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Road to Akureyri, self drive, Iceland

Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Visit Iceland and you'll discover a land of volcanoes, glacier lagoons, and black sand beaches. Enjoy exploring at your own pace on these Iceland self-drive tours, which include accommodation, car rental, hand-marked maps and more.

27 tours available

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Iceland Full Circle Classic

306832ISK

Eur

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Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
May - Sep

306832ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Sep

South & West Iceland Classic

247292ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Sep

247292ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Iceland Complete Classic

475411ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
May - Sep

475411ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
Apr - Sep

South Iceland at Leisure

217522ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Sep

217522ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
May - Sep

Iceland Ring Road Express

217522ISK

Eur

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Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
May - Sep

217522ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
4.9
Apr - Sep

Iceland Full Circle at Leisure

425912ISK

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Sep

425912ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
4.9
May - Sep

Iceland Grand Tour

570256ISK

Eur

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17 days / 16 nights
May - Sep

570256ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
21 days / 20 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Iceland Ultimate Adventure

696716ISK

Eur

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21 days / 20 nights
May - Sep

696716ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
12 days / 11 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Iceland Road Trip

311992ISK

Eur

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12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

311992ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
5.0
Apr - Sep

South & West Iceland at Leisure

306832ISK

Eur

View map
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Sep

306832ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
5 days / 4 nights
4.8
Apr - Sep

South Iceland Classic

161327ISK

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Sep

161327ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
4.8
Apr - Sep

South Iceland & Into the Glacier

229985ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Apr - Sep

229985ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter

322972ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

322972ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

192292ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

192292ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter

217852ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

217852ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
11 days / 10 nights
December

Christmas & New Year's in Iceland

Northern Lights & New Years Eve Fun

526991ISK

Eur

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11 days / 10 nights
December

526991ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

174632ISK

Eur

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6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

174632ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
4.7
Oct - Apr

Iceland Full Circle at Leisure - Winter

452212ISK

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Oct - Apr

452212ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland at Leisure - Winter

268972ISK

Eur

View map
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

268972ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland & Into the Glacier - Winter

212405ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

212405ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
4 days / 3 nights
4.7
Oct - Apr

Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter

119562ISK

Eur

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4 days / 3 nights
Oct - Apr

119562ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
May - Sep

Romance Around Iceland

434167ISK

Eur

View map
10 days / 9 nights
May - Sep

434167ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
12 days / 11 nights
May - Sep

Highlights of Westfjords, North & West Iceland

412181ISK

Eur

View map
12 days / 11 nights
May - Sep

412181ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
4 days / 3 nights
4.5
Apr - Sep

Golden Circle & South Coast

130442ISK

Eur

View map
4 days / 3 nights
Apr - Sep

130442ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
Jun - Aug

Highlights of Westfjords & West Iceland

254106ISK

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Jun - Aug

254106ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
5 days / 4 nights
4.8
Oct - Apr

South Iceland Classic - Winter

147097ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

147097ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
Jul - Aug

4x4 Highland Adventure in the South

319572ISK

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Jul - Aug

319572ISK

ISK

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ABOUT YOUR ICELAND SELF-DRIVE TOUR

With the stunning natural backdrop of Iceland, your self-drive tour will be an unforgettable experience. Exploring the country unhurried, at your own pace, is why so many of our guests decide to take the wheel. Plus, with the insider knowledge of your Reykjavík-based travel consultant, you’ll discover everything from must-see attractions to hidden gems.

When you book an Iceland driving tour with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:

• A dedicated travel consultant who’ll arrange your expedition
• A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and map
• 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
• Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point
• Car rental with free unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited mileage, and insurance
• Special seasonal tour itineraries for summer and winter 

It’s easy to enjoy the road trip of a lifetime with Nordic Visitor. To start your journey, simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm (or customise) your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

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Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our cancellation insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Book With Confidence

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Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is now one of the top travel agencies in Iceland. On booking with us, you’ll benefit from the insider knowledge of your Reykjavík-based travel consultant who lives and breathes Iceland. You can ask them anything about the locations and activities on your itinerary.

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Car insurance included

We arrange comprehensive car rental and insurance for you with our trusted local partner. You get reduced liability insurance, collision damage waiver, unlimited mileage and coverage for 2 drivers as standard. The free in-car Wi-Fi and personalised, hand-noted map will also help you on your journey.

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Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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You are in good hands

One of our travel experts is always on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Whether it’s an unexpected event or weather issue, Nordic Visitor will get in touch and rework your itinerary. We will move your accommodation and re-book activities, while keeping you safe and informed.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

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Flexible tour options

While every Nordic Visitor package is created and tested by our expert trip designers, we can customise your tour to suit you. Tailor your package by adding extra nights or optional excursions. You could also treat yourself by upgrading your accommodation or car rental category.

