Our Immersive South Coast 9 Day, 8 Night Self Drive itinerary is designed for those who want to see the absolute best things in Iceland over 9+ incredible days, without spending the whole time driving. This itinerary is a combination of popular sights, nature and adventure. From the mighty glaciers in the south-east to the Valley of Thor in the forgotten highlands to the dormant volcano in the south-west.
This self drive tour was designed to reduce driving time and have as many activities and experiences as you can fit in without feeling rushed. In essence, it covers the ‘Best of Iceland’. It is a perfect family friendly itinerary. So, rather than trying to race around the entire island, you get to take your time and immerse yourself in the Icelandic landscape.
The trip includes a glacier hike, two of Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the wonderful Volcanic Westman Islands, the ever popular Golden Circle region, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon situated within Vatnajökull National Park, geothermal hot springs, rural villages, dormant volcanoes and even a day trip into the remote Highlands of Iceland at Thórsmörk.
Tour Duration
The itinerary below lasts for 9 days and 8 nights, including arrival and departure day. These days can be amended to fit your schedule.
Please note: we have only provided the highlights below to give you a snapshot of this incredible itinerary. We will provide you with a breakdown of the day-to-day itinerary after you submit the form at the bottom of the page.
Immersive South Coast 9 Day, 8 Night Self Drive Tour
Reykjavík, South and South East Iceland
After recouperating from your flight in Reykjavík, you will start your best of Iceland self drive trip by travelling along the entire south coast, reaching as far as the Vatnajökull National Park in the southeast. This area is known for its breathtaking scenery, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches and mountainous landscape. Over the space of 3 days you will get the chance to explore this unique area intimately, including a visit to the world-famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can watch the giant icebergs float around and wash up on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can add in a zodiac boat tour, hike on a glacier and snowmobile on top of one of the mighty ice caps.
For the less adventurous among you, there are uncountable nature walks to experience the flora and fauna, horse riding options, museums and lava exhibitions, and plenty of incredible views to make you forget the rest of the world exists for a few days. There’s a reason this area was crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
Skógafoss Waterfall on the South Coast by Norris Niman. Skogafoss.
Seljalandsfoss Aerial | Hidden Iceland | Photo Danny Mcgee | Featured
Firey sunset over Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunset, with Öræfajökull volcano in the background. Photo by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland
Large glacier ice washed up on ‘Diamond Beach’ by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunset. Photo by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland
Falljökull glacier crevasse track. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Niklas Siemens. Feature
Highlands & Volcanic Islands
In the middle of your trip, you take the path less travelled. Namely, into the highlands via Þórsmörk (Valley of Thor) then ferry over to the volcanic archipelago of the Westman Islands. In Þórsmörk you will cross glacier rivers in modified super jeeps, hike to unbeatable views and truly understand what it means to be off the beaten path. Don’t worry, we’ll recruit some local experts to take you there.
On the Westman Islands, you will get a chance to zoom around the volcanic island by RIB boat, learn about the 1973 eruption that almost devastated the entire island and of course go in search of the Atlantic puffin which calls this quiet island home in the summer months.
Arial View of the Westman Islands
Thorsmork (Þórsmörk). The Valley of Thor in the Highlands of Iceland.
Thorsmork highlands in summer.
View from Eldfell Volcano. Photo Lucas Peters
RIB Boat Tour
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Volcano Hike
Your final few days will revolve around the more celebrated parts of the country. You’ll venture into the golden circle to enjoy one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls at Gullfoss, see the ever erupting geyser at Geysir erupt and learn all about Iceland’s geological past at the Thingvellir National Park and much more in this incredible spot.
To end it all, you will visit the recently erupted volcano at Geldingadalur (now dormant) and take in some of the lesser known geological hot spots of the Reykjanes peninsula. Coincidentally, this is also where the well visited Blue Lagoon is situated. Not a bad way to end your time in Iceland before your flight home the following day.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse Lunch by Kat Craats
Gullfoss in summer by Daniel Guindo
Strokkur at Geysir Erupting in the Golden Circle by Guindo Amezcua
Dining in the greenhouse. Photo courtesy of Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
Tour Highlights
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Inclusions
– Accommodation for the duration of your stay, all activities, rental vehicle with wifi from arrival to departure (type of vehicle depends on group size and preferences), all taxes and booking fees, carbon offsetting of your fuel usage.
– Custom itinerary for the duration of your stay. When we create your final itinerary we give you a very detailed itinerary which includes an interactive map, including a day by day map, trip breakdown as well as full detail on each stop with background information, facts, history etc on each sight. You can view it online, or can save as a pdf. You can also download a free app that allows you to have the itinerary on your phone, which then allows it to link to google maps to help with navigation.
– Hidden Iceland support and assistance every step of the way.
Optional Extras
– You can request additional activities, additional days, a full extra day(s) in Reykjavík and suggested activities in the city. This tour is fully customisable to your needs under our guidance.
Exclusions
– Flights to and from Iceland, meals unless otherwise specified.
Ready to make this your dream trip?
Please try to give us as much information in your submission as you can. We respond to all tour requests within 7 days, but please reach out to us if your request is urgent, or you want to provide more info.
