9 day Iceland Ring Explorer Self Drive Tour

Arrival – Reykjavik
Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport you will pick up your electric rental car (included) and drive to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik (50km, 50min). During your free time we recommend a visit to the National and Saga Museums to trace back through Iceland’s Viking history. For sweeping views of the sea and hills, we recommend a visit to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church and rotating Perlan glass dome (entrance included).

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik Natura (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Golden Circle
Explore classics today as you travel the route of the Golden Circle sights.Start the day visiting the Geysir geothermal fields (about 65 miles). There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur, “the Churn”, which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals.

Continue to Gullfoss (about 6 miles), “the golden falls”, which is a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers all year round. From here, we suggest tohave an amazing experience of driving a snowmobile on the glacier. Venture inland to Thingvellir National Park (about 43 miles), a UNESCO world heritage site, and an area of exceptional geological and historical interest. The Þingvellir area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The faults and fissures make evident the rifting of the earth’s crust.

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavik Natura (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Optional: Snowmobile ride at the glacier

South Coast
Embark on a journey through Iceland’s stunning South Coast. Visit the Lava Centre (about 31 miles) to learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity and eruptions. Stop at Seljalandsfoss (about 13 miles), where you can walk behind the cascading waterfall.

Continue to Skógafoss (about 18 miles), one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls. Enjoy a scenic drive across the Eldhraun Lava Field, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visit the black lava beach of Reynisfjara (about 15 miles), renowned for its basalt columns and powerful waves.

Conclude the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (about 127 miles), a mesmerizing site where floating icebergs create a surreal landscape. Nearby, stroll along Diamond Beach, where stranded icebergs sparkle like diamonds on the black sand.

The North
Today you will journey toward North Iceland. Stop at Hverir Geothermal Area (160 km, 2h), where boiling mud pools and steam vents create a surreal Martian-like environment.

Visit Lake Mývatn (about 99 miles), known for its pseudocraters and unique lava formations. Continue to Goðafoss (about 27 miles), the majestic “Waterfall of the Gods.” End the day in Akureyri (about 21 miles), North Iceland’s cultural hub.

Overnight: Berjaya Hofn Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Optional: Relax in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths

Akureyri
In the morning, explore the town of Akureyri: visit the botanical garden, walk the streets and ad-mire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord.

In the afternoon, travel to Husavik (about 46 miles) and here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride at the North Sea for the Whale Watch Tour. Husavik is the best place in Iceland for whale watching.

Overnight: Berjaya Herad Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Optional: Whale Watching Tour

Volcano Crater, Seals, Fjords, and Mountains
Start traveling along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until you reach the first stop, the turf church of Víðimýri (about 59 miles).

Next, visit a natural history & seal museum in the fishing village of Hvammstangi (about 65 miles). Have an easy hike on Grábrók volcano crater (about 55 miles) in the middle of a greenish lava field and continue till the town of Borgarnes. Travel along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord and arrive in Reykjavik (about 68 miles).

Free Day in Reykjavik
Free day in Reykjavik. We recommend visiting the Whales of Iceland exhibition with life-sized models, or FlyOver Iceland, soar across Iceland’s most spectacular scenery and natural wonders with the latest in simulated fight ride technology.

Overnight: Hotel Centrum, Akureyri (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Reykjavik – Departure
Drive to Reykjavik International airport where you will deliver the car and end the tour.