Icelandic Horse Ride in Hella
A 1-hour ride on a gentle Icelandic horse at HorseWorld near Hella, through meadows below the mountains. Beginners welcome; you drive yourself, on the way along the South Coast.
$185 per person
Iceland by carIceland by car, at two special hotels
Iceland Highlights: 6 Days
The Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, a glacier walk and the Blue Lagoon, all from one easy base.Sky Lagoon, two special hotels, a glacier walk and a northern lights cruise, planned for two.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Starts at Keflavík (KEF)
- Self-drive
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Starts at Keflavík (KEF)
- Self-drive
Attractions
What you will see as you travel the route, day by day, and how to make the most of each stop.
10sights on the route
3major waterfalls
1guided glacier walk
1UNESCO World Heritage Site
Keflavík→Golden Circle→South Coast→Reykjanes & Reykjavík
2Day 2
The Golden Circle
A classic loop of history, hot springs and one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls.
Þingvellir National Park
Why it is worth itIceland’s parliament, the Althing, first met here in 930, and the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You walk through the Almannagjá gorge, on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Insider tipThe walk down through Almannagjá is the highlight, and it is easy enough for most travelers.
Geysir & Strokkur
Why it is worth itThe Haukadalur geothermal valley is home to the Great Geysir, which gave all geysers their name. Its neighbor Strokkur erupts every few minutes, usually shooting water 15 to 20 meters (50 to 65 feet) into the air.
Insider tipThe Great Geysir itself rarely erupts these days. Strokkur is the one you will see go off, so wait for a couple of eruptions and stand upwind.
Gullfoss
Why it is worth itThe Hvítá river drops about 32 meters (105 feet) in two tiers into a narrow canyon. On a sunny day the spray often throws a rainbow across the falls, and paths take you close to the edge.
Insider tipPaths near the falls can be wet or icy, so wear shoes with good grip.
3Day 3
South Coast waterfalls and black sand
Two very different waterfalls and a dramatic black sand beach.
Seljalandsfoss
Why it is worth itA slender waterfall that drops about 60 meters (200 feet) from the old sea cliffs along the South Coast. A path loops behind the curtain of water, so bring a rain jacket.
Insider tipThe path behind the falls can close in winter when it ices over.
Skógafoss
Why it is worth itOne of Iceland’s widest waterfalls, about 25 meters (82 feet) across and 60 meters (200 feet) high. You can stand near its base in the spray or climb the stairs beside it to a viewing platform at the top.
Insider tipThe stairs are steep. Skip them and you still get the full view from the base.
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Why it is worth itA black sand beach near Vík with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable, so stay well back from the water’s edge.
Insider tipSneaker waves can surge far up the beach without warning. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Optional add-on
Icelandic Horse Ride in Hella
A 1-hour ride on a gentle Icelandic horse at HorseWorld near Hella, through meadows below the mountains. Beginners welcome; you drive yourself, on the way along the South Coast.
$185 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
4Day 4
Glacier walk
Step onto the ice with a guide.
South Coast glacier walk
Why it is worth itA guided walk on one of the outlet glaciers that flow down to Iceland’s South Coast. Your guide fits you with crampons and leads you past ridges and crevasses of ice streaked with volcanic ash.
Insider tipDress in warm, waterproof layers. Your guide provides the glacier gear.
5Day 5
Reykjanes, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík
Lava fields, a geothermal soak and time in the capital.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Why it is worth itA volcanic peninsula of lava fields, steaming geothermal areas and sea cliffs, close to Keflavík Airport. Recent eruptions have reshaped parts of the landscape, so roads and viewpoints can change.
Insider tipCheck current road and safety updates on the day, since volcanic activity can close areas at short notice.
Blue Lagoon
Why it is worth itA geothermal spa in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport. The milky-blue water stays around 37 to 39°C (98 to 102°F) all year, and you can try a silica mud mask while you soak.
Insider tipYour timed entry is included. The minerals can leave long hair stiff, so tie it up or use the conditioner provided.
Reykjavík
Why it is worth itIceland’s small, walkable capital, with colorful houses, the Old Harbour and the Laugavegur shopping street. It is easy to fill a few hours with cafes, museums and a dip in a local geothermal pool.
Insider tipHallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa concert hall are both an easy walk from the old town.
The order of stops can shift with the weather, and access to some sites can change with the season or local conditions. See Day by day for the full plan.
What you will see as you travel the route, day by day, and how to make the most of each stop.
