Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Keflavik to South Iceland
You'll touch down at Keflavik and get your rental car sorted, then head southeast toward South Iceland. The drive takes you through the landscape to your vacation home, which becomes your base for the next four nights. It's a good time to settle in, get familiar with the property, and prepare for what's ahead. The weather can be unpredictable this time of year, so you'll want to check conditions before planning your activities for the following days.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Days 2 - 4
South Iceland Exploration
Over these three days, you have flexibility to move around South Iceland at your own pace. The Golden Circle route hits major highlights like the geysers and Gullfoss waterfall, plus Thingvellir National Park with its dramatic rift valley. From there, the south coast offers something different with those black beaches near Vik and several waterfalls cascading down cliffsides. You can also explore volcanic terrain scattered throughout the region. On clear evenings, head back to your place and watch for Northern Lights from your vacation home, though this depends on cloud cover and solar activity.
Optional Activities
- Bathing at Gamla Laugin (Secret Lagoon) in Fludir
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Visit Skogafoss waterfall
- Visit local history museum in Skogar
- Explore black beaches near Vik
- Visit volcano Hekla
- Visit high temperature area Nesjavellir
- Visit Lava Center with interactive exhibition on volcanism
- Northern Lights viewing from vacation home (October-April, weather dependent)
Landmarks Golden Circle Gullfoss Thingvellir National Park Gamla Laugin (Secret Lagoon) Seljalandsfoss Skogafoss Lava Center Hekla Nesjavellir 
- Day 5
South Iceland to Borgarnes
After spending time in the south, you'll pack up and drive northwest toward Borgarnes, where your second vacation home awaits. The route takes roughly 1.5 hours, and if the weather cooperates, the scenic drive around Hvalfjarðfjordur adds some nice views along the way. You're repositioning yourself for exploring the western side of Iceland, so plan to arrive with enough daylight to get settled in your new base.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Days 6 - 7
Borgarnes Area Exploration
You have two full days to check out the Borgarnes area and western Iceland from your new location. The Snæfellsnes peninsula is the main draw, with its glacier-topped volcano that inspired Jules Verne. Small fishing villages like Arnastapi give you a sense of local life, and Kirkjufell mountain is hard to miss. You can also reach the black pebble beaches at Djupalonssandur and see Hraunfossar waterfall with its natural hot spring nearby. Reykholt, a historic spot, and the Langjoekull ice cave add more options if time allows.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Snæfellsnes peninsula with Snæfellsjokull glacier and Arnastapi village
- Visit Kirkjufell mountain and surrounding areas
- Explore Djupalonssandur black pearl beach
- Visit local history museum in Stykkisholmur
- Visit historic village of Reykholt with remains of Snorri Sturluson's farm and exhibition of his works
- Visit Hraunfossar waterfall
- Dip in hotpots at Krauma Spa
- Visit Langjoekull ice cave (Iceland's newest attraction)
Landmarks Snæfellsjokull Snæfellsnes Peninsula Arnastapi Kirkjufell Djupalonssandur Stykkisholmur Reykholt Hraunfossar Krauma Spa Langjoekull ice cave 
- Day 8
Return to Keflavik and Departure
On your final day, you'll drive back toward the coast and head to Keflavik to return your rental car. This marks the end of your week exploring Iceland's varied landscapes and volcanic terrain. It's a straightforward drive back to the airport, so give yourself enough time to return the vehicle and handle any final details before your departure.
