Iceland Classic Road Trip

DAY 1 Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles

Your tour commences with the collection of your rental car from the airport depot. Depending on time, you can now make way to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2015, it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It has over 50 geosites related to geothermal and tectonic plate activity. If you enjoy hiking and volcanoes, you can take a trail to visit the site of Iceland’s most recent volcanic eruptions in 2021 and 2022 at Geldingardalur and see the island’s newest lava up close. This can also be your first opportunity to learn about the Vikings, with the Viking World museum available to see.
For the adventurous, you can join an ATV tour.
You'll stay overnight in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs it is often called the “flower village.”

Overnight in Hveragerdi

DAY 2 Hveragerdi - Thingvellir – Gullfoss
Approximate distance: 205km / 127miles

Enjoy the day exploring the natural wonders of the Golden Circle region. Start with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. Then take a scenic drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs at Geysir. We recommend taking advantage of geothermal activity in this area with a relaxing soak in the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, the oldest natural pool in Iceland. Why not indulge in some delightful local food at Fridheimer, an Icelandic farm where the vegetables are grown using the Geothermal energy.

Overnight in Hveragerdi
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 Hveragerdi - Thorsardalur - Skogar - Vik
Approximate distance: 295km / 183 miles

The Thjorsardalur valley is on the agenda today, containing sandy lava fields, rivers, waterfalls and beautiful birch woods. Follow on to the Gjain valley for further natural beauty, and spy the Mt. Hekla volcano from here. Stong is in the area, the filming location for game of thrones and the opportunity to visit a replica Viking long house.
Along your way to Vik, the south shore opens up before you, and stop at the mighty waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. If the season is right, visit the Dyrholaey cliffs with it's wonderful birdlife, or the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, approximately mid-May until 25 June.

Overnight in the Vik area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon – Hofn
Approximate distance: 285km / 177miles

Today as you travel the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, you will have Europe‘s largest glacier, the magnificent Vatnajokull, in view as you follow the route. You can visit the park’s amazing Skaftafell area, a green oasis nestled between glaciers that offer many hiking possibilities.
A highlight today is to see the shimmering icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and you may even glimpse a few seals. Nearby is the aptly named Diamond Beach, where parts of the broken icebergs come to rest on the black sand.
Continue towards the harbour town of Hofn, perhaps taking a detour to the beautiful and much photographed mountain of Vestrahorn.

Overnight in the Hofn area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 Hofn - East Fjords - Egilsstadir
Approximate distance: 260km / 162miles

Drive along the coastline of the Almannaskard pass, with the towering mountains plunging into the sea along the way as you journey into the East Fjords. Perhaps stop at the town of Djupivogur, with its wonderful harbour walks and sculptures. For those with a sudden thirst, Breiddalsvik has a local community run microbrewery, Beljandi.
Finish the day in the town of Egilsstadir, with an excellent reputation for locally source cuisine, and a legendary friendly monster living within its lake!

Overnight in the Egilsstadir area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 Egilsstadir - Lake Myvatn
Approximate distance: 255km / 158miles

The Mordrudalsoraefi plateau is open to you, which is desolate and haunting, as you cross to the Lake Myvatn area. Pass the highest altitude farm in Iceland, and stop at the Dettifoss, Europe's strongest waterfall, before continuing to the Namaskard pass and it's boiling mud pools. It really does feel like you are on another planet here. Explore the craters at Skutustadir, the Grotagja cave and try and spot some elves at the lava formations of Dimmuborgir. If a spot of relaxation takes your fancy, take a dip at the Myvatn nature baths.

Please note Roads 864, 862 and therefore Road 85 are usually closed during the fall, winter and spring until the end of May. (Road opening dates are dependent on the weather conditions.)
Roads 864 and 862 are gravel roads, and you must heed warning signs in the area if road conditions are not good for driving.

Overnight in the Lake Myvatn area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 Lake Myvatn - Akureyri - Skagafjordur
Approximate distance: 245km / 152miles

Start the day at the Godafoss waterfall, as you travel onto the northern city of Akureyri. The cultural capital of the north, it is filled with charming buildings and beautiful views of the Eyjafjordur. After some time in this wonderful city, the Troll Peninsular awaits. Black sand coastlines, steep mountains and amazing views over the Arctic sea are what you will see in this jaw dropping area of Iceland. Stop in Siglufjordur and learn about the Icelandic fishing boom in the Herring-era museum, before continuing to Skagafjordur, and area full of history and folk tales.

Please Note the Ring Road route today contains a toll tunnel.

Overnight in Northwest Iceland
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 Skagafjordur - Borgarfjordur
Approximate distance: 335km / 208miles

West Iceland lies ahead, with the gorgeous region of Borgarfjordur. Walk up to the top of the Grabok crater, listen to the rushing waters of Deildartunguhver and admire the blue waters of the Hraunfosser flowing over the black lava formations. Journey on the Barnafoss and learn the legend behind this great waterfall, and possibly finish up the day with a visit to the Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 Borgarfjordur - Snaefellsnes - Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 405km / 252miles

The Snaefellsjokull national park is one of the wonders of Iceland, with its crown jewel being the Snaefellsjokull glacier, covering a dormant volcano. Visit this beautiful landscape, and travel further to one of the most photographed mountains, Kirkjufell. Visit Djupalonssandur beach, and the picturesque harbour of Arnarstapi with its basalt rocks in stacked formations. After soaking in all the peninsular has to offer, carry on to the most northern capital in the world, Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10 Reykjavik
Approximate distance: 50km / 30miles

Return the car to Keflavik International Airport today before taking your onward flight. Depending on your flight time, enjoy your day exploring Reykjavik, or visit the Sky Lagoon, a beautiful location to swim in the thermal waters.

Meals included: Breakfast