Self Drive Tour Around Iceland and Reykjanes Peninsula

Month
January
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July
August
September
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Year
2025
2026
2027

Type
Private Tours
Cruise
Self-Drive Package
Custom Package
Escorted Small Group (30 or less)
Escorted Group (31 or more)
Independent Package

Destination
NORWAY
SCANDINAVIA
ICELAND
GREENLAND
NORTHERN LIGHTS
CRUISES & VOYAGES
BALTIC STATES
FINLAND

Around Iceland

Tour Itinerary

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay 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.“

If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Important: Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Options:
Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras

62 mi

Greenhouses - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Massive Waterfall

Drive to the legendary waterfall Gullfoss and the hot springs at Geysir. Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, before driving through Hvalfjordur fjord to the historic and scenic Borgarfjordur region.

If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take the scenic highland wilderness Kaldidalur track alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur. The road generally is open between mid-June and mid-September.

Overnight in Borgarfjordur area

Options:
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - Entrance fee

Breakfast
193 mi

Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Iceland's Second Largest Community - Viking Horses

Drive north through Borgarfjordur to the shores of Hunafloi bay and the towering mountains and horse breeding valley of Skagafjordur. Continue to Akureyri, the capital of the north. Overnight in North Iceland

Breakfast
174 mi

Botanical Gardens – Quality Museums - Waterfall Of the Gods

Spend the morning exploring the town of Akureyri. Continue your journey to the unique Lake Myvatn area. Stop en route to Myvatn to view the beautiful Godafoss waterfalls, which have a unique connection to Iceland‘s Viking Age.

Overnight in North Iceland

Breakfast
162 mi

Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife

Explore the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding area. Stroll along the mystical lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the volcanic area of Krafla along with the colourful sulfurous slopes of Namaskard pass. Enjoy the views of the pseudo craters at Skutustadir.

Overnight in North Iceland.

Breakfast

Whale Watching – Glacier- Carved Gorge - Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

Drive north to the fishing port of Husavik, where you might stop to enjoy a whale watching boat tour. Head around Tjornes peninsula on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visit Asbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon, and Jokulsargljufur National Park. Proceed to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful ones in Europe. Then head across the vast highland plateau to Egilsstadir in the east.

Overnight in East Iceland

Options:
Whale Watching in traditional Oak Boat (from Husavik)

Breakfast
193 mi

Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline – Unique Mineral Collection

Drive south through the spectacular East Fjords, where towering mountains plunge vertically into the ocean. Leave yourself plenty time, both for safe driving and for amazing views of the coast and Vatnajokull glacier. The journey continues to the town of Hofn in Hornafjordur, also known as the lobster capital of northern Europe.

Overnight in Southeast Iceland

Breakfast
186 mi

Europe's Largest Glacier - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Glacier-Ringed Oasis

Today you will be in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe‘s largest glacier. Visit the shimmering icebergs and the still, milky waters of Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon before continuing to the Skaftafell area of the park, a beautiful green oasis surrounded by glaciers. There are many great hiking trails here. Head wards to the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Options:
Glacier Wonders (from Skaftafell National Park)
Amphibian Boat Tour on Glacial Lagoon (from the lagoon)

Breakfast
124 mi

Lava Fields - Black Sand Beaches - Seabird Colony - Thundering Waterfalls

Drive along the spectacular south coast, a sweeping landscape of sandy deserts, rocky shores and rolling farmlands sandwiched between snow-capped glaciers, mountains and the ocean. Stop to admire the black sand beaches and cliffs at Dyrholaey. There are also vast bird colonies here, including puffins (generally seen mid May to early August). Also visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skogar and Seljalands, each with its own character. You will also see the mighty Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. An interesting volcano center at the base of the mountain tells the story of this event. Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Reykjavik

Options:
Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Breakfast
162 mi

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day.*

*Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9 day rental is up and use Flybus transfer

Please visit our blog for more information.

Options:
Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras

Breakfast
32 mi

Customer reviews

David Sessions 26 September 2023

Amy and I are very happy with your services. Your recommendations, the Trip Planner app and driving directions were easy to understand and navigate. Your offer to split the cost of the Kia Hotel was also very much appreciated and demonstrated that you care about your clients’ experiences. The only feedback that I can think of (meant to be positive) would be to use a hotel in downtown Akureyri for your future clients. It has a nice downtown, is very walkable with lots of historical information and has some nice restaurants to choose from. We had an incredible dinner that night at a restaurant called Rub 23.

Doris Ripert, Los Angeles 13 January 2018

Dear Nordic saga Tours,
Iceland was more than what we had hoped for. You made a very well planned itinerary for us and provided with all possible information, and we had so much fun during all 11 days of our fantastic holiday. We visited the fascinating places without rush and worry. We stayed in very good hotels with excellent local food mostly and had a very good time, though the weather was not the best we expected. Iceland is fantastic and we will return to explore it more someday.
Doris Ripert, Los Angeles

Kim Jorken 12 January 2018

The trip was wonderful. Everything went well and accordingly to the plan. Iceland is really a wonderful country. We will return for sure for further explorations.
Everything was truly fine and very well organized. Snaefellsnes Glacier left the unforgettable image in my mind as well as other stunning scenery. Undoubtedly, a trip that will remain in our memories for a long long time.
Thanks again and best regards,
Kim Jorken and friends

Agnes Barkan 3 January 2018

Just would like to thank for the smoothly set trip. All the arrangements were up to a high standard, with no drawbacks. We enjoyed this trip enormously. It was worth every penny we paid. We look forward to new adventures in Iceland. There is so much more to explore there. With kind regards,

Tom Frank 28 July 2017

This self-drive tour was great - gave us a chance to see the ever changing landscapes of Iceland, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and experience such adventures as whale watching. The hotels we stayed off were of a good standard. Food in Iceland is expensive but very good and we tried a variety of different foods. All in all, a very successful trip to be remembered for a long time. Nordic Saga Tours did their best to arrange everything according to our requests and we will most probably use their services next summer . Tom Frank

See all reviews

from $2,760 per person

4.8 5 reviews

10 days

9 nights

Included

When booking a self-drive tour you can choose between different categories:

Budget
Economy
Comfort
Superior

The main difference between each category is the standard of the hotels or rooms booked. Please note that accommodation is always subject to availability.

