RT02 - The Express Circle of Iceland 7 days
Self Drive Tour

Day 1. Arrival – Reykjavik City

You will transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik via 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 provided with the travel documents for a map of the city and points of interest.

Highlights:
Gamla Höfnin (The Old Harbour)
Harpa Concert Hall

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

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Day 2. A National Park – Geysers and Waterfalls

Pick up your car in the morning and head out on your adventure. Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge forms an impressive rift valley causing Iceland to drift apart at the rate of approximately 2 cm per year. Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where the Icelandic Parliament was established in 930. Þingvellir is hauntingly beautiful despite its rugged lunar-like landscapes.
Then, head to the Geysir geothermal area, which is filled with geysers and hot springs. One of the geysers spouts boiling hot water 15 to 20 meters in the air every 8 minutes or so in a majestic display you won't want to miss.
Continue on to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most impressive and unique waterfall, plunging down 32 meters into the canyon in two stages. On sunny days the mist from the waterfall creates rainbows giving the waterfall a beautiful crown. Make sure you have your cameras ready.
Then, head down the South Coast to Hvolsvöllur area and stop along the way at the Kerið Volcanic Crater and Selfoss the largest town on the South Coast.

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


Driving Distance:
240 km

Overnight:
Hvolsvöllur area

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Day 3. Black Beaches, Skaftafell and the Glacial Lagoon

Begin the day by taking a scenic drive with mountain and glacier views and the awe-inspiring Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls. A rare opportunity to walk behind the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is something you won't want to miss. Visit Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve where, in summer, huge numbers of Puffins nest from the beginning of June until late July / early August then the black beach of Reynisfjara with its strange rock formations rising from the sea. Next up is a visit to the charming town of Vík and further on to the quiet town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur with its rich and conflicted history. Some indications point to the conclusion that Irish monks settled here before the Norse settlers, but whatever the case, this was always a Christian community where heathens were not welcome.
Continue to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and Skaftafell National Park at the base of the glacier. This is a fantastic place for short, tranquil hikes, and we highly recommend a hike up to the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall; you won't regret it.
Continue along the roots of the glacier to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which may look familiar if you've seen such movies as Tomb Raiders and Batman Begins. You will see icebergs, - the size of houses slowly drifting towards to the sea; in fact, you can cruise among them on a guided boat tour. Continue to Höfn town, where you can enjoy a stroll and a visit to a local café or restaurant.

Highlights:
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Vík Town
Reynisfjara Beach
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier
Svartifoss Waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Höfn Town

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

Driving Distance:
350 Km

Overnight:
Höfn / Djúpivogur area

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Day 4. East Fjords and Lake Mývatn

Your first destination today is Egilstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, but along the way you will experience the magnificent scenery of the East Fjords where every fjord is a world unto itself.
From Egilsstaðir town, continue across the highland desert to the Lake Mývatn area, a place filled with natural wonders and a true paradise for the nature lover with its diverse geologic formations, volcanoes, mysterious lava formations, and mud pools. Circle the lake and take time to enjoy the rich birdlife and lush vegetation. A relaxing bath in the famous Nature Baths is the perfect way to end this exciting day.

Highlights:
Egilsstaðir Town
Lake Mývatn

Optional Extra:
The Nature Baths

Driving Distance:
420 - 470 km

Overnight:
Lake Mývatn / Húsavík area

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Day 5. Akureyri City – Capital of the North

Continue to Húsavík town, famous for the popular whale watching cruises available during the summer months. Head for Akureyri, the largest town in the north. Stop enroute at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss,on road 1 close to the junction with 85 at Fosshóll. In the year 1000, all Icelanders converted to Christianity and the story goes that a so-called law speaker named Þorkell disposed of the pagan gods by throwing them into this waterfall giving it its name.
The next stop is Skagafjörður Fjord known for its horse breeding and a great place to explore on horseback. The last stop before you soak in the rich culture of Akureyri is Glaumbær, an old turf farm that now houses a very interesting folk museum.

Highlights:
Goðafoss Waterfall
Akureyri Town
Glaumbær Folk Museum

Optional Extra
Horse Riding

Driving Distance:
240 km

Overnight:
North west area

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Day 6. Wonders of the West

Your first stop will be Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, which yields over 180 litres of boiling water every second. Then, you will continue inland to see the Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Waterfalls, where the water creeps from underneath the lave fields into the Hvítá River.
From there, head to the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes town where you can explore the sagas of the settlement times and visit an exhibition of the famous Viking poet Egill Skallagrimsson. Continue back to Reykjavik after an amazing trip around Iceland.

