9 Days
All Year
Approx. 1600 KM
Private bathroom
Iceland – from West to South! If you have just over a week free for vacation, you can experience the best of these two regions here in 9 days. If you want to discover all the contrasts in Icelandic nature, then you are in the right place!
Even if an extended week might pass quickly, you will never forget your experiences over these days. You travel the scenic West and the famous South Coast, with plenty of time to take in the sights. The segments of this vacation are purposefully situated to save travel time, giving you more time for other activities.
Tired of planning? We’ll take care of everything in advance, so all you need to do is pick up your vehicle and your adventure will begin! In addition to the bookings, we will give you a travel itinerary to ensure you do not miss any highlights. Are you interested in introducing more activities? That’s not an issue; upon booking, you will receive appropriate options to choose from that will enhance your trip.
If this sounds intriguing, then check out our Iceland 9 day itinerary!
﹢Rental car for 9 days (different categories available, more info below)
﹢Accommodation for 8 nights (private bathroom, breakfast included)
﹢SCDW insurance and Gravel Protection for the rental car
﹢Detailed travel information (Roadbook)
﹢Personal travel advisor
﹢Icelandic taxes
﹣Flights to and from Iceland
﹣Meals, drinks, and entrance costs, unless otherwise noted
﹣Personal Travel Insurance
﹣Any services not listed above as “included”
Step 1 – Select Participants, Travel Date, and Rental Car Type
Step 2 – Enter Main Traveler’s Details
Step 3 – Choose Additional Services
Step 4 – Finalize Your Booking Using a Credit Card
Cancel/Rebook a tour within 72 hours before arrival and receive a full refund
Read our Terms and Conditions
Capital Reykjavík
Driving Distance: approx. 50 km
Accommodation: Reykjavík
When you land in Iceland your rental car will be waiting for you. Reykjavík is only a short drive away, and after checking into your hotel you can explore the northern most capital city in the world. Whether you are looking for tasty food or thrilling entertainment, you will definitely find something to experience in this lively city.
Capital Reykjavík
Accommodation: Reykjavík
An additional day in the capital! There is much to explore in and around Reykjavík. Here you can take one of the many city tours, check out popular activities like FlyOver Iceland and Lava Show or go to museums and galleries. If you wish to do as the locals do, visiting the hot pots in one of the many swimming pools is a strong option. There are also tours that take you just outside the city, for example whale and puffin watching, horseback riding and lava cave exploration. In the evening many check out the restaurants and bars but you might also want to check for music shows and stand-ups.
Arnarstapi
Lóndrangar
Djúpalónssandur
Kirkjufell
Stykkishólmur
Driving Distance: approx. 310 km
Accommodation: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you venture out of the city to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. During your trip you will encounter many special sights like the Gatklettur rock arch, the rocky peaks of Lóndrangar, the black sand beach Djúpalónssandur and the well known Mount Kirkjufell. If you want to take a break from driving on your way to the peninsula there is a hot spring called Landbrotalaug on the way. It is located in a rough environment but offers warm water to relax in and amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Naturally, the majestic Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano will easily grab your attention during most of the day and in clear weather, you can even drive up to it in a snowcat. It is an option to go whale watching if you stop in Grundarfjörður, and if you do, you might be lucky and spot orcas! You will end the day in the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur where you will be staying over night.
Into the Glacier
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Driving Distance: approx. 250 km
Accommodation: Borgarnes area
This day brings you to the gorgeous Borgarfjörður region, where you can indulge in the sights and sounds of enchanting waterfalls, ancient grounds and steaming hot springs. On your way you can make two quick stops at Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall before continuing to the extreme heat of Deildartunguhver. The poet and scholar Snorri Sturluson's historic hot pot is located in Reykholt, but you can also take a bath: the Krauma geothermal bath is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
The lava waterfalls at Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are located farther inland. Hraunfossar is unlike any other waterfall in Iceland; it cascades out from a laterally extended lava field into a glacial river. When the day is over, you head back to your accommodation in the region.
