8-Day South and West Classic

Itinerary

* Itinerary is subject to change in accordance to availability

Day 1: Arrival & Leisure Day In Reykjavik

On arrival to Keflavik Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to Reykjavík where you can check into your accommodation and relax after the journey. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city center at your own pace.

Spend the night in Reykjavík.

Day 2: West Iceland: Hot Springs, Waterfalls & Glacier Adventures

Begin your journey today by driving through the bountiful Borgarfjörður area. Sights along the way include the twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss along with the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and Háafell Goat Farm. You also have the choice to join optional activities such as visiting the Krauma to soak in soothing geothermal baths, exploring the lava tunnel Víðgelmir, venturing inside of a glacier or experiencing a thrilling snowmobile tour on top of a glacier.

For those interested in the Viking history of Iceland, a stop at the Icelandic Settlement Center in Borgarnes is highly recommended.

Spend the night in the Borgarfjörður area.

Day 3: Wonders of Snaefellsnes

Today you drive to the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula. The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Snæfellsjökull glacier, believed by many to be one of Earth’s seven major energy centers. It was also used as the backdrop to Jules Verne’s famous novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.”

Your drive along the coast here also offers such sights as the Dritvík Cove, the Lóndrangar Cliffs, the Arnarstapi Cliffs, the hamlet of Hellnar and various other small fishing villages. For a fun photo opportunity and to experience a blast from the past, you can also visit Djúpalónssandur, a pebble-filled beach with four famed “lifting stones” that were used in old days to test men‘s strength for jobs on fishing boats. Do you have what it takes to lift the stones?

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.

Day 4: The Golden Circle

Today’s journey brings you up close with some of Iceland’s most popular attractions on the classic “Golden Circle” route. If you’ve selected a 4×4 vehicle you can take the Kaldidalur route. Once within the Golden Circle, start with a visit to the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates. Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbour Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes.

End the day’s adventure with a visit to the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most memorable sights.

Spend the night in Selfoss area.

Day 5: Roaring Waterfalls & Black Lava Beach

Start with a visit to the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can have the unique experience of walking behind the misty cascade. Just a short drive brings you to yet another gorgeous waterfall, the 60-meter tall Skógafoss, which is beautiful to photograph and roam the surroundings.

Your next stop is at the vast black volcanic sand beach south of Vík, where you can see the jagged basalt rock formations of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey. Continue the scenic drive along the South Coast to the charming village Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Spend the night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 6: Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Explore Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great beauty with many well-maintained hiking trails, including a short walk to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. In this region, you can embark on a glacier walk or try your hand at ice-climbing with an optional guided tour.

Then head to the glorious Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Fjallsárlón ice lagoon where you can ride a boat along lagoon, gazing at the floating icebergs. You can also view the icebergs on the black sand beach by Jökulsárlón, known as the diamond beach. Head back to your accommodation for the night.

Spend the night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 7: South Coast to the Volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula

Drive along the south coast to the Reykjanes peninsula, visiting worthwhile stops along the way like Fjaðrarárgljúfur canyon and the Dverghamrar “elf cliffs”. Once you have traversed the road under Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, you will continue to the volcanic wonderland of the Reykjanes Peninsula, which reminds you that Iceland is very much alive with natural geothermal energy.

We recommend visiting the bubbling mud pots at Seltún and Lake Kleifarvatn before reaching the world famous Blue Lagoon geothermal Spa (entrance not included). The Blue Lagoon´s water is rich in silica and blue-green algae, giving the lagoon its reputed healing powers and characteristic milky blue colour. In-water massages are available (must be booked in advance) but you can also unwind in a sauna and steam bath or get a soothing massage under the mini waterfall. Head to the capital city where you will drop the rental car off in the late afternoon before relaxing at your accommodation for your last night in Iceland.

Spend the night in Reykjavik.

Day 8: Departure

On your day of departure, a shuttle bus will collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík and deliver you back to Keflavík International Airport ahead of your scheduled flight.

8 Day Self Drive: South and West Iceland Classic

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