From Reykjavík: 8-Day Iceland Circle Self-Drive Tour

South Coast, Iceland, Reykjavik



Discover Iceland on an 8-day self-drive adventure along the south of Iceland, visiting geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls.

Eight-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Iceland

This self-drive tour around Iceland suits independent travelers who want to explore Iceland’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites over eight days.

Description

Experience Iceland with the freedom of a rental car on this eight-day tour. Drive the South Coast to see iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and Europe’s largest glacier. Explore the East Fjords’ coastal villages and geological wonders. Discover volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn and visit powerful waterfalls including Dettifoss. Journey through historically significant Borgarfjörður and complete the trip with the Golden Circle’s Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, collect rental car.
  • Day 2: South Coast highlights including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara beach, and Vík.
  • Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell, Svartifoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach; overnight in Höfn.
  • Day 4: Scenic drive through East Fjords, overnight in Egilsstaðir.
  • Day 5: Lake Mývatn area with Dettifoss waterfall, Námaskarð geothermal area, Mývatn Nature Baths, Hverfjall crater, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Goðafoss waterfall; overnight in Akureyri.
  • Day 6: Borgarfjörður valley, turf houses at Glaumbær and Reykholt, Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
  • Day 7: Golden Circle route visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall.
  • Day 8: Return to Reykjavík and depart.

Accommodation Categories

  • Standard: Guesthouses and 3-star equivalent hotels.
  • Comfort: 4-star hotels in Reykjavík, best available hotels in the countryside.
  • All rooms have standard amenities.

Included

  • Accommodation with private facilities and breakfast
  • Rental car with unlimited mileage, VAT, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Gravel Protection (GP), Theft Protection (TP)
  • Pickup and drop off of rental car at the airport
  • Detailed daily itinerary in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German
  • Emergency telephone service

Excludes

  • Fuel costs and parking fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Flights to and from Iceland
  • Anything not listed in the included section

Important Information

  • Accommodation options follow the categories outlined above.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Book early during summer months for availability. Bring layered clothing, a valid driver's license, and travel documents. Prepare for varying weather and road conditions on this comprehensive Icelandic self-drive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a rental car and an eight-day itinerary covering Iceland’s South Coast, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn region, and Borgarfjörður, with stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.
The tour starts and ends in Reykjavík, allowing you to explore Iceland’s main regions in a loop around the island.
Yes, this self-drive tour offers flexibility, letting you adjust daily stops and activities based on your interests and time.
The route mostly follows paved Ring Road and well-maintained roads, suitable for drivers with basic experience; some gravel roads may appear in East Fjords.
The tour is available year-round, but summer offers longer daylight and easier road conditions; winter requires caution and checking road status before driving.
A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient, but an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in Roman script.
The tour includes landmarks such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches near Vík, Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull, and powerful Dettifoss waterfall.
Accommodation is not included; travelers must book lodging separately along the route in towns like Vík, Egilsstaðir, and Akureyri.
Yes, you may see Icelandic horses, seabirds, and seals, especially along coastal areas and fjords during the tour.
You can check official Icelandic road and weather websites for up-to-date travel conditions to ensure safe driving throughout your itinerary.

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