Iceland Your Way: Golden Circle Self-Drive
Explore Iceland’s most famous natural wonders
Discover the magic of Iceland’s Golden Circle on this road trip through the south’s most iconic attractions. With an included rental car, you’ll have the freedom to explore the world-renowned Geysir geothermal area, the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall, the historic Thingvellir National Park, and much more. From mid-September to mid-April, chase the enchanting northern lights, while May to September offers extended daylight for endless exploration.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Automatic rental car for 4 days (medium 4WD – Toyota RAV4 or similar) with:
- Unlimited mileage; CDW & Theft Protection; Free Wi-Fi; 2 authorized drivers (2nd driver free); VAT
- 1 night in Hveragerdi or Reykjavik*
- 1 night in the Vik area at the Dyrhólaey Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Golden Circle area at the Efstidalur Farm Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Storm Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
- Exclusive use of the Iceland Travel App with:
- Access to your travel documents; Details on over 1,500 points of interest (some with audio guide); Electronic version of the Iceland Travel Road Book, with interesting places to visit, safety info & driving tips; Customer Care Servicing during office hours & 24-hour emergency line in-destination assistance
*Please note: your first night will be in Hveragerdi if you are traveling between May 1 and September 30, or it will be in Reykjavik if you are traveling between October 1 and April 30.
Great Ways to Explore
Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark Site.
See hidden gems and top sights of the Golden Circle and South Shore.
Follow the Viking Sagas in the stunning Borgarfjördur fjord.
In the summer, spot cute puffins in Dyrhólaey.
In winter, scout for northern lights from countryside hotels.
Experience a thrilling self-drive adventure around Iceland's Golden Circle, where freedom and flexibility let you explore at your own pace. This Iceland road trip offers the chance to immerse yourself in the country's breathtaking southern highlights, from the iconic Golden Circle — featuring the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park — to the dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Shore.
Enjoy the liberty to chart your own course, whether you're chasing the northern lights between mid-September and mid-April or reveling in the extended daylight hours from May to September that let you experience Iceland's natural wonders well into the evening.
With a carefully planned itinerary and comfortable accommodations, this trip balances structure with the joy of personal exploration.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Reykjavik (KEF)
- Automatic rental car for 4 days (medium 4WD – Toyota RAV4 or similar) with:
- Unlimited mileage; CDW & Theft Protection; Free Wi-Fi; 2 authorized drivers (2nd driver free); VAT
- 1 night in Hveragerdi or Reykjavik*
- 1 night in the Vik area at the Dyrhólaey Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Golden Circle area at the Efstidalur Farm Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Reykjavik at the Storm Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
- Exclusive use of the Iceland Travel App with:
- Access to your travel documents; Details on over 1,500 points of interest (some with audio guide); Electronic version of the Iceland Travel Road Book, with interesting places to visit, safety info & driving tips; Customer Care Servicing during office hours & 24-hour emergency line in-destination assistance
*Please note: your first night will be in Hveragerdi if you are traveling between May 1 and September 30, or it will be in Reykjavik if you are traveling between October 1 and April 30.
Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark Site.
See hidden gems and top sights of the Golden Circle and South Shore.
Follow the Viking Sagas in the stunning Borgarfjördur fjord.
In the summer, spot cute puffins in Dyrhólaey.
In winter, scout for northern lights from countryside hotels.
Experience a thrilling self-drive adventure around Iceland's Golden Circle, where freedom and flexibility let you explore at your own pace. This Iceland road trip offers the chance to immerse yourself in the country's breathtaking southern highlights, from the iconic Golden Circle — featuring the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park — to the dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Shore.
Enjoy the liberty to chart your own course, whether you're chasing the northern lights between mid-September and mid-April or reveling in the extended daylight hours from May to September that let you experience Iceland's natural wonders well into the evening.
With a carefully planned itinerary and comfortable accommodations, this trip balances structure with the joy of personal exploration.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Iceland!
Once you land at Keflavík Airport, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Pick up your rental car at the airport and head to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, consider exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO GeoPark Site. This area features stunning landscapes with craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. Take a stroll through the surreal Gunnuhver area to see colorful mud pools and steam vents.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, where you can relax in the soothing azure waters (note: Blue Lagoon admission is not included and must be booked in advance).
A Tip For Your Trip: From October 1st through April 30th: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland's vibrant capital. Overnight in Reykjavík. From May 1st through September 30th: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerði for your overnight stay. Known as the "flower village," Hveragerði sits atop a geothermal area and is famous for its greenhouses heated by hot springs. Enjoy outdoor and wellness activities, and dine at local restaurants. Overnight in Hveragerði.
Hotel Ork offers friendly accommodations in the midst of beautiful surroundings. It features 76 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms, an outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, 9-hole golf course, geothermal sauna, hot tubs, spa services and more. The restaurant offers healthy and wholesome Icelandic cuisine, sourced from the onsite geothermally heated greenhouses.
Located in Reykjavik's city center, Storm Hotel offers stylish and comfortable accommodation between the main business and shopping districts. The hotel is within walking distance from Iceland’s main shopping street Laugavegur, which is home to a variety of designer shops, cafés, restaurants, gift shops and exciting nightlife. Near the Storm Hotel is Laugardalur, where you can find a variety of different recreation like one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, Reykjavik Park and Zoo, the Botanical Garden and more.
Storm Hotel offers a Nordic-inspired designed combined with functionality, quality and style. Each of the 93 guestrooms has a sleek bathroom and an ultra-comfortable luxury bed as well as free Wi-Fi. Start your day with a filling breakfast and then relax after sightseeing with a drink in the bar/lounge.
