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Iceland Golden Circle Self-Drive: Vik, Reykjavik & More

Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 808

MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: A wonderful way to leisurely enjoy Iceland on your own, stop as you please and for as long as you wish to take in the extraordinary beauty of Iceland's incredible Golden Circle. Volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, gushing waterfalls and more are all yours to discover and in the span of just a few days.


For the independent minded traveller who likes to make up their own mind as to the itinerary they would enjoy and the pace at which they wish to travel, Goway makes it easy to plan a vacation. Whether it is a self-drive car with pre-booked accommodation or a rental car, we have several suggested itineraries in Iceland which lend themselves perfectly to this type of arrangement. We also offer self-drives in other parts of the world. 

Begin your Icelandic self-drive experience as soon as you arrive at Keflavik airport. Pick up your car and then drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula to view the geothermal fields and hot springs plus the extraordinary Blue Lagoon located in the midst of black lava flow. The Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa are located 50 kilometres/30 miles from Reykjavik. At the Blue Lagoon you can enjoy a dip in the warm mineral rich waters. Later, head to the village of Hveragerdi located on top of a geothermal area and famous for its greenhouse cultivations. After this, continue to the Grimsborgir luxury apartments for overnight accommodation.

The next morning, head to the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls before entering the beautiful domain of Eyjafjallajokull – a volcano most famous for grounding flights across Europe in 2010! Visitors however are captivated only by its glacier-rich landscape and nearby headlands, which are covered in sea birds and puffins. Stay in Vik in this neighborhood for the next 3 nights using it as a base for further exploration.

The next day drive to the Thjorsardalur Valley with its sharp contrasting landscapes of birch woods, lava fields, impressive waterfalls and the eye-catching volcano Hekla. Finally reach the impressive Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), a spectacular sight when frozen with its geysers and hot springs.

The following morning brings a visit to Thingvellir National Park, meeting place of Iceland’s ancient parliament. You will visit some of the country’s most picturesque waterfalls and Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Afterwards travel via Hvalfjordur fjord or Kaldidalur highland track (4WD needed). Your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the 13th century scholar Snorri Sturluson.

Your final day takes you back to Keflavik airport where your self drive itinerary ends.

Click here for more information on Iceland Vacations, Tours, Travel Packages & Experiences

 

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 808

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Iceland

Pick up your car at the Hertz desk at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

Depending on your arrival time in Iceland it is ideal to visit the renowned Blue Lagoon to relax in the geothermal water and soak off the jet lag. If arrival times do not allow a visit this day, the Blue Lagoon visit can be arranged for your last day.

From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. The village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the flower village.

Optional (at an extra cost):
Visit to Fakasel, an Icelandic Horse Theater and barn. An amazing show in a unique environment.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Ork Hotel Hveragerdi

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Ork Hotel Hveragerdi



    This countryside hotel is located in the village of Hveragerdi and offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Guests can enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine served at Ork's restaurant. There are 85 well furnished guest rooms at Hotel Ork. The rooms have simple yet …

    This countryside hotel is located in the village of Hveragerdi and offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Guests can enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine served at Ork's restaurant.

    There are 85 well furnished guest rooms at Hotel Ork. The rooms have simple yet classic furnishings and feature private bathrooms with a bathtub with shower.

    More Details

Day 2

South Coast

Thundering Waterfalls - Cliffs and Stone Arches - Black Sandy Beaches of the South Shore - Puffin Colony

Approximate mileage: 190km / 118 miles

Visit the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier and the surrounding area affected by the volcanic eruption of 2010.

Dyrholaey is a rocky headland characterized by a black lava arch. Every year thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here during the summer and for that reason Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from middle May until June 23rd.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Icelandair Hotel Vik

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Icelandair Hotel Vik



    With views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, this Icelandair Hotel Vik hotel is just 270 metres off southern Iceland's Ring Road. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, as well as bright, modern rooms. A daily breakfast buffet is available at Icelandair Hotel Vik. Staff arranges …

    With views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, this Icelandair Hotel Vik hotel is just 270 metres off southern Iceland's Ring Road. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, as well as bright, modern rooms. A daily breakfast buffet is available at Icelandair Hotel Vik. Staff arranges on-site horse rental and glacier tours. Dyrholaey Peninsula is 19km away, while Skogafoss Waterfall is 34km from the hotel. Other area activities include golfing, hiking and bird watching.

