Itinerary
- Day 1
Keflavik to Reykjavik
You'll arrive at Keflavik and pick up your rental car, then drive about 45 minutes to Reykjavik. Once there, spend time walking through the old town and checking out Laugarvegur, the main shopping street. The drive is roughly 50 km, so you'll have the afternoon to get oriented in Iceland's capital before settling in.
Optional Activities
- Walk through Reykjavik old town
- Explore Laugarvegur shopping street
- Day 2
Reykholt - Waterfalls
Head out through Borgafjord toward Reykholt, where writer Snorri Sturluson once lived. From there, you'll see the Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls, with water flowing about 1 km wide over lava into a gorge. This 220 km drive takes around 3 hours total, so it's a full day of travel and sightseeing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Reykholt (residence of writer Snorri Sturluson)
- See Barnafoss waterfall
- See Hraunfossar waterfalls
Landmarks Reykholt Barnafoss Hraunfossar - Day 3
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
You'll explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which has beaches, fjords, cliffs, and lava fields all in one area. During the day, check out the Snaefellsjokull volcano and Kirkjufjell mountain, that distinctive arrowhead-shaped peak with a small waterfall that appeared in Game of Thrones. It's a popular spot for photos, so plan to spend some time there if the weather cooperates.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Snaefellsjökull volcano
- See Kirkjufjell mountain
- Explore Snaefellsnes peninsula landscapes
Landmarks Snaefellsjökull Kirkjufjell - Day 4
Borgarnes to Golden Circle
You'll drive along Iceland's coast heading toward Thingvellir National Park, where the landscape shifts dramatically as you approach the rift valley. Once there, walk between the American and Eurasian continental plates that are pulling apart at roughly 2 centimeters per year. The geological fissures here tell the story of how Iceland sits right on this boundary. After exploring the park's terrain, you'll visit the historic Althing assembly site, where Iceland's oldest parliament gathered starting in 930. This spot holds significant cultural weight since it marks where early settlers established one of Europe's first parliaments. You're staying for 2 nights in the Golden Circle region, which gives you time to settle in and take your time with the sights rather than rushing through everything in a single day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
- Explore Almannagja gorge and historic Althing assembly site
Landmarks Thingvellir National Park Almannagja gorge - Day 5
Golden Circle
You'll experience the Golden Circle route with Iceland's most famous sights. First, see Gullfoss waterfall where water drops over two cascades and creates rainbows in the mist on sunny days. Then head to the geothermal area to watch Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5 to 7 minutes with a steaming fountain that's quite impressive each time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Gullfoss waterfall
- See Strokkur geyser
Landmarks Gullfoss Strokkur 
- Day 6
Westman Islands
Take a ferry from Bakki in south Iceland to Heimaey, the main island in the Westman Islands. This is a paradise for bird lovers, with countless puffins breeding on the island during the season. After spending time there, you'll return to the mainland by ferry. The drive to the port is roughly 110 km and takes about 2 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry to Heimaey island
- Visit Westman Islands
- Puffin watching on Heimaey
- Ferry return to mainland
Landmarks Westman Islands (Heimaey) - Day 7
Hella/Hvolsvöllur to Eyjafjallajökull region
You'll head out to see two major waterfalls on this leg of the journey. Seljalandsfoss comes first, where you can actually walk behind the curtain of water if conditions allow. From there, it's a short drive to Skogafoss, which drops from a significant height and creates that powerful presence you feel as you approach. After spending time at both, you'll visit the Eyjafjallajokull volcano visitor center to watch a film about the 2010 eruption that disrupted European air travel. If you're interested in going deeper into Iceland's volcanic history, there's also the option to visit the Lava Center, which covers how volcanic activity shaped the entire island. You'll spend one night in the Eyjafjallajokull region, giving you a solid sense of this geologically active area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Visit Skógafoss waterfall
- Visit Eyjafjallajökull volcano visitor center
Optional Activities
- Watch movie about 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull visitor center
- Visit Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur (optional extra - additional cost)
Landmarks Seljalandsfoss Skógafoss Eyjafjallajökull Lava Center 
- Day 8
Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Drive to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a major highlight for most visitors. You'll take a boat trip to see seals and get close to floating ice chunks. After that, head to nearby Diamond Beach where ice pieces wash up on the black sand and sparkle in sunlight. If you're traveling in October, boat trips aren't available, so you'll walk along the lagoon or beach instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon
- Boat trip on Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon (May-September)
- Visit Diamond Beach
Landmarks Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach - Day 9
Skaftafell National Park
Visit Skaftafell National Park to get close to glacier tongues in the area. There's a recommended hike to Svartifoss waterfall, known as the romantic waterfall because of its distinctive heart shape. If you prefer, you can arrange a guided glacier hike as an optional activity instead. The drive from the previous location is around 280 km and takes about 2 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Skaftafell National Park
- Hike to Svartifoss waterfall
Optional Activities
- Guided hike on glacier
Landmarks Skaftafell National Park Svartifoss 
- Day 10
Reykjavik
Before heading back to Reykjavik, stop in Hveragerdi, which uses geothermal energy to heat greenhouses throughout the area. You can explore the Hellisheisvirkjun geothermal power plant and its exhibition. Back in Reykjavik, check out the vibrant city and visit Iceland's most famous hot dog stand, the place where Bill Clinton once ate. The 200 km drive back takes around 2.5 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Hveragerdi geothermal greenhouses
- Visit Hellisheisvirkjun geothermal power plant
Optional Activities
- Eat hot dog at Bill Clinton's famous hot dog stand in Reykjavik
- Explore Reykjavik attractions
Landmarks Hveragerdi Hellisheisvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant - Day 11
Reykjavik to Keflavik
Drive to the airport and return your rental car for your departure. The drive is about 50 km and takes roughly 45 minutes, so plan to leave Reykjavik with enough time before your flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