Individually decorated rooms themed for a specific day in the ancient Icelandic calendar adds Nordic beauty to your stay at the Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels. Along with the experience of staying in a hotel inspired by the Northern Lights, guests can enjoy a bar and lounge, daily breakfast served in the dining room, meeting and banquet rooms, and free Wi-Fi, all accompanied by Iceland's changing lights theme.
The rooms, in addition to their unique theme, also have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, ironing facilities upon request, and private bathrooms including a hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. The expansive Laugardalur park is a short walk away from the hotel, which features a gorgeous Botanic Garden, the Family Park and Zoo, and the largest swimming pool in the city. Other points of interest close to the hotel include the Sun Voyager sculpture which is just under two miles away, as well as buses that can take you to iconic places like Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Gullfoss and Geysir, and more.
Day 2. Hveragerdi or Reykjavik - Vik area
Drive along the picturesque South Shore, passing the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, whose 2010 eruption disrupted global air traffic. A visit to the interactive LAVA Centre is highly recommended to learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that have shaped Iceland and the Earth.
Your journey will take you past the stunning Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, both worth a visit, and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Stop by the seafront village of Vík, where you can explore a dramatic stretch of coastline framed by glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs, and black-sand beaches. Visit Dyrhólaey, a rocky headland known for its iconic black lava arch. In the summer, thousands of seabirds, including puffins, nest here (puffins are typically in Iceland from mid-May to early August).
Conclude your day with an overnight stay in the Vík area.
A Tip For Your Trip: Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.
Day 3. Vik area - Golden Circle area
Explore the vibrant Thjórsárdalur Valley, where you'll encounter a diverse landscape of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls, all dominated by the impressive Mt. Hekla volcano.
Continue to the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Hot Spring area. Gullfoss, often regarded as Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, and Geysir, an active geothermal field with bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur Geyser, are must-see attractions.
After an exhilarating day, unwind at the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Flúdir. Both places have a rich history and are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Enjoy an overnight stay in the enchanting Golden Circle area.
Check-in - Efstidalur Farm Hotel
The 4-star Efstidalur Farm Hotel offers a warm and homey retreat amidst extraordinary landscapes, clean country air, and breathtaking mountain views, nestled in the serene countryside of South Iceland.
This charming farm hotel provides a variety of accommodations, with plenty of comforting amenities such as room service, free Wi-Fi, a television, and more.
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in authentic farm life by interacting with the resident dogs, horses, and cows, and even enjoy summer riding tours. Come evening time, guests are encouraged to unwind underneath the Icelandic sky in an outdoor patio hot tub.
Every morning, a delightful breakfast buffet with local specialties, fresh pastries, and pancakes is served, and the family-friendly restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, which specializes in farm-to-table cuisine.
Efstidalur Farm Hotel serves as a perfect base for exploring the region, thanks to its ideal location near many of South Iceland’s major natural attractions. Guests are just 11 miles from Geysir and 17 miles from Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as 24 miles away from the Golden Circle route and Thingvellir National Park.
Day 4. Golden Circle area - Reykjavik
Explore Thingvellir National Park, a historical and natural gem where Iceland’s Viking parliament once convened and where you can witness the rift between the North American and European tectonic plates. Wander through trails leading to significant historical sites and enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes.
Continue your journey through the picturesque Hvalfjörður fjord or, if visiting between June and August, traverse the expansive Kaldidalur wilderness. Your adventure leads to the Borgarfjörður region and Reykholt, renowned for its association with the 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson.
Marvel at the striking Hraunfossar Waterfalls, where glacial water cascades through lava formations, and the nearby Barnafoss Falls with its vivid blue waters. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs. While you can't bathe in these springs, the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths offer a perfect blend of Deildartunguhver’s hot water and cool mountain springs for ultimate relaxation.
For a more nature-inspired hot spring experience, consider the Hvammsvík Nature Area in the Whale Fjord region. Enjoy a series of stone-lined seaside pools offering breathtaking views of the sea and Icelandic scenery, designed to echo the rustic charm of Iceland's historic hot pools.
Conclude your Iceland vacation with a final night in Reykjavík.
Located in Reykjavik's city center, Storm Hotel offers stylish and comfortable accommodation between the main business and shopping districts. The hotel is within walking distance from Iceland’s main shopping street Laugavegur, which is home to a variety of designer shops, cafés, restaurants, gift shops and exciting nightlife. Near the Storm Hotel is Laugardalur, where you can find a variety of different recreation like one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, Reykjavik Park and Zoo, the Botanical Garden and more.
Storm Hotel offers a Nordic-inspired designed combined with functionality, quality and style. Each of the 93 guestrooms has a sleek bathroom and an ultra-comfortable luxury bed as well as free Wi-Fi. Start your day with a filling breakfast and then relax after sightseeing with a drink in the bar/lounge.
Individually decorated rooms themed for a specific day in the ancient Icelandic calendar adds Nordic beauty to your stay at the Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels. Along with the experience of staying in a hotel inspired by the Northern Lights, guests can enjoy a bar and lounge, daily breakfast served in the dining room, meeting and banquet rooms, and free Wi-Fi, all accompanied by Iceland's changing lights theme.
The rooms, in addition to their unique theme, also have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, ironing facilities upon request, and private bathrooms including a hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. The expansive Laugardalur park is a short walk away from the hotel, which features a gorgeous Botanic Garden, the Family Park and Zoo, and the largest swimming pool in the city. Other points of interest close to the hotel include the Sun Voyager sculpture which is just under two miles away, as well as buses that can take you to iconic places like Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Gullfoss and Geysir, and more.
Day 5. Depart Iceland
Your incredible vacation to Iceland has unfortunately come to an end. Have one last breakfast at the hotel before returning your rental car and boarding your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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