The Arctic Coastway Road in Iceland

Iceland

Iceland Complete Self Drive

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    Holiday Duration

    8 nights

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    Best Time To Go

    Year Round

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    Price From

    £1315 per person

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    Wild Rating

    3 out of 5

Holiday Idea

This tailor-made self-drive adventure showcases the very best of Iceland's exquisite natural wonders. Marvel at the majestic waterfalls of Gullfoss and Godafoss, discover black sand lava beaches and journey across vast arctic plains characterised by rugged mountain peaks. Experience the amazing variety of Iceland's natural landscape all year round and drive full circle around this land of fire and ice.

 

Itinerary

Snowy road in winter in Northern Iceland
Road in iceland overlooking mountains

Day 1 | Arrive in Iceland

Arrive at Keflavík airport where you will collect your hire car. Head south to the “flower village” of Hveragerdi and enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  

Person standing on the edge of Gullafoss waterfall in South Iceland

Day 2 | Golden Circle

Enjoy a full-day exploring Iceland's famous Golden Circle. Explore Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir area with its hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Drive along the south coast with views of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Stroll around the charming village of Vik. 

Ice on the coat in Iceland

Day 3 | Vatnajokull National Park

After breakfast, continue driving along Iceland's Ring Road to Skeidararsandur sands to Skaftafell, a beautiful glacial area within Vatnajokull National Park. Visit glaciers and see the birthplace of icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. 

Puffins sat on a rock in East Iceland

Day 4 | East Fjords

Drive through the Almannaskard pass with breathtaking views of Iceland's eastern coastline. Head to the town of Egilsstadir known for its excellent authentic and locally sourced cuisine. Perhaps visit the Wilderness Center to learn more about the local wildlife and nature.

Dettifoss waterfall in iceland

Day 5 | Dettifoss Waterfall

Experience the vastness of the highland desert plain of Modrudalsoraefi as you drive towards the Lake Myvatn area. Stop at Europe's largest waterfall Dettifoss and take in the natural beauty of the lake including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. Spend the night in the Myvatn area.

Icelandic landscape in aututmn

Day 6 | Lake Myvatn Area

Today you'll combine exploring natural wonders with culture. Admire the magnificent Godafoss waterfall and Dimmuborgir lava formations before visiting the charming town of Akureyri. Continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula, enjoying incredible views of the arctic sea and black sand beaches. Stop in the beautiful town of Siglufjordur and visit the award-winning Herring-Era Museum. 

A group of Icelandic horses in the countryside

Day 7 | Skagafjordur & Seal Watching

Today you'll drive to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Continue towards the village of Blonduos. Visit Hvammstangi’s Seal Center and perhaps take a seal watching boat trip. 

Thingvellir Haustlitir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site near Reykjavik

Day 8 | Hot Springs

After breakfast, head to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Enjoy a morning unwinding at Krauma Natura Hot Spring Spa surrounded by spectacular mountains scenery. Take in views of Hraunfossar waterfalls before continuing to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake at the UNESCO site of Thingvellir National Park. Later head to Reykjavik to explore the capital's vibrant cultural scene and variety of restaurants and bars.

Reykjavik in the late evening, Iceland

Day 9 | Departure Day

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Reykjavik. Head to the airport to return your hire car and catch your return flight home.


What's included

  • Car hire for nine days in a Suzuki Swift 4WD or similar. Pick up and drop off at Keflavik Airport
  • Eight nights accommodation in a selection of hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses including breakfast (speak to a specialist to hear about Iceland accommodation)
  • Blue Lagoon Premium entrance fee which includes a silica mud mask, use of towel, first drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe
  • Lonely Planet guide book

The price of this itinerary is based on two people sharing an economy 4WD and staying in basic accommodation.

Price per person will vary based on the type of car and standard of accommodation you choose.

Accommodation varies throughout Iceland. It's possible to stay in basic hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses with shared facilities.

If you are looking for more comfort, upgrade to accommodation with private facilities in three-star standard properties.

For those wanting the most comfortable accommodation each area has to offer, we can book quality hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses.

Would you like a price including flights? Get in touch today.


Our Iceland team would love to start planning your Iceland Complete Self Drive holiday