The Iceland Grand Circle and the Westman Islands 12 days

The Iceland Grand Circle and the Westman Islands 12 days

The tour includes the full circle plus a visit to the Westman Islands, and a circle trip around the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

BP27 Map

BP27 Map

AVAILABLE:
June 15 to September 20

DURATION:
12 days / 11 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
10 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP27

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:

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:

Day 2. The Great Golden Circle

Pick up a car and head to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the start of the famous Golden Circle. The faults and fissures of the area are evidence of the rifting of the earth's crust. Thingvellir is one of the most historical sites in the country and a place of exceptional beauty. Explore the great Geysir hot spring area on foot and see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a geyser that spouts every few minutes. Continue onwards to the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Turn around at Gullfoss and head for Hella, don´t miss the pretty waterfall Faxi, enroute hidden. Continue to the volcanic crater Kerið.

Driving distance
210 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Hella area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 3. The Westman Islands

Enjoy an excursion to the offshore volcanic Westman Islands. Drive to the harbour at Landeyjahöfn, past Hvolsvöllur village and take the ferry service across to Heimaey, the main Island – approx. 30 mins each way (payable locally; several departures each day – weather and conditions permitting). You can take your car along. Discover the volcanoes and recent lava fields, bird cliffs and the busy fishing harbour. It is also possible to take boat trips around the islands, and to the volcanic island of Surtsey (subject to a minimum number of participants, seasonal operation). Return to the mainland in the afternoon or evening.

Driving distance
100 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Hella area

Day 4. The Beautiful South Coast & Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Continue to the east heading for the Eyjafjöll district. Stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall in summer, a quite a unique experience. The impressive waterfall Skógafoss is a little further east and don’t miss the Folk Museum at Skógar, close to the waterfall. Drive to Reynisdrangar with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations. The promontory at Dyrhólaey is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf with rich birdlife in summer. Continue to Vík, a small village on the black beach. Drive across the Mýrdalssandur floodplains and Eldhraun, the largest lava field ever to flow on Earth in historical time, and to the small village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. 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, only a few minutes’ walk from the road.

Driving distance
170 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 5. Skaftafell National Park & The Amazing Glacier Lagoon

Continue along the South Coast to Vatnajökull National Park. On your way you will pass Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village. As you reach the Vatnajökull area, you won’t miss Skaftafell National Park with its great views. There you can also find many hiking trails, for example to the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall. Continue to the famous Glacier Lagoon, where huge icebergs, true sculptures of nature, broken off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, float and grind together in the blue waters of the lagoon. You can also go down to the Diamond Beach before driving to the Höfn area for an overnight stay.

Driving distance
300 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Djúpivogur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 6. The Tranquil Eastjfjords & The Wonders of The North East

Continue to Egilsstaðir, a small town on the banks of the river Lagarfljót. Continue from Egilsstaðir along Jökuldalur Valley and across the highland desert of Möðrudalsöræfi, - heading towards Akureyri. Drive to Dettifoss the most magnificent waterfall in Europe. From Dettifoss drive to Vesturdalur Valley and Hljóðaklettar, the Echo Rocks, an extremely beautiful canyon carved by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. This area offers many interesting hiking trails to explore the many wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Continue to Ásbyrgi canyon a strange and spectacular horseshoe shaped canyon. Continue to Húsavík, sometimes called “The Whale Watching Capital of The World”. Húsavík was the first place in the country to offer very successful Whale Watching cruises. The Whale Museum in Húsavík is an educational centre on marine wildlife. Visit the Húsavík Natural and Maritime Museum, one of the best museums of its kind in the country. Whale watching cruises are available daily from early morning until late at night during summer season.

Driving distance
390 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Húsavík/Reykjadalur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 7. The Lunar Landscape of Lake Mývatn

Drive to Lake Mývatn. Spend the day at Lake Mývatn and surroundings to explore the numerous wonders of the area. Stop at the Námaskarð pass where boiling mud pools and flashing colours of the pass merge with lava and ash from the Krafla volcanic system. Explore the phenomenal natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area. The lake area is known worldwide for its exceptionally many breeding duck species and the abundance of other birdlife. The main highlights of the area include Dimmuborgir, Mt. Hverfjall, the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir and the Krafla volcanic system. The explosion crater Víti is near Krafla and the Mývatn Nature Baths are an outstanding attraction too not to be missed.

Driving distance
120 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Lake Mývatn / Reykjadalur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 8. Akureyri “The Capital of The North“

Head towards Akureyri, the capital of the north. We recommend a stop at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss on your way to Akureyri. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri is its warm climate. Although its sits only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, it has some of the best weather in the country. See the Botanical Gardens and some of the many museums and art galleries. The newly opened Forest Lagoon is a great attraction as well. Leave Akureyri and drive to Skagafjörður, renowned for horse breeding.

Driving distance
230 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Skagafjörður area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 9. The Sensational Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today you will explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. First up is a drive to Stykkishólmur town, the main town of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. As you continue towards the tip of the peninsula you will pass a few small fishing towns. Just outside of Grundarfjörður you will find Kirkjufell Mountain, the most picturesque mountain in Iceland. Much of interesting geological phenomena and historic sites can be found in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, the most recent one in Iceland. On the south coast of the peninsula you will find Arnarstapi and Hellnar with a spectacular coast and interesting birdlife. The hiking trail between the two villages is also very interesting. We also recommend a visit to Búðir, a pretty site located on a natural inlet.

