This self-drive favorite explores Iceland's rich natural treasures, including national parks, beautiful waterfalls, striking glaciers, magnificent volcanoes and hot springs.

Key benefits of this tour:

This tour gives you plenty of time to cover all the major stunning attractions that Iceland has to offer along the ring road.

This tour does not include the west part of Iceland (Snaefellsnes Peninsula) but if you are interested in having that majestic area included in your package, be sure to check out or Iceland Grand circle package

Types of Car recommended: 2.0 or higher.

The accommodation in this package is available with or without private facilities.

As for all our selfdrive packages, passengers will receive a road book, as well as a good road map of Iceland upon check-in at your first accommodation. For your safety and in case of emergency or after hours assistance, Iceland Travel provides you with an emergency phone number, open 24 hours in the summertime.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Explore Reykjavik, the Northernmost Capital in the World

Arrival and overnight in Reykjavik (transfer from international airport not included)

DAY 2: Hveragerði - Geysir - Þingvellir - Borgarfjörður

Greenhouses - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Massive Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles

Drive across Hellisheiði plateau to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði. Continue to the waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Þingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjörður fjord or Kaldidalur highland pass (4WD needed) to Borgarfjörður.

DAY 3: Borgarfjörður - Blönduós - Varmahlíð - Akureyri

Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Iceland's Second Largest City - Viking Horses

Approximate mileage: ca. 280 km / 174 miles

Drive north through Borgarfjörður to the shores of Húnaflói bay and the towering mountains and horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north.

Optional: River rafting in Skagafjörður; horse riding in Skagafjörður; seal watching tour from Hvammstangi.

DAY 4: Akureyri - Lake Mývatn

Botanical Garden - Museums - Waterfall "Of the Gods"

Approximate mileage: ca. 100 km / 62 miles

Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Mývatn area.

DAY 5: Lake Mývatn

Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife

Approximate mileage: variable

Explore the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and surrounding area, including the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colorful sulfurous slopes of Námaskarð pass.

Optional: Bird museum in Mývatn.

DAY 6: Húsavík - Tjörnes - Dettifoss - Egilsstaðir

Whale Watching - Glacier Carved Gorge - Europe' Most Powerful Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 310 km / 193 miles

Drive north to the fishing port of Húsavík and around Tjörnes peninsula. Visit Ásbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, before heading across the highland plateau to Egilsstaðir in the east.

Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík

DAY 7: Reyðarfjörður- Stöðvarfjörður - Djúpivogur - Höfn

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. The journey continues to the town of Höfn in Hornafjörður, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Optional: Petra's stone collection; boat tour to Papey Island.

DAY 8: Höfn - Skaftafell - Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe's Largest National Park

Approximate mileage: ca. 200 km / 124 km

Drive to the shimmering icebergs and still, milky waters of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon before continuing to Skaftafell National Park where a nature hike is recommended. On to the picturesque village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Optional: Jeep tour to Vatnajökull glacier; boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon; glacier hike in Skaftafell area.

DAY 9: Vík - Skógar - Reykjavík

Lava Fields - Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore - Puffin Colony - Thundering Waterfalls

Approximate mileage: ca. 260 km / 162miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmland sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Return to Reykjavík.

Optional: Boat tour to the Westman Islands.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

Departure (transfer not included).

Included

Rental car for 8 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT and one authorized driver.
Delivery of rental car to hotel on day 2 (Only available for packages with accommodation at Hotel Hilton Nordica).
Accommodation for 9 nights including breakfast, a combination of farmhouses, guesthouses and hotels.
Detailed road map (1:600 000).
Road book.
Emergency phone line available 24/7 from May to September.

Not included

Gasoline
Meals
Optional tours
International flights
Any service not mentioned under "included"

OPTIONAL:
When sending your request, possibility to include at extra cost:

Child seat/booster: EUR 25 / EUR 10 per rental.
GPS system: EUR 16 per unit per day (Max EUR 112). If booked in advance we offer 50% discount (not commissionable)