The Self Drive Bestseller!
The Around Iceland tour is our Self Drive bestseller. The tour enables you to discover all the magical natural wonders of Iceland, the majestic landscapes and the unique character of the country. And the best thing is that you can do the tour in your own pace.
You can choose between a 7, 10 or 13 night package, in all of which you stay the first and last night in Reykjavík.
What is the difference between the three different lenghts of the tour?
No wonder you might ask! In short, the 10 and 13 night packages give you longer time to explore the attractions each part of Iceland. The 7 night version is an express version that suits those who want to see all the highlights but have a limited time.
Additionally, the 10 night package covers the Snaefellsnes peninsula on the west of Iceland. The 13 night package includes the Snaefellsnes peninsula PLUS the amazing Westfjords. So, the choice is yours; to take the short circle around Iceland or the complete circle where nothing is left out!
You can read more about the additional areas covered in the detailed itinerary section by clicking "Read more" at the bottom of this page.
Compare the route maps:
The routes are based on our reccomendation and fit the accommodation in the package. However, you are always in control and you can certainly take another route then suggested in our itinerary. Just remember that you can not change accommodation afterwards.
PLEASE NOTE: The accommodation in this package is based on three star hotels and/or guesthouses, with private facilities. However, we cannot confirm the exact hotels in which you will stay until shortly after you actually book, as this differs between tour dates.
Once you have booked the tour, a travel consultant will contact you within 48 hours to confirm the name of the accommodation applicable to your tour dates.
Key benefits of this tour:
- With an easy upgrade of your car to a 4wd, you can travel through the highland track of Kjölur, a mountain pass between two of Iceland’s large glaciers.
- You cover the majority of Iceland and can decide your self how quickly you want to explore the country.
- You will see and explore all major attractions around Iceland´s main ring road. This includes the mighty Geysir and the spouting Strokkur hot springs. Waterfalls, National Parks and other nature wonders are also a part of the program.
As in all of our organized self drive tours, you will receive a detailed itinerary as well as a map upon arrival at your first accommodation. For your safety and in case of emergency or after hours assistance, Iceland Travel provides you with an emergency phone number.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Reykjavik (transfer from international airport not included).
Overnight in Reykjavik.
DAY 2
Today's highlights include Þingvellir National Park a place of great geological and historical interest, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot-spring area. Drive along the south shore, viewing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the black beaches around Vík and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Optional: Snow scooter tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Overnight in Vík area, in south Iceland.
DAY 3
Drive through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, explore Skaftafell National Park, a green oasis nestling below the great Vatnajökull glacier surrounded by black desert sands. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and onwards to the harbor town Höfn in Hornafjörður.
Optional: Boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, glacier hike in Skaftafell area.
Overnight in Höfn area, in southeast Iceland.
DAY 4
Drive along the rugged coastline of the East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages. On the way you have the option of taking a boat tour to Papey Island where thousands of puffins nest in the summer or visit the famous stone collection of Petra at Stöðvarfjörður.
Optional: Boat tour to Papey Island, Petra’s stone collection.
Overnight in Egilsstadir area, in east Iceland.
DAY 5
Travel across Möðrudalsöræfi highlands renowned for their stark beauty towards Dettifoss, Europe’s mightiest waterfall. Visit the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon Ás¬byrgi. Drive onwards to Tjörnes peninsula and Húsavík fishing port.
Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík
Overnight in Myvatn area, in north Iceland.
DAY 6
Explore highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, including the mystical volcanic formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, the colourful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð and Krafla volcanic area. Drive to Goðafoss waterfall, the capital of the north Akureyri or Skagafjörður area.
Overnight in Akureyr area, in north Iceland.
DAY 7
Drive through the historical region of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. You have an option of visiting the old farmstead at Glaumbær a great example of old Icelandic architecture. Continue to the bay of Húnaflói and across Holtavörðuheiði plateau, returning to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
Another option is to travel across the barren Kjölur highland road (4WD needed, track open from mid-June), to the geothermal oasis at Hveravellir before driving to Reykjavík.
Optional: River rafting in Skagafjörður, horse riding in Skagafjörður.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
DAY 8
Departure (transfer not included).
Itinerary for 10 and 13 nights packages
Again, the best way to see the difference of the tours is to compare the maps. You can do that by clicking the maps here:
Otherwise, the difference is as follows:
Around Iceland in 11 days/10 nights
You will spend an extra day on the Eastfjords, near Egilsstadir village. On day 6 you drive to Vopnafjörður village in the northeast corner of Iceland, with spectacular coast and natural hot springs.
On day 9-10, you will explore West Iceland and circle around the legendary Snæfellsjökull peninsula, passing the small fishing villages of Hellissandur and Grundarfjörður. Don´t miss the striking columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi. Make a stop at the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur. Pass Eldborg crater on route to the agricultural region of Borgarfjörður before returning to Reykjavík.
Around Iceland in 14 days/13 nights
You only stay 1 night in the Eastfjords region, and skip the trip to Vopnafjordur village on the northeast corner. In stead you will go straight to the lake Myvatn and Akureyri region.
On days 9-11, you will drive to the spectacular region of the West Fjords, the oldest part of Iceland. Drive the numerous uninhabited fjords of Ísafjarðar-djúp with a beautiful coastline alive with seals and bird life. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the area. Spend time in Ísafjörður and surrounding area including the neighboring towns of Bolungarvík and Suðureyri and view amazing attractions like Látrabjarg cliffs and Dynjandi waterfall.
On day 12-13, you will sail with the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður bay with countless islands and rich bird life to the charming village of Stykkishólmur. Continue around the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland passing the small fishing villages Hellissandur and Grundarfjörður. Make a stop at the magnificent columnar basalt rock formations at Arnarstapi as well as the rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur. You will then be able to explore Borgarfjörður area and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt and the hot spring Deildartunguhver. Continue via Hvalfjörður fjord to Reykjavík.
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