Iceland's Summer South Coast in One Week

Neither daylight nor scenery relent on this week-long tour of Iceland's geothermal gems, lava-made landscapes, and wonderful waterfalls.

Country
Iceland
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
From
$2,650 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Basking in mineral-rich hot springs, from the Sky Lagoon to the Blue Lagoon

Spelunking in the crevices of hidden lava tubes with a local expert mountaineer

Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park

Searching for puffins on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes

Hiking alongside craggy mountains, sparkling glaciers, and plunging waterfalls on adventurous trails

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Preview:

The Golden Circle's Gurgling Geysers

geysir golden circle

Overview

Get ready to enter the Golden Circle in all of its gilded glory. This morning, you'll make your way back down the Borgarfjordur fjord towards Reykjavík. Just before the town of Mosfellsbaer, however, you'll turn east to Thingvellir National Park and Iceland's world-famous Golden Circle. Here, you'll make your first stop in Thingvellir, which occupies a fascinating geological plane, defined by fissures and canyons where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia have slowly drifted apart. To fully experience this one-of-a-kind geologic formation, you can join an optional snorkeling tour unlike anything you've ever experienced. Then, you'll resume your road trip and drive amid barren volcanic peaks toward the fertile farmlands of the Golden Circle. Stop at the Haukadalur Valley's Geyser Geothermal Area to witness thes mesmerizing Strokkur Geyser as it spouts up to 40 meters. You'll end your day in and around the Golden Circle at the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall: a massive feat of nature, with a deep canyon crafted by the flow of the Hvita River. You’ll have the chance to walk all the way up to the cascading water, photographing it from all angles.

Highlights

The Secret Lagoon (optional)

The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, ranks as the oldest swimming pool in all of Iceland. Erected in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, it maintains a steady flow of hot springs water, characterized by rich, natural resources. During your drive today, you'll have the option to visit this lagoon to dwell in its nutrient-rich waters — Icelandic style.

Thingvellir National Park

When you picture Iceland's raw landscapes, you may be picturing this park. In a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Thingvellir National Park is among the few places in the world where you can walk — and swim — between continents. You'll marvel, too, at the raw wilderness in the park area, which includes the crystal clear waters of Silfra and dormant volcanic peaks.

Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure (optional)

During this optional Silfra Fissure tour with an expert snorkeling guide, you'll dive into one of the world’s most unique bodies of water with unparalleled visibility. Here, you'll float between a crack in the Earth, ripped open by the movement of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Silfra yields crystal clear glacial water, filtered for decades through underground lava rocks, which you can taste as you snorkel through the gap between two continents — comfortable in the warmth of your dry suit.

The Golden Circle

Over the course of 186 miles, Iceland’s Golden Circle encompasses the Geyser Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. During your road trip here, you’ll experience the full range of Iceland’s natural wonders, anchored by fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pits alike.

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

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What's included

Included in the final price

  • Six nights of accommodations, with dailiy breakfast included
  • Travel file with roadbook, maps, and practical informationTravel file with roadbook, maps, practical information, local tips, maps and expert recommendations.
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • Personalised trip crafting
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Seven days of automatic car rental, including a second driver, unlimited km, SCDW insurance, and airport pick-up/drop-off fee
  • All activities and experiences listed as included in the itinerary
  • Everything else listed as included in the itinerary

Not included in the final price

  • Arrival and departure flights
  • Car rental environmental fee (615 ISK per rental), KM tax , and any other add-ons (rental insurance, GPS, 4G Wifi, baby seat, etc.)
  • Personal expenses
  • Parking fees in Reykjavik or national parks
  • Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Velkomin to Iceland!
Day 2:
Fjord Landscapes of Hvalfjordur and Borgarfjordur
Day 3:
The Golden Circle's Gurgling Geysers
Day 4:
Snapshots of the Scenic South Coast
Day 5:
Vatnajökull National Park and Glittering Glaciers
Day 6:
Volcanic Vistas of the Reykjanes Peninsula
Day 7:
Bless Bless: Goodbye for Now