Golden Circle Natural Wonders is a 6-day self-drive tour exploring Iceland’s most spectacular landscapes, from the famous Golden Circle to waterfalls, glaciers and remote natural wonders. This six-day self-drive tour takes you through a breathtaking array of Iceland’s natural landscapes, including the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the remote beauty of the Highlands. From dramatic coastlines and geothermal areas to ancient lava fields and glacier views, the route offers remarkable contrasts and space to explore at your own pace.
After arriving in Reykjavík, your journey begins with a drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in miniature.” You’ll then continue south through the Golden Circle, stopping at world-renowned sights such as Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. On day four, you’ll venture inland to the highland area of Kerlingarfjöll, where colorful geothermal valleys and sweeping views await. This tour operates seasonally from 15 June to 15 September, while the Kjölur highland road is open.
The tour ends with a day on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its volcanic landscapes and dramatic coast. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is an optional final stop before departure.
Highlights
Reykjavik Sightseeing
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Kerið Volcanic Crater
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands
Hveravellir Hot Springs
Reykjanes Peninsula
Itinerary
Pick up your rental car at the airport and settle into the rhythm of Iceland. After checking in at your Reykjavík hotel, enjoy the freedom to explore the city at your own pace — stroll along Laugavegur, visit Hallgrímskirkja or the Harpa Concert Hall, and find a cozy spot for dinner. In the late afternoon, you may choose to unwind in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon, letting the sweeping view over the Atlantic mark the start of your adventure. Overnight: Reykjavík
Begin your journey on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its diversity of landscapes. Drive through lava fields, black beaches, and fishing villages under the watchful eye of Snæfellsjökull glacier. Stop at sites like Búðir church, Arnarstapi cliffs, Djúpalónssandur beach, and the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Enjoy fresh local food along the way and settle into a peaceful overnight stay in the region. Overnight: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Drive towards the Golden Circle. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s parliament was founded over a thousand years ago. Continue to the steaming geothermal area of Geysir and watch Strokkur erupt. At Gullfoss, take in the raw power of Iceland’s highland meltwaters. You can stop for a unique tomato lunch at Friðheimar or unwind at the Secret Lagoon. Overnight: Golden Circle / Geysir area
You’ll venture deep into the highlands along the Kjölur route (F35) to reach Kerlingarfjöll — a geothermal mountain range bursting with steam vents, mineral-rich slopes, and scenic hiking paths. If time allows, you can also stop at Hveravellir, a remote geothermal oasis known for its hot springs and striking landscapes. Take time to explore this untamed region before returning to Reykjavík for the night. Overnight: Reykjavík
Spend your final day discovering the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Explore the otherworldly sight of newly formed lava from recent eruptions, walk the bridge between continents, visit the bubbling mud pots at Krísuvík, or stop by the Reykjanes Lighthouse. In the afternoon, you may choose to unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, nestled in a black lava field — a perfect way to end your journey. Overnight: Reykjavík
After a final overnight stay in Reykjavík, your last day depends on your flight schedule. Enjoy a slow morning with time to stroll through the city’s charming streets, grab breakfast at a local café, or pick up a few souvenirs before your journey home. When it’s time, return your rental car at Keflavík International Airport and begin your departure.
Rental car (4WD) for 6 days
Accommodation for 5 nights
Breakfast at hotel
Detailed itinerary & travel tips
Taxes & service fees
Customer support & 24/7 helpline
Warm, layered clothing
Waterproof outerwear
Headwear, gloves & sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Driver’s license
Camera or smartphone
Daypack for short hikes
Swimwear & towels
Route map
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to and from Iceland, fuel, parking fees, meals and drinks (aside from breakfast), entry fees (unless stated otherwise), personal travel insurance, and anything else that is not specified in the included section in the itinerary.
We handpick all accommodations with an emphasis on comfort, quality and location.
You’ll receive a personalized itinerary with a day-by-day overview, including driving directions, suggested stops, activity options, dining recommendations, and practical tips. It’s designed to guide you smoothly while leaving plenty of room for flexibility and discovery.
Yes. We offer flexibility to adjust routes, overnight stays, or add extra activities. Customization may add an additional cost.
Daily driving times vary, but most days include 2–4 hours driving, broken up by stops, sights, and scenic detours.
We’re happy to assist with booking optional activities, including snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, river rafting, and others upon request.
Driving in Iceland is generally safe and enjoyable, especially during the summer months. Roads on this tour include paved highways and well-maintained gravel roads. For the highland portion to Kerlingarfjöll (via the Kjölur route), a 4WD vehicle is required and included in your package. Signage is clear, and your itinerary provides helpful notes for each driving segment. Before setting out each day, be sure to check the weather forecast at vedur.is, as conditions can change quickly — particularly in spring, autumn, or winter. It’s also important to check road conditions and any alerts at safetravel.is. Support is always available if you have questions along the way.
We recommend pre-booking activities with limited capacity, such as spa visits, guided tours, or seasonal excursions. Everything essential for your trip — like accommodation and car rental — is included and confirmed before departure.
• A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. • The remaining balance must be paid no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. • Payments made more than 30 days before departure are eligible for a full refund, excluding the deposit. • Payments made between 30 and 15 days before departure are eligible for a 50% refund, excluding the deposit. • Cancellations made within 15 days of departure are non-refundable.
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