The Highlights of the South 6 days

The Highlights of the South 6 days

The tour includes many of the most interesting sights in the South.

BP20 Map

BP20 Map

AVAILABLE:
All year

DURATION:
6 days / 5 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
4 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP20

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival


Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport, you will be met by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You will be free for the rest of the day to explore Reykjavik, visit museums, landmarks etc. Downtown Reykjavík offers excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs. You might want to join an optional tour if you arrive early. You can visit one of the many Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants for dinner.

Highlights of the day:
Reykjavík

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
Reykjavik City Card
Reykjavik Food Tour
Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbor

Day 2. The Beautiful South Coast


Pick up the rental car in the morning and head for the eastern outskirts of the city. Cross the plateau Hellisheiði, with a lot of geothermal activity and plumes of steam rising from the ground. Numerous boreholes have been drilled on Hellisheiði in the last years for hot water and steam, some of the cleanest energy available. After crossing the plateau, come to the small town Hveragerði, where hot spring water is used for heating greenhouses for cultivation of decorative flowers and vegetables. Drive further east to the scenic South shore. See the Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur. Continue across the lowland plains towards Eyjafjöll district. Stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where in summer it is possible to walk behind the falls. This can be quite an interesting experience. A little further east stop at Skógafoss, another pretty waterfall and don’t miss the folk museum at Skógar, close to the waterfall. The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull are towering above the area.
On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Make a short detour to the tip of the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue. Proceed further east to the headland Dyrhólaey, a natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds. Go to Reynishverfi with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations and thousands of nesting seabirds in summer. Then continue to Vik the southernmost town in Iceland. Drive across the Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the largest lavafield ever to flow on Earth in historical time, and to the small village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow and beautiful canyon a few km to the west from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, worth taking a look at. 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.

Driving distance
260 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Hveragerði Town
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Vík Town
Reynisfjara beach
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Kirkjubæjarklaustur town
Kirkjugólf Basalt Columns

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Recommended optional activity:
Glacier Walk
Snowmobiling on Solheimajokull Glacier
LAVA Centre
ATV Black Sand Beach and Plane Wreck
Katla Ice Cave

Day 3. Skaftafell National Park & The Amazing Glacier Lagoon


Continue from Klaustur over Skeidarársandur, vast tracts of black sandy desert washed down by numerous torrential glacial rivers. Stop at the Skaftafell National Park, an oasis wedged between glacier and sand. Its natural beauty is a result of unusually favourable weather conditions and the interaction of ice and fire. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is Grímsvötn, one of Iceland’s most active volcano. 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. See the interesting Visitors Center where you can learn the history of fire and ice in the region and a video of the volcanic eruption and the catastrophic flood in the area in 1996 can also be viewed. An interesting hiking trail takes you to Svartifoss, one of Icelands most picturesque waterfall, framed in by beautiful basalt columns that surround it. In the Skaftafell area are many other interesting hiking trails. Continue to Jökulsarlón, the Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs, sculptures of nature, broken off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float and grind together in the deep blue waters of the lagoon. An interesting cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available in summer. Return to Hella area.

Driving distance
400 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Skaftafell National Park
Svartifoss waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

Overnight:
Hella area

Recommended optional activity:
Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
Zodiac Boat on Glacier Lagoon
Crystal Ice Cave

Day 4. The Great Golden Circle


From Selfoss head inland and stop at the volcanic crater Kerið on you right hand side immediately by the side of the road. Drive further inland and to the waterfall Faxi, which is hidden in a short distance from the road. Continue to the Geyser area to see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a very active geyser that spouts every few minutes, as well as numerous other hot springs. From Geysir, continue a short distance to the waterfall Gullfoss one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfall. Make Gullfoss a turnaround point and head to the National Park Þingvellir, a unique place from a geological point of view. Research has shown that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale where evidence of continental drift and the rifting of the earth's crust can clearly be seen. Þingvellir is also the most historical place in the country and a place of exceptional beauty. From the National Park, drive across the plateau Mosfellsheiði to Reykjavík for an overnight stay.

Driving distance
210 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Þingvellir
Geysir
Gullfoss Waterfall
Faxi waterfall
Kerið

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Recommended optional activity:
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Day 5. Reykjanes Peninsula & A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon


Leave Reykjavík and make a circle trip on Reykjanes peninsula to Lake Kleifarvatn, Krýsuvík geothermaal area and visit the Blue Lagoon. Visit Lake Kleifarvatn and Krísuvík geothermal area for a feel of the power of Earth. Continue to from Grindavík fishing town across moon-like rugged lava fields to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing bath in an otherworldly setting. In this unique area, lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Soak in the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon, and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland, that ensures that you are fully relaxed when you leave Iceland. 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 Return to Reykjavík and drop off the car.

Driving distance
150 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Lake Kleifarvatn
Krýsuvík
The Blue Lagoon

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Recommended optional activity:
Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission

Day 6. 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


  • Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 5.

    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 early June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

    Please note that information given in the itinerary is for a summer tour. Activities and/or extra tours may not be available during winter / early spring. 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, driving conditions can occasionally become difficult and we strongly recommend 4x4 during winter.


    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 but 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.
    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.

    Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

    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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