Golden Circle Road Trip, Iceland West & Diamond Beach
Take the wheel on an unforgettable 7-day self-drive adventure where you'll explore hidden gems and top attractions across South and West Iceland at a perfectly laid-back pace. This carefully paced journey is ideal if you want to truly delve into the natural wonders and rich culture of these jaw-dropping regions without feeling rushed. With an extra day compared to similar tours, you'll have time to savor each experience and discover places that many visitors miss.
Throughout your trip, expect views of dazzling glaciers and epic volcanoes that define Iceland's dramatic landscape. Walk along black sand beaches where dark volcanic sand meets white Atlantic waves, stand in awe beneath plunging waterfalls, and discover remote regions like the volcanic Westman Islands and the enchanting Snæfellsnes peninsula. You'll soak in geothermal pools, explore Skaftafell's hiking trails surrounded by glaciers, and stand on the shores of the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon watching enormous icebergs drift by.
The Westman Islands add a truly special dimension to this journey. Take a scenic ferry ride to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in this volcanic archipelago, where you can hike to the summit of Mount Eldfell volcano that erupted dramatically in 1973, discover the famous Elephant Rock formation, and witness one of the world's largest puffin colonies during summer months. The islands offer incredible opportunities for whale watching and seal spotting.
Circle the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' where the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano dominates the landscape. Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, charming fishing villages, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain featured in Game of Thrones. Complete the world-famous Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting Geysir hot springs.
This seven-day adventure through the Land of Fire and Ice delivers the perfect balance of Iceland's greatest attractions and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
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valid on all self-drive tours with arrival between April - October 2026. Offer ends soon.
On this tour you will...
Explore South & West Iceland at a laid-back pace
Venture to the volcanic Westman Islands
Circle the nature-packed Snæfellsnes peninsula
Get close to icebergs and glaciers in national parks
Have the chance to bathe in geothermal springs
Roam beneath waterfalls and along black beaches
Top attractions
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Vík í Mýrdal
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Geysir and Strokkur
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Arnarstapi
Djúpalónssandur
Kirkjufell
Downtown Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon
Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard
Handpicked local accommodation options
Best Price Guarantee
Your 7-day self-drive itinerary
Touch down at Keflavík Airport and, once you've collected your rental car, you can head straight for Reykjavík, Iceland's buzzing capital. The scenic 50-kilometer drive takes you through dramatic lava fields that offer your first glimpse of Iceland's unique volcanic landscape. If you arrive early enough, you could indulge in a little relaxation on your way to the city. The soothing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon are a couple of the best places to unwind after your flight. The Blue Lagoon sits in a dramatic lava field, while Sky Lagoon offers stunning ocean views, both featuring mineral-rich waters and modern spa facilities.
Once you get to Reykjavík, take a stroll around the old town and check out the city's cultural attractions. Visit landmarks like the striking Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic city views, explore the colorful streets lined with independent boutiques and galleries, or wander along the harbor to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. You could try some Nordic cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants, sampling fresh seafood or traditional Icelandic dishes. If you're feeling energetic, experience the local nightlife that makes Reykjavík surprisingly vibrant for such a small capital. Settle into your accommodation and rest well for tomorrow's adventure to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraPuffin Watching
ExtraClassic Whale Watching from Reykjavík
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
ExtraHorse Riding from Reykjavík
ExtraInside the Volcano tour from Bláfjöll
Now the adventure really begins! Take the wheel and get ready to discover the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases incredible landscape diversity. Begin your drive by heading toward Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village on the northern shore of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This picturesque town features colorful houses perched on a small peninsula, creating postcard-perfect scenes. From here, you can gaze out over countless islands scattered across Breiðafjörður Bay like jewels on the water. On a clear day, you might even spot the distant Westfjords across the water.
Venture west from Stykkishólmur, and you'll be able to explore all that Snæfellsnes has to offer. Some of the highlights include Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-topped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth,' and Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones and see rusted shipwreck remains. There's also the striking peak of Kirkjufell mountain, which you'll recognize from Game of Thrones if you're a fan of the series. This distinctive pyramid-shaped mountain rising beside a cascading waterfall has become one of Iceland's most photographed locations. Check out the iconic black wooden church at Búðir, standing alone against lava fields and ocean. Go for a short hike along the stunning clifftop trail between the villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, where dramatic rock formations and sea arches have been carved by Atlantic waves.
After a full day of exploring, head south to spend the night in the area around beautiful Borgarfjörður.
This morning, leave Borgarfjörður behind and head inland to tour the iconic Golden Circle route, a must-do on any trip to Iceland. Before getting to the Golden Circle proper, start the day by stopping at Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe's most powerful in terms of water production per second. Watch massive amounts of boiling water emerge from the ground, creating dramatic clouds of steam. Visit Reykholt village, which was once home to the famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson. Not far from here, you'll also find Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field into the river below, creating a series of beautiful cascades. The nearby Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away.
