Home / Multi-Day Tours / Around Iceland / Iceland Round Trip: 10 Days Round Tour
This great Iceland travel package is our most popular self-drive tour to date. It takes you on a round trip of Iceland to many of the island’s finest natural wonders. Places visited include Þingvellir national park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Gullfoss & Geysir, Lake Mývatn and the amazing Snæfellsnes peninsula. If you are looking for the ideal Iceland self-drive vacation, this might be the one for you.
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
SD-02
May - Sept
Self-Drive
10 days / 9 nights
Iceland
Your Iceland self-drive vacation is about to begin. Once you arrive at Keflavik International Airport and clear customs, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city centre in Reykjavík.
After you have checked in to your hotel and received your travel documents, we would like to have an optional private information meeting during office hours at our headquarters. Explore the pearls of the city in the afternoon before staying the first night in the capital of the north. If you arrive early, you might be interested in optional day tours, such as whale watching from Reykjavík Harbor or relaxing at the Blue Lagoon. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavik.
Today your Iceland travel begins for real! Pick up your rental car in the morning and start your day by driving to Þingvellir National Park. Because of its beauty and its geological and historical value, Þingvellir was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the site where the Vikings first assembled in ancient times. After exploring the treasures of the park, head south to see Geysir Spouting Spring and Gullfoss waterfall to complete the “Golden Circle”. Enjoy the afternoon seeing the sizzling hot springs and geysers and the force of the great waterfall. Drive to the south coast and stay the night at a hotel/guest house/cottage in the area.
Reykjavík
Hvollsvöllur/Hella
~237 km / 147 miles
Today you will explore the beautiful south coast of Iceland. After breakfast and packing, drive east to the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Above the waterfalls, you can get a glimpse of Eyjafjallajökull where the great volcanic eruption took place in 2010. You can even enjoy an optional snowmobile tour on the glacier. Drive along the south shore to Dyrhólaey natural reserve where you can find one of the best seabird colonies in Iceland. You will cross Mýrdalssandur and Eldhraun before arriving in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Don’t forget to take a look at the amazing Fjaðrárgljúfur just before reaching the village, a narrow and beautiful canyon and one of our favourite hidden treasures of Iceland. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Hvollsvöllur/Hella
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
~155 km / 96 miles
Today you will head to the famous Skaftafell area, located in the Vatnajökull National Park. After passing Skeiðarársandur you will arrive at Skaftafell. We recommend that you take the easy hike to Svartifoss waterfall that is surrounded by beautiful pitch black basalt columns or the 3 hour hike to Kristínartindar Peaks. Stop at Svínafellsjökull glacier fall, where the opening scene of Batman Begins was filmed. Head east to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón that comes from the roots of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. If the conditions are favorable, you can take an optional boat tour where you will sail between the icebergs while the local guides tell you the story about this great phenomenon. Stay overnight in the area around Höfn in Hornafjörður.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Höfn
~203 km / 126 miles
Time to travel the tranquil and beautiful East Fjords of Iceland. After passing Djúpivogur, you will explore the east coast. Travel through tranquil coastal villages towards the largest village in the east, Egilsstaðir. On the way, you might want to stop and have a look at Petra’s mineral collection in Stöðvarfjörður fjord. Nearby Egilsstaðir, there is a small forest called Hallormsstaðarskógur. In the ancient times, it was believed that a large worm-monster lived in the lake by the forest, our very own Loch Ness monster. If you manage to snap a photo of it you are in for some seriously good rewards. Stay one night in Egilsstaðir.
Höfn
Egilsstaðir
~256 km / 159 miles
Today you will drive to the amazing and almost surreal Mývatn area. Drive from Egilsstaðir through Möðrudalsöræfi route to Lake Mývatn. We recommend that you take the Dettifoss Road and explore Dettifoss Waterfall (the most powerful in Europe) and Ásbyrgi Canyon. After that drive to Húsavík, where you can take an optional whale watching tour before continuing to Lake Mývatn. Please note that we recommend a 4×4 vehicle if you are taking the longer route to Mývatn via the Dettifoss Road. Around the Mývatn area, you will find amazing attractions such as the colourful Námaskarð pass, the Skútustaðir pseudo craters, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, Krafla volcano and the Natural Baths of Mývatn. Stay the night in Mývatn.
