Arctic & Alaska

Highlights of South & West Iceland (Self-Drive)

7 Days, Departs daily. Contact for pricing.
Details

Overview

Operating all year round, this ideal 7-day route will showcase the most iconic sites of South & West Iceland. Driving along the Golden Circle route, pass by Thingvellir, Geysir, Kerid Crater and Dettifoss waterfall. Experience geothermal hot springs, and climb up volcanic craters for spectacular views of the island. This self-drive package will include car rental with unlimited mileage, allowing you to start exploring the moment your arrive into Iceland.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Learn about the viking history of Iceland
  • Stunning views atop the peaks of volcanic craters
  • Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site -Thingvellir Park
  • Pass by many of Icelands grand waterfalls

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 & Car Pick Up

Arrival & Car Pick Up
Upon arrival to Keflavik Airport, your car is ready for pick-up at the airport. Drive to your hotel of choice in Reykjavik for check-in and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.


Day 2 - Reykjavik: Saga Valley & Hraunfosser Waterfall

Saga Valley & Hraunfosser Waterfall
After breakfast, head west toward the Hvalfjordur, also known as Whale Bay. After visiting the tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur waterfall, you will enter into the main city, Borgarnes, of the Borgarfjordur district. Learn all about the Saga of the Norsemen settlement in Iceland as you explore the city.

Later in the afternoon, continue towards Eldbord crater, the most perfectly shaped crater in Iceland. On the way, you will pass by magnificent scenery as you continue towards Snaefellsness Peninsula.

Estimated driving distance: 180 km.


Day 3 - Stykkisholmur: Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Snæfellsjökull Park

Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Snæfellsjökull Park
In the morning of the third day it is recommended to have a cruise in the beautiful Bay Breiðafjörður scattered with small islands. The cruise is available in summer and departs from Stykkishólmur. The islands area is known for its great variety of seabirds, including puffins, ducks, cormorants and even eagles. After the cruise, continue to ride west along the northern coast of the peninsula, through the fishermen's village of Rif, Olafsvik, Hellissandur & Grundarfjordur. Explore the Snæfellsjökull volcano that boasts spectacular views. Go for a walk on Djupalonssandur beach and visit picturesque villages in Hellnar and Arnarstapi nearby.

Later, you will continue over to the Eastern part of Snæfellsness' Southern coast. You may see large colonies of seals in this area in spring time! The next stop will be the Deildartunguhver, Iceland's largest geothermal spring. You will continue to historic site Reykholt, home of the famous poet and researcher Snorri Sturluson.

Estimated driving distance: 180 km.


Day 4 - Borgarnes: Geysir, Gullfoss & Thingvellir Park

Geysir, Gullfoss & Thingvellir Park
After breakfast, you will continue toward the beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, toward Húsafell, a beautiful resort of bungalows made of wood in a forest of birch trees. You will climb up one of the highest highland roads in Iceland toward the Kaldidalur pass, a dirt road which will take us to the National Park Thingvellir, geologically unique place. Research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale, the place was recognized by the UNESCO as the World Heritage Site in 2004. Cracks and fissures in the earth's crust can be seen here all over the place.

Thingvellir is also one of the most important historical sites in Iceland, it is the establishment site of the world's first parliament Alþingi. After you've seen the beautiful sights of the park you will continue to the other side of the Lake Thingvellir - to the park of geysers and hot springs. You will see the Strokkur - one of the active geysers that erupts every few minutes. You will continue to the Gullfoss waterfall "Golden waterfall" one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. You'll continue south to see the waterfall Faxi and the volcanic crater Kerið where you will climb up to see the view of the lake harbored in the crater of the mountain.

Estimated driving distance: 250 km.


Breakfast included.

Day 5 - Selfoss: Skógafoss Waterfall & Dyrhólaey Cliff

Skógafoss Waterfall & Dyrhólaey Cliff
Today's activities will begin with a stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. In the summer, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a unique perspective of the waterfall! After, visit the museum in Skogar to learn about the history of Icelandics and their lifestyles.

You'll continue driving along the southern coast to the Dyrhólaey nature reserve, the southernmost point in Iceland and nesting place for many birds, including puffins. In Reynishverfi you will be able to walk on the beach with black sand and enjoy the view of the cliffs. At the village Vik you'll make a U-turn and go back to Reykjavik.

Estimated driving distance: 250 km.


Breakfast included.

Day 6 - Reykjavik: Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon

Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon
This morning leave Reykjavik and head to the village Hafnarfjörður, famous for its Viking village. You'll cross the Vopnafjörður toward the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Lake Kleifarvatn with the lunar landscape. From here a short drive will take you to Krýsuvík, very geothermal active area with many bubbling mud pools, hot springs and boiling water coming out of cracks in the ground! You will continue on the road that crosses lava fields to fisherman's village Grindavik. Blue Lagoon is located near the village of Grindavík. The Blue Lagoon is known worldwide as one of the top ten spas in the world, an exceptional place. We highly recommend to have a relaxing bath in the unique water of the Blue Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavik. Note: The Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance and is not included in this itinerary. We can help with that!

Estimated driving distance: 150 km.


Day 7 - Reykjavik: Departure

Departure
After breakfast, you can return the rental car at Keflavik Airport before boarding your outbound flight home.


Comfort

Reykjavik, Iceland - Baldursbrá Guesthouse

Stykkisholmur, Iceland - Holmur Inn

Borgarnes, Iceland - Bjarg Guesthouse

Selfoss, Iceland - Bitra Bed & Breakfast

Superior

Reykjavik, Iceland - Klettur Hotel

Stykkisholmur, Iceland - Framnes Hotel

Borgarnes, Iceland - Fosshotel Reykholt

Selfoss, Iceland - Hotel Gullfoss

Deluxe

Reykjavik, Iceland - Grand Hótel Reykjavík

Stykkisholmur, Iceland - Stykkishólmur Fosshotel

Borgarnes, Iceland - Icelandair Hotel Hamar

Selfoss, Iceland - Stracta Hotel Hella

What’s included?

  • Accommodation*
  • Hotel taxes
  • Car pick-up at the airport
  • Car rental with unlimited mileage
  • Two drivers insurance (CDW & Theft Protection)
  • Detailed trip planner
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material
  • Activities as specified
  • Meals as specified

What’s not included?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

*Accommodation

Please note that the comfort option includes accommodation with shared facilities. Superior and Deluxe options include accommodation with private facilities. Rates are based on lead-in rooms.Other room types and hotels are available upon request.

 

The price shown is a 'from' price. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.

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.

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Highlights of South & West Iceland (Self-Drive)

7 Days, Departs daily. Contact for pricing.