RT09 - South Coast and Highland Adventure 7 days
Self Drive Tour

Day 1. Arrival - Reykjavik City

Following your arrival is a bus transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik in a comfortable bus with Wi-Fi internet connection on board. Enjoy the rest of the day in Reykjavik, which offers a great variety of things to do. See iconic buildings including the Perlan (the Pearl), the Alþingishúsið (where the Icelandic parliament is housed), and Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you don't have time to shop on Laugarvegur Street, don't worry; you can do that when you return from your Icelandic Circle adventure. Check out the Reykjavik City Guide for a map of the city and points of interest.


Highlights:
Reykjavik city

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

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Day 2. Þingvellir National Park – Geysers and the Golden Waterfall

Pick up your car in the morning and head out on the road and start your adventure. Visit Þingvellir National Park, a place accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Þingvellir National Park is a historic site as the Icelandic parliament was established here in 930. Þingvellir is also hauntingly beautiful despite its rugged lunar-like landscapes on the spot where two continental plates meet creating a fascinating rift valley. From the Þingvellir head to the Geysir geothermal area filled with geysers and hot springs. One of the geysers sprouts boiling hot water 15-20 meters in the air every 8 minutes or so in a majestic display so make sure you stick around for the show. Continue further to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall but Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls and a site not to be missed. Head for the South Coast with a stop at Kerið, a staggering volcanic crater that is 270 meters long, 170 meter wide, and 55 meters deep with a pond at the bottom that is 7–10 meters deep. Occasionally, concerts are held on small boats while the audience sits on the inner slopes of the crater. Kerið is an awesome monument to the volcanic activity in Iceland and a site not to be missed.

Highlights:
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Kerið Crater
Faxi Waterfall

Driving Distance:
200 kilometers

Overnight:
Hella area

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Day 3. The Scenic South and Lakagígar

The South coast is a scenic drive with mountains and glacier views. Stop by the inspiring waterfalls Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss but a walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a must do. Next up is a visit to the charming town of Vík. Visit the Black beach Reynisfjara with it´s strange rock formations rising from the sea and Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve where you will find abundance of bird species including the puffin. Onwards over the floodplains of Mýrdalssandur to the highland track leading to the spectacular Lakagígar Craters, named for Mt. Laki, and located in an eruption fissure that is 25 kilometres long. The craters were formed in an eruption lasting five months and issuing the greatest volume of lava and volcanic material ever in a single eruption; it took place in 1783 and is known to be amongst the most catastrophic volcanic events in human history. From the main highway, it is about 90 kilometres to Laki on a rugged mountain road. The rewarding scenery at the end of the road makes the bumpy ride worthwhile. There are few wild and rugged natural wonders that equal the beauty of the Laki area. The enormous lava field is now covered with green moss, but the volcanic debris and colourful craters provide the Laki area with a grim, natural beauty. After exploring the lunar-like landscapes, head back to your overnight location in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Highlights:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Vík Town
Reynisfjara Beach
Lakagígar
Kirkjugólf - The Church Floor
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town

Optional Extra:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
LAVA Centre

Driving Distance:
270 kilometers

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklausut area

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Day 4. Skaftafell and The Glacier Lagoon

By the roots of Vatnajökull glacier lays the stunning Skaftafell National Park. This is a fantastic place for short hikes and to enjoy the tranquillity of the national park. Skaftafell contains numerous breathtaking hiking trails including a walk to the elegant Svartifoss Waterfall, which is one of the parks most inspiring treasures. After a visit to Skaftafell National Park, continue along the roots of the glacier to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where gigantic icebergs the size of houses float around and slowly drift towards the sea. A boat tour on the lagoon amongst the icebergs is available and is highly recommended. Your overnight accommodation will be in the Kirkjubæjarklausut area.

Highlights:
Skaftafell
Svartifoss Waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Optional Extra:
The Glacier Lagoon - Amphibian Boat Tour
Scenic Skaftafell - Helicopter Tour

Driving Distance:
250 kilometers

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklausut area

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Day 5. Landmannalaugar Highland Adventure

Today you will embark on a highland adventure to Landmannalaugar via the Fjallabak route, which is one of the most scenic highland paths in Iceland. Continue to Ófærufoss Waterfall and then to the colorful settings of Landmannalaugar The breathtaking scenery in Landmannlaugar is a mixture of the colourful Rhyolite mountains, black lava fields, yellow and green moss, and hot springs. One of Iceland’s most famous natural pools is located in Landmannalaugar, ideal for a relaxing bath after hiking and exploring this highland pearl. The area is an absolute paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Heading back from Landmannalaugar you will pass lake Frostastaðavatn, nesting under colorful mountain hills and craters. Make a pit stop by Landmannahellir Cave before continuing on this scenic desolate route back to your accommodation at Hella. 



