on the world-renowned Golden Circle. The first stop is the Þingvellir National park. This jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the rift valley, where  North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart before your very eyes. You can add an optional snorkeling session in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure, where you can swim between the two tectonic plates. 

You can also check out the explosive geyser called Strokkur in Haukadalur valley before heading to the picturesque waterfall Gullfoss. Finally, you’ll arrive at your cozy accommodation in Hella. 

Km driven: 190

Day 3

Get ready to explore the stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast. After breakfast, you will make your way to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This waterfall might not be the most powerful, but it’s still spectacular in its way. You can walk into the cave behind the waterfall and watch the water crashing down in front of you. 

Next, you’ll head to the nearby Skógafoss waterfall, which thunders over towering mountain cliffs. You can then take a walk down Sólheimasandur beach to visit the infamous plane wreck. Bring some snacks to enjoy on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where you can take some time to process all the incredible things you’ve already seen! Tonight you’ll sleep in the Skaftafell area. 

Km driven: 230

Day 4

It’s time to check out the dazzling ice formations of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Take some time to watch the magnificent icebergs crumble from the Vatnajökull glacier and slowly float towards the North Atlantic ocean. You can arrange to have a boat tour on the lagoon if you want to get up close and personal with the icebergs. 

You could also arrange an adventurous hike across the glacier, but there’s no pressure if you want to take things more gently. After you’ve explored the ice, you’ll head to the charming village of Djúpivogur to get a taste of rural Icelandic life. 

Ocean lovers can head to Breiðdalsvík for an optional fishing expedition in an old oak boat. You will spend the night in the East fjords area surrounded by stunning mountains. Take it easy tonight; you’ve come a long way!

Km driven: 330

Day 5

Keep your eyes open for wild Reindeer as you head out from your accommodation this morning. Your first stop is at the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, which is a ridiculous 100 meters wide and 45 meters high. 

You can stop at Möðruvellir,  the manor house of Iceland’s ancient chieftains, which later became a church. Once you’ve soaked up the old building, you can head off to the fishing town of Húsavík. If you still have plenty of energy, you can arrange to either take a whale watching tour or visit the museum. 98% of Húsavík’s whale watching trips are successful, so I highly recommend you give it a go!

Km driven: 295

Day 6

After a good night’s sleep, you will jump back into the car and head to lake Mývatn. This area is famous for its untamed wilderness and geothermal activity, so bird lovers and geologists will be in heaven!

After admiring the pristine lake and all its inhabitants, you’ll continue to Goðafoss waterfall. Legend has it that the wise man Thorkelsson threw his statues of the Norse Gods into the waterfall here, which marked Iceland’s new turn to Christianity. So when you walk to the banks of this sacred waterfall, you could be standing in his very footsteps. 

There is still time for an optional whale watching tour in Akureyri, or you can head straight to Skagafjörður, where you’ll spend the night. Horseback riders can arrange for an optional adventure on the Icelandic ponies this evening. 

Km driven: 240

Day 7

After a whirlwind of sights and activities, it’s time to head back towards  Reykjavík. You can stop off at the magical Reykholt, Hraunfossar, and Barnafoss waterfalls. We sure have a lot of waterfalls here in Iceland, but every one of them is truly unique!

If you want to squeeze in some final adventures, you can stop at the powerful hot spring called Deildartunguhver or take an optional tour into the ice cave at Húsafell. Whenever you’re ready, you can finish your journey to Reykjavik and immerse yourself in the buzzing Icelandic nightlife. 

Km driven: 375

Day 8

All good things must come to an end! So today, you will return your car at Keflavík airport and set out on your journey home. It’s possible to visit the Blue Lagoon if you didn’t manage on day one, but don’t forget to book your tickets in advance. We hope you had the adventure of a lifetime, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Iceland in the future. 

Included in final tour price

• Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast
• Rental car of your choice for 8 days including CDW, SCDW, TP, GP, Extra driver, 4G Wifi dongle with unlimited data and VAT 24%
• Detailed personal itinerary
• Carbon offsetting (16 trees planted)
• Taxes and service fees
• Personal and professional service

Not included

• Flight to/from Iceland
• Personal travel insurance
• Gasoline/petrol, tunnel and parking fees
• Meals and drinks beside breakfast
• Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
• Optional activities listed in booking request process