Driving distance
420 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Stykkishólmur area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 10. Borgarfjörður

Head for Borgarfjörður district. Enroute you will be passing a number of volcanic craters on both sides of the road, Eldborg being the largest and most beautiful shape. In Borgarfjörður you will be able to see Deildartunguhver hot spring, the historic site Reykholt and the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls. Make the waterfalls a turnaround point and head back to Borgarnes town where we recommend a visit to the Settlement Centre.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Borgarnes area

Recommended optional activity:

Day 11. A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon

Head towards Reykjavik. Make a detour along the shores of Hvalfjörður Fjord to Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, head out to the Reykjanes Peninsula and to Bláa Lónið, - the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon in an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Soak in the refreshing waters of the lagoon and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland that ensures you will be fully relaxed when you leave the country. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. Return to Reykjavík and drop off the car.

Driving distance
210 kilometers

Highlights of the day:

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Recommended optional activity:

Day 12. Departure

Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION

Budget

Budget

Standard rooms in guesthouses. Private room but WC facilities and shower are shared with other guests. Rooms sometimes have wash basins in the room. Breakfast is included

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Comfort

Comfort

Rooms in tourist class hotels combined with quality guesthouses. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included.

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Comfort PLUS

Comfort PLUS

Standard rooms in superior 3 star hotels combined with superior rooms at standard 3 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included

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Quality

Quality

Standard rooms in 4 Star hotels combined with superior and deluxe rooms at quality 3 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included.

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Quality PLUS

Quality PLUS

Superior or Deluxe rooms in 4 star hotels. Rooms have private bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included

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Luxury

Luxury

Junior Suites or Suites in 4 star hotels or rooms at 5 star hotels. Breakfast is included.

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CARS

01.SA - Hyundai i10 or similar - Manual -

01.SA - Hyundai i10 or similar - Manual -

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

02.SB - Hyundai i10 or similar - Automatic -

02.SB - Hyundai i10 or similar - Automatic -

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

03.SC - Hyundai i20 or similar - Manual -

03.SC - Hyundai i20 or similar - Manual -

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

04.SD - Hyundai i20 or similar - Automatic -

04.SD - Hyundai i20 or similar - Automatic -

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

05.SG - Hyundai i30 or similar - Manual -

05.SG - Hyundai i30 or similar - Manual -

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

06.SH - Hyundai i30 or similar - Automatic -

06.SH - Hyundai i30 or similar - Automatic -

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

07.SN - Toyota Corolla station or similar - Manual -

07.SN - Toyota Corolla station or similar - Manual -

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

08.SK - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Automatic -

08.SK - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Automatic -

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

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

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

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

10.SL - Dacia Duster 4WD or similar - Manual -

10.SL - Dacia Duster 4WD or similar - Manual -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15.LH - 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.

Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Amphibian boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Season: May 1 to November 15

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Price: 7100 ISK

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Season: March 1 to November 30

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Price: 13990 ISK

Earth Lagoon Mývatn
 

Earth Lagoon Mývatn<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 9900 ISK

Breiðafjörður Cruise
 

Breiðafjörður Cruise<br/> 

Season: May 15 to September 30

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Price: 8301 ISK

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Season: May 15 to October 15

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Price: 15000 ISK

Glacier Walk - About 3 hours
 

Glacier Walk - About 3 hours<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 17500 ISK

The Settlement Exhibition and The Egils Saga Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition and The Egils Saga Exhibition

Season: All year

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Price: 3500 ISK

Prepaid Sim Card for mobile phones

Prepaid Sim Card for mobile phones

Season: All year

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Price: 2001 ISK

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour
 

The Lava Tunnel - 1 Hour<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8401 ISK

Krauma Baths
 

Krauma Baths<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8690 ISK

LAVA Exhibition and Cinema
 

LAVA Exhibition and Cinema<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 5314 ISK

Cancellation Insurance
 

Cancellation Insurance<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 6000 ISK

Reykjavik City Card
 

Reykjavik City Card<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 5501 ISK

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Blue Lagoon - Comfort Admission

Season: All year

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Price: 17989 ISK

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Season: All year

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Price: 23999 ISK

Reykjavik Food Tour
 

Reykjavik Food Tour<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 18900 ISK

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
 

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking<br/> 

Season: May 15 to September 30

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Price: 18400 ISK

Katla Ice Cave
 

Katla Ice Cave<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 29901 ISK

ATV Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck

ATV Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck

Season: All year

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Price: 25499 ISK

Zodiac Boat Tour on the Glacier Lagoon

Zodiac Boat Tour on the Glacier Lagoon

Season: May 1 to October 31

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Price: 16600 ISK

Forest Lagoon
 

Forest Lagoon<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 8690 ISK

Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Season: December 1 to May 31

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Price: 35499 ISK

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland
 

Perlan - Wonders of Iceland<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 6890 ISK

Laugarás Lagoon
 

Laugarás Lagoon<br/> 

Season: All year

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Price: 9400 ISK

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 11

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

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

    Accommodation is according to your choice in Budget, Comfort, Comfort PLUS, Quality or Quality PLUS 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


    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.