Arctic & Alaska

Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls (Self-drive)

7 Days, Departs Daily between 1st May – 30th Sep. From NZD $2,399pp.
Details

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Iceland's stunning landscapes in this exhilarating 7-day self-drive tour! From the moment you touch down in the "Land of Fire and Ice," get ready to explore a realm where geysers spout, glaciers glisten, and waterfalls roar.

Your journey kicks off with the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the bubbling Geysir hot springs. Drive along the breathtaking South Coast, stopping at iconic sites like Skógafoss and the dramatic Reynisfjara beach. Experience the wonders of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier and the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where icebergs drift serenely.

Next, marvel at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history, before diving into the geological beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Finally, unwind at the famous Blue Lagoon, soaking in its healing waters surrounded by otherworldly landscapes.

Each day unfolds new adventures, showcasing the unique beauty of Iceland. Get ready for a week filled with awe-inspiring scenery, rich culture, and the thrill of the open road!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Gullfoss Waterfall: Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, where glacial waters cascade dramatically into a rugged canyon.
  • Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon: Marvel at the shimmering icebergs floating in this stunning lagoon, and don’t miss the chance to stroll along the nearby Diamond Beach, where glistening ice fragments contrast against black sands.
  • Vatnajökull National Park: Explore Europe’s largest glacier and enjoy hiking trails leading to spectacular views, including the striking Svartifoss waterfall, framed by unique basalt columns.
  • Þingvellir National Park: Stand between two tectonic plates at this UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and natural beauty, where you can walk through Iceland's geological and cultural heritage.
  • Blue Lagoon: Relax in the world-renowned geothermal spa, soaking in mineral-rich waters surrounded by a stunning volcanic landscape, the perfect way to unwind after your adventures.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrival in the Land of Fire and Ice
  • Day 2: Gullfoss – Geysir – South Coast
  • Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park – Glacial Lagoon – Vík
  • Day 4: Þingvellir National Park – Borgarfjörður
  • Day 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Snæfellsjökull National Park
  • Day 6: Reykjanes Peninsula – Blue Lagoon
  • Day 7: Return to Keflavík International Airport

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary

  • This is a tailor made itinerary which means you can extend your days in each location or add more days to discover more of Iceland!
  • Add on our Experience Bundles. Please see Notes for more info

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 - Reykjavik: Arrival in the Land of Fire and Ice

Arrival in the Land of Fire and Ice
Approximate Distance: 100 km / 62 miles

Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel.

Car Details:
Car B2
VW Golf or similar
5 door
Trunk: Hatchback
Luggage Capacity: 3
5 Seats
Automatic
Compact 2wd

Drive along the mystical lava landscapes of the South Coast to the charming village of Hveragerði for your overnight. The road takes you past rocky beaches with thundering waves. Hveragerði is perfect for getting to know typical small-town Icelandic culture, but with a unique twist. Hveragerði is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.”

Overnight in the Hveragerði area.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)


Day 2 - Hveragerði: Gullfoss – Geysir – South Coast

Gullfoss – Geysir – South Coast
Approximate Distance: 290 km / 180 miles

Bubbling geysers – Golden waterfall – Black sandy beaches

Today you’ll be exploring the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss (the Golden Falls) is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser that shoots like clockwork. Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled. We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth. The centre has interesting exhibits for all age groups.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each a photo worthy visit) and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland.

Stop by the seafront village of Vík to explore Reynisfjara, a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glaciertopped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches.

Dyrhólaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

Overnight in the Vík area.

*Important: Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.


Day 3 - Vik: Vatnajökull National Park – Glacial Lagoon – Vík

Vatnajökull National Park – Glacial Lagoon – Vík
Approximate Distance: 400 km / 249 miles

Glacial national park – Iceberg lagoon – Europe’s largest glacier

Today you’ll be in Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. Visit the awe-inspiring Skaftafell area of the park, a green oasis set between glaciers.

