A 12 Days self-driving tour lets you explore Reykjavik to Skaftafell and East Fjords with boat trip included.
Day by Day Itinerary
1. day
REYKJAVIK
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Transfer to your hotel by Flybus. Overnight in Reykjavík.
2. day
Reykjavík
Enjoy a day at leisure in Reykjavik to explore.
3. day
REYKJAVIK TO HVOLSVOLLUR
Pick up your rental car today in Reykjavik and being your journey through Iceland. Explore the famous Golden Circle region, including Gullfoss, the country’s best-known waterfalls. Only a few kilometers away is the Geysir area where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. Finally, drive to Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. Make your way towards Hvolsvollur – Hella.
4. day
WESTMAN ISLAND
Today, explore the Westman Island (Ferry to and from is included). Volcanic eruptions dictated the island's history. They formed and shaped the island as we know it today. The recent Vestmannaeyjar volcano eruptions created the island of Surtsey, a popular tourist attraction, and almost filled Heimaey's economically important harbor. Around 875 CE, the island got its now iconic name - Vestmannaeyjar, an Icelandic word for island of west men.The name originates from Gaelic enslaved people, whom the Old Norse called west man. After a horrific event, the island earned its now iconic name. Today, thanks to Vestmannaeyjar Iceland transportation and infrastructure improvements, the archipelago is as accessible as the main island. Still, the only inhabitable part of the archipelago is the main island of Heymaey.
5. day
SOUTH COAST
After breakfast, being exploring the South Coast as you make your way to Klaustur.
6. day
SKAFTAFELLJOKULSARLON-DIAMOND BEACH
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland's history. Also take the time to discover the beautiful Fjardrárgljúfur canyon.
Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland's highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this area is a true oasis bordered by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other.
Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. You will have a Jokulsarlon Boat Trip Excursion.
7. day
EAST FJORDS
Discover the East Fjords between the small towns of Egillsstadir and Höfn. Starting from Reydarfjördur fjord, where a small World War II history museum is located, you continue along the fjords toward Southeast Iceland. In Stödvarfjördur a local lady has collected an impressive number of minerals and stones, presented in Petra’s Stone Collection. Passing small fishing villages like Breiddalsvik and Djúpivogur. Between the capes of Hvalnes and Stokknes, you pass through the beautiful Lónsvík bay. As you approach your destination, you drive through the tunnel of Almannaskard and enter in the Höfn region. You are now in the realm of Vatnajökull ice cap.
8. day
DETIFOSS-ASBYRGIHUSAVIK
Húsavík is a charming fishing village and one of the most popular places for whale watching tours in Iceland. From there, we recommend that you drive around the Tjörnes Peninsula and walk very carefully along the grassy cliffs overlooking the waters of the Arctic Ocean, you have a chance to observe a colony of puffins from spring until early August. Further along the way, discover Ásbyrgi, an impressive horseshoe- shaped gorge and former bed of the great glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Also, Europe's most powerful waterfall, which marks the beginning of the stunning Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and National Park.
9. day
MYVATN LAKE
Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms, the warm, soothing, geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths is drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters. Drive toward Akureyri for your overnight.
10. day
REYKJAVÍK
Today, drop off your rental car in Akureyri and fly back to Reykjavik. Upon arrival, Flybus Transfer to your hotel and check in. Overnight in Reykjavík, Hotel Reykjavik Saga.
11. day
FLIGHT TO REYKJAVÍK
Today, enjoy Reykjavik at leisure. Option to go the the Sky Lagoon. Overnight in Reykjavík, Hotel Reykjavik Saga.
12. day
DEPART REYKJAVÍK
It is now time to head back home, after an amazing journey through some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. Take the Fly Bus transfer to Keflavík International Airport.