Round About Iceland
- Tour ID: SNA01
Tour Info:
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Seasons: Summer
- Travel Style: Self-Drive Tours in Scandinavia
- Countries: Iceland
- Available: April - October
Embark on an unforgettable eight-day self-drive journey around Iceland, combining dramatic coastlines, vast lava fields, mighty waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic landscapes and fascinating cultural heritage. Travel the famous Ring Road and discover many of Iceland’s most iconic sights, from the black sand beaches and waterfalls of the South Coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the remote East Fjords, Lake Mývatn and the historic landscapes of Borgarfjörður.
Along the way, experience geothermal areas, thundering waterfalls, fishing villages, colourful towns and some of the country’s most impressive national parks. Complete your journey with Iceland’s celebrated Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. With your own rental car and accommodation arranged each night, this itinerary offers the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace while covering an exceptional variety of landscapes.
Highlights:
- Drive Iceland’s famous Ring Road
- Walk along the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach
- Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
- See the geothermal wonders of Námaskarð
- Enjoy the flexibility of travelling Iceland by self-drive
Price Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Rental car for 8 days
- Unlimited kilometres with rental vehicle
- Collision Damage Waiver
- Third Party Liability Insurance
- Pick-up and return of rental vehicle at Keflavík International Airport
- Detailed self-drive itinerary and route information
- 24-hour emergency assistance while travelling in Iceland
- All applicable accommodation taxes
Price Excludes:
- Fuel expense and parking fees
- Items not included in the itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and collect your rental vehicle before beginning your Iceland adventure. Drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula, where vast lava fields, moss-covered volcanic rock and distant mountains provide your first introduction to Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
Continue to Reykjavík and settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the colourful streets, cafés, harbour and landmarks of Iceland’s capital.
Driving: Approx. 50 km
Accommodation: Reykjavík
Today you travel along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, where waterfalls, volcanoes, farmland and black sand beaches create constantly changing scenery.
Visit beautiful Seljalandsfoss, where a walking path allows you to venture behind the curtain of falling water when conditions permit. Continue to powerful Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls.
Further east, explore the dramatic coastline around Dyrhólaey before visiting Reynisfjara, famous for its black volcanic sands, striking basalt columns and towering sea stacks.
Continue to the small coastal village of Vík, surrounded by mountains, beaches and dramatic ocean scenery.
Driving: Approx. 225 km
Accommodation: Vík area
Continue east through some of Iceland’s most impressive glacial landscapes as you travel towards Vatnajökull National Park.
The Skaftafell region offers magnificent views of glaciers descending from the immense Vatnajökull ice cap. Depending on your interests and available time, explore one of the walking trails or visit Svartifoss, known for the distinctive basalt columns surrounding the waterfall.
Continue to spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where enormous pieces of glacial ice drift slowly towards the ocean. Nearby Diamond Beach is scattered with ice fragments that wash ashore onto the contrasting black volcanic sand.
Your journey continues to Höfn, a picturesque fishing town surrounded by impressive mountain and glacier scenery.
Driving: Approx. 285 km
Accommodation: Höfn area
Travel through the magnificent East Fjords, one of Iceland’s quieter and less-visited regions. The scenic road follows the coastline beneath steep mountains, winding around deep fjords and through small fishing communities.
Stop in charming villages such as Djúpivogur and continue through Fáskrúðsfjörður, which retains fascinating links to the French fishermen who once worked in the region.
As you travel north, the rugged coastline gradually gives way to broader valleys and greener landscapes. Arrive in Egilsstaðir, the main centre of East Iceland and an excellent base for exploring nearby Lake Lagarfljót and the surrounding countryside.
Driving: Approx. 270 km
Accommodation: Egilsstaðir area
Journey across the vast landscapes of northeast Iceland towards the Lake Mývatn region.
Make a detour to mighty Dettifoss, renowned for the enormous volume of water plunging into the canyon below. Continue towards Lake Mývatn, surrounded by one of Iceland’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes.
Explore the colourful geothermal area around Námaskarð, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and mineral-rich earth reveal the geothermal forces beneath the surface. Nearby attractions include Hverfjall volcanic crater and the unusual lava formations of Dimmuborgir.
You may also choose to relax in the geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Continue west to beautiful Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, before travelling to Akureyri. Spend some time discovering this attractive northern town, surrounded by mountains at the head of Eyjafjörður.
Driving: Approx. 335 km
Accommodation: Akureyri area
Leave Akureyri and travel west through the historic Skagafjörður region, renowned for its Icelandic horses and strong connections with the country’s medieval sagas.
You may wish to visit Glaumbær, where beautifully preserved turf houses provide an insight into traditional Icelandic rural life.
Continue south across the Holtavörðuheiði plateau towards Borgarfjörður, an area rich in both natural attractions and Icelandic history.
Visit Reykholt, once home to medieval historian and writer Snorri Sturluson, before continuing to Deildartunguhver, one of Europe’s most powerful geothermal springs.
Nearby, discover Hraunfossar, where countless streams of water flow from beneath a lava field into the river below, and neighbouring Barnafoss with its rushing blue waters.
You may also choose to visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes to learn more about Iceland’s early settlers and saga heritage.
Driving: Approx. 400 km
Accommodation: Borgarfjörður area
Today explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle.
Begin at UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most important historical and geological sites. Here, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly separate, while the area also marks the site of Iceland’s ancient Alþingi parliament.
Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where steaming pools and bubbling springs surround Strokkur, an active geyser that regularly sends boiling water high into the air.
A short drive brings you to magnificent Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River plunges dramatically into a deep canyon.
After exploring the Golden Circle, return to Reykjavík for your final evening in Iceland.
Driving: Approx. 295 km
Accommodation: Reykjavík
Enjoy your final morning in Iceland before driving from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport.
Return your rental vehicle and continue with your onward travel arrangements, bringing your Icelandic self-drive adventure to an end.
Driving: Approx. 50 km
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
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