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Vacations with Personality

SCENIC REYKJAVIK ROUTES

Self-Drive Tour

5 days / 4 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • Additional Fees
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 5 days / 4 nights Airline
If you prefer the freedom of a self-drive over taking a guided day tour and prefer staying in the same hotel for your trip, this is YOUR ideal Iceland holiday! Explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, Reykjanes, and South Coast regions, home to glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and geysers.

Highlights
· Drive a classic route introducing you to Iceland and its unique wonders
· Enjoy the convenience of Reykjavík as your home base each day
· Take advantage of extra time and opportunities to explore more of the Reykjavík area’s museums and attractions
· Wander along the wonders of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle
· Experience the volcanoes, black sands, and glaciers of the South Shore
· Discover intriguing geological and volcanic sites in Reykjanes GeoPark
· Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Recommended Car Type:
From May 1st . to September 30, 2026, , in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs):
- The car included on your reservation will be a VW Golf 2.6 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people - hatchback trunk for maximum 3 suitcases.

From May 1st . to September 30, 2026, in Quality or Comfort Accommodations (from 6 - 9 paxs):
- The vehicle included on your reservation will be a VW Caravelle 9.4 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 4 doors, 9 seats - maximum 9 pax, 4 x 4 Full Size Van.

From May 1st . to September 30, 2026,  in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs)
- The car included on your reservation will be a Skoda Octavia 4.1 4WD Station or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people - wagon trunk for maximum 4 suitcases.
Accommodation:
Comfort
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in comfort hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
Quality
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in quality hotels and guesthouses
- Superior rooms in comfort hotels and guesthouses
Highlights
Combine the best of Iceland’s colourful capital city with the freedom and exploration of a self-drive. Each day, you’ll discover the delights of South Iceland’s wild natural wonders at your own pace. Your home away from home each night is Reykjavík, celebrated for its rich cultural and dining scene.

• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg Airport to Keflavik Airport on the selected flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage on all flight classes
• Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
• 2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Rented car in selected category.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan.
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Returning flight onboard WestJet from Keflavik to selected airport on a direct flight.

Prices are per person, per car and room accommodation.
** Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included
The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive on time for your departure from Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg Airport to Reykjavik on your direct flight, hop aboard WestJet and brace yourself for the adventure!


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Arrival in Iceland
Once you have landed at Keflavík Airport you will collect your rental car there. Travel to your hotel in Reykjavík and check-in. The rest of the day is open for your own activities, and we getting to know your “home away from home.”  We’ve listed some suggestions for you below.

-Take a stroll in the old city centre, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cosy café

-Visit Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s famous landmark. The architecture takes inspiration from Iceland’s mountains and basalt columns. You can get an amazing panoramic view of the city from the church tower.

-Enjoy the utterly unique architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, a beautiful structure of glass that reflects the sky and sea.

-Within walking distance of Harpa is the famous Sólfar (Sun Voyage) sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. Sólfar depicts people taking a dream boat towards the sun and a hopeful future.

-From Harpa, you can also walk to the Old Harbour area, known for its local food scene, whale watching tours, and several interesting museums.

-The Old Harbour is also home to FlyOver Iceland simulated flying experience, and the educational Icelandic Lava Show, which uses molten lava to recreate a glacier volcanic eruption.

-Drive to the Perlan Wonders of Iceland exhibition for an interactive introduction to Iceland’s glaciers, northern lights, volcanoes, and seacoast.

-Discover Reykjavík’s past at Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum, a “village” of buildings from 19th and 20th century Reykjavík. You can visit a turf-roof farm, church, general store, blacksmith workshop and more. Árbæjarsafn is about a 25-minute drive from central Reykjavík.

-Enjoy a visit to the Sky Lagoon, a hot spring experience with unforgettable views over the sea and mountains. Indulge in a relaxing seven step geothermal experience called Skjól.

-Join the Reykjavík Food Walk for an intro to the city and Icelandic cuisine This is a great tour for ideas of sites and restaurants to visit during your stay.

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Overnight in Reykjavík.


Tour day #3 photo
Day 2 Golden Circle
National Park with Geological Wonders – Lively Geysers – Golden Falls 

This morning, head for the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, where the world’s oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also the meeting point of the tectonic plates dividing the North American and European continents. You’ll have that rare chance to take a walk between two continents!

Visit the quirky geothermal fields of Geysir. Stroll along a footpath around colourful bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. The most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts about every ten minutes. Then visit the iconic, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade, or in summer when a rainbow crowns the falls. You can get great views of the waterfall from different angles on a variety of paths.

During the day, we suggest a stop at the interesting greenhouse farm of Friðheimar, where tomatoes and other vegetables are organically grown using geothermal energy. The farm’s café offers what might be the best tomato soup lunch buffet in Iceland! (Reservations recommended).

Afterwards head back to Reykjavík, where you can enjoy the city’s restaurants and nightlife.

Travel idea: the Golden Circle area is full of hot springs, and there are three great local favourite bathing pools.

