Golden Circle & South Coast

Description

Your journey begins in Reykjavík, where you’ll have time to explore the city’s vibrant architecture, restaurants, and coastal views before heading out along the Golden Circle. Key stops include Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser in the Haukadalur geothermal area, and the powerful cascade of Gullfoss. From there, the route continues to the South Coast, where you’ll visit natural wonders like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and the basalt sea stacks of Reynisfjara beach.

This year-round self-drive tour takes you through two of Iceland’s most iconic regions: the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Over four days, you’ll experience striking contrasts in landscape — from geothermal springs and tectonic rift valleys to black sand beaches, glaciers, and thundering waterfalls.

Each day is thoughtfully paced to give you flexibility and freedom — with time for scenic detours, photo stops, and quiet moments in nature.

Highlights

Thingvellir National Park

Geysir Geothermal Area

Gullfoss Waterfall

Kerið Volcano Crater

Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skógafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Included

Rental car for 4 days

Accommodation for 3 nights

Breakfast at hotel

Detailed itinerary & travel tips

Taxes & service fees

Customer support & 24/7 helpline

What to Bring

Warm, layered clothing

Waterproof outerwear

Driver’s licence

Comfortable walking shoes

Camera or smartphone

Daypack for short hikes

Itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavík Sightseeing

Day 1 – Arrival & Reykjavík
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Reykjavík. After checking in, spend the day exploring the highlights of Iceland’s capital. Stroll down Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, visit landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, or Sun Voyager sculpture, and enjoy a relaxing coffee by the harbor. Optional entry to the Sky Lagoon can be arranged for a peaceful soak to start your journey.
Overnight: Reykjavik

Day 2 – Golden Circle

Day 2 – Golden Circle
Start the day by exploring the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most renowned travel routes. Visit Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two tectonic plates, watch the Strokkur geyser erupt at Geysir, and feel the force of Gullfoss waterfall. Continue to the colorful Kerið volcanic crater and enjoy lunch in the warm atmosphere of the Friðheimar greenhouse. End the day in the countryside, where you’ll settle in for a peaceful night away from the city.
Overnight: Golden Circle area

Day 3 – South Coast

Day 3 – South Coast
Drive along the South Coast to see some of Iceland’s most photographed sites. Begin with Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind (if not too icy). Continue to Skógafoss, a powerful curtain of water framed by cliffs. Finally, explore the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves. After a day exploring dramatic landscapes, return to Reykjavík for the final night.
Overnight: Reykjavik

Day 4 – Departure

Day 4 – Departure
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed morning in Reykjavík or take a scenic drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula on your way to the airport. If time allows, you could visit viewpoints to see newly formed lava fields from recent volcanic eruptions, or arrange an optional stop at the Blue Lagoon for a tranquil end to your Icelandic experience.

Overview

Duration:
4 days | 3 nights

Difficulty:
Moderate

Pick up:
Not included

Age Limit:
None

Availability:
All year

Travel Style: Selfdrive

Inquire

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s not included in this tour?

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.

What type of accommodation is included?

We handpick all accommodations with an emphasis on comfort, quality and location.

How is the itinerary set up?

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.

Can I change parts of the itinerary?

Yes. We offer flexibility to adjust routes, overnight stays, or add extra activities. Customization may add an additional cost.

How long is the drive each day?

Daily driving times vary, but most days include 2–4 hours driving, broken up by stops, sights, and scenic detours.

Can you book any extra activities for this tour?

We’re happy to assist with booking optional activities, including snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, river rafting, and others upon request.

Do I need to book anything in advance?

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.

What is driving in Iceland like?

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.

What is your cancellation policy?

We pride ourselves in offering one of the most traveler-friendly cancellation policies in the industry.

• Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure 90% refund
• Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours prior to departure will receive an 80% refund.
• Cancellations requested less than 24 hours before the tour starts are not eligible for a refund.
• To confirm your itinerary, full payment is required at the time of booking. Please note that 10% of the total price serves as a non-refundable booking fee.

We Are Here for You

If you have questions, would like to modify this tour, or create a new one, we’re here to help.