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Self Drive Iceland’s South Coast

Highlights

  • Relax in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • Experience the power of geothermal activity in the Golden Circle
  • See the stunning South Coast landscape
  • Soak up the culture of Reykjavik
From £2382 pp
  1. Select dates (April to September)
  2. Choose number of people in standard or premium hotel
  3. Select any extra experiences
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What you'll do

Overview

Enjoy the wonders of Iceland's South Coast. Relax in the natural geothermal lagoons, experience the power of mighty waterfalls, wonder at explosive boiling geysers, and immerse yourself in awe inspiring landscapes on this 7 night tour of Iceland's spectacular South Coast.

Route plan:
Day 1: Blue lagoon and relax
Day 2: Reykjavik to Golden Circle-250 km
Day 3: Ring Road to Vik
Day 4: Vik to Glacier Lagoon and Diamond beach-220 km
Day 5: Vatnajokull and Skaftafell National Parks
Day 6: Glacier Lagoon to Hella – 240 km (optional excursions can be added)
Day 7: Drive back along the coast road towards Reykjavik
Day 8: Return to the airport

The South Coast probably has the most stunning and awe inspiring landscapes in Iceland. The largest glaciers, most famous volcanoes, most dramatic cliffs and beautiful waterfalls combine to make up extremely varied landscapes which are only a few hours’ driving distance from Reykjavík. On this trip you will get to see them all at your own pace.

The trip starts with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon to de-compress and get in the holiday mood as you bathe in the mineral rich warm geothermal lagoon. Your adventure continues on the Golden Circle route, where you will see amazing waterfalls and erupting geysers.

On to the South Coast road you will be immersed in the vast and beautiful rugged landscape, which is considered to be the most beautiful part of the country, with stunning views.

From there you will visit the Glacial Lagoon and the Skaftafell National Park. Finally you will head back to Reykjavik for a day of adventure in the capital.

Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport.

Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive towards Reykjavík. On route to Reykjavík stop at the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue lagoon is considered one of the New Wonders of the World, with its stunning turquoise waters set in the black laval landscape. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the healing mineral water, enjoy a drink from the swim up bar and get into the holiday mood!

From Blue Lagoon drive to Reykjavik, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening exploring the city.

Accommodation: 

1 night standard room BB Storm Hotel 3* Reykjavik

Or 

1 night standard room BB Grand Hotel 4* Reykjavik

 

Golden Circle

After a leisurely breakfast your adventure begins as you make your way towards the The Golden Circle. This is a scenic route, where you get to see three of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders. Visit Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament, Althingi, was located. See the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, and the famous Geysir hot spring, which no longer erupts but Geysir’s little brother Strokkur erupts every 10-15 minutes. Soak up the wonderful landscape as you drive at your own pace through the Icelandic countryside.

 

Driving Distance : Reykjavik to Golden Circle 250 km

Accommodation:

2 nights standard room BB Hotel Hvolsvollur 3*

or 

2 nights standard room BB Stracta Hotel 3*

 

South Coast

This morning, after breakfast, checkout of your hotel and today you are heading towards the South coast of Iceland on the Ring Road, this quiet coastal road leads you along Iceland’s South Coast, considered one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

On route to your next accommodation in Vík, enjoy the breath-taking scenery filled with waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches, which are all easily accessible for the road. Just park up and take a short walk to be right next to the waterfalls, the black sand beach with its enormous crashing waves and even the enormous glacier.

Driving Distance: Reykjavik to Vik 100-150 km

overnight

Standard room BB Hotel Hvolsvollur 3*

or

Standard room BB Stracta Hotel 3*

Glacier Lagoon

Today you will continue your journey on Iceland’s route 1 and head to the magnificent Vatnajökull Glacier area.

One of of Vatnajökull National Park’s impressive natural wonders is the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon. No trip to the south coast of Iceland would be complete without seeing the Lagoon!

Jökulsárlón is a beautiful, tranquil place at the southern face of the Vatnajökull glacier. The films Tomb Raider, Batman Begins and James Bond: Die Another Day all had scenes in this dramatic and beautiful setting.

When you get here, gaze upon the floating icebergs from the water’s edge. Or in the summer season you can take a boat ride to get even closer to this natural phenomenon.

Right across the road from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon you will find Diamond Beach, “Breiðamerkursandur” in Icelandic, so called because of the sparkling chunks of ice that are washed up on the shore.

They float from the waters of Jökulsárlón lagoon to the coast, and lay deposited on the beach like giant diamonds. They vary in size and colour, so you never know what sort of icy gems you’ll find!

If you are lucky you may also see seals and orcas in the sea here.

Driving Distance: Vik to Glacier Lagoon – 220 km

Accommodation: 

1 night standard room BB Hotel Katla 3*

or

1 night standard room BB Hotel Vík 3*

Vatnajokull and Skaftafell National Parks

Today you will check out of your hotel after a relaxed breakfast and spend the day at your leisure to enjoy exploring more of the area.

If you’re heading to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, be sure to make a detour to the  Fjaðrárgljúfur. This Fjaðrá river gorge has taken many thousands of years to reach its current shape.

Roam the walking path along the eastern edge of the canyon, and take in the spectacular views over the glacial brooks below. The drop is approximately 100 metres with steep walls covered in moss and grass.

Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull National Park, and is well worth a visit if you love hiking.