    Facilities

    • Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
    • TV

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Day 3

Thjorsardalur Valley, Gullfoss and Geysir

Colorful Valley - Hekla Volcano - The Famous Golden Falls - Exploding Geysers

Approximate mileage: 300km / 186 miles

Explore Thjorsardalur valley and its landscape of sharply contrasting birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls, huddling below the impressive volcano Hekla.

Continue to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Icelandair Hotel Fludir

More Info

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    Icelandair Hotel Fludir


    Icelandair Hotel Fludir is a popular south Iceland hotel, located in the charming village of Fludir with its rolling hills, streams, geothermal springs, greenhouses and mild weather. Only hour's drive from Reykjavik, it's the ideal stop-off point to explore the Golden Circle, or to simply …

    Icelandair Hotel Fludir is a popular south Iceland hotel, located in the charming village of Fludir with its rolling hills, streams, geothermal springs, greenhouses and mild weather. Only hour's drive from Reykjavik, it's the ideal stop-off point to explore the Golden Circle, or to simply enjoy this area's beauty.Icelandair Hotel Fludir's restaurant serves traditional Icelandic food made from organic produce. It also offers views of Midfell Mountain.

    Facilities

    • Hairdryers
    • Lounge Bar
    • Reception
    • Restaurant
    • TV

    More Details

Day 4

Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur area

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Picturesque Fjords - Waterfalls

Approximate mileage: 300km / 186 miles

Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the rift between the continents.
Then via Hvalfjordur fjord or Kaldidalur highland track (4WD needed) your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the 13th century scholar Snorri Sturluson.

Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Grand Hotel Reykjavik



    Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a first class hotel located in Laugardalur. The property is close to Laugardalsvollur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Perlan. Laugavegur and Reykjavik City Hall are also nearby. The 312 guestrooms at Grand Hotel Reykjavik include safes and coffee/tea makers.

    Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a first class hotel located in Laugardalur. The property is close to Laugardalsvollur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Perlan. Laugavegur and Reykjavik City Hall are also nearby.

    The 312 guestrooms at Grand Hotel Reykjavik include safes and coffee/tea makers.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Bar
    • Boutique(s)
    • Business Centre
    • Free WiFi
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Lounge
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Restaurant
    • Spa

    More Details

Day 5

Depart

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on you arrival day.

Please note that the package price is based on 4 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 5 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 4 day rental is up and use the fly bus shared departure transfer.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 4 nights in the accommodations of your choice (moderate or first-class)
  • 4 day vehicle rental with CDW, mileage, VAT, GPS system and two drivers (Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar)
  • Vehicle pick-up and drop-off at Keflavik Airport
  • Mobile-based app with virtual Roadbook, audioguides, points of interest and more
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
  • Visa fees if applicable

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • With an easy upgrade of your rental vehicle to a 4wd, you can travel through the highland track of Kaldidalur, a mountain pass between two glaciers in the south.
  • Car pick up/drop off at Keflavík International Airport
  • Added value for those that book self-drive holidays without private facilities: first night includes private facilities
  • It is now possible to upgrade the stay by choosing superior accommodation in certain areas. This service is upon request
  • Suggested optional extras. Blue Lagoon bathing - Visit to Fakasel, an Icelandic Horse Theater and barn. An amazing show in a unique environment – Snorkelling at Thingvellir

Due to a very high demand for car rentals during the summer high season, Goway Travel cannot guarantee a specific type of car. Similar types from different manufacturers are placed within the same group and we will do our best to provide you with the best available car in each Price group. Our self-drive packages include CDW, unlimited mileage, VAT, a GPS system and two authorized drivers. First-Class/Quality Accommodations include private facilities, first-class hotels, first-class guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation, and your final night in a 4-star hotel (or equivalent) in Reykjavik. Moderate/Comfort Accommodations include private facilities moderate hotels, moderate guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation, and your final night in a 3-star hotel (or equivalent) in Reykjavik.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

TB ICELANDKEF0123SDW: IGCSD2
16 Apr 2024
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