Iceland South & West 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 your arrival at Keflavík airport, you will pick up your rental car and head towards Reykjavík. Depending on your flight time, you might want to organize some gentle activities for your first day. A guided walking tour of the capital or a short wildlife boat trip would both be possible. Let us know what time you’re going to touch down, and we can help you arrange whatever you’d like to do. You might just want to head to your accommodation in Reykjavík for a good night’s sleep, and that’s fine too!

 Km driven: 50

Day 2

Today you’ll be exploring the spectacular Snæfellsnes peninsula. You’ll start the day by driving to  Borgarnes, a small town located in the Borgarfjörður fjord. From there, you will continue through the steaming lava fields of Eldborgarhraun. A short hike will take you up to the volcanic crater called Eldborg, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings. 

Afterward, you will continue along the peninsula’s south coast to Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where you can add an optional caving expedition to Vatnshellir cave. This 8000-year-old cave is reached by a spiral staircase that descends 200 meters into the ground. If you think you’re up for the adventure, just let us know when you book!

Emerging back into the light, you will continue to Snæfellsnes National Park. If conditions are good and you are driving a 4×4 car, it is possible to go up to the glacier’s edge and take a walk on the ice cap. You will spend the night in the Snæfellsnes area, so take as long as you need to admire the ancient ice. 

Km driven: 235

Day 3

After waking up in the gorgeous Snæfellsnes peninsula, you will head to the charming fishing village called Stykkishólmur.  We highly recommend taking a boat ride out on the bay to observe the area’s amazing wildlife. You will even get to taste freshly caught scallops and mussels right on the boat. From Stykkishólmur, you will head towards Húsafell, famous for its stunning waterfalls. 

You’ll take the time to explore two of these famous waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. We can also arrange for you to join an expedition into the vast man-made ice cave inside the  Langjökull glacier. Just make sure you wrap up warm, even in the summertime! Your accommodation for tonight will be in the Húsafell area. 

Km driven: 235

Day 4

Today you will make your way to the South of Iceland. You will head towards Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich cultural history. Gazing down through the rift valley, you will see the striking effects of Eurasian and North American continental drift.

You could also consider a snorkeling trip through the silfra fissure. Kitted out with a dry suit, you can swim in the crystal clear water between two tectonic plates. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we highly recommend you give it a go!

You will complete the world-famous Golden Circle route with a visit to the explosive geysir called Strokkur and finally the waterfall of Gullfoss. If conditions are right, you’ll see tiny rainbows catching in the golden waterfall mist. Depending on how tired you are, you might like to arrange a visit to the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir. The hot water will ease your tired muscles before you head to your nearby accommodation. 

 Km driven: 245

Day 5

It’s time to head south. Your first stop of the day will be to check out the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk right behind the crashing water and feel the cold glacial mist drift over you. 

Then you’ll drive past Eyjafjallajökull glacier to Skógafoss. This gorgeous waterfall tumbles over ancient sea cliffs. The coast line has receded now, but these striking cliffs mark the boundary of Iceland’s coastal lowlands and wild highlands. 

Next up, you’ll walk along the volcanic beach of Sólheimasandur to see the abandoned plane wreck of the US Navy. The twisted metal, swirling ocean, and pitch-black sand are striking to behold. Your final activity of the day will be a visit to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where the towering basalt columns are sure to take your breath away. You won’t have far to go to your accommodation now, which is in the area surrounding Vík. 

Km driven: 145

Day 6

You’ll be heading East today. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your comfortable accommodation, you will visit the spectacular Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Walking along the trails above the canyon walls, you’ll have a panoramic view of the steep cliffs and winding river below. 

Your next stop will be at Skaftafell, where a 2-hour hiking route will take you to the Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by spectacular basalt columns. Once you’ve soaked up the beauty of Skaftafell, you’ll head to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to see the glowing icebergs drift towards the open ocean. 

Those that want to can take a guided walk on Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. Your experienced guide will provide all the kit and support you need to do this safely. You can also visit the smaller, quieter glacier lagoon called Fjallsárlón before heading to your accommodation in the Vík area. 

Km driven: 398

Day 7

Today you’ll have another chance to hike across an ancient glacier! After the optional guided walk across the Sólheimajökull glacier, you’ll head back towards Reykjavík. 

You’ll want to warm up after visiting the ice cap, so we recommend a stop at Hveragerði. A short hike will take you to the gorgeous Reykjadalur valley, where you can take a dip in the geothermal river. There’s something magical about soaking in the hot river water, surrounded by the lush hills and beneath the open sky. 

You might prefer to visit the Blue Lagoon instead. This luxury volcanic spa is famous worldwide, so we will have to arrange your tickets well in advance. Just let us know if you want to check it out! You’ll spend your final night in the capital, where you can hunt down a hearty meal and enjoy our buzzing nightlife. 

Km driven: 185 to 265 depending on itinerary choice.

Day 8

Your adventure has come to an end. Today you will return your car rental at Keflavík airport before heading to your departure gate. Depending on what time you’re leaving, you might have time to visit some museums or take a guided walking tour of the city. Just let us know your travel plans, and we can help you arrange any suitable activities for your final day. We wish you a safe journey home, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland in the future.

 Km driven: 50

Included in final tour price

• Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast
• Rental car of your choice for 7 days including CDW, PAI, TP 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 and tunnel fees
• Meals and drinks beside breakfast
• Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
• Optional activities listed in booking request process