Now it's time to begin discovering the natural wonders of the Golden Circle. The top three highlights are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. First, you'll come to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can see plate tectonics in action, in the form of cracks and fissures at the earth's surface, making it one of the world's geological wonders. Walk through the Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates are visibly pulling apart. This is also where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded in 930 AD. Then, there's the Geysir geothermal area. Prepare to be amazed by active hot springs, including Strokkur, which erupts regularly. Strokkur is the most active and shoots a super-heated jet of water into the air every 5 to 10 minutes, creating excitement with each eruption. Your last stop on the Golden Circle will be Gullfoss waterfall, or 'Golden Falls.' Go for a short hike to one of the viewing platforms to really get a feel for the power of this incredible tiered waterfall as it plunges into a rugged canyon. Later, head for the Hveragerði or Selfoss area where you'll spend the night.
Today is all about exploring the rugged beauty of Iceland's south coast, one of the country's most scenic regions. Driving east, you'll soon arrive at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You may have heard of this one before, as it's known as the waterfall you can walk behind. Take the path that leads into a small cave behind the falls for a truly unique perspective, and don't miss the nearby hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon. Continuing from here, you'll pass Skógar village and Skógafoss waterfall. With a drop of about 60 meters, Skógafoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. You can climb the stairs beside the falls for incredible aerial views.
Visit the nearby Skógar Folk Museum to see how Icelanders lived in past centuries. Then, trace the south coast all the way to the fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. There are a few places for you to grab a bite to eat before carrying on. While you're here, you won't want to miss taking a walk along Reynisfjara's famous black sand beach, backed by impressive hexagonal basalt columns, with the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising offshore. Close to Vík, you'll also find Dyrhólaey cape, the southernmost point of mainland Iceland. Follow a minor road to get to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the beaches below. From this 120-meter-high sea cliff, there are stunning views of towering cliffs stretching out in both directions. In summer, Dyrhólaey is a great spot to see puffins nesting on the cliff faces. Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during the nesting season from 15 May to 23 June to protect these charismatic birds, and by mid-August most puffins will have returned to the sea. Spend the night in the Vík area.
Now it's time to venture further east along Iceland's spectacular south coast. Drive past numerous outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, before arriving at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This stunning location features a turquoise lake complete with bobbing icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The lagoon sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, creating a dramatic backdrop. Walk along the shores and watch these enormous ice chunks drift slowly through the water, their shapes constantly changing. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash. Seals often swim between the ice chunks, popping up to observe visitors. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where smaller ice chunks wash ashore on black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds in the sunlight. More natural wonders are waiting for you in Skaftafell. This haven is surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, not to mention plenty of hiking trails for you to explore. The area offers trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, all showcasing stunning views of glacial tongues, waterfalls, and the dramatic landscape where ice meets land.
After a full day of immersing yourself in these incredible natural wonders, trace the coastline back west to Hvolsvöllur village for your overnight stay, passing through landscapes you explored earlier but seeing them from new perspectives.
On your way to the Westman Islands ferry crossing at Landeyjarhöfn, you'll have another chance to stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall if you'd like to experience it again or if you missed it earlier. Then it's time to experience the island of Heimaey, a hidden gem located in the volcanic Westman Islands archipelago. Board the ferry for the short crossing to this fascinating island. During your visit, learn about the island's dramatic history and the 1973 volcanic eruption that forced the evacuation of the entire island population. You could hike to the top of Mount Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973, where you can still feel warmth from the ground and enjoy incredible views over the archipelago and mainland. Discover the famous Elephant Rock formation, a natural sea arch that remarkably resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the ocean.
The Westman Islands are home to the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony, and during summer months you might glimpse millions of puffins nesting on the dramatic cliffs, as well as whales swimming in the surrounding waters and seals basking on rocks. The island also features fascinating museums about the volcanic eruption and local fishing heritage, providing insight into life in this unique island community. After your island adventure, return to the mainland via ferry and drive back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland, perhaps celebrating your incredible journey with dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Now that your unforgettable Icelandic adventure has come to an end, it's time to say goodbye and return to Keflavík Airport. Depending on your flight time, you might be able to wander around Reykjavík before leaving, enjoying a final morning in Iceland's charming capital. Take a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters or local chocolate, or take one more walk through the colorful streets. If time permits, visit any attractions you might have missed during your arrival day, like museums, galleries, or simply browse the shops one final time.
For those with later flights, you could stay an extra night to fully soak up more of what the city has to offer, from its vibrant restaurant scene to cultural attractions and nightlife. Drive to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula, dramatic south coast waterfalls, floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, the unique Westman Islands with their volcanic history and puffin colonies, and all the incredible natural wonders you've experienced. You're already planning your return to explore more of the Land of Fire and Ice.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 6 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Collision damage waiver
Tickets for Herjólfur ferry to Westman Islands
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & parking charges
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
FAQs about our self-drive trips
This 7 day Iceland itinerary includes 6 nights of accommodation with continental breakfast, a rental car with unlimited mileage and Wi-Fi, ferry tickets to the Westman Islands, and a detailed day-by-day guide. You'll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the volcanic Westman Islands. Unlike many Iceland tours that rush through destinations, this itinerary gives you time to truly experience each location at a comfortable pace.