10sights on the route
3major waterfalls
3booked experiences
1UNESCO World Heritage Site
Keflavík→Reykjavík→Golden Circle→South Coast→Keflavík
1Day 1
Arrive, Sky Lagoon, Reykjavík
Ease into Iceland with a geothermal soak.
Sky Lagoon
Why it is worth itA geothermal lagoon on the shore at Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík, with an infinity edge that looks out over the ocean. Your Sér package includes a private changing room and the seven-step ritual.
Insider tipPack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can go straight there after you land.
2Day 2
Reykjavík and a northern lights cruise
Reykjavík by day, and a night out on the water.
Reykjavík
Why it is worth itIceland’s small, walkable capital, with colorful houses, the Old Harbour and the Laugavegur shopping street. It is easy to fill a few hours with cafes, museums and a dip in a local geothermal pool.
Insider tipHallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa concert hall are both an easy walk from the old town.
Northern lights cruise
Why it is worth itAn Elding boat trip from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour out into the bay, away from the city lights, to look for the aurora.
Insider tipThe cruise runs in the dark season, and the lights are never guaranteed. Dress warmer than you think, since it is cold on deck.
Optional add-on
Wake Up Reykjavik Food Tour
A small-group walk through downtown Reykjavik with a local guide and Icelandic tastings at family-run spots along the way.
Superior only
$250 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
3Day 3
Golden Circle to Hotel Rangá
A classic loop of history, hot springs and one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls.
Þingvellir National Park
Why it is worth itIceland’s parliament, the Althing, first met here in 930, and the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You walk through the Almannagjá gorge, on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Insider tipThe walk down through Almannagjá is the highlight, and it is easy enough for most travelers.
Geysir & Strokkur
Why it is worth itThe Haukadalur geothermal valley is home to the Great Geysir, which gave all geysers their name. Its neighbor Strokkur erupts every few minutes, usually shooting water 15 to 20 meters (50 to 65 feet) into the air.
Insider tipThe Great Geysir itself rarely erupts these days. Strokkur is the one you will see go off, so wait for a couple of eruptions and stand upwind.
Gullfoss
Why it is worth itThe Hvítá river drops about 32 meters (105 feet) in two tiers into a narrow canyon. On a sunny day the spray often throws a rainbow across the falls, and paths take you close to the edge.
Insider tipPaths near the falls can be wet or icy, so wear shoes with good grip.
4Day 4
South Coast + glacier walk
Two waterfalls, a guided glacier walk and, if you like, a black sand beach.
Seljalandsfoss
Why it is worth itA slender waterfall that drops about 60 meters (200 feet) from the old sea cliffs along the South Coast. A path loops behind the curtain of water, so bring a rain jacket.
Insider tipThe path behind the falls can close in winter when it ices over.
Skógafoss
Why it is worth itOne of Iceland’s widest waterfalls, about 25 meters (82 feet) across and 60 meters (200 feet) high. You can stand near its base in the spray or climb the stairs beside it to a viewing platform at the top.
Insider tipThe stairs are steep. Skip them and you still get the full view from the base.
Sólheimajökull glacier walk
Why it is worth itA guided Glacier Discovery walk on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier on Iceland’s South Coast. Your guide fits you with crampons and leads you past ridges and crevasses of ice streaked with volcanic ash.
Insider tipDress in warm, waterproof layers. Your guide provides the glacier gear.
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Optional stopWhy it is worth itA black sand beach near Vík with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable, so stay well back from the water’s edge.
Insider tipSneaker waves can surge far up the beach without warning. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Optional add-on
Icelandic Horse Ride in Hella
A 1-hour ride on a gentle Icelandic horse at HorseWorld near Hella, through meadows below the mountains. Beginners welcome; you drive yourself, on the way along the South Coast.
$185 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
The order of stops can shift with the weather, and access to some sites can change with the season or local conditions. See Day by day for the full plan.
Why this trip
You stay near Keflavík Airport all five nights, so you unpack once and head out on day drives to the Golden Circle and the South Coast. It's a great way to see some of Iceland's best-known scenery without trying to cram the whole country into one visit.
- The Golden CircleÞingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
- South Coast waterfallsWaterfalls and a walk on a black sand beach.
- A guided glacier walkStep onto the ice with a guide on the South Coast.
- The Blue LagoonA timed-entry soak, plus the lava fields of Reykjanes and time in Reykjavík.
Why this trip
You start with a soak at Sky Lagoon and two nights at Hotel Borg in the heart of Reykjavík, then head south to Hotel Rangá, a countryside lodge known for its northern lights wake-up calls and hot tubs under dark skies. In between: an evening northern lights cruise from the Old Harbour, the Golden Circle at your own pace and a guided walk on a South Coast glacier, with a Reykjavík food tour as an optional add-on. The days are kept light so there's room to linger.