Egilsstaðir
Mývatn
~336 km / 209 miles
Start the day early by exploring the sights around Lake Mývatn before driving to Akureyri. On your way to Akureyri (the “Capital of the North”) stop and enjoy the charming Goðafoss waterfall. In Akureyri we recommend that you visit the Botanical Garden, an oasis in the heart of this charming town. Also recommended is the Akureyri Church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the center of town. After a full day of sightseeing, it’s always popular to spend the afternoon in the town’s outdoor geothermal swimming pool & water park. A drive into Eyjafjörður fjord is well worth doing. There you will find a lush agricultural area, old churches and a farm that produces the best ice cream in Iceland, straight from the cows’ udders… well, almost!
It is possible to take a flight from Akureyri airport to Grímsey island and cross into the Arctic Circle. We recommend booking that tour well in advance. Overnight in or around Akureyri.
Mývatn
Akureyri
~99 km / 62 miles
It’s time to continue your Iceland travel. Leave Akureyri behind and start making your way to the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On the way you can stop in the Skagafjörður Fjord and enjoy an optional riding tour. Visit Borgarvirki natural fortress before reaching Snæfellsnes. On Snæfellsnes, you can choose from a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, a bird watching-cruise (in summer), or whale watching from Stykkishólmur Village or simply relax and take in the Snæfellsjökull glacier’s alleged supernatural energy. The Snæfellsjökull glacier in the Snæfellsjökull National Park was the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Snæfellsnes area.
Akureyri
Snæfellsnes area
~429 km / 266 miles
Experience the unique Snæfellsjökull National Park, with amazing bird life, lush valleys, and rugged lava fields. It is ideal to drive around the peninsula, exploring Dritvík Cove, Lóndrangar Cliffs as well as Hellnar Cliffs and Arnarstapi with its bursting bird-life and the small villages on the coast. After exploring Snæfellsnes it’s time to continue to Reykjavik. Before finishing your “ring road”, take a look at the highlights of West Iceland. Sights along the way are the volcanic crater Grábrók, Hraunfossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver (the largest hot spring in Europe) and the settlement centre in Borgarnes.
Once heading back to Reykjavík, you can either take the scenic Hvalfjörður Fjord route where you can stop and hike up to the famous Glymur waterfall or if you want to return directly to Reykjavík take the Route 1 underwater tunnel. Arrive in Reykjavik, return the car and stay the night in central Reykjavik.
Snæfellsnes area
Reykjavik
~356 km / 221 miles
Your Iceland travel is coming to an end. How time flies when you’re having fun. Transfer to Keflavik International Airport in time for your departure flight back home.
If you are leaving in the afternoon you can visit the blue lagoon on your way to Keflavík Airport (optional). Soak in the restorative waters of the lagoon that is situated in the middle of a pitch black lava field. Your luggage will be kept safe while you are relaxing in the lagoon. After that, you will be dropped off at Keflavík International Airport. Have a safe journey home!
Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness.
Breakfast is included.
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Luxury accommodations include Suites and high-end rooms in Quality Accommodations. These types of lodges and resorts provide an upscale look and personalized services.
Classy, elegant, and comfortable, luxury accommodations strive to offer a first-class experience and top-quality services to ensure a truly extraordinary and memorable stay.
Type: Compact
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 2
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: Intermediate Wagon
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: VAN
Passenger: 8
Luggage: 5
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.
Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the area called Grímsnes in the South of Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. The crater walls are steep and often covered with Icelandic moss. The inside of the crater is a lake whose water is aquamarine colored due to the minerals from the soil. The crater is 55 meters deep and about 3000 years old.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
The famous promontory named Dyrhólaey is located in the south coast of Iceland. From this peninsula, that once was a volcanic island, the views are stunning. Glacier, lava columns, the open sea. The highlight of this area is the lava arch that is standing in the ocean. Dyrhólaey is also well known for its puffin colonies during the summertime.
Eldhraun is a lava field in the southern highlands of Iceland. It was created by a great volcano eruption known as Skaftareldar.
Fjaðárgljúfur Canyon is a massive canyon located in South East Iceland and is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long. It is thought to be about two million years old and is crossed by Fjaðrá river, making it a perfect stop for great photos.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
Svartifoss, or the Black Fall, is a beautiful waterfall in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It falls off dark lava columns. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes.