Self Drive Customer Reviews

Read genuine feedback from our wonderful customers who have travelled Iceland’s scenic roads with us.

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DavidUnited States

From the time we booked with Zachary until the day we left everything was great! He kept us informed until we left... read more

From the time we booked with Zachary until the day we left everything was great! He kept us informed until we left for the trip. When we arrived all the materials were waiting for us along with the ride from the airport. All the maps and information were excellent! He even marked some special things to see and do. That was our first time using Nordic Visitor and they did an amazing job with everything. You helped make this trip so memorable! We will definitely tell everyone to use Nordic Visitor for all their trips. Thank you for the memories!

N

NoahUnited States

The itinerary was very well organised. We seamlessly traversed through the countryside, moving from geological wonder... read more

The itinerary was very well organised. We seamlessly traversed through the countryside, moving from geological wonder to add-on excursions. Every hotel chosen was excellent and the included breakfasts were legendary. It was an amazing journey that we will remember forever. I would highly recommend Nordic Visitor to everyone interested in a trip to Iceland.

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Certificate of Excellence
See the reviews

Your Road Trip Highlights

Marvel at the forces of nature and immerse yourself in the local culture as you road trip around the Land of Fire and Ice. Visit Iceland and soon you could...

  • Seek out fascinating museums in Reykjavík and revel in the thriving arts and foodie scene of Iceland’s capital city
  • Drive the famous Golden Circle route and visit the must-see sights of Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park
  • Head to the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and catch a glimpse of Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajökull
  • Stroll along the striking black sand beach at Reynisfjara, and photograph its impressive basalt columns
  • Visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where you’ll find a glacier-topped volcano in Iceland’s oldest national park, Snæfellsjökull
  • Journey to the rugged Westfjords region to see the cascading Dynjandi waterfall and look out for puffins on Látrabjarg’s sea cliffs
  • Embrace adventure on an optional 4x4 excursion to Askja in the central highlands, Iceland’s remote, volcanic heartland
  • Treat yourself with a trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon and luxuriate in its mineral-rich, geothermal waters
  • Explore the wonders of North Iceland, including Dettifoss waterfall, Mývatn Nature Baths and whale watching from Húsavík

Frequently Asked Questions About
Iceland Self-Drive Trips

There may be a few things that you’d like to know before booking your Iceland self-guided driving tour. We’ve gathered the answers to the most frequently asked questions here for your convenience.

You will find plenty of practical information in our Iceland Travel Guide. It’s also good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence, safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected.

If you want to know more about our processes and payment details, check out our booking terms and FAQ page.

Absolutely! In fact, Iceland is a popular road trip destination. Opting for a self-drive tour means that you can discover Iceland at your own pace, taking in the views as you go and stopping along the way.

A self-drive trip is the perfect way to experience Iceland if you like to have flexibility while travelling. This makes it the ideal choice, whether you prefer to explore at leisure, or pack in as much sight-seeing as possible.

You can find up-to-date information about visiting the Land of Fire and Ice on our Iceland Travel Update page.

With just one main road around the country, the Ring Road (or Route 1), getting around is easy. Iceland’s Ring Road loops around the island in a circle, allowing you to drive to the many different corners of the country.

If you decide to spend some time in Iceland’s central highlands, then you’ll need to upgrade your rental car to a 4x4 vehicle. With a jeep you can venture onto the unpaved F-Roads that wind their way into Iceland’s vast interior.

For a safe and enjoyable experience, we recommend doing a little pre-trip preparation. Check out these helpful guides to driving in Iceland for more advice:

This can vary based on how long you have to spend in Iceland and what you’d like to see and do during your tour. Choose the timeframe that works for you from our range of Iceland self-drive trips from 4 days to 21 days

Even with just 1 week in Iceland, it’s possible for you to tour the entire Ring Road on an express itinerary.

Or for a more leisurely experience, why not explore just one or two regions? For example, you could drive the must-see Golden Circle route from Reykjavík, then head to South Iceland to discover more beautiful scenery.

Extending your trip to 2 weeks in Iceland gives you more time in each location and means you’ll have shorter drives between stops. With an extra week, you could mix seeing Iceland’s top attractions with a few hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path excursions.

Get the ultimate self-drive tour experience in 3 weeks and traverse the Iceland south coast. You’ll pass glacier lagoons and dramatic fjords on the country’s east coast, en-route to Iceland’s remote north. From here go on to discover the wildlife of the Westfjords, and marvel at the beauty on the Snæfellsnes peninsula before you return to Reykjavík.

For tips on how long you may need in Iceland, and more ideas on what to do on your trip, check out these helpful blogs:

The best road trip for you depends on where you’d like to go in Iceland, and what you’d like to do there. Before you decide on a tour, first think about how you’d like to balance your daily driving time with sightseeing opportunities.