Highlights:
Eldgjá Canyon
Hekla Volcano
Ófærufoss Waterfall
Landmannalaugar
Landmannahellir Cave

Driving Distance:
210 kilometers

Overnight:
Hella area

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Day 6. Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon

Take a trip to the lunar-like landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krísuvík geothermal area and feel of the raw power of the Earth. Continue to Grindavík fishing town and the amazing Blue Lagoon. Here you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the mineral rich waters; it's a great place to collect your thoughts after days of exploring Iceland. Head back to Reykjavík and drop off the car.
If your flight departs in the late afternoon or evening of this day you can drop off the car at the airport after a rejuvenating bath in the Blue Lagoon.

Highlights:
Lake Kleifarvatn
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Grindavík Town
The Blue Lagoon


Overnight:
Reykjavík city

Driving Distance:
180 Km

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Day 7. Departure

You’ll be transferred from your accommodation to the airport by a comfortable Wi-Fi connected bus.

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- Flybus Transfer upon arrival to your accommodation in Reykjavík
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Rental car including VAT, unlimited milage and CDW
- Two authorized drivers
- GPS Navigation System
- Detailed Itinerary
- Road map with the route and accommodation marked in
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- Flybus transfer to Keflavik international airport
- How to drive in Iceland Booklet
- Taxes, Service fee and VAT

Not Included:
- Optional Activities
- Fuel

Please Note:
This tour can be customized to your specifications and needs, so if you have any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to help you arrange the perfect Icelandic vacation.

This tour is also available as a private guided tour: PT05 - South Coast and Highlands Adventure - 7 days

*FAQ*

We are arriving very early. What is the check in time?
Check in time is usually between 14:00 - 16:00 for accommodation in Iceland. The only way to secure an early check in is to book the night before as well. However if a room is ready you should be able to check in early.

Where to eat during the tour?
In the small towns around Iceland you will find restaurants, bakeries and cafes where you can get something to eat. If you are going to the highlands we recommend purchasing something to take with you as there are very limited options for meals in the remote highland areas.

Are there any hidden charges?
There are no hidden charges or fees you should be aware of. Note that fuel and meals other than breakfast are not included.

What type of car is recommended?
For this tour you require a 4x4 vehicle suitable for highland driving. On this tour you will be driving on both paved roads as well as rough highland tracks with river crossings.

Do I need an international driver’s license?
No you do not need an international drivers license but you need a valid driver’s licence, which you will have held for at least two years. Travellers from overseas will need a licence issued in their country of residence along with an English translation (where appropriate). Some form of picture Identity is required, e.g. Passport, ID card etc. A valid credit card is also required.

How far is it between gas stations?
Gas stations can be found in almost all towns around Iceland so running out of gas is not a likely scenario. However before going to the highland areas we recommend filling up the tank as there are no gas stations in the highlands.

Do hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi internet connection?
Most hotels and guesthouses in Iceland do provide free access to Wi-Fi internet. Some hotels and guesthouses do charge a small fee for access to the internet.

How do I book and what is the process?
There are several factors that determine the tour price:
• Time of the year you plan on visiting
• Number of people travelling together
• Type of car Car Info (Only applicable with self drive trips)
• Accommodation type ((we offer 2 categories of accommodation or you can choose mixture of both)
• Optional Activities (Various optional activities are available with each trip)

There is a special Price Calculator button with every self-drive tours and private guided tours where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation, car, number of people and your arrival date. The Price Calculator will calculate and display the price according to your specifications. This way you can see how different choices in car and accommodation types affect the price of the package.

Once you are confident about your trip selection proceed to press the book now tab. Here you will fill in the required information and proceed through the booking process.

We require a 15% deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due 5 weeks prior to arrival.

Once a booking is made an automatic e-mail is sent informing you that the order has been placed and is currently being processed by the IcelandRoadtrip.com team. You will then be contacted with by one of our trusted travel agents with further details.

For more practical information please visit our Travel Guide

Optional extras:

Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the greatest natural wonders in Iceland and is also one of the most visited attraction. The boat tour gives you an amazing opportunity to sail among the massive ice floating in the lagoon. You might even be lucky and see some seals swimming around. The amphibian boat tour is 30-40 minutes long, guided in English and perfect for people of all ages. The tour is only available during the summer as the lagoon freezes over in winter time.

Operation:
June – August every day between 9:00 – 19:00

May & September – October every day between 10:00 – 17:00

- Season: MAY 1 to SEP 30
  - Item/Adult Price: 5800 ISK
  - Children aged 6-12:2000 ISK
  - Children (age 0-5):0 ISK

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Glacier Walk - About 2 hours
Along the way to the glacier we will have a good view of the glacier lagoon and the area around the glacier. When we are at the starting point, we start with a safety briefing and a short lesson how to use the crampons and the ice pick on the glacier walk. Glacial landscape is amazing and dynamic, including crevices, sink holes and small black volcanic sand hills. Sometimes it’s possible to take a look into the small holes or enter the caves. In winter the ice is blue and clear, the surface mostly covered by snow. During the summertime the ice becomes more white and the volcanic ash which forms various patterns in the landscape is more visible. As previously mentioned the glacial landscape changes day by day which makes it even more interesting to see and explore. With the glacier melting very rapidly in recent years the landscape has become more exciting. Sólheimajökull glacier is the ideal place to view geomorphology in formation and the effects of global warming on glaciers.