There are several excellent hiking trails including one to the basalt lined Svartifoss Falls. If you want to experience a glacier adventure, we recommend taking a guided hike on one of the park’s glaciers.

Continue to the shimmering icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and enjoy the amazing view. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a few sunbathing seals. Many people enjoy taking an amphibian or Zodiac boat trip on the Glacier Lagoon itself. Nearby the Glacier Lagoon is the Diamond Beach, an area where glittering pieces of glaciers perch on the volcanic black sand coastline. Return to the charming village of Vík in the late afternoon

Overnight in the Vík area.


Day 4 - Vik: Þingvellir National Park – Borgarfjörður

Þingvellir National Park – Borgarfjörður
Approximate Distance: 325 km / 202 miles

National park of geological wonders – Saga sites – Lava Falls

Visit one of the places most beloved to us Icelanders: Þingvellir National Park. This area is the site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see (and even walk between) the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. Several walking trails and hiking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Next, you can travel via either Hvalfjörður fjord or the Kaldidalur wilderness track. (Kaldidalur is open JuneAugust; a 4WD vehicle is needed. We recommend Category F or higher.) Your destination is the beautiful Borgarfjörður region and Reykholt, home of the colourful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area you might stop by the Visiting Horse Farm, where you can meet friendly Icelandic horses and
try home-made baked treats in the farm’s café.

Visit Hraunfossar Falls, were glacial water rushes beautifully through lava formations. Next, you can see how powerful hot springs can be at Deildartunguhver, where boiling water rushes by at 180 litres (48 gallons) per second. You cannot bathe here, but the nearby Krauma Geothermal Natural Spa is a wonderful place to relax in a nice blend of water from Deildartunguhver and cool mountain springs

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.


Day 5 - Borgarfjordur: Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Snæfellsjökull National Park
Approximate Distance: 330 km / 205 miles

Sea cliffs with birdlife – Glacier-crowned mountain – Rock formations

Today you are for a treat: A whole day to explore the countless natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, home of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snæfellsnes is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” since you can see samples of most Icelandic landscapes in one area. Visit Arnarstapi sea cliffs where many types of seabirds live. If you enjoy hiking, there is a great nature trail you can hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages. (About 4.3
km/2.7 miles). Crowning the area is the glacier topped Snæfellsjökull volcano, legendary home to a guardian spirit. Driving through the park gives you a chance to view the mountain from many different angles.

Visit Djúpalónssandur with its mysteriously shaped rocks and black pebbled beach. Then head along the north coast through lively fishing villages. Keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, the photogenic Church Mountain. Ólafsvík town is a great place for whale watching tours.

Overnight in the Borgarfjörður area.


Day 6 - Borgarfjordur: Reykjanes Peninsula – Blue Lagoon

Reykjanes Peninsula – Blue Lagoon
Approximate Distance: 215 km / 134 miles

Volcanic landscapes – Bubbling mud pools – Geothermal Spa

Today, you’ll explore a different side of Iceland with a visit to Reykjanes peninsula. Designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2015, Reykjanes lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It has over 50 geosites related to geothermal and tectonic plate activity. It’s a paradise for geologists and photographers alike! It is also the site of Iceland’s 2021-2024 eruptions.

Visit the moon-like surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krýsuvík geothermal area with its multicoloured bubbling mud pools. You can also cross the Mid-Atlantic ridge on the Bridge between Continents.

Reykjanes is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon where you can relax in the soothing mineral waters. Note: The Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance. We can help with that!

If you enjoy adventure, you can enjoy guided ATV tours, hiking, snorkelling, and golfing. Or indulge your inner explorer at the Víkingaheimur museum where you can learn about Viking discoveries between Iceland and the New World.

Afterwards, head to Reykjavík for your overnight. Enjoy the food scene and lively culture of Iceland’s capital.

Overnight in Reykjavík.


