Compare Iceland Express by Intrepid Travel vs Active Iceland self-drive tour: waterfalls, volcanoes and lagoons by Audley Travel

Day 1 Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. The world's northernmost capital of Reykjavik lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean, and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Why not arrive early and head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century (when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled) to the present day, or join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Head out of town early this morning to follow the Golden Circle driving route towards Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir was the location of Iceland's first parliament, founded in AD930, and is also the site of the Silfra Fissure, where tectonic plates are pulling apart and exposing some pretty wild rock shelves. Continue on to the Geysir Geothermal Area and check out the Strokkur Geyser – it swells with blue water before erupting and shooting a spout some 20–30 metres in the air. Finally, witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall on the Hvita River. You'll even get a chance to stop by Secret Lagoon, a natural hot pool that will beckon you to take a dip, on your way to tonight's accommodation. After your Golden Circle tour, head to your stay in the Hvolsvollur region for the evening. This guesthouse is a leader in local responsible tourism and sustainability. The owners started a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide and counteract soil erosion. Tonight, you’ll have the option to join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself.

Day 3 Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

Begin the day with a visit to the breathtaking Skogafoss – a giant waterfall, 25-metres wide and dropping 60 metres. Get up close and feel its power, then climb a long and windy set of stairs to a stunning viewpoint. Next up is one of Europe's biggest ice caps – Myrdalsjokull – which covers the active volcano Katla. Choose whether to join an optional hike over the glacier tongue – no experience is necessary. It’s sobering to think that the glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures and may soon be gone. If you don't want to take the glacier walk, perhaps explore the area around the glacier tongue. Alternatively, Skogafoss waterfall has a number of walking trails, or you can visit the Skogar folk museum. Along today's drive you'll get to check out the Laki Lava fields as you continue along Iceland's South Shore, spotting bird colonies on the promontory of Dyrholaey, Iceland's southernmost point. You’ll also see the amazing stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar and its black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Continue to your overnight stop in the countryside near Reynivellir.

Day 4 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

This morning, visit one of Iceland's undisputed highlights: the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Consider jumping on an optional cruise among the icebergs, or just take a walk along the shore down to Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon wash up on its black sands. Later today, head to Vik for lunch. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned small village is Iceland's most southern mainland settlement. In the afternoon, complete your southerly loop by heading back to Reykjavik with a quick stop at Seljalandsfoss on your way. On arrival in Reykjavik, join your local leader for a short guided walk of the capital to visit the old harbour, city centre and snap some photos of Hallgrimskirkja church. The evening is free for you to enjoy all the capital has to offer, so why not get your group together for dinner! Perhaps, stop in Reykjavik`s most famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur on the main square or head over to one of the many bars in town serving Icelandic craft beers.

Day 5 Reykjavik

With no activities planned for today, it’s time to say 'sjaumst' to your group leader and fellow travellers. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you’d like to spend more time in Reykjavik and surrounds, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). What happens next is up to you – maybe a snorkelling adventure in the Silfra Fissure or a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Day 1: Hveragerði

Accommodation: Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

Collect your car on arrival at Keflavík airport. All insurances have been included for you, and a GPS navigation system can be added locally. You’ll be staying in the Reykjadalur valley, close to the Golden Circle region, an area known for its geothermal activity. Take a hike this afternoon through the valley, ending with a soak in the naturally heated river.

Day 2: Hveragerði

Accommodation: Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

Explore the highlights of the Golden Circle on a self-drive tour of the region, including the diverging tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park and an erupting geyser at Geysir Geothermal Area. At Gullfoss waterfall, you’ll go white-water rafting along the Hvítá river, through Brúarhlöð canyon.

Day 3: Vík

Accommodation: Hótel Kría

This morning you’ll be met by your guide at your hotel and taken on a private tour by superjeep to Landmannalaugar, a region deep in Iceland’s highlands known for its striped rhyolite hills and diverse walking opportunities. You’ll explore the valley on foot, before a well-earned soak in natural hot springs surrounded by the vibrant wilderness landscape.

Day 4: Vík

Accommodation: Hótel Kría

Drive along the scenic south coast passing ice-capped volcanoes and waterfalls tumbling down the mountainsides. At Sólheimajökull, join a small-group hike up onto the glacier, to explore the icy landscape and observe the deep crevasses on the glacier’s surface.

Day 5: Hof

Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Continue your self-drive tour eastwards towards the remote town of Kirkjabæjarklaustur and the Eldhraun lava field, the largest of its kind in the world. You’ll explore this verdant, mossy wilderness by mountain bike with a local guide, stopping to see waterfalls and drink from natural springs that are spread across this pristine landscape. You’ll also explore one of the region’s many lava caves, formed in the 18th century by a huge volcanic eruption.

Day 6: Hof

Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Spend the day exploring the southern side of Vatnajökull National Park, perhaps hiking to see the basalt columns of Svartifoss waterfall or watching icebergs wash up along the shoreline on nearby Diamond Beach. You’ll also explore Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on a small-group kayak tour, paddling between its bergy bits and spotting seals basking on its icy shoreline.

Day 7: Blue Lagoon

Accommodation: Silica Hotel

Return west back along the south coast, perhaps stopping to admire the striking black sands of Reynisfjara beach or walk behind thundering Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This afternoon, check into the Blue Lagoon and bathe in its milky, minerally-rich waters. Relax with a silica mud mask and a drink of your choice at the lagoon bar.

Day 8: Return home

Make the short drive to the airport, where you’ll drop off your car in time for your onward flight.