No matter how you like to travel, you’ll find something to suit you in our range of tried-and-tested tours. Whether you’d prefer to explore Iceland one region at a time or take it all in at once on the road trip of a lifetime.

Find the right tour for you by browsing our range of Iceland self-drive packages. Each tour is curated by experts and includes a selection of handpicked must-see attractions and hidden gems. This way you can be sure that you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

For inspiration and advice, you can read about our travel consultants' top picks for the 5 best Iceland road trips.

If you still can’t find exactly what you are looking for then don’t hesitate to contact a travel expert. They will help to plan your ideal custom trip to Iceland.

When you book an Iceland self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your package includes a rental car complete with:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Basic liability insurance coverage
  • Authorisation for 2 drivers
  • Hand-marked route map
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Free in-car Wi-Fi
     

If you would like to add anything else, such as more listed drivers, your personal travel consultant will be happy to help you. Meanwhile, extras like child seats and insurance upgrades can be added at your rental pick-up point.

Thanks to its incredible natural beauty, Iceland draws fellow adventurers from around the world into Reykjavík and the countryside beyond. This means that you will find plenty of quality accommodation options outside of Iceland’s lively capital city.

The trick is to know the right places to stay along your route. Organise it well and you will drive a manageable amount each day, with time to enjoy spectacular scenery along the way.

We know that it can be a big task to find, research and book all the accommodation for your trip. That’s why we take the hassle out of planning your tour and make all of the arrangements on your behalf.

All of our chosen hotels and guesthouses are handpicked for their high levels of comfort, handy locations, and friendly atmosphere. We carefully vet each one and visit them ourselves to ensure that you will have an enjoyable stay.

Your personal travel consultant will make sure that your accommodation is conveniently located along your route. This way you'll get a good balance between time spent driving and sightseeing. And they also know the best places to stay for your needs.

Travelling to Iceland with kids? We know the best child-friendly lodgings in Iceland. Or perhaps you are booking an Iceland honeymoon or a romantic trip for two? We will arrange charming hotels that you’ll both love. All you have to do is ask.

In short, we make your whole experience hassle-free and seamless. You can also add extra nights to your tour if you want to spend more time in a particular location.

Normally, before you go on a road trip you need to do lots of research on the area and what you can do there.

Thankfully, you can remove all of this stress by choosing to book with Nordic Visitor. Our self-drive tours have been tried-and-tested by Iceland experts so that you can simply take the wheel and enjoy the journey.

When you book with us, you’ll also get your own Reykjavík-based travel consultant. They will recommend the best places to visit based on your interests, and will answer your questions about travelling to Iceland.

Not only that, but you’ll also receive a personalised map with the top places to eat and en-route highlights marked on it by hand. With this insider knowledge at your fingertips, you can discover the best of Iceland on a seamless driving experience.

As well as personal recommendations, your tour includes stays at quality hotels and a rental car, complete with insurance, as standard.

Check out these popular Iceland trips for tour inspiration. You can also read these handy blogs for travel tips and activity recommendations:

We may be biased, but we really believe that self-drive tours are one of the best ways to see Iceland. More importantly, we think that you will too! Opting for a self-drive itinerary, over a guided tour, gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore Iceland at your own pace.

The answer to this really depends on what experience you are looking for. If you would like to see Iceland independently, then a self-drive tour is best.

With a rental car, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for photos and go to viewpoints whenever you like. By opting for a self-guided tour over a small group tour, you won’t be bound by time limits, and you’ll be able to choose whichever excursions and restaurants suit you.

On the other hand, if you’d rather sit back and let an expert tour guide show you the sights, then a guided small group tour of Iceland could be ideal. This may be especially true if you are travelling to Iceland solo or don’t feel comfortable driving.

On a guided group tour, you’ll get to experience the sights in the company of like-minded travellers. We only partner with reliable local suppliers and promise that your tour group will always be small. This way you receive the best and most personal service.

Alternatively, you could opt for a privately guided Iceland tour. This would see you, or you and your chosen travelling party, accompanied by an expert local guide, meaning that you can set the pace. This way of exploring blends the advantages of guided travel with the pros of an independent tour.

A private tour is ideal for a family trip, as you and your kids will have your own personal guide to answer your questions about Iceland.

Take a look at these classic holidays to Iceland for top recommended routes and itineraries.

There isn’t really one particular best month to see the northern lights. That said, the best time of year for spotting the aurora borealis in Iceland’s skies is winter, from October to March.

Travelling in winter is key to seeing the northern lights in Iceland. This is because the nights are at their longest and darkest. As a result, the colours of the aurora borealis stand out more, compared to when the night skies are light in summer.

