South Iceland Self Drive Week

Upon landing in Iceland, collect the rental car at the airport and drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula through expansive lava fields - a stark volcanic landscape of moss covered rocks and distant mountains that offers a striking first glimpse of the country. Continue to Reykjavik for your first night in the capital. Driving distance approximately 50 km - 31 miles. Accommodation - Reykjavik.

Drive northwest from Reykjavik towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - often called Iceland in miniature for its mix of volcanoes, coastline and wildlife - passing through Borgarnes before your first stop at the Gerðuberg basalt columns, a striking wall of hexagonal rock. Continue to Ytri Tunga Beach, where seals are often seen resting on the rocks, then on to the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. A scenic path links the two, and you can visit the Gatklettur arch near Arnarstapi for views of the Atlantic.

Entering Snaefellsjökull National Park, dominated by its glacier‑capped volcano, follow park roads to viewpoints and stop at Djupalonssandur, a black‑pebble beach framed by cliffs and sea stacks that once served a busy fishing community. You can also explore the Vatnshellir lava tube if you wish. No visit to Snaefellsnes is complete without Kirkjufell near Grundarfjörður, whose distinctive peak and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall make a classic photo stop. End the day in Stykkisholmur. Driving today is approx. 310 km (193 miles). Accommodation: Stykkisholmur area.

Drive south from Stykkisholmur into Borgarfjörður, a region rich in sagas and striking natural features. Your first stop is Reykholt, once home to the medieval historian, poet and politician Snorri Sturluson - visit Snorri's pool, an early geothermal pool, and the museum dedicated to his life and works.

Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before a short drive brings you to the contrasting waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. At Hraunfossar, water emerges in a series of cascades from beneath a lava field, while nearby Barnafoss - the Children's Falls - is linked to a local saga and known for its rushing blue waters. End the day in Borgarnes, a coastal town with a beautiful view over the fjord. Here you have time to explore cafes and museums, and you can head out for nearby hiking and birdwatching; you can also visit the Settlement Centre for insight into Iceland's early history and the sagas. Driving: Approx 220 km (137 miles). Accommodation: Borgarfjörður area.

Head south to Þingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Alþingi, Iceland's early parliament, first met - and walk through the Almannagja fissure to Öxararfoss. Continuing to the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur, watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, sending water up to around 30 metres, with steaming vents and bubbling pools all around. A short drive takes you to Gullfoss, the impressive Golden Falls, where we view the cascades from several viewpoints.

End the day in Selfoss, a lively hub with plenty of services and dining. You can explore the town at your own pace before settling into accommodation in the Hveragerði or Selfoss area. Driving: approx 230 km (142 miles) - Accommodation: Hveragerði/Selfoss area.

Follow the South Coast, starting at Seljalandsfoss - a footpath lets you walk behind the cascade for a striking perspective. Continue to Skogafoss, a powerful waterfall that sends up a fine mist at its base. Further along, visit Dyrholaey, a rugged headland with far‑reaching views and a natural sea arch, before heading to Reynisfjara to see its black sand, basalt columns and the Atlantic surf. Your outward leg ends in Vik i Mýrdal, a small village known for its hilltop church set against cliffs and the ocean, before you drive back to Selfoss for the night. Driving: Approx 270 km (168 miles)Accommodation: Hveragerði/Selfoss area

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, beginning at Strandarkirkja - a coastal church steeped in legend. Then take in the vivid geothermal colours of Seltun before continuing to Grindavik. Here, you can choose to relax at the Blue Lagoon - bathing fee not included - or simply enjoy time in town before you follow the coast to Brimketill lava rock pool and the bubbling Gunnuhver geothermal area.

Round off the circuit at Reykjanesta, admiring the sea cliffs and Reykjanesviti lighthouse, and walk across the Bridge Between Continents where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. Finish with a scenic drive through the lava fields back to Reykjavik. Driving today is approximately 200 km (124 miles) - overnight in Reykjavik.

Depart from your accommodation in Reykjavik and drive to Keflavik International Airport - approximately 50 km (31 miles) - where you return the rental car and bring the journey to a close.