Into the Glacier, Krauma Geothermal Bath
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir & Strokkur
Gullfoss Waterfall
Driving Distance: approx. 230 km
Accommodation: Hvolsvöllur area
As you head towards the South Coast of Iceland, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Þingvellir National Park. This is one of the most geologically and politically significant sites in Iceland, as this is where the oldest existing parliament was founded (Alþingi). The Gullfoss waterfall is arguably the most famous waterfall in Iceland, it is breathtaking, and its two steps glisten in the sun. This is followed by the incredible Strokkur geyser, whose boiling water shoots up to 40 meters into the air from the depths of the earth.
Now you have the option of eating inside a greenhouse at the well known Friðheimar Farm. If you wish to relax in warm water, Laugarvatn Fontana is also close by. On your way to your hotel in Hvolsvöllur area you will stop at Kerið Crater for the last sight of the day.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Driving Distance: approx. 270 km
Accommodation: Vatnajökull area
On the sixth day you will discover the stunning South Coast. The beautiful and famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are a must see, but we also suggest stopping at a few lesser-known waterfalls along the way.
There is more to explore than waterfalls today. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, which is the perfect spot for an amazing stroll. The small village of Vík offers a gorgeous view and here you can experience the Lava Show where you can see real, hot lava up close. At the end of the day you will travel to the Vatnajökull region where you will spend the night—a great starting point for your travels the following day!
Snowmobiling, Lava Show, ATV Tour
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Skaftafell National Park
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canion
Driving Distance: approx. 230 km
Accommodation: Vík area
The first stop of the day is at the stunning glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, the most well-known location on the South Coast. This frozen paradise has a breathtaking display of icebergs and if you keep your eyes open you might be able to spot some seals! The neighbouring Diamond Beach offers the opportunity for fantastic pictures of icebergs that lie scattered along the black sand beach and glisten in the sun.
Today you could take advantage of the opportunity and go on an unforgettable glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier and could potentially combine it with a trip to an ice cave! The interior of these caves, which are transformed annually, features incredible blue architecture. Skaftafell National Park offers many different hikes, and the most popular one takes you to Svartifoss Waterfall. Before arriving back in Vík for your overnight stay, a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is highly recommended. This canyon offers a magnificent, but dramatic, view that you would not want to miss.
Glacier Hiking, Ice Caving
South Coast & Reykjanes Peninsula
Driving Distance: approx. 230 km
Accommodation: Reykjavík
On your way back to the capital, you will take a different route along the South Coast. Here you will discover small towns and villages and can opt for a fun horseback ride or a hike to the hot springs in Reykjadalur Valley.
The Reykjanes peninsula is home to five volcanic systems and has a lot to offer, such as bubbling geothermal areas and rugged Atlantic coasts. Optionally, you can enjoy a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, before you drive to your accommodation in Reykjavík City. On this day, if it is safe, you can go for a short hike to enjoy the new, and still hot, lava fields!
Blue Lagoon, Horseback Riding
Capital Reykjavík
Driving Distance: approx. 50 km
On your last day in Iceland you can do whatever you feel like will make the most of your remaining time here. You could do some shopping before heading home, relax in a hot tub in one of the swimming pools or do one last activity. Whatever you end up doing, you will definitely be heading home with memories for a lifetime!
In our comfort category, we book rooms with private bathroom in hotels and boutique guesthouses. Breakfast is included.
The hotels are of a good standard and offer towels, hairdryers, and free WiFi. Examples include Storm Hotel, Stracta Hotel, and Hali Country Hotel.
If you book with an odd number of travelers, we provide an extra room. E.g. 3 travelers get 2 rooms.
Toyota Yaris (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 3 adult travelers.
Dacia Duster (manual) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.
Toyota RAV4 (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.
3 Days
All Year
6 Days
Winter (Oct. - Apr.)
12 Days
All Year
10 Days
Summer (May - Sept.)
Valid for departure in Oct.-Nov. 2024