Minimum age requirement: 10 years
Skill level:Easy
Duration: 2 - 2,5 hours - Time on the glacier: Approximately 1 - 1,5 hours
You bring: Bring warm clothing and something waterproof to wear, good walking shoes, gloves and cap.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Other safety equipment

- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 10990 ISK
  - Children age 8-15:7500 ISK

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Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

A valid driving license is required for driving a snowmobile. This snowmobile tour is perfect for first-time riders that are looking for a fun way to explore and experience the wilderness and the breathtaking views over South Iceland. The tour is 2 hours long (1 hours snowmobiling) and you will be provided with special snowsuits and helmets for you safety and comfort. The snowmobiles are easy to operate – it´s just a matter of squeezing the accelerator or brake. Valid driver´s license is needed for driving the snowmobile.

The price is per person for two persons sharing a snowmobile. In all cases, if you are traveling alone, or if you prefer to be alone on a snowmobile traveling with other people, you need to add the single ride fee.

- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 26990 ISK
  - Single ride supplement per person:10000 ISK
  - Children (5 - 11):18893 ISK

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Prepaid Sim Card for mobile/cell phones
SIM cards are suitable for those visiting i Iceland. With a prepaid SIM card you can stay connected during your trip, which is perfect for those who travel with their own mobile/cell phone or smartphone, and want to be able to make local calls without having to pay roaming charges and stay connected through Social Media and E-mail.
The sim card includes unlimited calls and text to local numbers and 1 GB of data.
The sim card is compatible with unlocked mobile/cell phones. You will be given a local Icelandic phone number, be able to receive incoming calls for free, and also use your existing phone (if unlocked)

- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 2000 ISK

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LAVA Exhibition and Cinema
Examine the various volcanos—eruptions and lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism. The centre introduces the Katla Geopark plus Iceland's elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones.
- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 3200 ISK
  - Children age 12-16:1600 ISK
  - Children 11 years and younger:0 ISK

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Scenic Skaftafell - Helicopter Tour
On this scenic helicopter tour we explore the majestic vistas surrounding the Skaftafell National Park area, home to Europe‘s biggest glacier, most prolific volcanoes and richest river deltas. Along with being one of Iceland‘s most powerful volcanoes, Öræfajökull also boasts Mt. Hvannadalshnjúkur, the highest peak in Iceland at an impressive 2110 m. On this tour we explore the areas with the best conditions of the day, ensuring aerial sightseeing that will leave you in awe. The duration is approximately 15 minutes.
- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 28500 ISK
  - Children age 13-16:28500 ISK
  - Children age 2-12:21375 ISK

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Accommodation Season:
- High 1 Season: From May 26 through June 30.
- Low 1 Season: From October 01 through December 19.
- Spring Season: From April 28 through May 25.
- Fall Season: From September 01 through September 30.
- High 2 Season: From August 11 through August 31.
- Peak Season: From July 01 through August 10.
- Christmas and New Year Season: From December 20 through January 01.
- Low 2 Season: From January 02 through April 27.

Economy Accommodation Private rooms with shared WC facilities and shower in guesthouses. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.
Comfort Accommodation Private rooms with private WC facilities and shower/bath in hotels or well appointed guesthouses. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.
Mixed Accommodation Combination of both Economy and Comfort accommodation. With 50/50 distribution of nights you get the best from both categories, economy and comfort. For tours with odd numbers of nights, the additional night is booked in Comfort accommodation. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.

Rooms:
1 Person = Single room or as requested
2 Sharing = One twin/double room or as requested
3 Sharing = One triple room or as requested
4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms or as requested
5 Sharing = One twin/double room and one triple room or as requested
6 Sharing = Two triple rooms or as requested
7 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms and one triple room or as requested
8 Sharing = One twin/double room and two triple rooms or as requested
9 Sharing = Three triple rooms or as requested
10+ Sharing = As requested

Note:
- You can select your own room combination during the booking process.
- Triple rooms are in some cases only a double room with an extra bed.

Children 3-11 years old:
Iceland Road Trip offers families with one child to book up to 3 persons per double room. The room would either have a made up extra bed or a made up mattress in cases the rooms available are too small to accommodate an extra bed.
Two adults and two children need to book two double rooms.

Price from: 109572 ISK/person - Price per person based on 4 adults together sharing 2 double rooms in Economy Accommodation accommodation and 13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic car type. Please use our Price Calculator or Book Now page to calculate your price.