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Iceland Road Trip: Golden Circle Adventure

For 8-Nights: Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle – A Journey through Reykjavik, Selfoss, Kerid Crater, Gullfoss, Geysir, Flúðir’s Geothermal Spas & Þingvellir National Park.

Road Trip

Trip Code: #11602

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Road TripNew DealsTrip Code: #11602

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(857) 214-2664

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Dates and Prices

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Day By Day Itinerary

9-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 3 cities

Iceland Road Trip: Golden Circle Adventure

Day 1Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive at Keflavik Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to your hotel in Reykjavik. Check in and take some time to relax and settle in.

Suggestion For The Day:

Explore downtown Reykjavík: visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront.

Stop at Perlan Museum, which offers a fantastic interactive exhibition and panoramic city views.

Take a dip at Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa with stunning ocean views, perfect to unwind after your flight.

Walk around Laugavegur Street, Reykjavík’s main shopping and café street, full of boutiques, galleries, and street art.

For dinner, try Messinn Reykjavík for Icelandic fish dishes or Grillmarkaðurinn for a modern twist on local cuisine.
Day 2Drive to Selfoss
Today, leave Reykjavík behind and drive east towards Selfoss (approx. 1 hour). Along the way, enjoy your first taste of the Golden Circle, with volcanic craters and waterfalls setting the scene. You’ll be spending two nights in Selfoss.

Suggestion For The Day:

Along the way, make a stop in Hveragerði, a geothermal village with hot springs and the Geothermal Park.

If you’re interested in geology, make a detour to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, one of Iceland’s largest lava tubes, where a guided walk takes you through colorful rock formations left by ancient eruptions.

Continue your journey to Selfoss, check in at your hotel, and spend the evening strolling along the Ölfusá River and enjoying the town’s cozy cafés.

For dinner, try Tryggvaskáli, a riverside restaurant serving local cuisine with a modern twist.
Day 3Exploring the Selfoss Area
Suggestion For The Day:

Today, visit the Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater with turquoise water.

Continue to Skálholt, Iceland’s historic religious and educational center.

Lunch at the Friðheimar Greenhouse (fresh tomato-based dishes) or at Laugarvatn Fontana Café.

In the afternnoon, explore the eco-community of Sólheimar, known for organic farming and local crafts.

Relax in the hot pools at Laugarvatn Fontana, and taste their famous rye bread baked in geothermal heat.
Day 4Drive to Gulfoss
Today, drive deeper into the Golden Circle from Selfoss to the Gullfoss area (approx. 1 hour). You’ll be spending two nights near Gullfoss.

Suggestion For The Day:

Stop at Friðheimar Greenhouse for a farm visit and light lunch.

Relax at the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir, Iceland’s oldest natural pool.

Arrive near Gullfoss Waterfall in the late afternoon and enjoy golden-hour views.

For dinner, try Gullfoss Kaffi, next to the waterfall, or Minilik in Flúðir for Ethiopian cuisine.
Day 5Golden Circle Highlights
Suggestion For The Day:

Begin at the Geysir Geothermal Area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes.

Continue to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

For lunch, stop at Efstidalur Farm, known for homemade ice cream and farm-to-table meals.

In the afternoon, experience snorkeling or diving at Silfra Fissure, one of the world’s clearest waters.

Consider taking an optional detour to Þórufoss Waterfall, a hidden gem on the northern side of the Golden Circle.
Day 6Drive Back to Reykjavik
Today, leave the Golden Circle behind and drive back to Reykjavík (approx. 2 hours). You’ll be spending your final three nights in Reykjavík.

Suggestion For The Day:

Detour into Þjórsárdalur Valley, with waterfalls, lava fields, and Viking ruins.

Visit Hjálparfoss Waterfall, a twin cascade in a lava field.

Arrive in Reykjavík by the afternoon, with time to relax or explore.

For dinner, try Kopar Restaurant at the Old Harbor for fresh seafood and Icelandic specialties.
Day 7Discover Reykjavík’s Culture & Museums
Suggestion For The Day:

Visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, an immersive experience with life-size whale models, and explore the Settlement Exhibition, which showcases Reykjavík’s Viking-era origins.

Stop at Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront for photo opportunities and architectural appreciation.

Explore the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the country’s history, then visit the Reykjavík Art Museum (Kjarvalsstadir branch) for modern Icelandic art.

Walk along the Old Harbor, stopping at small galleries, cafés, and local shops, and enjoy a peaceful stroll around Tjörnin Pond, a lovely city-center spot for birdwatching.

For dinner, try Fiskfélagid, known for innovative seafood dishes.
Day 8Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day Trip
Suggestion For The Day:

Take a full-day excursion to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.”

Visit Kirkjufell Mountain, Arnarstapi Cliffs, and the Búðir Black Church.

Explore Djupalónssandur Black Beach and Snæfellsjökull Glacier National Park.

For dinner, try a cozy local café in Stykkishólmur if on the peninsula, or return to Reykjavík for Slippbarinn, known for Icelandic tapas.
Day 9Return Flight Home
Suggestion For The Day:

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take some time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Afterward, drive to Keflavík Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight.

We hope you had an unforgettable time in Iceland - safe travels and until next time!

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

Effortless Adventure: This 8-night Golden Circle road trip is designed for travelers who want to explore Iceland without the stress of planning. With flights, hotels, and a rental car included, you can focus entirely on the adventure ahead.

Iconic Icelandic Sights: From Reykjavik to Selfoss, Kerid Crater, Gullfoss, Geysir, Flúðir’s geothermal spas, and Þingvellir National Park, this trip showcases Iceland’s most famous attractions in a compact, unforgettable itinerary.

Authentic Experiences: Handpicked stops let you walk through geothermal areas, explore lava fields, soak in natural hot springs, and taste authentic Icelandic cuisine, giving you a true flavor of the country.

Breathtaking Drives: The Golden Circle route offers some of Iceland’s most scenic drives, from volcanic landscapes to peaceful countryside. Every stretch of road is a photo opportunity, making the journey just as memorable as the destinations.

Freedom & Comfort: Travel at your own pace with the freedom of a rental car. Stop when you like, follow expert suggestions or take spontaneous detours, and unwind in cozy, handpicked accommodations each night.

Available Experiences

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Boat Tours: Reykjavík: Whale Watching Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Thematic Tours: Reykjavik: Golden Circle Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Boat Tours: Reykjavík: Northern Lights Boat Tour with Audioguide

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Thematic Tours: Reykjavík: Northern Lights Mystery - with Transfers

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Thematic Tours: Reykjavík: Walk with a Viking - Small group Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Boat Tours: Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Thematic Tours: Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave Tour From Reykjavik

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Reykjavik

Food & Wine Tours: Reykjavik: Food Lovers Tour - Icelandic Traditional Food

Additional cost applies

Things to Know

About the Destinations

Important Information

Flexibility Policy

Travel Support Anytime Anywhere

When booking a trip with us, you don’t just get our local experts' support and a superb travel experience, you also get the guarantee of full flexibility on our end. We know plans can change, and when that’s the case, we’re here to help!

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Get reimbursed up to 100% for covered trip cancellation and interruption, including covered illness or injury of you, a family member, or travel companion. And more!

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Iceland Road Trip: Golden Circle Adventure

Trip Code: #11602

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