All categories use the same rental vehicles and all include breakfast.

Further information about what each category offers, and examples of accommodation can be found below. Please select first the area on the Iceland map below, and then you can browse through your preferred category.

Quality

Our Quality class self-drive accommodation allows you to stay in the most comfortable accommodation each area has to offer during your travel period. Throughout your tour you’ll stay in pleasant guesthouses and hotels where all rooms have private facilities. In Reykjavik, your accommodation will be a 4-star hotel.

Private facilities
Comfortable hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
A 4-star hotel in Reykjavik
Breakfast included

Comfort

Comfort class accommodation offers you the chance to travel economically around Iceland. In the countryside you’ll stay in a combination of standard hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses. In Reykjavik, your accommodation will be a 3-star hotel. All rooms have private bathroom facilities.

Private facilities
Economical hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
A 3-star hotel in Reykjavik
Breakfast included

Budget

If your goal is to lower your travel costs our Budget accommodation is a great idea. You’ll stay in accommodation with shared facilities. These are a combination of basic hotels, farmhouses and guesthouses. You’ll have your own room with made-up beds, and some rooms also have washbasins. Showers and toilets are shared facilities.

Shared bathroom and shower facilities
Budget hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
A very local way to travel
Breakfast included

Good to know:

Our hotel bookings always include breakfast unless otherwise stated.
Room size in Icelandic hotels is often smaller compared to hotels in other countries (such as the USA or Canada).
Standard rooms usually have two twin beds or one full bed. Some higher category hotels may have queen size beds. King size beds are not common in Iceland.
Triple rooms are not common in Iceland, especially outside Reykjavik. They might be a double/twin room with an extra bed and are often smaller compared to triple rooms in other countries.

Included:

Icelandic-style breakfast (except arrival day)

Included:

Rental car for 9 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT**

Cars

Cat.1.1 Economy 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Yaris Automatic or similar (4 pax, 2 bags)

Cat. 2.6 Compact 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Auris Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.3.1 Intermediate 2wd Automatic:
Toyota Avensis Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.4.0 Intermediate 4wd Station Automatic:
Skoda Octavia 4wd Station Automatic or similar (5 pax, 4 bags)

Cat.5.1 Medium 4wd Automatic:
Toyota RAV4 4wd Automatic or similar (5 pax, 3 bags)

Cat.7.1 Large 4wd Automatic:
Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Automatic or similar (5 pax, 5 bags)

Cat.9.9 Full Size 4wd Passenger Van:
VW Caravelle 4WD 9 seater or similar (9 pax, 9 bags)

Ring Road Highlights is one of our bestseller car rental packages, allowing you to visit all of Iceland's main attractions in 10 days/9 nights. In the western part of the country, you also have the possibility to either continue along the Ring Road or to traverse the uninhabited interior of Iceland via the Kjolur highland track.(Kjolur highland track is generally open mid-June through August; 4 WD vehicle required.)

PER PERSON IN USD:
based on 2 people sharing a car and a room

$ 2,760.00 (Cat.1.1 Economy 2wd Automatic)
$ 2,845.00 (Cat.2.6 Compact 2wd Automatic)
$ 2,915.00 (Cat.3.1 Intermediate 2wd Automatic)
$ 2,945.00 (Cat.4.0 Intermediate 4wd Station Automatic)
$ 3,250.00 (Cat.5.1 Medium 4wd Automatic)
$ 3,530.00 ( Cat.7.1 Large 4wd Automatic)
$ 3,610.00 (Cat.9.9 Full Size 4wd Passenger Van)

Dates:
ALL YEAR ROUND

Private tour

Notes

Important:

You must be 20 years of age to rent a car, and 23 years of age to rent car Categories 5.0 or higher.
The driver must present a valid driving license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental.
A valid automobile driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) has the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise, an international driver’s license is required.
Due to high demand, accommodation in Reykjavik for New Year’s Eve and Reykjavik Culture Night cannot be guaranteed.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that changes to the packages will incur a service fee.

Optional services

Included:

Accommodation in a standard room for 9 nights
Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
Car pick-up/drop-off at Keflavik International Airport
Authorization for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
The Iceland Travel Companion App. This new mobile-based app provides:

Approximately 1500 star points all over Iceland, plus 35 points of interest with an audio guide! The star points include a selection of tours and activities in their area.
Easy use with your personal phone, tablet or computer.
Links to electronic versions of our Iceland Travel Roadbook in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch. The roadbook covers interesting places to visit, in addition to safety information and driving tips.
Customer care service during office hours
24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
Service fee and taxes

**Please note that the package price is based on 9 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 10, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 9-day rental is up and use our Airport Direct transfer.

Highlands and Experience

Get the most out of your trip with plenty of time to cover all the major Ring Road attractions
Explore all Iceland's main attractions in the Golden Circle and along the South Shore
Visit two world-famous national parks: Thingvellir and Vatnajokull.
Discover the amazing variety of volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities with 2 nights in the Myvatn Nature Reserve

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