Iceland Circle Winter
This winter version of our best selling self-drive tour takes you on a full circle of Iceland, with visits to some of the country’s top attractions along the Ring Road. Ideal for those who like to take in the sights at a more relaxed pace, this flexible itinerary allows for interesting optional activities and sightseeing. And with overnights in the beautiful countryside, you may also have a good chance of seeing the northern lights!
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Day 1: Explore ReykjavikArrive at Keflavík International Airport in Iceland and transfer to your accommodation in central Reykjavík via the Flybus. After settling in, we suggest a stroll around the colorful city center, where you can visit a number of museums, shops and cozy cafes.You’ll also find a great assortment of restaurants to tempt your taste buds for dinner. And if you're feeling up to it, celebrate your first night in Iceland with the downtown’s vibrant nightlife and live music scene. Spend the night in central Reykjavík. |
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Day 2: Borgarnes & Northwest IcelandCollect your rental car in the morning and start your journey towards Borgarnes, a charming town with an interesting museum dedicated to Iceland's settlement era and one of Iceland's oldest literary works, Egil's Saga.From Borgarnes, continue north towards the village of Sauðárkrókur, surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles. Spend the night in the Sauðárkrókur area. |
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Day 3: Explore the Capital of the NorthStart your drive today towards Akureyri, the "Capital of North Iceland", your destination for the day.In this small, vibrant city you will find a number of well-preserved old houses along with charming shops, excellent restaurants and the country's top ski area nearby. Driving distance: 132 km / 82 miles. Spend the night in central Akureyri. |
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Day 4: Winter Wonders at Lake MývatnToday, a short drive brings you to Mývatn, an area known for its bizarre landscapes and unique eco-system. Here you’ll also find the stark lava formations of Dimmuborgir, which according to legend are said to house "hidden people" and other supernatural beings.Nearby you’ll also find the Hverarönd geothermal area with its gurgling mud pools and sizzling geysers. For a rewarding detour, drive to Dettifoss, a powerful waterfall surrounded by the steep walls of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.* And don't miss the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you might see the northern lights (if conditions are right) while soaking in the warm geothermal waters. Driving distance: 100 km / 62 miles. Spend the night in the Mývatn area. *If driving conditions allow. |
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Day 5: Activity Day in MývatnThe first part of your day is free to enjoy more of the sights and optional activities in the Mývatn area, including snowmobiling or go-carting tours on the frozen lake or guided super-jeep excursions in the rugged, moon-like terrain.Then make your way to Egilsstaðir, your destination for the evening. Driving distance: 166 km / 103 miles. Spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area. |
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Day 6: East Fjords & The Lobster TownAs you drive south today, the road twists and turns along the majestic fjords of East Iceland. The scenic Fáskrúðsfjörður fjord, which once served as the base of French fishermen in Iceland, makes for an interesting stop, as does the small village of Djúpivogur at the foot of Mt. Búlandstindur.The drive towards Höfn is no less breathtaking with the volcanic black sands leading to the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the rising highlands to your right. Driving distance: 256 km / 159 miles. Spend the night in Höfn or in the Vatnajökull area. |
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Day 7: Vatnajökull & the South CoastThe first leg of today’s journey takes you alongside Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on your way towards the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly out to sea. Nearby is Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, a worthwhile detour for its remarkable natural beauty. Driving distance: 200 km / 125 miles.Spend the night near Skaftafell or Kirkjubæjarklaustur. |
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Day 8: Icy Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Crossing vast flood plains and glacial rivers today you’ll soon reach the village of Vík, with the dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar just off the coast. Then continue on to the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, looking their best in their winter coasts of frost and icicles. |
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Day 9: Golden Circle & ReykjavikNo tour of Iceland is complete without visiting the attractions along the famous Golden Circle route! First make a stop to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall before heading to the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the frequently spouting Strokkur geyser as well as various colorful pools and bubbling mud pots.Your final stop of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park, where you can take a walk between the Eurasion and North American tectonic plates. Driving distance: 215 km / 134 miles. Return the rental car in Reykjavik and spend the night in the central part of the city. |
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Day 10: DepartureToday, it’s time to head home after your amazing journey around Iceland. Transfer to Keflavík Airport via the Flybus in time for your check-in. If your flight is in the afternoon, we recommend a stop at the Blue Lagoon for a soak in the warm mineral waters. |
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Thanks to our extensive network of trusted suppliers, we can accommodate travelers of all needs and interests
according to location, group size and budget.
Our hand-picked selection of accommodations in Iceland includes hotels,
guesthouses, hostels, farmhouse B&B, cottages and more. For our car
rental packages, we‘ve selected what we consider the best value option
of accommodation at each location.
![]() Includes basic guesthouses, farmhouses and good quality hostels with shared showers/WC facilities. Some rooms may have washbasins. Breakfast is provided and included in the price. In the more remote areas, most properties offer | ![]() Includes comfortable tourist-class (mostly 3-star range) hotels, farmhouses and well-appointed guesthouses. Rooms have private showers/WC. Breakfast is provided and included in the price. Most properties in this category have an on-site restaurant or dining facilities. |
| NEVER LOST IN ICELAND!![]() Our rental car selectionWe‘ve partnered with one of Iceland’s most reliable and efficient car rental agencies to offer top-notch service and a great selection of high-quality, dependable vehicles. Automatic cars are available on request for an extra fee in types A, B and C. Please contact us for prices. All rentals include a standard insurance policy with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage, GPS, free in-car unlimited wi-fi, two drivers and Icelandic VAT @ 25.5%. Fuel or oil is not included. Optional insurance upgrades, additional drivers and child seats are available and payable locally at the car rental office. Collecting your vehicleOn Day 2 of your holiday, you will be picked up by your car rental agent between 09:00 and 10:00 from your accommodation in Reykjavik and taken to the car rental depot. There, you will complete all paperwork and choose among optional services or upgrades before collecting your vehicle.A valid credit card is required by the car rental agency, and a credit card imprint will be taken at the time of vehicle collection for security reasons. Your voucher covers the cost of the rental, but the imprint may be used to deduct any extra charges due to use or damage of the vehicle. |
BOOKING INFORMATION
Rooms
- 1 Person = Single room
- 2 Sharing = One twin/double room
- 3 Sharing = Triple room
- 4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms
Booking
After booking a holiday package with Icelandguest.com, you will be contacted by email within two working days by your designated travel consultant, who will assist with your booking and serve as your point of contact for any travel needs during your stay. The email will include the full name and direct contact information for your travel consultant along with information about your booking, payment and what to expect during your holiday.We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance.
Travel Documents
For all car rental packages, we provide the following travel documents:- Pro-forma and confirmation invoices
- Booking overview with information about all your services in Iceland
- Electronic vouchers for each of your services
- Full itinerary
- Map of Iceland with your route, accommodations and interesting highlights marked
- Information booklet about driving in Iceland
- More detailed itinerary including a list of optional activities and attractions in Iceland as well as general information about travelling around Iceland
Delivery of travel documents
- At time of deposit payment: You will receive the pro-forma invoice by email.
- Within 30 days of deposit payment: You will receive the full itinerary by email.
- At time of full payment: You will receive the confirmation invoice and all vouchers by email.
- Before your arrival*: Road map and information booklet about driving in Iceland will be sent by post