Whenever you visit between October and March, be prepared to stay up late to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. The best time of day to see the aurora borealis tends to be from 11 PM to 2 AM.

For the most vibrant sightings, head out of town away from light pollution. This means that a self-guided road trip is a great way to travel in Iceland if you’d like to see the northern lights. Simply check your aurora forecast app for predicted sightings, hop in the car and head to a beautiful viewing spot of your choice.

There are a number of ways that you can chase the aurora, including going on a dedicated northern lights tour in Iceland. Alternatively, add an aurora borealis excursion to your winter road trip, or simply go in search of the lights for yourself.

It’s worth remembering that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, meaning that sightings can’t be guaranteed on your trip. That said, Iceland has plenty of other natural wonders for you to marvel at, from volcanoes to dazzling glaciers.

Check out this handy blog for information on the best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland. For even more tips and advice, read our Iceland northern lights guide.

The best time of year to visit Iceland depends on where you would like to go and what activities you plan on doing.

Iceland undergoes distinct seasonal changes, so you will have a different experience in summer, compared to visiting in winter. This simply means that there are more reasons to return to Iceland in the future!

In summer the temperature is milder and you’re likely to get better weather conditions. This is ideal for sight-seeing in Iceland’s more remote regions and for activities like glacier hiking.

The long daylight hours in summer also mean that you can pack more into each day. Self-drive tours give you the flexibility to take advantage of the longer days, allowing you to explore well into the evening. Imagine admiring the midnight sun while bathing in one of Iceland’s secluded hot springs.

Meanwhile, autumn and winter in Iceland offer a different set of experiences. Contrast exploring late into the night under the midnight sun, with dark winter nights spent chasing incredible displays of the northern lights.

Although winter does bring some additional challenges, such as colder weather and trickier road conditions, we think the rewards are worth it. You can enjoy soaking up the festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year, or try activities like snowmobiling on a glacier.

For more detailed information about the seasonal changes to the weather and daylight hours, check out these guides:

Yes, you can choose the arrival date that suits you best, based on the trip and time of year. Each tour has an online availability calendar, so once you have decided on the right trip for you, simply select your preferred start date.

Summer self-drive tours in Iceland are possible from April to October. Please note, tours that venture to remote regions, including the highlands and Westfjords, have a shorter season.

Meanwhile, you can begin winter tours anytime you like between October to April. But bear in mind that Christmas and New Year tour departures are only available to start on a limited number of days before Christmas Eve.

For exact dates, please check the online availability calendar for the tour you are interested in.

Yes, of course. All of our self-drive tour packages are carefully planned to give you a wonderful experience in Iceland. That said, they can also be easily tailored to suit your needs.

When booking your tour online, you can choose from a variety of ways to customise your trip.

Opt to extend your stay in Iceland by adding extra nights before or after your trip. Or, consider treating yourself to an accommodation upgrade.

At this point, you can also add expert-curated activities to your trip. You can choose from guided excursions, like ice caving or horse riding. Alternatively, for an altogether more relaxed experience, go for a luxury spa session at the Blue Lagoon.

Get in touch with us if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, or would like to talk to an expert about creating the ultimate Iceland tour for you.

We recommend checking what flights are available before you book your tour. However, it’s best to hold off on confirming your flights until after your dedicated travel consultant has been in touch.

You will normally hear from your dedicated travel consultant 2 working days after making your booking online. By waiting until you have been introduced to your travel consultant, you can then get your flights to match up with your personal itinerary.

And, of course, if you have any questions, you can ask your consultant for advice.

Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so it’s best to be prepared for all conditions.

Make sure to pack warm layers and waterproofs, whether you are travelling in summer or winter. That way, come rain or shine, you can get out and about to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty.

Your self-drive tour will take you to a range of iconic attractions where short walks are necessary to make the most of your visit. So, as well as warm and waterproof layers, be sure to bring sturdy walking boots or shoes with a good grip for hiking.

During winter, you’ll need to wrap up warm as temperatures can drop below freezing. Whereas in the summer, milder weather means that you should bring sunscreen and some lighter layers.

If you’d like to visit any hot springs or geothermal pools, like the renowned Blue Lagoon, remember to bring swimwear and sandals.

Below you’ll find a basic all-season packing list for your self-drive tour of Iceland. For more information on what to pack according to the season, read our Iceland packing guide.

  • Walking boots or shoes with good grip
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Insulated jacket
  • Woollen or fleece jumpers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Warm hat, scarf and gloves
  • Warm hiking socks
  • Rucksack
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Quick-drying travel towel

You can also check out this blog on what to pack for your trip to Iceland for further tips and advice.

Contact us

Get in touch with us today, whether you’re ready to plan your tour, or you would like more information. Our local travel experts are ready to answer your questions about road tripping in Iceland.

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+354 578 20 80

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