Iceland Self Drive Express - 6 days

6 daysDuration
Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining
2 peopleMinimum to book
18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language

Highlights

Reykjavik - Explore the Icelandic capital at your own pace and opt to join a Northern Lights cruise

Golden Circle - Visit Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall, plus relax in the Secret Lagoon

South Coast - See Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Skogar Eco Museum, Dyrhólaey cliffs, and Reynisfjara black sand beach

Vatnajökull National Park - Discover Europe’s largest glacier and Skaftafell, then visit Jokulsarlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Reykjanes Peninsula - Explore geothermal activity and volcanic landscapes, including the Lava Show

Itinerary

PRIVATE TOUR: Discover Iceland on this 6-day self-driving tour, exploring Reykjavik, the Golden Circle including Thingvellir, Strokkur, Gullfoss, and the Secret Lagoon; the south coast with Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara; Vatnajökull National Park, Jokulsarlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach; and the Reykjanes Peninsula with the Lava Show before returning to Reykjavik.

day 1 - Arrival in Reykjavik!

Upon arriving at Keflavik Airport, proceed to the car rental counter to collect your keys. Then, head to Reykjavik city centre, where you can explore Iceland’s vibrant capital at your own pace.

Alternatively, for a more relaxing experience, you can choose to visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa known for its soothing blue waters, rich in minerals, and surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. After returning to the hotel, you can arrange a wake-up call at your hotel reception to be notified if the Northern Lights appear during the night.

An optional Northern Lights cruise is also offered on either day 1 or day 5, giving you the chance to spot the Aurora Borealis from the open water. The experience lasts between 1.5 - 3 hours and there is a bar/cafe and Wi-Fi onboard.

OverNight:Reykjavik

day 2 - Golden Circle Exploration

Reykjavik - Thingvellir National Park - Strokkur - Gullfoss - Selfoss. After breakfast, your first stop will be the Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre, which will give you a better understanding of the phenomenon. Next, you will start your journey to the Golden Circle.

Follow the road to Lake Laugarvatn, then continue to Thingvellir National Park, also known as "Parliament Valley." Founded in 930, it is the birthplace of Icelandic democracy and home to Europe’s first parliament. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is rich in both history and unique geological features.

You will then continue your journey to Strokkur, where you will be thrilled to see the natural geysers that erupts approximately every 7-10 minutes. Finally, you’ll encounter the Hvítá River, known as the "White River," originating from the Highlands and dramatically cascading into the deep basalt canyon of Gullfoss, the majestic "Golden Falls." Afterward, you will immerse yourself in the warm water of the Secret Lagoon, towel rentals are included for this visit.

Distance: Approx. 210km

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Selfoss

day 3 - South Coast Adventure

Selfoss - Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Skogar - Reynisfjara - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. This morning, you will head to Iceland’s scenic south coast, where several scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind. Next, enjoy a photo stop at Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010, before continuing to Skogafoss. Standing 60 metres tall, Skogafoss is known for its powerful cascade, where mist and sunlight often create a beautiful rainbow.

Next, you will stop at the Skogar Eco Museum, which highlights the history and living conditions of the South Coast. Then, you'll pass through Dyrhólaey, Iceland’s southernmost point, where rugged cliffs and the remnants of an ancient crater rise dramatically above the coastline. These cliffs, with their striking arches and peaks, serve as a nesting site for numerous seabirds, including puffins. Afterward, you'll head to Reynisfjara, famous for its black sand beach and basalt cliffs formed by a massive eruption.

Once you have arrived in Vik, you can stop at the wooden factory for some souvenirs, like clothing and accessories, before making your way to the hotel.

Distance: Approx. 160km

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kirkjubæjarklaustur

day 4 - Parks and Glaciers

Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Vatnajokull National Park - Skaftafell - Hofn area - Vik area - Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Today, you will make your way to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. While there, you will also visit Skaftafell, a beautiful area within the park. Surrounded by glaciers, this region experiences less snow than much of Iceland due to the influence of southern winds. During winter, the glacier tongues extend to the shores.

Next, you will continue your journey to Jokulsarlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll have the chance to see giant icebergs drifting by. Afterward, you’ll make your final stop at Diamond Beach before returning to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Be sure to have your camera ready!

Distance: Approx. 410km

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kirkjubæjarklaustur

day 5 - Exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula

Kirkjubaejarklaustur- Hvergerdi - Reykjanes peninsula - Reykjavik. After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Along the way, you'll make a brief stop at the village of Hveragerdi, famous for its geothermal activity and the steam rising from the ground.

Afterward, you will explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, hot springs, and the famous Blue Lagoon. On your way back to Reykjavik, you will visit the Lava Show, where you can witness a miniature volcanic eruption and stand just metres away from flowing lava. This thrilling experience offers valuable insight into Iceland’s geology and volcanic power. If you wish, you can book an optional Northern Lights cruise this evening - warm overalls are provided and there's Wi-Fi on board the ship. Grab a warm drink from the cafe and keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis!

Distance: Approx. 260km

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Reykjavik

day 6 - Departure day

After breakfast, this morning, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxation before you make your way to the airport to drop off your rental car and head to the terminal for your onward flight. Safe travels!

Meals:1 Breakfast
Iceland Self Drive Express - 6 days

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What's Included

Accommodation
5 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
5 breakfasts
Others
Rental Car for duration of stay (Category B, VW POLO or similar, with unlimited mileage, local taxes). Driver must be 25 years old or older.Visit to the Northern Lights CentreVisit to Skogar Museum24/7 English speaking call assistance
Entrance
Entrance to Secret Lagoon with towel rental includedEntrance to Icelandic Lava Show

What's Excluded

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This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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