iceland south west thingvellir national park summer istock

Golden Circle Self Drive

from £625 excluding flights

  • 4 nights
  • Year round
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive
Customers rate Discover the World
4.8
Average score 4.8/5 Based on 1220 reviews. Powered by Feefo

Highlights

iceland south west strokkur geysir eruption sunset istk

Watch a geyser erupt high into the air at Geysir

iceland south west gullfoss winter view wg

Marvel at Iceland's impressive waterfalls, including two-tiered Gullfoss

iceland south west thingvellir rift istk

Walk through the tectonic rift valley at Thingvellir National Park

iceland reykjavik aerial view hallgrimskirkja istk

Enjoy Reykjavik with its blend of Nordic and modern style

Why this trip...

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park tailor made white

Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Cabot Trail explore at leisure white

Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

norway north cape globe midnight sun istk nordic heritage white

Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

Discover the iconic highlights of south west on this excellent value self drive combining an overnight stay in Reykjavik with a three-night stay in the southern countryside. Based in the heart of the Golden Circle, you’ll be within easy driving distance of a myriad of natural attractions.

The Golden Circle’s trio of natural wonders are not to be missed by first time visitors and with the flexibility that comes with hiring a car, you are able to visit them at your own pace. Spend time walking the rift at Thingvellir, also the site of the ancient parliament. Marvel at Gullfoss as it cascades glacial water down two tiers into a mile-long gorge. And enjoy Strokkur erupting boiling water high into the air every 10 minutes or so.

From your countryside base you can also choose to venture further east along the south coast taking in the stunning waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss as well as the black sand beaches of Vik and cliffs of Dyrholaey.

Itinerary

Fly to Keflavik airport, collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive to Reykjavik, just under an hour away, where you will overnight at Hotel Klettur.

Spend the day exploring Iceland’s capital, perhaps visiting some of the many fascinating museums, art galleries and landmarks or alternatively take part in an optional excursion, such as whale watching or quad biking. Then head into the countryside. Iceland’s roads are generally quiet and well-signposted. There are various routes you may wish to take to your next accommodation depending on how late you wish to leave the city. Perhaps drive via Thingvellir National Park where there is a truly beautiful lake, and walk the rift in between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Alternatively take the direct route to Geysir, a journey which should take just over an hour. Check in to your accommodation for the next three nights.

iceland reykjavik view over bay and sun voyager sculpture unspl
iceland wildlife humpback whale breaching rth
iceland south west thingvellir winter scene istk

Enjoy an early morning visit to the Geysir geothermal area and watch Strokkur eject its spout of boiling water into the air. Then visit the beautiful two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss (snowmobile excursions onto the Langjokull glacier are available from here and are pre-bookable). Next, head south to the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and explore along the south coast to the cliffs at Dyrholaey and the black sand beach at Vik, with its photogenic rock formations just offshore at Reynishverfi. Optional activities on the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, including glacier hikes, ice climbing and snowmobiling, can also be pre-booked).

iceland south west skogafoss tiny figure istk
iceland south west dyrholaey view rth
iceland vik i myrdal church with reynisdrangar in background istk

Drive the fjord-side route along scenic Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord) into West Iceland, where you can visit the Settlement Centre at Borgarnes before continuing to historic Reykholt for a hike to the falls at Hraunsfossar and the largest hot springs in the country at Deildartunguhver.

iceland aerial view of hvita river at borgarfjordur rth
iceland west reykholt adstk
west iceland deildartunguhver hot spring area doll

Return to Keflavik Airport via the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its sweeping lava fields and bubbling hot springs and mud pools, or relax and unwind before you flight home with a visit to the mystical, milky waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Accommodation Options

We have based this holiday on one night at Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik and three nights at Litli Geysir Hotel (winter) or Icelandair Hotel Fludir (summer), both of which are perfectly located near to the famed Golden Circle route.

However, with a wide choice of accommodation available, we can change those specified in the itinerary to suit your personal preference.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists
  • litli geysir hotel double bedroom
  • iceland reykjavik hotel klettur superior room
  • hotel klettur breakfast room
  • hotel fludir restaurant

Excursions

  • iceland aerial view over eyjafjallajokull with superjeep sca
    Iceland

    Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep

    from £225

    4 hours | Year round

    This unique superjeep tour takes you up onto Eyjafjallajokull, the glacier atop the volcano that infamously erupted in 2010.

    Discover more
  • iceland south west snowmobiling on eyjafjallajokull south coast ad
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

    from £188

    3 hours | Year round

    Snowmobiling on the infamous Eyjafjalajokull glacier is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun…

    Discover more
  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajokull volcano by Superjeep

    £300

    7 hours | Jun-Sep

    A fascinating day trip by Superjeep, this excursion departs from Reykjavik and heads to the magnificent southern coast of Iceland.

    Discover more
  • iceland highlands superjeep on glacier rth
    Iceland

    Ice Adventure on Vatnajokull Glacier 

    from £162

    3.5 hours | Year round

    Explore the glacier in a superjeep.

    Discover more
  • iceland south west katla ice cave entrance sthcstad
    Iceland

    Katla Ice Cave Tour

    from £175

    3 hours | Year round

    Explore the inside of a remote natural ice cave with its beautiful colours and formations in the company of an experienced guide.