Svínafellsjökull is a part of the great Vatnajökull glacier. All glacier tongues have names and Svínafellsökull is the most famous with its raw and grand icy curves. This astonishing and majestic outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier offers amazing scenery and views all around with the possibility to see the glacier crevasses and sculptures.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
Höfn is an Icelandic fishing town located in the southeastern part of the Country. The town, the second largest in the southeastern part of Iceland, offers scenic views of Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in Europe by volume). The main economic activities in Höfn are fishing and tourism. The location is also well known for its culinary tradition with lobster being the most acclaimed specialty of the area.
Petra's Stone Collection is a rock museum/ collection in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland. Petra was a local lady who collected various natural stones throughout her life, the stones that now make up her stone collection.
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a fjord located between Vattarnes and Hafnarnes peninsulas on the East of Iceland. The town at the bottom of the fjord is named after it and it has french heritage.
Seyðisfjörður is a fjord located in East Iceland. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful fjords of Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains with small rivers running down the sides. The town Seyðisfjörður is named after the fjord.
This quiet little town in the area of Hérað is the capital of the east and sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river with a population of 2300 inhabitants. This is one of the youngest towns in Iceland as urbanization began in the 1940s. Renowned for its warm weather in the summer and gorgeous northern lights in the winter.
Egilsstaðir has grown to become the largest town of East Iceland and its main service, transportation, and administration centre. It has an airport, college, and a hospital.
The Lagarfljót river is a 140 km long glacial river. The river forms a large lake next to the town of Egilsstaðir. The 112-meter lake is home of a local legend of a Wyrm that is said to reside in the deeps of the lake. This serpent is a source of many mythical stories and accounts dating back to the 13th century.
Dettifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. It is part of the Diamond Circle and it is the considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river descends from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and falls for more than 44 metres, causing a massive, crashing spray. This the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume discharge.
Ásbyrgi canyon is located in the north of Iceland on the Diamond Circle Road. The crater has the shape of a horseshoe and measures 3.5 km in length and over 1 km wide.
Húsavík is a characteristic town on the north coast of Iceland. Income is supported by tourism and fishing. Until recently, Húsavík was the export harbor for silica that was extracted from nearby lake Mývatn. The village is well-known for being a center of whale watching in Iceland.
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland. It is located in a geothermal area not far from Krafla volcano. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption therefore the surrounding area is characterized by lava pillars and craters. The lake is also well known because of the rich waterbirds fauna that populates it.
Skútustaðir is a chain of volcanic pseudo craters in the Mývatn area. They were formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the cool, wet surfaces about 2,300 years ago.
Dimmuborgir is a field of unusually shaped lava formations located east of Mývatn in Iceland. The area consists of caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed fortress. The lava tubes were formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East. The legend wants Dimmuborgir to be connecting earth with the infernal regions.
Goðafoss Waterfall is located in the Barðardalur area in the northeastern region of Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from 12 meters height. The river originates in the Icelandic Highland and runs from the highland through the Bárðardalur valley. It is amongst Iceland larger waterfalls.
Akureyri botanical garden is located in the southern part of the city, in North Iceland. The garden is exceptional for its extreme northern location. This is also known as a site of scientific research where it has been proven that shrubs, trees and other plants can survive on the edge of the Arctic.
Akureyrarkirkja is an outstanding Lutheran Church in Akureyri designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. It is located in the center of the city, overlooking the town from the top of a hill.
Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland. It is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord and is the second largest urban area of Iceland. Akureyri is well known to be an important port and fishing center.
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The glacier-volcano is active and it is believed to be one of the seven energy centres of the earth.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell mountain, between Hellnar village and Breiðavík farms, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes, Iceland. It is famous for its extraordinary columnar basalt and rock formations.
Bjarnarhöfn is the region leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, on the northern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of it.
Lóndrangar is a pair of gigantic rock pinnacles in the south of Snæfellsnes.
Grábrók Crater is the larger of three craters in a volcanic fissure belonging to the volcanic system of Ljosufjoll. Grábrók is located in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
Glymur is a stunning waterfall located in Botnsdalur valley in Hvalfjörður. It is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, with the cascade of 198 m.
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
