Visiting imposing volcanoes, witnessing roaring waterfalls, exploring lava tunnels and hiking on a glacier, this action-packed self-drive tour will also have you bathing in warm geothermal pools and kayaking amongst coastal lagoons and waterways of the southern coast.
- Visit Thingvellir National Park and the impressive Gulfoss waterfalls
- Witness the boiling eruptions of Strokkur Geyser
- Kayak through coastal lagoons
- Explore the underground world on a lava tunnel trek
- Bathe in the natural geothermal springs
- Take an adventurous glacier trek
Children will appreciate the many layers of the country when walking through the vast open spaces of Thingvellir National Park and exploring the volcanic landscape of the southern shores. The eruptions of Geysir are bound to impress - as are the many stunning waterfalls - and learning more about how geothermal power is being harnessed to produce food will be of interest to everyone. The inclusions of glacier trekking, a lava tunnel exploration and a kayaking excursion are added highlights for educational adventures and immersing yourselves in the warm spa-like waters of natural thermal pools is a must.
The self-drive nature of this holiday offers a greater sense of independent travel, and allows you to take in the sights and make as many stops as you like along the way.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Iceland
On arrival at Keflavik Airport you will be met by your car-hire company where you collect your vehicle.
If you arrive on a morning flight, you have the option to visit the famous Blue Lagoon on the way to your accommodation. Here you will be able to bathe in the milky geothermal waters of this world-renowned spa.
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour
Your journey today will take you to some of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Visit a local bakery that harnesses underground heat to bake bread, a tomato-growing greenhouse farm that is able to create Mediterranean-like temperatures using natural geothermal energy and the World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park, where you can witness the Strokkur geyser shoot boiling water high into the air every 10-minutes or so. The day finishes with a visit to the secret lagoon - a hot natural spring which maintains a constant water temperature of 38-40°C all year round, where you can bathe and relax.
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Days 3-4 : Southern Coast, Waterfalls and Glaciers
The south coast of Iceland is full of natural wonders, including Skogafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest and most beautiful waterfalls which you can walk right up to and sometimes even behind it - but just be prepared to get a little wet! Further on is Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is one of Iceland's most visited & photographed waterfalls.
Visit the Lava Exhibition Centre, which is home to the 'Icelandic Lava Show' - the only place in the world where you can safely witness hot molten lava in close proximity!
Be amazed by Sólheimajökull glacier, where you can take a safe and easy glacier walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue.Finally, see the most popular black beach in Iceland - Reynisfjara - and it's no surprise to see why! This is one of the most easily accessible beaches in Iceland and offers stunning views and includes the famous basalt columns, which are said to be trolls that have turned to stone by the sun.
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Day 5: Kayaking and Lava Tunnels
This morning, you take to the water and embark on an exploration of an amazing labyrinth of water channels by kayak. The area consists of small and large lagoons and lakes connected by narrow canals and is the ideal habitat for enormous numbers of birds and plants.
This afternoon, you explore a lava tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. A walkway has been built and impressive lighting in this part of the tunnel highlights the changing colours and clearly shows the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel about 5,200 years ago.
You finish the day at Reykjadalur (Steam Valley) - a beautiful and popular hiking area near the town of Hveragerði full of geothermal activity. Along this easy hiking trail you head to a hot spring where you can dip in and enjoy the warm waters in a natural setting, before returning to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
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Day 6: Depart Iceland
Today it's time to depart this spectacular island, as you return to the airport and drop-off your hire car.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 6+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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May
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Summer
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Oct
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the date ranges below, on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
| Daily Departures | Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | From | To | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Options |
| 2026 | 1 May | 31 May | 6 days | £1,595 | £1,575 | 6 days | £2,045 | £1,965 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Jul | 31 Jul | 6 days | £2,125 | £2,105 | 6 days | £2,495 | £2,415 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Aug | 31 Aug | 6 days | £2,125 | £2,105 | 6 days | £2,495 | £2,415 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 1 Oct | 31 Oct | 6 days | £1,595 | £1,575 | 6 days | £2,095 | £2,015 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Feb | 30 Apr | 6 days | £1,595 | £1,595 | 6 days | £1,995 | £1,945 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 May | 31 May | 6 days | £1,695 | £1,645 | 6 days | £2,095 | £2,045 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Jul | 31 Jul | 6 days | £2,195 | £2,125 | 6 days | £2,595 | £2,495 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Aug | 31 Aug | 6 days | £2,195 | £2,145 | 6 days | £2,595 | £2,495 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Oct | 31 Oct | 6 days | £1,775 | £1,725 | 6 days | £2,145 | £2,095 | Book or Enquire |
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