    Discover more
  • south west iceland lava centre exhibit
    Iceland

    Lava Centre

    from £31

    Various hours | Year round

    The new Lava Centre offers visitors a full multimedia experience; immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life.

    Discover more
  • iceland highlands landmannalaugar5 rth
    Iceland

    Landmannalaugar by Superjeep

    from £250

    8 hours | Year round

    A journey through the wild and beautiful Icelandic highlands, this excursion explores colourful rhyolite mountains, bubbling hot springs and curious rock formations.

    Discover more
  • south iceland snowmobiling on glacier istk
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier

    from £222

    2.5 hours | Year round

    This exhilirating snowmobiling adventure takes you to the top of the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull glacier, offering, weather permitting, breathtaking views over South Iceland,…

    Discover more
  • iceland snowmobiling on langjokull img
    Iceland

    Snowmobiling on Langjokull

    from £182

    3 hours | Year round

    An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a…

    Discover more
  • iceland reykjanes peninsula inside thrihnukagigur volcano
    Iceland

    Inside the Volcano

    from £294

    6 hours | May-Oct

    A unique opportunity to explore inside a volcano

    Discover more
  • iceland raufarholshellir lava tunnel rth
    Iceland

    The Lava Tunnel

    from £53

    Year round

    Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland

    Discover more
  • iceland south west glacier hiking solheimajokull img
    Iceland

    Blue Ice Experience

    from £125

    3 hours | Mar-Aug

    Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Reserve part of Vatnajokull National Park.

    Discover more
  • iceland snorkelling day tour silfra2 di
    Iceland

    Snorkelling Silfra Day Tour

    from £120

    3 hours | Year round

    The Silfra fissure is one of Iceland's best kept secrets in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, this submerged canyon offers a…

    Discover more
  • iceland south west blue lagoon winter adstk
    Iceland

    Blue Lagoon

    from £91

    At leisure | Year round

    Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

    Discover more
  • iceland south east jokulsarlon boat is
    Iceland

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    from £42

    35 mins | May-Aug

    Boat Trip on the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    Discover more
  • iceland jokulsarlon at dusk rth
    Iceland

    Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours

    from £94

    1 hours | May-Oct

    Cruise around Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous and jaw-dropping landmarks, in an inflatable rib (Zodiac). The design of the…

    Discover more
  • iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth
    Iceland

    Secret Lagoon

    from £23

    Variable hours | Year round

    The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at…

    Discover more
  • iceland langjokull ice cave2
    Iceland

    Into the Glacier – Ice Cave in Langjokull

    from £156

    5 hours | Year round

    The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the…

    Discover more
  • iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave
    Iceland

    Cave Explorer

    from £50

    1.5 hours | Year round

    Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

    Discover more
  • iceland snaefellsnes orca watching cs
    Iceland

    Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

    from £88

    3 hours | Feb-Sep

    Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There…

    Discover more
  • iceland thorsmork superjeep pf
    Iceland

    Thorsmork Valley by Superjeep

    from £225

    5 hours | Year round

    A fascinating trip by Superjeep to Thorsmork, a unique area between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull and Tindfjallajokull.

    Discover more
  • iceland wildlife humpback whale rth
    Iceland

    Reykjavik Whale Watching

    from £88

    3 hours | Year round

    An island whose whale-rich waters are world-famous, a journey out onto the ocean on a whale watching excursion.

    Discover more

Prices and Departures

Price from £625 excluding flights

Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play or EasyJet. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »

Iceland Volcano Disruption Protection
We are proud of our excellent reputation for looking after our clients, without question. Should the unexpected occur our team of dedicated Travel Specialists are on call 24/7 to make any necessary alternative plans at no cost to you.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Daily breakfast
  • Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
  • No charge for additional driver
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £625 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

  • 4WD

    We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person, per day.

  • Go electric

    With a selection of electric cars now available including the Kia Niro and Volkswagen ID.3, you can choose to upgrade from as little as £12 per person, per day. We recommend this option for summer only, due to the colder temperatures in winter affecting battery range.

You may also like

  • south iceland taking in the view at skogafoss istk
    Iceland

    Essential Iceland

    from £917 excluding flights

    7 nights | Year round

    Self Drive | Classic Experiences | Volcano

    This easy going self drive showcases south Iceland's spectacular natural wonders.

    Discover more
  • iceland capital region reykjavik skyline summer rth
    Iceland

    Reykjavik City Break

    from £397 excluding flights

    3 nights | Year round

    Short Break

    Experience Iceland's vibrant capital city on city break to as well as exploring a wealth of scenic wonders on its doorstep.

    Discover more
  • iceland south west strokkur geysir rth
    Iceland

    Volcanic Explorer

    from £899 excluding flights

    5 nights | Year round

    Self Drive | Volcano

    On this compact yet thrilling self drive, immerse yourself in Iceland's spectacular volcanic landscape

    Discover more
  • iceland reykjanes peninsula volcanic landscape rth
    Iceland

    Reykjanes Explorer and Blue Lagoon Break

    from £766 excluding flights

    3 nights | Year round

    Self Drive | Short Break | Northern Lights | Volcano

    Explore the fascinating Reykjanes Peninsula on this short break set amongst the lava fields and other natural wonders for which the land…

    Discover more
feefo-platinum-trusted-service-award-2024

As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

students-iceland-sq

The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.