This Extended Grand Circle Self Drive Itinerary is designed for those who want to take their time and travel at leisure around the entire island. Allowing you to include a few lesser travelled locations that you otherwise would not have time to visit. On your journey you will experience the most celebrated sights, immerse in nature and get a little adventure along the way.
Our extended Grand Circle itinerary includes some of Iceland’s most celebrated attractions and activities. From glacier hikes, UNESCO World heritage sites, the dramatic scenery of the East fjords, the volcanic region of Mývatn Nature Reserve in the north, countless waterfalls, the evergreen Golden Circle and rural villages. The tour spans 14 days and 13 nights, which is inclusive of your arrival and departures days.
Arrival Day, Reykjavík & The Golden Circle
After arriving in Iceland and collecting your rental vehicle, it’s time to head to Reykjavík. Spend a day or two in our favourite little city, exploring museums, café’s and restaurants. Before you know it, you will have packed up your rental vehicle to officially commence your Premium Self Drive Tour all around the island. Starting in the Golden Circle area, home to erupting Geysers, powerful waterfalls, and unique geothermal geological wonders.
Southern Highlands Exploration
Spend a full day in the southern highlands of Iceland, exploring some of the most remarkable locations! As the area is only accessible in an off-road 4×4 Super Jeep which allows you to cross glacier rivers and handle any rural terrain, you’ll be exploring the highlands with our partners. Together, you’ll traverse this mesmerizing terrain, be prepared for surprises around every corner—volcanic craters, hidden waterfalls, remote hot springs, and stunning vistas await. The journey culminates with a picturesque picnic lunch amidst this natural wonderland. The Southern Highlands offer an authentic and intimate experience of Iceland’s untamed beauty, with the freedom to embrace the unexpected, making each tour unique and unforgettable.
South & South East Marvels
Over the course of the following few days, you will travel along the entire south coast and into the south-east corner. Along the way, you’ll be granted the opportunity to walk behind the 60 m tall Seljalandsfoss waterfall and come up close to the nearby Skógafoss waterfall. Followed by a stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach before continuing on further east. Soon you’ll start to see the towering mountain scape that are unique to Vatnajökull National Park. Over the space of about two days, you’ll have ample time to explore the national park; highlighted by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach. Here you’ll have the chance to join some adventurous activities such as a boat tour on the glacier lagoon and a glacier hike on one of the glaciers within the national park.
Continuing on to the East Fjords in East Iceland, characterized by the fjord-shared coastal drive, small fishing villages and lush farmlands. The birdlife it quite spectacular in certain seasons as migrant species gather in these tranquil areas.
North-east wonders; Mývatn Geothermal Area, Diamond Circle & More
As part of our unique Grand Circle at Leisure tour, we will ensure that you have enough time to immerse yourself in the open landscape of the East fjords. With spectacular locations in any direction. Hike up to the gorgeous Hengifoss waterfall, Iceland’s 3rd tallest waterfall encapsulated by basaltic strata known for its thin, red layers of clay between the basaltic layers. In the opposite direction, over a mountain road, you’ll come to the quaint fishing town of Seyðisfjörður known for its blue church and rainbow streets. In the middle of the two is Vök geothermal baths, located on the edge of the lake.
Continuing on further north, and Mývatn opens up an entirely new terrain. Rich with bubbling volcanic fumaroles, giant crates, great hikes and natural hot pools. It’s the kind of landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. Detour off the main road to travel the Diamond Circle route. The area is rife with voluminous waterfalls, nature walks and hikes. You’ll pop up near Húsavík, which is considered one of the best locations for seeing whales in Iceland.
The Arctic Coast way in the north & Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west
By now, you will have travelled much of the entire grand circle route already. As you continue on from the north-east you’ll come to Akureyri, the capital of the north, and onward to the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Here, towering peaks rise over 1,000 meters above sea level as you make your way around the scenic peninsula. From one scenic drive to the next, you’ll take the drive through the breathtaking Arctic Coast way, which brings you to Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west.
As you approach the wonderful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll find fjords, mountains, volcanoes, endless lava fields, glaciers, and dramatic coastal cliffs all in one amazing peninsula. This includes the famous Kirkjufell mountain with its waterfalls, depicted in the hit TV series Game of Thrones as the Arrow Mountain.
Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon & Departure
The Extended Grand Circle tour concludes in Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark and home to some incredible sights. Start your journey with a visit to The Lava Tunnel, one of the longest lava caves in Iceland. Here, you’ll explore the inner workings of a volcanic eruption, following the path that the lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption 5,200 years ago. You’ll be driving the scenic route back along Lake Kleifarvatn to Krýsuvík for a walk around the Mars-like geothermal hot springs.
Your premium self-drive tour ends at the wonderful Blue Lagoon, where you have two options. You can either look to stay in the comfort of Silica Hotel for a more private Blue Lagoon experience. Enjoy premium admission to the main Blue Lagoon as well as exclusive access to Silica Lagoon, reserved only for the hotel guests. For an even more extraordinary conclusion to your Iceland holiday, consider upgrading to the award-winning sanctuary The Retreat. Here you’ll receive complimentary access to The Retreat Lagoon, Retreat Spa and Blue Lagoon Rituals as part of your stay in one of their suites. With a Michelin-starred restaurant, Moss, on site, the experience at The Retreat is truly unparalleled.
Tour Highlights
|
OPERATES |
DURATION 14 days, 13 nights including arrival and departure days |
MINIMUM AGE |
| LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Easy — moderate This depends on the selected activities |
STARTING POINT |
END POINT |
| Inclusions • Accommodation with breakfast all mornings • Activities as listed in the proposed itinerary • Rental vehicle with Wi-Fi • Detailed step-by-step itinerary in an app • Hidden Iceland’s on ground support every step of the way. |
Exclusions • Fuel, parking & other fees • International flights • Meals unless otherwise specified |
Accommodation options
Premium: Primarily 4-star hotels, offering high-quality amenities and services, comfortable and stylish rooms, and excellent locations with easy access to attractions.
Luxury: Combination of 4-star and 5-star hotels and lodges, providing superior amenities and exceptional service, elegant and spacious rooms, and often feature on-site fine dining and wellness facilities.
Exclusive accommodation & private lodges: Exclusively 5-star hotels and private lodges, offering unmatched luxury and personalised service, luxurious suites and private accommodations, with top-tier amenities including private pools, spas, and gourmet dining options.
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