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Iceland Summer Road Trip in the South

A self-drive adventure through Iceland’s volcanic heartland - where glaciers meet waterfalls, and every road leads to discovery.

Self Drive Tour
4
Days
3
Nights
From$3,893pp

Set out on a summer road trip through South Iceland, where nature’s raw power and beauty unfold at every turn. Drive through landscapes shaped by fire and ice, from the dramatic Þingvellir National Park to the geysers of Haukadalur and the thunderous cascade of Gullfoss. Explore the legendary South Coast, home to towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the icy expanse of Vatnajökull. With the freedom of the open road, this journey invites you to experience Iceland’s most spectacular sights—on your own terms.

Included
Canopy Hotel (1 night)
Geysir Hotel (2 nights)
Snowmobile tour
Not Included
Flights and connections
Personal Travel Insurance
Beverages, snacks and meals not specified in the itinerary
Any service, admission or activity not listed under 'included'
Day 1
Arrival to Iceland

Welcome to Iceland—a land of striking contrasts, where fire and ice shape the landscape and the air is crisp with possibility.

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, the rental car kiosks are conveniently located to the left as you exit the arrivals hall. The staff will be ready to assist you in picking up your pre-arranged vehicle. From there, a scenic 45-minute drive brings you to Reykjavík, where the city’s colorful rooftops and vibrant energy await.

The afternoon is yours to explore. Reykjavík is best discovered through its flavors—stop for a warm cinnamon bun at a local bakery, sample fresh seafood, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail in one of the city’s cozy bars. Along the way, you’ll find yourself in easy conversation with locals, each with their own stories to share.

For the evening, you’ll receive a curated list of restaurant recommendations, and if you’d like, we can arrange your table reservations—so all you have to do is enjoy the first night of your Icelandic journey

REYKJAVIK SKYLINE 03 22024
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Canopy Hotel Exterior Overview
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accommodation

Canopy Hotel

Offbeat relaxation at the heart of Reykjavik

This hotel is located in the center of Reykjavík city and is in walking distance from multiple cafes and restaurants. The hotel is designed in a modern but warm style. The lobby, cafe and bar are decorated in a vibrant and fun way. 

The restaurant, Geiri Smart, is a culinary experience as the chefs play their menus by the ear depending on the products they get from the farmers and fishermen. At the same time the waiters, sommeliers and the atmosphere gives you a great exclusive experience.

There is also a fitness center accessible for the hotel guests. The decor in the hotel inspired by its past. In this location there has been an arts hub, music venue and a furniture factory.

Canopy Central Bistro and Bar

The Canopy Central Bistro and Bar serves small nibbles & bites and enticing beverages such as refreshing juices, wine, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Each evening, the Canopy Central Bar will host a complimentary tasting of local drinks and bites for hotel guests. Guests can join the hum or slip into a quiet corner to let the night unfold. Open daily from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Canopy Central Cafe

Canopy Central Café offers ready-to-serve items such as sandwiches, yogurt with muesli, Danish pastries, cookies and cakes. The coffee shop is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

  • Breakfast
  • Restaurant and bar
  • Swimming Pool
  • Free Wifi
  • TV in room
  • Spa / Fitness Area
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Did You Know?

Located in the heart of City Centre, Canopy Reykjavik is your connection to the best local food and drink, art and music. Don’t just visit our city, get to know our great neighborhood. Grab a Canopy bike, check out the local culture, fashion and Icelandic film.

Day 2
Day 2: South Iceland – A Journey Through Time and Nature

Today, we set out to explore some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, all connected by the legendary Golden Circle route. This journey takes us through landscapes shaped by fire, ice, and time, where history and nature intertwine in ways found nowhere else.

Our first stop is Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, where still waters reflect the surrounding volcanic terrain. Just beyond lies Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with both geological and historical significance. Here, the raw power of the Earth is on full display—the North Atlantic Ridge rises above the surface, revealing the dramatic meeting point of two continental plates. It was also here, in 930 AD, that Icelanders founded Alþingi, the world’s oldest surviving parliament.