While Ring Road Iceland tours circle the entire country, this 7 day Iceland itinerary focuses on the spectacular South and West regions in depth. You'll visit all the iconic attractions like the Golden Circle, black sand beaches, and Jökulsárlón, plus unique experiences like the Westman Islands that most Ring Road tours skip. Many travelers prefer this approach because you spend less time driving and more time exploring. It's one of the most popular Iceland tours for first-time visitors who want comprehensive coverage without the exhaustion of circumnavigating the entire island.
On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.
We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.
That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!
You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.
Absolutely! When you book Iceland tours through us, you can add optional activities at checkout to personalize your 7 day Iceland itinerary. Popular additions include glacier hiking at Skaftafell, snorkeling in Silfra fissure, horseback riding on Icelandic horses, ice cave exploration (winter), whale watching tours, and visits to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. You can also extend your trip by adding extra days in Reykjavík before or after your tour. This flexibility makes it easy to create your perfect Iceland experience.
The Westman Islands are what make this one of the most unique Iceland tours available. Most visitors to Iceland miss this incredible archipelago, but it's a highlight of this 7 day Iceland itinerary. You'll discover the dramatic 1973 volcanic eruption history, hike up the still-warm Mount Eldfell crater, spot puffins nesting on sea cliffs (summer only), and explore charming Heimaey island. The ferry crossing adds an exciting maritime adventure, and you might even see whales or dolphins. It's a completely different side of Iceland that few international visitors experience.
This 7 day Iceland itinerary features significantly less driving than full Ring Road Iceland tours. Daily drives range from 1.5 to 4 hours, with plenty of scenic stops to break up the journey. The longest day is along the South Coast to Jökulsárlón, but it's filled with incredible waterfalls, beaches, and photo opportunities. Compared to other Iceland tours that require 5-6 hours of daily driving, this itinerary gives you more time to explore each destination and less time in the car. It's ideal for travelers who want to experience Iceland's beauty without spending their entire vacation driving.
This 7 day Iceland itinerary is perfect for families! The pace is relaxed compared to other Iceland tours, with manageable daily drives of 1.5 to 4 hours. Kids love the variety of experiences: walking behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, exploring black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, watching Strokkur geyser erupt, taking the ferry to the Westman Islands, and spotting puffins during summer months. The included continental breakfast each morning simplifies family travel, and the self-drive format means you can take breaks whenever needed.
It’s best to book your trip at least a few weeks before you travel. This gives us enough time to organize your preferred accommodation and itinerary. For this reason, we’re unable to accept bookings with less than 1 week’s notice.
In the summer, which is the most popular time of year, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. In certain parts of the countryside, accommodation options are more limited and can be booked up well ahead of your trip.
You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.
You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).
Find out more about car rental in Iceland.
Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.
Of course you can add extra adventures! We want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your trip to Iceland, so you can pick optional extra activities at checkout. You’ll be shown exactly what’s on offer for each day of your trip.
And if you feel like you just don’t have enough time to fit it all in, you can also add extra days.
The rules of the road in Iceland are similar to most other countries, although there are some local quirks that you might not be familiar with.
Iceland drives on the right and steering wheels are on the left side of the car. Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers only.
Roundabouts are very common in Iceland, especially in towns. If you’re not familiar with these, make sure you understand how to give way (yield) to other traffic.
In the countryside, you might encounter sheep on the road, or even reindeer in East Iceland. You may also come across gravel roads, single-lane bridges, and blind summits.
For all the info on how to handle these, see this guide to driving in Iceland.
Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email you, letting you know your travel documents are available in our portal.
We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.
You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.
Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.
If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.
You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
Yes, you can easily collect your rental car from Reykjavík instead of Keflavik Airport.
During the booking steps on our website, just let us know you'd prefer your pick-up/drop-off location to be in the city centre. We'll take care of it for you, no problem.
Just a quick heads-up: if you request different pick-up and drop-off locations (e.g. collect from the airport, drop off in the city, or vice versa) there's a one-way fee of around ISK 7.900 ISK (EUR 60). You'll pay this directly to the rental company when you pick up the car.
All of our self-drive tour packages include the following as standard:
- Rental car of your choice, with unlimited mileage
- Basic liability insurance coverage
- Collision damage waiver
- Authorization for second driver
- Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
- Accommodation level of your choice
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
- 24/7 helpline in Iceland, just in case you need it
When you book your vacation on our website, you’ll be able to choose your preferred rental car and accommodation level.
You can see what vehicles are available on this car rental page.
On a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and country hotels, with shared bathrooms
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
Feel like getting closer to nature? Check out these self-drive camping tours.
In Iceland, you can expect all weathers no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, it’s good to make sure you’ve got everything you need to stay cozy, warm, and dry.
Here’s a packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
- Tough, waterproof walking boots
- Thermal underlayers
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Waterproof raincoat
- Warm winter jacket
- Scarf, hat, and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (for pools and hot springs)
- Lip salve and moisturizer
For more tips on what to bring with you, see this Iceland packing list.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.
