Iceland self drive tour
Description of Iceland self drive tour
Experience the magic of Iceland in winter on this unforgettable self-drive adventure, combining dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and some of the country's best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Based in the heart of the Golden Circle region, away from the bright lights of the city, you'll have an excellent chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's dark winter skies.
Set off on your own adventure as you drive the famous Golden Circle, discovering some of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. Relax in the soothing geothermal waters of both the Secret Lagoon and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, before venturing beneath the ice on an unforgettable Katla Ice Cave excursion, where you'll explore stunning blue ice formations hidden beneath one of Iceland's most famous glaciers.
Continue your journey along Iceland's spectacular South Coast, where you'll encounter dramatic scenery at every turn. Visit the striking black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, admire the powerful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and marvel at glaciers, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal villages. As evening falls, keep watch for the magical Northern Lights illuminating the winter sky, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Designed for families, couples, and groups of friends, this itinerary offers the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace while experiencing the country's breathtaking natural beauty, unique geological wonders, and unforgettable winter landscapes.
What's included
Travel worry-free – fully organised and run by a trusted, fully regulated UK operator. Read more about our bonding and the types of financial protection that we offer
Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard double/twin room Hotel Lakeur (or similar) (upgrades available subject to availability; supplements may apply)
Rental car for the duration of your stay (based on SUV type or similar, premium insurance included and two drivers)
Meals: 3 breakfasts
Blue Lagoon admission (arrival or departure day) (including entry and towel, please bring swimwear)
Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour
Secret Lagoon admission
24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Price information
Departure information
Travel guides
Reviews
2 Reviews of Iceland self drive tour
Reviewed on 06 Mar 2017 by Stuart Arden-Rose
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was really good. I can't really single anything out.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Food & drink is expensive.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Without tourism Iceland doesn't have very much, so yes it did benefit the local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Near to perfect. The 5 days & 4 nights is enough.
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2016 by Lorraine Wolsey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling in the completely unspoiled wilderness with a really knowledgeable guide - and good company.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the real differences in the culture and make sure you have a warm jacket!
Don't expect the Northern Lights - they're a bonus.
If you're going to the Blue Lagoon make sure you can get at your swimming things easily. Sadly ours were in the luggage and we got there straight off the plane! A rather wasted experience for us.
Make full use of Happy Hour - drinks are expensive!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had such friendly hotel staff in both hotels and the restaurant we went to in Selfoss was excellent. Hotel Ranga was lovely and warm (thermal heat)and clearly wanted you to appreciate its ethos - lots of young trainees working there to a very high standard.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The four days we were there were organised very well and we saw geysirs, stunning frozen waterfalls, tectonic plate landscape, glaciers and a very good visitors centre near Eyafjallajokull explaining the eruption. Marten our guide, knew the backcountry so well we were soon off the main tourist tracks and into pristine wilderness. We'll go again.
Responsible Travel
Planet
PLANETCARBON REDUCTION
Where possible, we design our Iceland holidays to reduce unnecessary transport and make use of experiences that harness the country's natural resources. Our Reykjavík accommodation is carefully located within walking distance of the city's main streets, restaurants and attractions, allowing guests to explore much of the capital on foot rather than relying on additional vehicle journeys.
We aim to keep flying to a minimum, with one direct international flight used where possible rather than itineraries requiring connecting flights or additional internal flights.
Our itineraries also make use of Iceland's abundant geothermal energy. A visit to the Blue Lagoon, for example, allows guests to enjoy geothermally heated water as part of their experience rather than a conventionally heated spa experience.
Vegetarian options are available during the holiday, giving guests the opportunity to make lower-carbon food choices while travelling.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Protecting Iceland's extraordinary natural environment is an important consideration when designing our itineraries. Our local partners operate under a strict environmental policy built around the principle that "Nature is the adventure", with activities and excursions designed to allow guests to experience Iceland's landscapes while minimising their impact on them.
Guests are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow four simple principles throughout their trip:
Take nothing but pictures.
Kill nothing but time.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Make nothing but memories.
Our itineraries are carefully planned to showcase Iceland's landscapes without damaging or unnecessarily disturbing the natural environments our guests have travelled to experience.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYSupporting the Icelandic economy is an important part of the way this holiday operates. We work with locally owned accommodation and local partners wherever possible, helping to ensure that money spent during the holiday remains within the destination and supports local businesses and employment.
Local guides are used for experiences throughout the itinerary where specified, providing guests with first-hand knowledge of Iceland while directly supporting local employment. Local taxes are also paid as required, ensuring tourism contributes to the communities and services that visitors benefit from.
The central location of our Reykjavík accommodation also makes it easy for guests to explore independently and spend money directly with local restaurants, cafés, shops and other businesses during their stay.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We want our holidays to be welcoming and inclusive. Reykjavík is widely known for its vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community, with LGBTQ+-friendly bars, venues and events throughout the city.
By working with Icelandic partners, locally owned accommodation and local guides, the holiday helps create and sustain employment within the destination while giving our guests the benefit of genuine local knowledge and expertise.
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