A five-day self-drive journey from Reykjavík through the Golden Circle and along the South Coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Discover some of South Iceland’s most remarkable landscapes on this five-day self-drive journey. Travel from Reykjavík through the Golden Circle and along the South Coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, with waterfalls, geothermal areas, black sand beaches, glaciers, and national parks along the way. With your rental car and accommodation arranged in advance, you’ll have the freedom to explore each day at your own pace while following a carefully planned itinerary. Arrive in Iceland, collect your rental car, and make your way to Reykjavík. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city, visit the waterfront, or simply relax before beginning your journey through South Iceland. Leave Reykjavík and spend the day exploring the Golden Circle. Visit Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s history meets the boundary between two tectonic plates, watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, and continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Continue east along Iceland’s South Coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before travelling toward the black sand coastline around Vík. Explore Reynisfjara Beach and its basalt cliffs, with opportunities for additional stops and short walks throughout the day. Explore the glacier landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, beginning with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift from Breiðamerkurjökull toward the Atlantic Ocean. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice wash onto the black volcanic shore. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take a final relaxed morning in Reykjavík before check-out. Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (approx. 45–60 minutes) and return your rental car ahead of your flight home. 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. 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. 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. Signage is clear, and your itinerary provides helpful notes for each driving segment. A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. If you have questions, would like to modify this tour, or create a new one, we’re here to help.
Golden Circle & Glacier Lagoon
Duration5 Days / 4 NightsPickupNot includedTravel StyleSelf-DriveDifficultyEasyOverview
Highlights
Itinerary
Overnight: Reykjavík
Along the way, you’ll have time to add optional stops such as Kerið Crater, Friðheimar, Brúarfoss, or a geothermal lagoon before continuing to your accommodation in South Iceland.
Highlights: Þingvellir · Geysir · Gullfoss · Optional Golden Circle stops
Overnight: South Iceland
Continue east through the changing landscapes of South Iceland toward your accommodation near Skaftafell or the glacier region.
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss · Skógafoss · Reynisfjara · Vík · South Coast scenery
Overnight: Southeast Iceland
Continue to Skaftafell for viewpoints and optional walks before beginning the journey back to Reykjavík. There will be plenty of opportunities for scenic stops along the way.
Highlights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Diamond Beach · Vatnajökull · Skaftafell
Overnight: Reykjavík
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.Best price guaranteeNo booking markupsLocal expertsGuides who love IcelandSustainable toursSupporting local communitiesSafe & secureYour booking is protected
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