The Full Circle Express self drive 7 days

Self Drive Tour

The Full Circle Express self drive 7 days

Self Drive Tour

7 days driving trip is part of Iceland express self drive tour packages which are specially designed for those who do not have much time but still want to do the Iceland full circle express trips. Full circle driving tour of Iceland includes many of the most interesting sights along the circular highway.

BP06 Map

BP06 Map

AVAILABLE:
March 25 to September 30

DURATION:
7 days / 6 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
5 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP06

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival


Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport, a meet and greet service is provided by a TOURIS representative who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Highlights of the day:
Reykjavík

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
Reykjavik City Card

Day 2. The Great Golden Circle


Pick up your car in the morning and take the highway to Þingvellir National Park, a unique place from a geological point of view and a place of exceptional beauty. Thingvellir was accepted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004. Drive further to the Great Geysir area where the powerful geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes. From here, drive to the majestic waterfall Gullfoss, one of Icelands most beautiful waterfall. Continue to the impressive volcanic crater Kerið which is 270 meters wide and 55 meters deep. Proceed to the south coast.

Driving distance
250 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Reykjavík
Þingvellir
Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Springs
Selfoss

Overnight:
Hella area

Optional activity:
LAVA Centre

Day 3. The South Coast, Skaftafell National Park & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon


Head east along the south coast to the waterfall Seljalandsfoss and later to the larger Skógafoss. In the summertime it is possible to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, - this is a quite interesting experience. On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption began on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After the eruption came to an end, a new and more powerful eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Continue along the south coast to Dyrhólaey natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds in summer. (Dyrhólaey is closed for all traffic during the nesting period until June 25th). Drive to Reynishverfi with beautiful coast, spectacular rock formations and thousands of nesting seabirds. Continue across Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the most extensive lava field ever to flow on face of Earth in historical times, and to the small village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a beautiful canyon worth taking a look at a few km. to the west from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, see Kirkjugólfið (the Church Floor), a protected natural monument just east of the village. Kirkjugólfið is columnar basalt, shaped and eroded by water and wind, only a few minutes’ walk from the road. Continue from Kirkjubæjarklaustur over Skeidarársandur, vast tracts of black sand desert, washed down by numerous torrential glacial rivers. Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe is to the north from here. In the afternoon of 21. May 2011, a sub-glacial eruption started in the Grímsvötn volcanic system underneath Vatnajökull Glacier. Later the same day, the eruption broke the ice cover of the glacier and started spewing volcanic ash into the air. The amount of ash fall was the greatest close to the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The eruption went on for about a week. It ceased on 28. May 2011. Stop at Skaftafell National Park, an oasis wedged between glacier and sand plains. Its natural beauty is a result of favorable weather conditions and the interaction of fire and ice. One of the many interesting hiking trails takes you to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls, framed in by beautiful basalt columns that surround it. Continue to the Glacial Lagoon Jökulsarlón, where huge icebergs, true sculptures of nature, broken off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, float and grind together in the blue waters of the lagoon. An interesting cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available during the summer months. Spend the night in the Höfn / Djúpivogur area.

Driving distance
360 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Vík Town
Reynisfjara beach
Kirkjubæjarklaustur town
Kirkjugólf Basalt Columns
Skaftafell National Park
Svartifoss waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Höfn.

Overnight:
Höfn / Djúpivogur area

Optional activity:
Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glacier Walk

Day 4. The Tranquil East Fjords & The Amazing Landscape of Lake Mývatn


Continue from Höfn to Lónsöræfi, a mountainous wilderness traversed by glacial rivers. Drive past towering mountains with bare rock faces, that plunge almost vertically into the sea. Continue to the magnificent East Fjords, many are now deserted, - each a world of its own. Continue to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the east and drive further across the highland desert plateau towards Lake Mývatn. Enroute, make a detour to Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. Stop at Námaskarð pass, where boiling mud pools and flashing colors merge with lava and ash from the Krafla volcanic system. The Lake Mývatn area is known worldwide for the abundance of birdlife in summer and it’s great number of breeding duck species. The lakes surroundings show great variety in strange landscapess and amazing geological formations. Stop at Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Castles" and see the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and many other scenic spots in the area surrounding the lake. The Nature Baths at Mývatn are a great attraction too, where one can take a bath all year round in geothermal water in the open air. Continue to Húsavík town, famous for the popular whale watching cruises available during the summer months.

