Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Tour
Iceland Independent Self Drive Tours
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of our favorite places in all of Iceland! With charming fishing villages, spectacular scenery, and an incredible volcano topped with a glacier. This is the Iceland you have dreamed of. You will also visit the Golden Circle, where you can see Iceland’s must-see attractions!
Iceland Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Tour Highlights
- Visit the Golden Circle- the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area (where the Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes), and Thingvellir, where Iceland's parliament was established (the world's oldest parliament) and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge unlike anywhere else in the world.
- Enjoy swimming in Iceland! Hike to a hot spring river, visit a geothermal spa or pool, and soak in hidden hot springs.
- Stay at comfortable accommodations, including a cabin with a private hot tub and a charming farmhouse.
- Explore the stunning Snaefellsnes peninsula, with quaint fishing villages (and the freshest seafood!), great hiking, Iceland's most majestic mountain, and an incredible volcano and glacier that Jules Verne wrote about in Journey to the Center of the Earth.
- Hike up volcanoes, through old lava fields along dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, into unique lava tubes, and to a beautiful gorge.
- Additional activities available for a fee (such as snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, etc. Click here for a more extensive list of possible activities).
Itinerary
This is our suggested itinerary for a self-drive Snaefellsnes and Golden Circle trip. The itinerary can be changed and customized to suit your needs.
Leave Reykjavik and head north to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is one of the most stunning regions of Iceland. You can hike along the coast, hike to waterfalls, and visit small fishing towns with some of the freshest seafood in Iceland. The gorgeous Snæfellsjokull volcano and glacier dominate the peninsula, creating a dramatic backdrop everywhere you go. This is the same volcano that Jules Verne wrote about in Journey to the Center of the Earth! (Approx. 3 hours driving)
In the morning you can explore more of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including a visit to a lava tube, an incredible ravine, and a hike up an extinct volcano! You then drive to the Golden Circle (one of the most popular areas in Iceland, and for good reason) where you spend the next two nights at a comfortable farm stay. You can visit the animals, learn about life on a working Icelandic farm, or relax in the hot tub. You can also visit a nearby greenhouse or geothermal lagoon! (Approx. 3 hours driving)
After a delicious farm fresh breakfast, you can go and explore the Golden Circle attractions. Visit the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland, as well as Geysir where Iceland’s most active geyser is located (it erupts every 5-10 minutes!). The third attraction on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s parliament (and the world’s first) was founded over 1,000 years ago. This is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart, an incredible phenomena that you can only witness in Iceland! You can also go snorkeling, whitewater rafting, or snowmobiling on a glacier. After experiencing the natural wonders of the Golden Circle, you return to Reykjavik. (Approx. 3.5 hours driving)
If you would like to extend your trip, you can make this into a 3 night, 4 day trip. You can either spend an additional night at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (we recommend this if you prefer more hiking and a more relaxed area) or an additional night at the Golden Circle (recommended if you would like to partake in whitewater rafting, snorkeling/diving, snowmobiling, horseback riding, or a glacier hike).
Prices
Low Season
November - April
Shoulder Season
May, September, October
High Season
June, July, August
*Prices are in US Dollars, based on two people traveling together // Luxury room upgrade available some or all nights upon request.
*Prices are in US Dollars, based on two people traveling together // Luxury car upgrade available upon request // Upgrade to a larger car is free of charge for groups of three or more travelers
IncludeD:
- Appropriate sized car rental with unlimited miles.
- Comfortable accommodations with shared or private bathrooms (some may include breakfast)
- Taxes/fees for car rental and lodging
- Fuel discount card (also gives you free coffee and discounts on food at select gas stations)
- CDW insurance
- Customized itinerary suggestions
- Personalized digital map of your tour
- Suggested Apps for smart phones to help make the trip as enjoyable as possible
Not IncludeD:
- Airfare
- Fuel/Gasoline
- Meals
- Excursions/Activities (suggestions will be provided for both free and paid activities based on your selected trip, we will make the reservations for you!)
- Personal travel insurance
- Car Extras (such as additional driver fee, additional insurance, etc)
- Any other item not mentioned in our "Included" section
Supplemental:
Additional Information
Tours for a number other than 2 or 4 people are possible- pricing will vary depending on the number of rooms desired- contact us for pricing for tours of 1, 3 or 5+ travelers. If you have questions about the self drive tours, check out our Self Drive FAQs or contact us.
To book your trip, please pay a deposit and we will then contact you to collect additional information about your trip.
About the prices: The quoted prices are per person, based on double occupancy. On a rare occasion, the pricing may be slightly higher depending how far in advance the trip is booked, as well as availability at preferred accommodations. Lower prices are available if you are interested in staying at hostels. Any of our self-drive itineraries can be customized for you- please contact us with any requests for modifications.
About the car rental: For two travelers, the quoted price includes a mini car (Chevy Spark or similar model). For four travelers, the quoted price includes a compact car (Opel Astra or similar model). The rentals include unlimited miles. Car rental pickup and drop off is from downtown Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport. The rental includes basic CDW insurance, but you can add enhanced protection (super collision damage waiver, gravel protection, and sand/ash protection) for a fee.
About the accommodations: The standard price includes private rooms but a bathroom that is shared with other rooms. Upgraded room options include rooms with private bathrooms. Accommodations will vary but will include a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts, hotels, apartments, or cottages. Some include shared or private hot tubs. All of the accommodations we choose are well liked by previous travelers. Further details will be given when we are provided with your trip dates and we can check availability at our preferred lodgings.