The Secret Lagoon is a lovely historical stone-lined natural geothermal pool. A scenic walkway around the pool takes visitors by tiny bubbling geysers, including one that erupts regularly.
Laugarás Lagoon is a unique spa experience featuring a two-storey pool and miniature forests.
Laugarvatn Fontana is built on top of a hot spring, and its steam baths are good for your skin and joints. There are also several mineral geothermal pools and a Finnish sauna to enjoy.
You can even join a guided visit to Fontana’s unique outdoor geothermal bakery where sweet Icelandic rye bread is naturally baked in hot sands. You can taste some of the freshly baked bread, hot from the ground. (This visit must be booked in advance).
Overnight in Reykjavík


Tour day #4 photo
Day 3 Iceland’s South Shore
Twin Waterfalls – Volcanic Landscapes – Black Sand Beaches 

Today you’ll explore the iconic South Shore, a region lined with volcanic mountains and glacier views. We suggest a visit to the LAVA Centre in Hvollsvöllur town. Here you’ll enjoy interactive exhibits about the volcanoes and earthquakes that helped create Iceland.
Visit two spectacular waterfalls that have a special beauty of their own. Seljalandsfoss is a ribbon-like fall that drops gracefully down a cliff. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, you can hike a trail that leads behind the falls. Majestic Skógafoss has become one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls – make sure you have your camera ready for a selfie!
As you drive, you’ll also see Mýrdalsjökull glacier. A glacier hiking tour takes you up on Sólheimajökull, an extension of the larger glacier. During the summer, you can enjoy kayaking amid icebergs in a lagoon created by Sólheimajökull.
Head to Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. In the area you can view the seabird cliff of Dyrhólaey*, a popular spot to view puffins (generally in Iceland between mid-May and mid-August). Continue to Reynisfjara beach and its striking black sands. You can really feel the power of nature in this area of thundering waves and extraordinary rock formations.
Other activities you might enjoy today include guided ATV safaris or horseback riding on the black sand beaches near Vík. You might also enjoy taking on a thrilling series of Zip-lines in the scenic landscape near the village.

*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from around mid-May until June 23rd.
Overnight in Reykjavík.


Tour day #5 photo
Day 4 Reykjanes GeoPark and the Blue Lagoon
Volcanic landscapes – Bubbling mud pools –Geothermal spa

Today explore a different side of Iceland with a visit to Reykjanes peninsula. Designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2015, Reykjanes lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It has over 50 geosites related to geothermal and tectonic plate activity. It’s a paradise for geologists and photographers alike! Visit the moon-like surroundings of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krýsuvík geothermal area with its multicoloured bubbling mud pools. You can also cross the Mid-Atlantic ridge on the Bridge between Continents.

Reykjanes is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon where you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the soothing mineral waters. Note: The Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance. We can help with that!

If you enjoy adventure, you can try guided ATV tours, hiking, snorkelling, and golfing. Or indulge your inner explorer at the Víkingaheimur museum where you can learn about Viking discoveries between Iceland and the New World.

Afterwards, head to Reykjavík for your overnight. Enjoy the food scene and lively culture of Iceland’s capital.
Overnight in Reykjavík.


Tour day #6 photo
Day 5 Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice
Drive back to Keflavík International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavík no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the Lagoon.
Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg Airport to Keflavik Airport on the selected flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on included on all flight classes
• Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
• 2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Accommodation in a standard room for 4 nights
• Icelandic-style breakfast (except arrival day)
• Rental car for 4 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT
• Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
• Car pick up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport
• Authorization for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
• Our unique Iceland Travel App
• Customer care service during office hours
•24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
• Service fee and taxes
• Returning flight onboard WestJet from Keflavik to selected airport on a direct flight.

Prices are per person, per car and room accommodation.

** Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included
Accommodation:
Comfort
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in comfort hotels, guesthouses and farmhouse accommodation
Quality
- Private facilities
- Standard rooms in quality hotels and guesthouses
- Superior rooms in comfort hotels and guesthouses
Whats Not Included
· Breakfast on arrival day
· Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
·  Petrol/Gasoline
· Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified.
· Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary
· Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
· Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts 14:00 (2:00pm) – 16:00 (4:00pm)
· Guaranteed late check-out
·  Any service not specifically listed under "Included"
·  You must be 20 years of age to rent a car, and 23 years of age to rent car Categories 5.0 or higher.
·   The driver must present a valid driving license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental.
·   A valid automobile driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) shows the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise, an international driver’s license is required.
·   Due to high demand, accommodation in Reykjavik for New Year’s Eve cannot be guaranteed.
·   A supplement may be charged if you overnight in Reykjavik on Culture Night (22 August 2026).
·   The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.
·   Changes to the packages will incur a service fee.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:
Iceland Travel:
+ (354) 585 4300
info@icelandtravel.is
  • Vaðlaheiði tunnel
Pay for a single trip go to www.tunnel.is  - you can pay up to 24 hours before or max 24 hours after driving through the tunnel.

Please note that if you choose to not pay at all, Car rentals will be notified and will charge your credit card for the tunnel fee plus there service fee.

You can not buy a single trip if there is more then 24 hours since you used the tunnel - then your rental company has already paid for your trip. 

Please review the FAQ on tunnel.is for more information or contact help desk at info@tunnel.is.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by WESTJET Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by ICELAND TRAVEL (local Destination Management Company in Iceland).
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Vacations with Personality