There are many walking trails where you can admire majestic landscapes shaped by canyons, glacial rivers and hanging valleys.

You could take a Glacier hike or head for Svartifoss waterfall  located 1.5 kilometres from the car park. Ice-cold meltwater from the Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds this famous waterfall,  tumbling down 20 metres over a cliff  bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns, said to resemble the pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name.

Accommodation: 

2 nights standard room BB Hotel Skaftafell 3*

Or

2 nights standard room BB Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon 4*

South Coast

Heading back in the direction to Reykjavik, you can visit parts of the South that you may have missed on day 3, including some of the many activities we have on offer, you could take relaxing soak Secret Lagoon or an exciting snowmobile trip across a glacier, or even snorkelling in Silfra– a fissure created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland, one of the clearest bodies of water on earth with up to 120 meters of visibility.

Driving Distance: Glacier Lagoon to Hella – 240 km

 

Reykjavik

This morning you will drive back along the coast road towards Reykjavik for a day of leisure exploring the city.

During your free day in Reykjavik, you will have plenty to see and explore. You may want to take a Whale Watching trip or have a relaxed stroll around the city, taking in the famous landmarks and experiencing the local culture and traditions, discovering the Icelandic cuisine in one of the amazing restaurants, cafes or bars of the city.

 

Driving Distance: Hella to Reykjavik – 140 km

1 night standard room BB Storm Hotel 3* Reykjavik

Or 

1 night standard room BB Grand Hotel 4* Reykjavik

 

Departure

Sadly, today is your departure day. Drive to Keflavik airport and drop off your car. It’s time to say goodbye to Iceland, but there is so much more to see. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next visit!

Optional Extras

Here is a list of the optional experiences which you can add on to your trip

Please see the booking page for details.

Day 2 or Day 6:

Snowmobile – Join our super truck transfer from Gullfoss for the snowmobile ride of a lifetime! This is a great choice for those who have their own transportation and want to top off the Golden Circle with something special. Our professional guides will take you on a snowmobile adventure in the Icelandic highlands, giving you the most amazing views of the majestic glacier and its unique surroundings.

Secret Lagoon – The Natural hot springs are located in the small village called Fludir and are in the Golden Circle area. A natural and unique experience of bathing in mineral rich geothermal waters. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water stays at 38-40 Celsius all year.

Snorkel in Silfra – Immerse yourself in the clearest water in the world and float between two continents in Iceland! The astonishing clarity of the water reveals a mesmerizing underwater world full of colours you don’t see above the surface.

Day 3 0r Day 5: 

Kayak by the glacier – Leave the crowds behind and immerse in the beauty of a majestic outlet glacier while on a kayak. The tour starts with meeting your expert kayaking guide in the car park of the  Sólheimjökull glacier. The sit-on-top kayaks are easy to steer and no previous kayaking experience is needed.

Ice caves – You will be driven to the caves in a super jeep and take a breathtaking  walk to the glacier ice cave and go inside to explore it. We will have a total of 45-60 minutes in the glacier area for photos and exploration. lead by your local Vik Iceland guide who will give you a little more insight into how the ice cave was formed.

Day 4:

Zodiac boat tour – On the Zodiac we are able to cover large areas of the lagoon and get to see the icebergs up close. When possible the Zodiac goes almost all the way up to the glacier (whilst still being safe). This is a once in a lifetime experience!

Day 7:  

Whale watching – Enjoy a half day Whale Watching cruise from Reykjavik city centre. Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and sometimes humpback whales, killer whales and even Fin whales give us the chance to enjoy and understand them in their natural environment.

 

 

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast included (your choice of standard or premium hotels)
  • Comfort Entrance to Blue Lagoon
  • Car rental Package for the week including CDW and Sat Nav
Your local host

Rannveig

I constantly consider myself lucky to be Icelandic and live in this incredible destination that Iceland is. Our culture, the Northern Lights, erupting volcanoes and incredible nature provide some of the best holiday experiences you can get. I have spent the last 15 years truly exploring my own country and it continues to amaze me every single day. The weather may be a challenge - we never know what what conditions will be thrown our way - but you can rest assured that every minute is an adventure! Respect for nature is important to all Icelanders and all the partners we work with care for people and for the environment. We are a family business committed to offering our customers the best, true, authentic experiences and nowhere else will you get a more personal service than with us.

I constantly consider myself lucky to be Icelandic and live in this incredible destination that Iceland is. Our culture, the Northern Lights, erupting volcanoes and incredible nature provide some of the best holiday experiences you can get. I have spent the last 15 years truly exploring my own country and it continues to amaze me every single day. The weather may be a challenge - we never know what what conditions will be thrown our way - but you can rest assured that every minute is an adventure! Respect for nature is important to all Icelanders and all the partners we work with care for people and for the environment. We are a family business committed to offering our customers the best, true, authentic experiences and nowhere else will you get a more personal service than with us.

Rannveig image

Location

Take a road trip around Iceland’s spectacular Golden Circle and along the South Coast. Your route is planned and your accommodation is all booked. Collect your car on arrival at the airport and head for the open road! Planned by experts, this route will take you to all the famous sights and give you plenty of opportunity to get off the beaten path, go at your own pace and enjoy the awe inspiring landscapes and natural wonders to your hearts content.

FAQs

When is this available?

This is recommended in the milder months - May - September. Snow falls can be heavy and white outs are frequent.

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