Highlights:
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Borgarnes-Town
Reykjavik city

Optional Extra
Krauma Baths

Driving Distance:
360 km

Overnight:
Reykjavik city

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Day 7. Departure

You will transfer from your accommodation to the airport on a comfortable Wi-Fi connected bus, but if you have an afternoon or evening flight to allow time to visit the other-worldly setting of the Blue Lagoon, a bathing area in the middle of a vast lava field that came into existence in 1976 as a result of operations in a geothermal power plant nearby. Today, this is one of Iceland´s most visited sites. You can go for a relaxing bath in the surreal surroundings, get a massage, or apply some of the silica mud to rejuvenate and soften skin before your flight. Enjoy dinner at the Lava Restaurant or the Blue Lagoon Café before heading back to Reykjavik.

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.

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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:

Like the title of this tour indicates, this is an "EXPRESS" tour. Therefore it is limited how many optional extras can be added.

Please note the below before booking:
Amphibian tour fits in on day 3rd.-late afternoon. Can be done between 09:00 – 19:00 in summer but in shoulder season it is available 10:00 - 17:00 in May, September and October. If you add a Snowmobiling tour and a Glacier Walk, it would not be possible to make it to the Glacial Lagoon in time for the boat trip

A Glacier Walk fits in on day 3. Departure available that will fit this tour schedule is checking in at 09:30

Snowmobiling fits in on day 3. Departure available that fits this tour schedule is at 09:30, 12:00 or at 14:30
Opening hours: Myvatn Nature baths fit in on day 4. Summertime Opening hours (1. June - 31. August): 09:00 – 24:00 Entry no later than 23:30. Wintertime (1. September - 31. May): 12:00 – 22:00 Entry no later than 21:30. 24. December: 13:00 - 16:00 25. December: Closed 31. December: 13:00 - 16:00 1. January: Closed

Whale Watching fits in day 5 At 11:00, 15. – 31. March At . 08:30, 01. April through 31. August. At 10:00, 01. – 30 September
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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: PT02 - Express Circle of Iceland - 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 morning check in is to book the night before as well.

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?
During summer (May - September) any type of vehicle is sufficient for this tour. In winter between mid September – mid April we recommend a 4x4 vehicle as there is a chance of some snow or ice on the road. The cars are equipped with good winter tires during winter.

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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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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Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Get the know the unique Icelandic horse and the beautiful scenery at Gauksmýri by joining a 1 hour long horseback riding tour. The horses are friendly and reliable and an experienced rider will guide you on the trip. The tour is suitable both for beginners and experienced riders. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment and helmets.

- Season: MAY 15 to SEP 15
  - Item/Adult Price: 9500 ISK
  - Children aged 6-11 (accompanied by an adult):7000 ISK

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Myvatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin)

The Nature Baths at Lake Mývatn offer an unique Nordic bathing experience, similar to the Blue Lagoon. Relaxing in the geothermal waters is a must when you are in the area. The facility also has a restaurant where you can get a lunch or dinner. The Nature baths are open from 09:00 until midnight 00:00 from June 1st to August 31st and during the winter the open hours are from 12:00 to 22:00. In winter, you might get lucky and see the magnificent northern lights while floating in mineral rich waters.

- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 5001 ISK
  - Youth aged 12-15:2200 ISK
  - Children 11 years or younger:0 ISK

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Whale Watching from Húsavík

The town of Húsavík is also known as the Whale Watching Capital in the world. The whale watching tour is 3 hours long and gives you chance to enjoy the stunning wildlife and scenery and be amazed by the gentle giants in their natural habitat. The tour is suitable for people of all ages. Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are included and even some hats, gloves, raincoats and blankets to keemp you warm.

- Season: MAR 1 to NOV 30
  - Item/Adult Price: 10499 ISK
  - Children aged 7-15:3500 ISK
  - Children aged 0-6:0 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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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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Krauma Baths
Experience nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths at Krauma. The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature we mix the hot water with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the glacier Ok, the smallest glacier in Iceland. Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music.
- Season: All year
  - Item/Adult Price: 3950 ISK
  - Children age 13-16:2000 ISK
  - Children 12 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: 87002 ISK/person - Price per person based on 4 adults together sharing 2 double rooms in Economy Accommodation accommodation and 01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual car type. Please use our Price Calculator or Book Now page to calculate your price.