Next, we visit the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling hot springs and hissing steam vents. While the original Great Geysir now sleeps, its lively neighbor, Strokkur, reliably erupts every few minutes, launching a column of boiling water 20 meters into the sky. For the best view, follow the nearby walking trails up the hill, where you can take in both the geysers and the vast landscape beyond.

Then, the roar of Gullfoss calls. This powerful waterfall crashes down two tiers, twisting dramatically through a rugged canyon. On clear days, you can see Langjökull glacier in the distance, the very source of the river Hvítá that fuels Gullfoss. And when the sunlight catches the mist just right, a rainbow appears, suspended above the rushing water.

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Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier

For those craving an extra dose of adventure, a snowmobile tour on Langjökull is the perfect way to cap off the day. Departing from Gullfoss Café, where you can grab a bite to eat, our specially modified monster truck will take you up to our glacier base camp.

Once geared up, our experienced guides will lead you on a one-hour snowmobile ride across the vast, frozen expanse of Langjökull. The ride offers a unique perspective of Iceland’s highlands—endless snowfields stretching toward the horizon, rugged mountain peaks in the distance, and the exhilarating rush of gliding over pristine ice.

This is where South Iceland truly comes to life—where landscapes shift with every turn, and the thrill of discovery never fades.

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experience

Snowmobile tour

Meet us at Gullfoss for a snowmobile tour on Iceland's second largest ice cap

We offer snowmobile tours for individuals and groups from our base camps on the east side of Langjökull glacier. This is a great choice for those who have their own transportation and want to top off the Golden Circle with something special. 

We offer daily departures from Gullfoss Café where you can park your car and grab some lunch. Our monster truck will then take you up to Langjökull glacier. 

Our professional guides will take you on a 1-hour snowmobile adventure in the Icelandic highlands, giving you the most amazing views of the majestic glacier and its surroundings.

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accommodation

Geysir Hotel

The trademark of Iceland, the great Geysir, gave the hotel its name and Geysir is situated right outside the front door of the hotel. Haukadalur is one of Iceland’s most famous historical sites, both ancient and today. 

Hotel Geysir is directly opposite the geothermal area of Geysir and Strokkur and next to elegant restaurants, souvenir shop, outdoor clothing store, snack shop, golf course and camping area. Cycling, hiking, glacier tours on Langjökull glacier, highland tours and horseback riding are among the activities that guests of Hotel Geysir can find nearby. Therefore it is perfect for day trips because of many different possibilities of entertainment.

  • Breakfast Included
  • Free Wifi
  • Bar And Restaurant
  • TV in Room
  • Double / Twin Beds
Day 3
Exploring the South Coast and Hella Region

Today, the South Coast unfolds before you—a stretch of land where raw, untamed nature takes center stage. This region is a dramatic collision of elements, where black sand beaches meet towering waterfalls, glacier rivers carve through valleys, and rugged cliffs rise against the ever-changing sky.

Your journey will take you to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. At Seljalandsfoss, you can follow the path behind the waterfall’s shimmering curtain, feeling the cool mist on your skin. Just down the road, the mighty Skógafoss crashes down from a height of 60 meters, its spray often catching the light in a perfect rainbow arc.

Then, the coastline shifts from lush greens to volcanic black. At Reynisfjara Beach, the Atlantic waves pound against hexagonal basalt columns, towering sea stacks, and jet-black sands. The contrast is striking—stark, moody, and unforgettable.

Further east, Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, dominates the horizon, its frozen mass creeping toward the lowlands in slow, sculpted waves of ice.

But the South Coast isn’t just about landscapes—it’s about the people who call this rugged land home. A guided walk will introduce you to local stories, traditions, and the warmth of Icelandic hospitality, adding a human touch to this day of discovery.

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Skogafoss waterfall
Day 4
Departure

As your time in Iceland comes to an end, the final stretch of your journey takes you back through the ever-changing landscapes that have framed your adventure. The road to the airport winds past volcanic fields, moss-covered lava, and distant mountains—a farewell painted in shades of Iceland’s untamed beauty.

Return your car and take one last deep breath of crisp Arctic air before heading to your flight. Though your journey home begins, the memories—of crashing waterfalls, endless horizons, and the raw, wild spirit of Iceland—will stay with you long after you’ve left its shores.

Departure