Winter Wonders & Delicious Detours Self-Drive: Gullfoss, Jokulsarlon, Snaefellsnes & More
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,479
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: The mesmerizing beauty of winter in Iceland is something best experienced at your own pace. With inspiring, breath-taking landscapes throughout the (well connected and maintained) southern corridors, set off in a rental vehicle to explore a few incredible sights including Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, Skaftafell waterfall, the black sand beaches of Vik and post-card perfect Snaefellsnes National Park.
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.
Iceland is a country of extreme contrasts, a place where fire and ice co-exist. Vast, unspoiled nature lies at the doorsteps of a highly modern urban community. It is volcanically and geologically active. The interior consists mainly of a plateau of sand and lava fields, mountains and glaciers.
On arrival at Keflavik Airport, you will pick up your rental car and drive to Reykjavik for overnight accommodation. The next morning, set out for the great Geysir geothermal area, where mighty Strokkur shoots its towering stream of water every few minutes followed by the famous Gulifoss waterfall. Continue to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls and then on to Eyjafjallajokull, an active volcano covered by an ice cap. Stay 2 nights at a local hotel in Vik.
The next day, visit the majestic Skaftafell National Park which is located between two glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. The landscape is very similar to parts of the Alps, but it has been formed over thousands of years by different influences of volcanic eruptions. Continue to the icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon later returning to Vik.
The following morning, head to the Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s first parliament. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the edge of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to the Borgarfjordur Fjord and visit the historic site of Reykholt and also see the outstandingly beautiful Hraunfoss and Barnafoss Waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Later check into your hotel in Hamar for a 2 night stay.
Depart for the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which has mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Visit the Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur and then drive along the coast passing through small fishing villages before returning to your hotel.
Next up is the Reykjanes Peninsula with its moon-like lava fields. You can stop and take in the Krysuvik geothermal area with its bubbling mud pools. Visit Grindavik fishing village famous for its saltfish. Later arrive at the Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa where you can enjoy a dip in the warm mineral rich waters. After this, arrive back in Reykjavik for your last night in Iceland. Drop off your rental car the next day at Keflavik Airport.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,479
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival
Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles
Arrival in Iceland - The world's northernmost capital city - Reykjavik's best restaurants.
Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the Hertz desk at the airport and proceed to your hotel in Reykjavik. The rest of the day is yours to rest and use at your own leisure.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura |
| Location | View map |
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Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, …
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, Oskjuhlid Hill's quiet woods and the Nautholsvik geothermal beach.
The 220 guest rooms and 2 suites feature Iceland-inspired themes.Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Reception
- Spa
- TV
Gullfoss, Geysir and the South Coast
Approximate distance: 330km / 200miles
Thundering waterfalls - Exploding geysers - Cliffs & stone arches - Black sand beaches of the South Shore.
Head out of the city and drive to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring, highlights of Iceland's famed 'Golden Circle'. Continue your trip, stopping at highlights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and the infamous Eyjafjallajokull and surrounding area, the site of the infamous volcanic eruption in 2010.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Icelandair Hotel Vik |
| Location | View map |
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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
Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon - Vik
Approximate distance: 479km / 295miles.
Skafatell National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest Glacier.
Visit the majestic Skaftafell area, which is located between two glaciers and offers many hiking possibilities. Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before returning to the charming village of Vik in the afternoon.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Thingvellir - Borgarfjordur
Approximate distance:335km / 208miles.
National Park of Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring.
Drive to the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature. The park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape of mountains and lava flows on the edge of Iceland's largest lake. Continue to Borgarfjordur fjord and visit the historic site of Reykholt, the remarkably beautiful Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Icelandair Hotel Hamar |
| Location | View map |
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Icelandair Hotel Hamar
The hotel restaurant serves traditional Icelandic food and international dishes made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy views of the Borgarfjordur Fjord or have a drink on the patio. Icelandair Hamar is found 3 kilometres north of Borgarnes, just off Iceland's main …
The hotel restaurant serves traditional Icelandic food and international dishes made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy views of the Borgarfjordur Fjord or have a drink on the patio.
Icelandair Hamar is found 3 kilometres north of Borgarnes, just off Iceland's main road, Route 1, also known as the Ring Road.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Approximate distance: 330km / 200miles.
Sea Cliffs - Rock Formations - Quaint Fishing Villages.
Explore the countless natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which also happens to be a national park. With mountains to one side and the sea to the other, visit the wind-tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur before driving along the north coast through bustling fishing villages.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon
Approximate distance: 207km / 128miles.
Volcanic Landscapes - Bubbling Mud Pools - Active Fishing Community - Geothermal Spa.
Drive to the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the moonlike lava fields around Lake Kleifarvatn. Another suggested stop is at the Krysuvik geothermal area with bubbling mud pools. Visit Grindavik fishing village, famous for its heritage of producing saltfish (bacalao). Saltfish is undeniably responsible for the prosperity of the Icelandic nation, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th century when the industry was at its peak. There is then the OPTION to relax at the famous Blue Lagoon with a refreshing dip in the pleasantly warm geothermal waters, rich in silica and minerals that are great for the skin.
NOTE: Entrance and bathing fee for the Blue Lagoon IS NOT included in your trip price. It is very important that you book your Blue Lagoon entrance and timing in advance as it can be sold out during peak hours. Bathing times are not pre-set and must be pre-booked.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura |
| Location | View map |
-
Icelandairhotel Reykjavik Natura
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, …
Located in one of the greenest areas of Reykjavik, this first class hotel enjoys easy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails and pathways. The hotel is home to the Icelandic Modern Art Exhibition. It is also close to the city centre, Oskjuhlid Hill's quiet woods and the Nautholsvik geothermal beach.
The 220 guest rooms and 2 suites feature Iceland-inspired themes.Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Reception
- Spa
- TV
Departure
Return to Keflavik International Airport.
We recommend departing the hotel approximately 3 hours prior to the departure of your international flight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2024-25: Daily from October 1 to April 30
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in moderate accommodations
- 6 day vehicle rental with CDW, mileage, VAT, GPS system and two drivers (Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar)
- Service fee and taxes
- Mobile-based app with virtual Roadbook, audioguides, points of interest and more
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- Gasoline/petrol
- Admissions and activities
- Meals not explictly listed as included
- Early check-in or late check out (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland is 1400 (2:00pm
- Blue Lagoon entrance and bathing fee.
- Visa fess if applicable
OTHER INFORMATION:
"From” pricing includes a 2WD automatic Toyota Yaris or similar. An upgrade to a 4WD vehicle is recommended for self-drive programs in Iceland. 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 AND 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 inquire.
10 Apr 2025