- Reykjavík and a northern lights cruiseLate breakfast and a slow morning in the city, or add the Wake Up Reykjavík food tour (local tastings and stories with a guide; optional add-on).
- Golden Circle to Hotel RangáDrive the Golden Circle at your own pace: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.
- South Coast + glacier walkSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, then a guided Glacier Discovery walk on Sólheimajökull with Icelandic Mountain Guides (glacier gear provided by the guides).
- A slow day for twoNothing booked on purpose. Sleep in, hot tubs, a short drive to Seljavallalaug or the Hella area, or a horse ride nearby (optional add-on).
Trip at a glance
- Length
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Starts / ends
- Keflavík Airport (KEF)
- Pace
- One hotel base, with day drives out and back
- Best time to go
- Year-round. Summer for long days; September to April for a chance at the northern lights
- Great for
- Travelers with about a week
- Flights
- Not included. You book; timing tips in your pre-trip guide
Trip at a glance
- Length
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Starts / ends
- Keflavík Airport (KEF)
- Getting around
- Self-drive in a rental car of your choice, arranged for you; short to medium day drives
- Pace
- Two bases, light days with free time
- Best time to go
- Late September to mid-April, for a chance at the northern lights
- Great for
- Honeymoons and anniversaries
- Accommodations
- Superior
- Flights
- Not included. You book; timing tips in your pre-trip guide
Day by day
Days 1 and 6 are travel days. On days 2 to 5 you head out from your hotel on day drives. The South Coast days are long drives, so plan on early starts. The order is flexible and can shift with the weather.
Day 1Arrival
Land at Keflavík Airport, pick up your rental car and check in to your hotel nearby. Take it easy and rest up.
Day 2The Golden Circle
Drive the classic loop: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
Day 3South Coast waterfalls and black sand
A day of South Coast waterfalls and a walk on a black sand beach.
Day 4Glacier walk
Step onto the ice on a guided South Coast glacier walk.
Day 5Reykjanes, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík
Explore the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, soak at the Blue Lagoon on your timed entry, and spend time in Reykjavík.
Day 6Departure
Drive back to Keflavík Airport, return your rental car and fly home.
Day by day
Day 1 and day 6 are travel days. The order of the days in between is flexible and can shift with the weather.
Day 1Arrive, Sky Lagoon, Reykjavík
Land at KEF and pick up your rental car. On the way into town, stop at Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur for the Sér package (private changing room and the seven-step ritual). Check in to Hotel Borg on Austurvöllur square. Evening free for dinner in the old town.
Stay: Hotel Borg (night 1 of 2).
Stay: Hotel Borg (night 1 of 2).
Day 2Reykjavík and a northern lights cruise
Late breakfast and a slow morning in the city, or add the Wake Up Reykjavík food tour (local tastings and stories with a guide; optional add-on). Afternoon free: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the harbour. After dark, the Elding Northern Lights Cruise from the Old Harbour (runs in the dark season; just ask about Elding's policy if the lights don't show).
Stay: Hotel Borg (night 2 of 2).
Stay: Hotel Borg (night 2 of 2).
Day 3Golden Circle to Hotel Rangá
Drive the Golden Circle at your own pace: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. Continue south to Hotel Rangá near Hella. Ask the front desk for the northern lights wake-up call.
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 1 of 3).
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 1 of 3).
Day 4South Coast + glacier walk
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, then a guided Glacier Discovery walk on Sólheimajökull with Icelandic Mountain Guides (glacier gear provided by the guides). Optional: Reynisfjara black sand beach near Vík (respect the sneaker-wave warnings).
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 2 of 3).
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 2 of 3).
Day 5A slow day for two
Nothing booked on purpose. Sleep in, hot tubs, a short drive to Seljavallalaug or the Hella area, or a horse ride nearby (optional add-on). Dinner at the hotel and aurora watching from the grounds.
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 3 of 3).
Stay: Hotel Rangá (night 3 of 3).
Day 6Back to KEF
About 2 hours' drive to Keflavík. Return the car and fly home.
Map
Your route at a glance.
