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South Iceland Express

(4 days / 3 nights)

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Explore the splendour of the scenic south

Want to see the pearls of the south, but have a limited amount of time? One of our itineraries that covers 4 days in Iceland, this fast-paced self-drive tour covers a lot of ground, so get ready! You will have a chance to see towering waterfalls, vast glaciers, spouting geysers, sweeping black sand beaches and the spectacular glacier lagoon, among other sites. The south has so much to offer and this itinerary will not disappoint. Take to the open road and get ready for an adventure.

4 days / 3 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 104665 ISK

See Book With Confidence terms
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— Why book this tour

  • Free private transfer from airport on arrival
  • Handpicked hotels by local travel experts with breakfast included
  • Reliable rental cars from our trusted partners Enterprise & Hertz
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map and travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline throughout tour
  • Local travel experts with firsthand experience

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • See the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon
  • Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice
  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Feel the power of the thundering waterfall Gullfoss
  • Marvel at eruptions at the Geysir geothermal region
  • Walk the quaint streets of the capital city, Reykjavik
  • Traverse Iceland‘s beautiful national parks – Vatnajökull and Þingvellir
  • Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Photograph jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
  • Marvel at the beauty of Skaftafell

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Active i, Midnight sun i

Season

May - Sep

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

868/539 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Download PDF

  • Day 1: Arrival & Explore Reykjavík

    On arrival to Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city centre with its abundance of museums, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. If you're interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 2: The Classic Golden Circle & South Coast

    Collect your rental car in the morning and begin your long day ahead starting on the classic Golden Circle route, home to some of south Iceland’s most popular attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the hot springs of the Haukadalur geothermal area, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the impressive implosion crater of Kerið. Continue your drive along the south coast and visit the graceful Seljalandsfoss waterfall—where you can walk behind the cascade—and the equally impressive Skógafoss waterfall. Visit the black sand beach near Vík and the jagged rock formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar before reaching the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the night.

    Spend the night in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. 

    Driving distance approx. 372 km / 219 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Enormous Glaciers And Towering Icebergs

    Today you will beheading to Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty. Next up is the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Fjallsárlón Ice Lagoon, where you can join a boat ride among the maze of floating icebergs (optional). After exploring the national park, you will head back along the scenic south coast to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. You can visit the sights along the south shore that you might have missed out on yesterday, such as the black sand beach or one of the waterfalls under Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik. 

    Driving distance approx. 496km / 308mi*

    *Please note that today´s driving distances are quite extreme but do in fact offer you the chance to visit all of the biggest highlights along the south of Iceland, as well as Iceland´s most popular destinations.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Optional Extras

  • Day 4: Departure

    Transfer by shuttle to Keflavík International Airport in time for your departure flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can fit in a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa or even take a short guided tour of the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula (optional; not included).

    Attractions Optional Extras
View full itinerary

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

4 days / 3 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 104665 ISK

See Book With Confidence terms
Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this summer self-drive tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Iceland, along with airport transfers and planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, leaflets about driving in Iceland, and our very own Iceland Travel Guide. You’ll also have in-car Wi-Fi included in your car rental, meaning you’ll be able to stay connected and check things on the go.

Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your self-drive tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

On our self-drive packages, you can choose from single, double and triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a Reykjavík-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Driving in Iceland during the summer months might be slightly different than what you’re used to. For this reason, you’ll want to make yourself aware of local driving laws and potential road hazards, such as:

  • We drive on the right-hand side of the road
  • Sheep sometimes roam onto the roads
  • Most roads and motorways are single carriageways
  • The first car to arrive at a single-lane bridge has right of way
  • Iceland has quite a few tunnels, including one of the longest underwater road tunnels in the world
     

And finally, with all the beautiful scenery, you’ll want to take it slow and enjoy the drive!

For more information, we strongly recommend taking a few minutes to read through our guide to driving in Iceland. Additionally, when you arrive on your tour, you’ll receive a brochure telling you more about driving in Iceland.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland enjoys long days throughout the summer. 

Around the summer solstice, from early June until mid-July, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, occurs within the Arctic Circle and is when the sun doesn’t fully set below the horizon. 

These long daylight hours give you plenty of time to drive around and explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Summer in Iceland is mild and boasts the best weather and longest days of the year. You can expect temperatures of around 10–15°C (50–59°F), with potential lows of 5°C (41°F) and highs of 25°C (77°F). 

It’s good to know that weather conditions are changeable in Iceland, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Iceland weather conditions. 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Even in summertime Iceland’s climate can feel cool. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, you should be ready for a variety of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended summer packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket
  • Rain gear, including sturdy wind and waterproof layers, like a jacket and trousers
  • Robust walking shoes with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and eye mask for the summer sun
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing guide.

On your Iceland road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around 300-400 ISK per litre.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in Iceland. For the rest of your meals, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

Budget between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to getting a good night’s sleep after each day of driving in Iceland. All your accommodation will be conveniently located near your driving route, with ample parking. Rest assured that you’ll stay in the best possible properties, which have all received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Economy

Rooms with shared bathroom facilities in farmhouses, cosy guesthouses or well-appointed hostels.

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Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Deluxe or Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

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Rental car

Enjoy the journey in the rental car of your choice, with two authorised drivers and free in-car Wi-Fi.

Toyota Yaris
(Manual)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • M
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Toyota Yaris
(Manual)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual*
  • *upgrade to automatic available upon request
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Toyota Auris (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Toyota Auris (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Toyota Avensis (Automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
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Toyota Avensis (Automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Description: Intermediate
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

  • Limited availability summer 2022
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Toyota Avensis Wagon (Automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A
View Info

Toyota Avensis Wagon (Automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Description: Intermediate Wagon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

  • Limited availability summer 2022
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Hyundai Tucson AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Hyundai Tucson AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Intermediate SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mitsubishi Outlander AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Mitsubishi Outlander AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard SUV, AWD
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x5
  • A
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Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium SUV, 4WD
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Volkswagen Touareg AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A
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Volkswagen Touareg AWD (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV, AWD
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Ford Transit (Automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x5
  • x6
  • A
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Ford Transit (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 6-7
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Price per person from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 104665 ISK

Book with confidence
Request info

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2023

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

Day One

Activity

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

11990ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Puffin Watching from Reykjavík

Duration 60 minutes
Price p.p. from

6300ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Reykjavik City Walk - Small Groups

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4980ISK

ISK

View
Activity

The Tasty Reykjavík Food Walk

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

15500ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Inside the Volcano

Duration 6 hours
Price p.p. from

44000ISK

ISK

View
Upgrade

Blue Lagoon Entrance & Private Transport on Arrival

Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

26175ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

10990ISK

ISK

View
Activity

ATV Bike Tour - Mountain Safari - 1 hour

Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

17990ISK

ISK

View
Activity

ATV Bike Evening Tour - Midnight Sun Safari

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

28000ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Planetarium Show

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4690ISK

ISK

View
Activity

FlyOver Iceland

Duration 35 minutes
Price p.p. from

4990ISK

ISK

View
View all extras
Activity

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

11990ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Puffin Watching from Reykjavík

Duration 60 minutes
Price p.p. from

6300ISK

ISK

View
Activity

Reykjavik City Walk - Small Groups

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4980ISK

ISK

View
Activity

The Tasty Reykjavík Food Walk

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

15500ISK

ISK

View
View all extras

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