South Iceland Self-Drive Tour

Itinerary for the South Iceland self-drive holiday

Day 1 - Arrival in Iceland
If you have any early arrival we recommend stopping at the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak before going to your hotel in Reykjavik.  You can choose to take a taxi or a bus, or we can provide you with your very own private Super Jeep, that will take to the Blue Lagoon and along the back roads of the Reykjanes peninsula, where you'll explore the lunar-like landscape of vast lava fields and visit hot spring areas.  Learn more about the tour here.
If you like you can pick up the car at the airport and drive to Reykjavik, at an additional cost.
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik downtown

Day 2 - The South Coast
In the morning you pick up your rental car and head east out of Reykjavik.  By Eyjafjoll mountains you'll come upon the freefalling waterfall of Seljarlandsfoss.  A path takes you behind the waterfall where you can see it from an interesting view and feel the spray and drizzle on your face.  A short drive further east is Skogarfoss waterfall.  You'll then drive alongside Myrdalsjokull glacier and to Dyrholaey, which forms an arch into the ocean and from where you have an amazing view of Reynisdrangar lava formations, the surrounding countryside and black sand beach.
Optional: You can go for an hour-long snowmobile or dog sledding tour on Myrdalsjokull glacier, where you'll speed across the white plains and feel the wind on your face.  In the summer it's also possible to go on a glacial hike on Solheimajokull.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur or Skaftafell

Day 3 - Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell
Today you'll go on a very scenic drive, with Vatnajokull glacier on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  By the roots of the glacier you'll find Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, where majestic icebergs float in the lagoon by the falling glacier tongue.  Seals are often seen swimming in the lagoon or sunbathing on icebergs.  From mid-May to mid-September you can take a boat tour in the lagoon, which we highly recommend.
From Jokulsarlon you head to Skaftafell national park, known for it's unspoilt natural beauty.  On a sunny day you'll have a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the highest peak in Iceland, and you'll find plenty of hiking paths and photo sites in the national park, such as Svartifoss waterfall.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Kirkjubaejarklaustur or Skaftafell 

Day 4 - The Golden Circle 
After enjoying breakfast you drive north to Geysir hot spring fields where you'll watch the geyser Strokkur sprout boiling water 25-30 meters into the air.  In the Geysir center you can learn about geothermal power and see a volcano exhibit.  A short drive from Geysir is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, which cascades down a 32 meter crevice in two steps.  You can stop for lunch at the Gullfoss cafe, known for its traditional Icelandic kjotsupa, a broth soup with lamb and vegetables.
Optional: You can go on a horseback riding tour or an ATV tour from Geysir and explore the beautiful landscape of Haukadalur.
An hour's drive west of Geysir is Thingvellir national park, where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930.  The national park is a UNESCO world heritage site, not only for its rich history but also for the beautiful landscape.  At Thingvellir you can clearly see where the tectonic plates are drifting apart, having formed a large crevice called Almannagja.  You'll take a walk down the crevice, stopping at Oxararfoss waterfall and then head through the parliament site and to Nikulasargja, where it's believed to be good luck to throw in a coin.
You return to Reykjavik in the afternoon and drop off your rental car.
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik downtown

Day 5 - Departure from Iceland
You can either take a taxi or the Flybus to the airport.  If you didn't have time on day 1 you can stop at the Blue Lagoon, either by taking the Lunar Landscape Super Jeep tour or go in a taxi or a bus.  It's also possible to extend the car rental and drive to the airport.

 It's no problem to extend your stay in Iceland, either by spending additional nights in Reykjavik or in the countryside.  If you decide to stay longer in Reykjavik you can take a day tour out of the city to see places you didn't visit on the self-drive tour.  We have a number of Super Jeep day tours  which can take you to areas unaccessible to regular cars.  We especially recommend the Thorsmork tour, which is a great 4x4 adventure to one of Iceland's most beautiful places. 

South Iceland Tour Highlights

Skaftafell National park
- Hiking routes
- Svartifoss waterfall

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Golden Circle
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Geysir hot spring area & Strokkur
- Thingvellir national park & tectonic plates

Vik in Myrdalur

Eyjafjallajokull & Myrdalsjokull glaciers

Seljarlandsfoss waterfall
- Walk behind the waterfall

Skogar
- Skogafoss
- Skogar folk museum 

Prices for the South Iceland self drive vacation

All rates are total for 2 people staying in a double room with private facilities.
For other room types or more rooms, please contact us.

Summer season prices (June through August):
Toyota Yaris 2wd or similar: ISK 160600
Skoda Octavia 4wd or similar: ISK 179700
Toyota Rav4 4wd or similar: ISK 213500
Toyota Land Cruiser 4wd or similar: ISK 241300

Shoulder season prices (May and September):
Toyota Yaris 2wd or similar: ISK 115400
Skoda Octavia 4wd or similar: ISK 127600
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4wd or similar: ISK 144900
Toyota Land Cruiser 4wd or similar: ISK 167600

Winter season prices (October through April):
Toyota Yaris 2wd or similar: ISK 89700
Skoda Octavia 4wd or similar: ISK 99400
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4wd or similar: ISK 116400
Toyota Land Cruiser 4wd or similar: ISK 130100

Included:
Rental car for 3 days with CDW insurance, GPS and unlimited milage
Accommodation for 4 nights in 2-3* hotels and guesthouses.
A detailed Road Atlas and driving directions
An Icelandic cell phone with all necessary numbers

Excluded:
Optional activities
Meals other than breakfast
Fuel