Expand map
- 1Keflavík Airport
- 2Your hotel near Keflavík
- 3Þingvellir National Park
- 4Geysir & Strokkur
- 5Gullfoss
- 6Seljalandsfoss
- 7Skógafoss
- 8Reynisfjara
- 9South Coast glacier walk
- 10Reykjanes Peninsula
- 11Blue Lagoon
- 12Reykjavík
What’s included
Included
- 5 hotel nights near Keflavík Airport
- Timed entry to the Blue Lagoon
- A guided South Coast glacier walk
- A day-by-day self-drive itinerary: the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls and a black sand beach, and Reykjavík
- Every hotel and experience in your trip, booked for you
- A pre-trip guide covering travel insurance, packing, money and driving safety
- One point of contact, from booking to landing
Not included
- International flights
- Rental car, fuel, parking and tolls
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending
Optional add-ons: Icelandic Horse Ride in Hella ($185 per person). Add them in the booking box or in Attractions.
Getting around: For this trip option, self-drive: you book your own rental car if it is not included, and you receive a full day-by-day itinerary with every drive mapped out, so you always know where to go, plus driving-safety tips in your pre-trip guide.
What’s included
Included
- 5 hotel nights: 2 at Hotel Borg (Deluxe king), 3 at Hotel Rangá (Deluxe room, breakfast included)
- Sky Lagoon Sér package entry
- Elding Northern Lights Cruise
- Icelandic Mountain Guides Sólheimajökull Glacier Discovery walk
- Rental car of your choice, arranged for you
- A day-by-day plan with drive times, and one point of contact from booking to landing
Not included
- International flights
- Fuel or charging, tolls and parking
- The rental company’s deposit or credit card hold
- Optional extra insurance or upgrades at the rental counter
- Traffic and parking fines, and any damage to the car
- Meals, except breakfast at Hotel Rangá
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and optional add-ons
Optional add-ons: Icelandic Horse Ride in Hella ($185 per person), Wake Up Reykjavik Food Tour ($250 per person). Add them in the booking box or in Attractions.
Your hotels, rental car, experiences and guides are arranged for you. Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips.
Which accommodations? Comfort Plus hotels are 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable. Superior hotels are 4-star and 5-star, or the finest in the area, and a few days change (see Day by day). See the difference
Choose your accommodations
The same trip at two accommodation levels. Superior adds better hotels and a few special days; the price changes with it.
| Accommodations | Comfort PlusFrom$3,959per person, 2 sharing | SuperiorFrom$6,199per person, 2 sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Where you stay | 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable | 4-star and 5-star, or the finest in the area |
| Hotels | 5 hotel nights near Keflavík Airport | 5 hotel nights: 2 at Hotel Borg (Deluxe king), 3 at Hotel Rangá (Deluxe room, breakfast included) |
| Getting around | Self-drive; book a rental car if it is not included in your selected trip option | Self-drive in a rental car of your choice, arranged for you; short to medium day drives |
| Highlights | The Golden Circle; South Coast waterfalls; A guided glacier walk; The Blue Lagoon | Reykjavík and a northern lights cruise; Golden Circle to Hotel Rangá; South Coast + glacier walk; A slow day for two |
| Pace | One hotel base, with day drives out and back | Two bases, light days with free time |
| Choose Comfort Plus | Choose Superior |
Gallery
Questions
What’s the difference between Comfort Plus and Superior?
Where you stay, and a few days of the trip. Comfort Plus hotels are 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable, but not luxury. Superior hotels are always 4-star or 5-star, or the finest in the area. Superior also changes the plan: two nights at Hotel Borg in Reykjavík and three at Hotel Rangá instead of one base near the airport, Sky Lagoon instead of the Blue Lagoon, a northern lights cruise, and a rental car of your choice arranged for you (choose it in the booking box). Choose either one under Accommodations in the booking box; the price, the day-by-day plan and the inclusions update right away.
What if I need to cancel?
Plans change. If you need to cancel, you'll receive trip credit toward another itsTripEasy trip: within 24 hours of payment, 100% trip credit, so you can swap to a different destination; 90 or more days before your trip start date, 100% trip credit; less than 90 days before, no trip credit, unless you added Flexible Cancellation: with it, you get 100% trip credit if you cancel at least 10 days before your trip start date, for a trip you take within 12 months. Other trip credits never expire. To cancel or change your dates, use the cancellation request form. For a date change, choose the reason "I'd like to change my dates".
Do I need a car?
For this trip option, self-drive: you book your own rental car if it is not included, and you receive a full day-by-day itinerary with every drive mapped out, so you always know where to go, plus driving-safety tips in your pre-trip guide.
Are flights included?
Flights are up to you; check your selected trip option to see whether a rental car is included, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, right in the booking box: add up to 3 extra nights at the start or end of your trip, pick your hotels (Comfort Plus or Superior), and choose how many travelers share each room.
