Itinerary
- Day 1
Keflavik to Selfoss/Laugarvatn
You'll arrive at Keflavik Airport and pick up your rental car for the drive ahead. From there, head south along the Reykjanes peninsula where the landscape shifts dramatically with each turn. The southern coast unfolds with rugged cliffs and volcanic terrain as you make your way toward the Selfoss and Laugarvatn area. You'll settle in for two nights in this region, giving yourself time to adjust to Iceland time and rest before exploring further.
- Day 2
Golden Circle & Geothermal Areas
Today you'll tackle the Golden Circle at whatever pace works for you. The route includes Geysir, where hot springs shoot up periodically, and Gullfoss waterfall with its powerful dual cascades dropping into a canyon. Thingvellir National Park sits on the itinerary too, letting you walk between continental plates where Vikings once gathered for parliament. If you want to add something relaxing, the Secret Lagoon near Fludir offers warm water soaking at around 40°C/104°F. The order's up to you depending on weather and how you're feeling.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Geysir hot springs
- Visit Gullfoss waterfall
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
Optional Activities
- Bathe at Secret Lagoon natural baths near Fludir
Landmarks/POIs Geysir Gullfoss Thingvellir National Park Secret Lagoon 
- Day 3
South Coast & Waterfalls
You'll head east along Ring Road 1, following Iceland's dramatic south coast. Early in the drive, stop at Urridafoss waterfall on the Thjorsa River. After that, pass through farmland toward Hvolsvollur, where the optional Lava Center explains Iceland's volcanic geology if that interests you. Later, you'll reach Reynisfjara's black sand beach near Cape Dyrholaey where North Atlantic waves crash with real power. Before settling in near Eyjafjallajokull volcano for the night, you'll see two more waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, both worth stopping for.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Urridafoss waterfall
- Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Visit Skógafoss waterfall
Optional Activities
- Visit Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur
Landmarks/POIs Urridafoss Lava Center Cape Dyrholaey Reynisfjara Seljalandsfoss Skógafoss 
- Day 4
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Return to Reykjavik
Conditions permitting, you'll continue east along the south coast toward Jokulsar lon glacier lagoon. Skaftafell National Park comes into view on the edge of Vatnajokull glacier, where massive ice tongues and glacial rivers dominate the landscape. If road conditions cooperate, the detour to the glacier lagoon itself is worth the extra drive. Later you'll head back west toward Reykjavik for a two-night stay in the capital, finishing this long driving day with time to explore the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Skaftafell National Park
Optional Activities
- Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (weather and road conditions permitting)
Landmarks/POIs Jökulsárlón Skaftafell National Park Vatnajökull - Day 5
Reykjanes Peninsula or Reykjavik Exploration
Day 5 gives you real flexibility to shape things around what sounds good. One option takes you southwest to the geothermally active Reykjanes peninsula with hot springs and volcanic vents. The Blue Lagoon sits on that peninsula too if you book ahead for a soak in the milky blue mineral water. Otherwise, stick around Reykjavik to walk through neighborhoods, eat at local restaurants, check out museums, or join a whale watching tour from the harbor.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Blue Lagoon (depending on time; requires advance booking)
- Explore Reykjavik city
- Whale watching excursion
Landmarks/POIs Reykjanes Peninsula Krysuvik Blue Lagoon - Day 6
Keflavik Departure
You'll drive back to Keflavik Airport and return your rental car before heading home. The trip wraps up with memories of the Golden Circle, powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanic terrain that make Iceland feel like nowhere else.
- Meals
- Breakfast