Breakfast included.

Day 7 - Reykjavik: Return to Keflavík International Airport - 7 Days Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls (Self-drive)

Return to Keflavík International Airport - 7 Days Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls (Self-drive)
Approximate Distance: 50 km / 30 miles

Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.


Breakfast included.

Departs Daily between 1st May - 30th Sep

SeasonTypeFromSpecial Offer
01 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 NZD$2399ppExpand to view prices
ComfortNZD$2399ppContact us
SuperiorNZD$2724ppContact us
01 Jun 2025 - 24 Jun 2025 NZD$3050ppExpand to view prices
25 Jun 2025 - 26 Aug 2025 NZD$3488ppExpand to view prices
27 Aug 2025 - 30 Sep 2025 NZD$3050ppExpand to view prices
  • Price based on 2 people travelling together. Ask us for single rates or group rates.
  • This self-drive tour is also available in family rooms. Please contact us for information and pricing. Available upon request.
Comfort

Hveragerði, Iceland - Ork Hotel

Vik, Iceland - Hotel Katla

Borgarnes, Iceland - Hótel Vesturland

Reykjavik, Iceland - Klettur Hotel

Superior

Hveragerði, Iceland - Ork Hotel

Vik, Iceland - Hotel Dyrholaey

Borgarnes, Iceland - Icelandair Hotel Hamar

Reykjavik, Iceland - Fosshotel Reykjavik

Whats included?

  • Accommodation in the tour category of your choice. Accommodation is a combination of hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses.
  • Icelandic-style breakfasts during tour (except arrival day).
  • Car rental details as following. Upgrades available. Please ask us.
    • VW Golf or similar
    • 5 door 
    • Trunk: Hatchback
    • Luggage Capacity: 3
    • 5 Seats 
    • Automatic
    • Compact 2wd
  • Rental car with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT. Please note: The package price is based on 24-hour rental, starting at the booked time of the rental. If your car rental exceeds 24 hours from the booked pick up time to drop off an extra day for the car will be charged.
  • Car pick up/drop off at Keflavík International Airport
  • Airport Service Charge
  • Additional authorized driver
  • Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
  • Emergency phone line open 24 hours, including weekdays and public holidays
  • Customer care service during office hours
  • Service fee and taxes

What’s not included?

  • Tunnel and ferry fees are not included in the self-drive prices
  • Upgrade your insurance protection for an extra fee (approx. EUR50) in addition to the CDW insurance cover already included. Add: SCDW, Windshield protection (WSP), Gravel Damage (GD), Sand and Ash Damage (SAAP), Tyres and Wheels (TW)
  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included 

Notes

  • This self-drive tour is also available in family rooms. Please contact us for information and pricing. Available upon request.

Make the most of your trip! We have crafted a selection of optional Experience Bundles - all coordinated carefully to complement our suggested itineraries:

  • The Adventurer (Approx. EUR340 per person): 
    • Glacier Wonders walk on Sólheimajökull: Guided tour, glacier gear and safety equipment. 3,5 hours
    • Meet us at Gullfoss - Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier: 1 hr snowmobile tour (2 pers. per snowmobile), all safety equipment necessary, return super jeep transfer from base
  • The Navigator (Approx. EUR240 per person):
    • Zodiac tour on Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon: 45 min Zodiac boat tour on Glacial Lagoon
    • Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths: Bathing fee and rent of towel
    • Whale watching from Akureyr: Whale Watching Boat tour 3 hrs
  • The Wellness Seeker  (Approx. EUR220 per person):
    • Hvammsvík Geothermal Hot Spring: Bathing fee and rent of towel
    • Fontana Geothermal Steam Baths: Bathing fee and rent of towel
    • Sky Lagoon Thermal Spa: Pure pass - Bathing fee and rent of towel

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls (Self-drive)

7 Days, Departs Daily between 1st May – 30th Sep. From NZD $2,399pp.