What if I need to cancel?
Plans change. If you need to cancel, you'll receive trip credit toward another itsTripEasy trip: within 24 hours of payment, 100% trip credit, so you can swap to a different destination; 90 or more days before your trip start date, 100% trip credit; less than 90 days before, no trip credit, unless you added Flexible Cancellation: with it, you get 100% trip credit (rental car not included) if you cancel at least 10 days before your trip start date, for a trip you take within 12 months. Other trip credits never expire. To cancel or change your dates, use the cancellation request form. For a date change, choose the reason "I'd like to change my dates".
Do I need a car?
Yes, this is a self-drive trip, and your rental car is arranged for you. Choose the car in the booking box, then pick it up at Keflavík Airport (KEF) when you land. You receive a full day-by-day itinerary with every drive mapped out, so you always know where to go, plus driving-safety tips in your pre-trip guide. The driver signs the rental contract at the counter and needs a valid license and a credit card in their name. Fuel, tolls, parking, the rental deposit or card hold, extra insurance, fines and damage are paid by the driver. See the rental car terms.
Are flights included?
Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan. Your rental car is arranged for you.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, right in the booking box: add up to 3 extra nights at the start or end of your trip, pick your hotels (Comfort Plus or Superior), and choose how many travelers share each room.
Optional add-ons
Make your trip a little more special. Add one here or in the booking box. Tours are priced per person; private guides, transfers and tastings for two are one price per booking. Each add-on goes into your cart as its own item. Some add-ons are for one accommodation level only.
Wake Up Reykjavik Food Tour
Superior only
A small-group walk through downtown Reykjavik with a local guide and Icelandic tastings at family-run spots along the way.
$250 per person
Good to know
- Weather and nature. Weather, road and natural conditions are outside anyone’s control and can change quickly. They may change the plan, close roads, or delay, shorten or cancel tours and activities, and the order of days may shift.
- Your choices. You are responsible for your own decisions, safety and choices while traveling, including how and when you drive, which activities you take part in, and following local guidance, posted warnings and your guides’ instructions.
- Photos. Photos on this page are for inspiration. They may not show the exact location, hotel, season or conditions of your trip.
- Not included. You book your flights, plus a rental car if it isn’t part of your selected trip option. Your trip details show when a car is included.
You may also like
Iceland Ring Road: 10 DaysIceland · 10 days / 9 nightsFrom $5,659 per person
Iceland Whales & Waterfalls: 6 DaysIceland · 6 days / 5 nightsFrom $3,689 per person
Iceland Northern Lights & Glaciers: 6 DaysIceland · 6 days / 5 nightsFrom $3,599 per person
Norway Fjords Escape: 7 DaysNorway Fjords, Norway · 7 days / 6 nightsFrom $5,609 per personLENGTH
6 days / 5 nights
STARTS / ENDS
Keflavík Airport (KEF)
PACE
One hotel base, with day drives out and back
BEST TIME TO GO
Year-round. Summer for long days; September to April for a chance at the northern lights
GREAT FOR
Travelers with about a week
PRICE
$1,499
FLIGHTS
Not included. You book; I share timing tips
Why I love this trip
You stay near Keflavík Airport all five nights, so you unpack once and head out on day drives to the Golden Circle and the South Coast. It's a great way to see some of Iceland's best-known scenery without trying to cram the whole country into one visit.
Your trip, day by day
Days 1 and 6 are travel days. On days 2 to 5 you head out from your hotel on day drives. The South Coast days are long drives, so plan on early starts. The order is flexible and can shift with the weather.
DAY 1
Arrival
Land at Keflavík Airport, pick up your rental car and check in to your hotel nearby. Take it easy and rest up.
DAY 2
The Golden Circle
Drive the classic loop: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
DAY 3
South Coast waterfalls and black sand
A day of South Coast waterfalls and a walk on a black sand beach.
DAY 4
Glacier walk
Step onto the ice on a guided South Coast glacier walk.
DAY 5
Reykjanes, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík
Explore the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, soak at the Blue Lagoon on your timed entry, and spend time in Reykjavík.
DAY 6
Departure
Drive back to Keflavík Airport, return your rental car and fly home.
Make it yours
Want an extra night somewhere? A slower pace? A private guide for the day? This is your trip, so we'll shape it together.
✈️ Flights and rental cars aren't included. You'll book those yourself, and I'm happy to share timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan.
Ready for Iceland?
Tell me your dates and who's coming, and I'll tailor this trip for you.
Book this trip
$1,499 · secure checkout · pick your dates after