Driving distance
460 milometers

Highlights of the day:
Seyðisfjörður
Egilsstaðir town
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Lake Mývatn area
Dimmuborgir
Nature Baths
Húsavík Town

Overnight:
Húsavík area

Optional activity:
Nature Baths
Whale Watching From Húsavík

Day 5. Akureyri The Capital of The North & Borgarfjörður


Head for Akureyri, the largest town in the north. Stop enroute at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss,on road 1 close to the junction with 85 at Fosshóll. Visit the famous Botanical Gardens of Akureyri and some of the many museums and art galleries the town has to offer. Horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available in Skagafjörður. In Skagafjörður you will also be able to join some of the best white water rafting in Iceland. Here we recommend a visit to the old turf and stone farm / museum at Glaumbær and the old tiny church at Víðimýri. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi town, about 7 km from highway number 1 is an interesting place to visit. It is a research and exhibition center investigating the lives of seals found in and around Iceland. Around Vatnsnes peninsula you have a unique opportunity to watch both harbour seals and grey seals in their natural habitat. The main watching locations are Svalbarð and at Illugastaðir on the west coast and and at Ósar on the east coast. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi gives more information about these locations and how to approach the seals with care. It is usually best to see the selas at low tide since seals usually rest ashore during low tide but feed during high tide. Head to the Borgarfjörður District to see Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe, and visit the beautiful waterfalls Barnafossar and Hraunfossar. Overnight stay in Borgarnes area.

Driving distance
400 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Goðafoss waterfall
Akureyri
Glaumbær Folk Museum
Vatnsdalshólar mounds
Hvítserkur Cliff
Reykholt town
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar
Borgarnes town

Overnight:
Borgarnes area

Optional activity:
Krauma Baths
Beer Spa

Day 6. A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik


Leave the Borgarfjörður district and head for the scenic and quiet Hvalfjördur fjord. Continue to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath after your tour around the country. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. It can be booked at www.bluelagoon.com Spend the night in Reykjavík.

Driving distance
240 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
The Blue Lagoon
Reykjavík

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
The Settlement Exhibition and The Egil Saga Exhibition

Day 7. Departure


Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport

ACCOMMODATION

CARS

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual - manual

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual -  manual

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 4

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 3

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Why book your Self Drive Tour with Tour.is?
  • Highly competitive prices
  • We include more
  • Outstanding response time and customer care
  • Knowledgeable and motivated team of travel agents
  • Great reviews from visitors
  • We offer cancellation insurance


  • Please note that like the title of this tour indicates, this is an "Express" tour, especially designed for those who have limited time but still want to do the full circle. Therefore it is limited how many extra activities can be added as driving distances are rather long each day. We recommend you contact us before booking extra activities.
    Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 6.

    An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.

    Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
    The highland tracks of Iceland are usually not expected to be open until the middle of June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

    Types of car recommended: Any. During winter, usually September through May, snow and ice can be expected. Although the route of this tour is usually passable by any car type all year round, we strongly recommend 4x4 during winter.

    A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car. Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the client’s wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

    Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category and not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.

    Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
    Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

    Information on weather and road conditions are available at http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/.
    Map displayed is only for quick reference and is not to scale.

    Travel Insurance: To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

    Price Calculator: There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

    1. Time of the year.

    2. Number of people traveling together

    3. Type of car (we offer more than 15 different types of cars)

    4. Type of accommodation (we offer 3 different categories of accommodation)

    There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

    Note: Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don´t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.

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