This is a self-drive option of the classic circle tour around Iceland, including all the major sights of interest along the ring road with the addition of Snaefellsnes peninsula. 

Highlights include the Golden Circle, Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss waterfall just to name a few. The Classic Circle offers an even pace to enjoy the serenity of Icelandic nature with views of volcanic mountains and craters, lakes, waterfalls, clear rivers, green meadows dotted with flowes and patches of arctic cottongrass with sheep roaming around freely. All this in contrast with the whiteness of  glaciers. 

 

  • 1

    ARRIVAL – KEFLAVIK – REYKJAVIK     (ca. 50 km)
    Pick up the rental car at Keflavik international airport upon arrival and drive to Reykjavik where you stay the first night.

  • 2

    REYKJAVIK - SNAEFELLSNES - BORGARNES     (ca. 540 km)
    Drive north out of the city to Borgarfjordur and further to Snaefellsnes peninsula which is often referred to as the Iceland in miniature since practically all natural phenomena that you find around Iceland can be found there  – only on a slightly smaller scale! Lava fields, volcanic craters, glacier, waterfalls, sandy beaches, charming fishing towns, bird cliffs and more. Snaefellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Accommodation in Borgarnes.

  • 3

    BORGARNES - SKAGAFJORDUR - SIGLUFJORDUR     (ca. 500 km)
    From Borgarnes we head north towards Hrutafjordur further to the agricultural region of Skagafjörður, rich in history and natural beauty. Holar  in Hjaltadalur with the old cathedral is one of the historical sights of interest along the way before you continue north around the Troll peninsula to Siglufjordur, a charming fishing town at the foot of the high mountains where we stay overnight.     
    For some departures the accommodation will be at Holar and the drive continues to Siglufjordur the next morning.

  • 4

    EYJAFJORDUR - AKUREYRI     (ca. 140 km)
    In Siglufjordur a possibility for optional visit to the award winning Herring Era museum. Departing Siglufjordur the drive takes you along the breathtaking coastal road of Eyjafjordur with great views of Hrisey Island and the mountainous landscape on the way to Akureyri. 
    Along the way there is a possibility to stop at one of the small fishing villages and have an optional visit to a local micro-brewery or try out a beer spa (not included in the price).     
    Accommodation in Akureyri.

  • 5

    LAKE MYVATN  (ca. 230 km)
    This is the day to visit Godafoss waterfall and explore the Lake Myvatn area with the abundance of natural volcanic wonders. We enter the Rift zone and along the way you will see clear signs of past activity, as recent as 1975-84. Among the highlights are pseudocraters at Skutustadir, Dimmuborgir (The Dark Castle) and the solfatara field at Namaskard with its boiling mud pits and steam vents.     
    In summer months the Lake is teeming with bird life as various bird and duck species come nesting in the surroundings of the lake. There will also be with several possibilities for short (easy) hikes and a chance for a relaxing bath in the Nature Baths geothermal lagoon. Accommodation in the area of Lake Myvatn or in Husavik.

  • 6

    HUSAVIK - DETTIFOSS - EGILSSTADIR  (ca. 430 km)
    Drive around the Tjornes peninsula. Reaching the northern tip of Jokulsargljufur national park stop at Asbyrgi, a horseshoe shaped canyon. Continue south towards the Dettifoss – Europe's most powerful waterfall. Further east the drive takes us through the desert land of Modrudalsoraefi with views of Mt Herdubreid – considered to be one of the most beautiful  mountains in Iceland. On our way further through Jokuldalur we can enjoy the view of numerous waterfalls that drop down from the top of the hills. The drive goes through Egilsstadir and the day ends in the East fjords. Accommodation in the area.

  • 7

    EAST FJORDS - JOKULSARLON GLACIAL LAGOON - SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK   (320 km)
    Drive along the East Fjords' coastal road towards Hofn and continue along the Vatnajokull glacier and its outlets. At the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon an optional amphibian boat tour amongst the icebergs is available. Here you are also within walking distance of the sea. If lucky, you might spot a seal near the shore or even in the lagoon.  Continue to Skaftafell national park – a green oasis surrounded by the glacier and the sands of glacial rivers. Here you have a chance for a walk to Svartifoss waterfall. Overnight at a country hotel in the area of Skaftafell or Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

  • 8

    KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR - VIK - SELFOSS   (ca. 270 km)
    Travel across the sands of glacial rivers and lava fields towards the village Kirkjubaejarklaustur and further to Vik with the Reynisdrangar stacks in the sea and the black sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Other sights of natural beauty along the way: Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrholaey, views of Solheimajokull and Eyjafjallajökull glacier as well as the impressive Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. At Thorvaldseyri there visit the exhibition on the infamous volcano eruption of 2010. Accommodation in South Iceland.

  • 9

    REYKJAVIK - GOLDEN CIRCLE  (270 km)
    Today we have three more highlights to visit. Gullfoss waterfall – the Golden Falls which drops in two cascades deep into the gorge of Hvita glacial river; the Geysir geothermal area with an abundance of hot springs. We wait for the most active of the geysers, Strokkur, which spouts a steaming column of water into the air every 5-10 minutes;  the Thingvellir national park, the site of the first parliament, founded in 930. Thingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. The Lake with its surroundings is a place of great geological interest.  We end the day at our accommodation in Reykjavik.

  • 10

    REYKJAVIK - KEFLAVIK - DEPARTURE (50 km)
    Breakfast and transfer to Keflavik airport under own arrangement in time for flight departure.

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Included in the package price

  1. 9 days car rental with unlimited mileage, CDW, tax; pick up/drop off at Keflavík airport   
  2. 9 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities, breakfast included
  3. Admission to Naturebaths Myvatn
  4. Detailed itinerary
  5. Reference guide brochure about Iceland
  6. Service and VAT

Not included in the package price: optional tours, admission to museums and meals others than specified above.

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