Complete Iceland & Snaefellsnes Self Drive

On arrival in Iceland, collect the rental car at the airport and drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula, passing moss‑clad lava fields and distant mountains - a striking introduction to the island's volcanic landscape. It's around 50 km - 31 miles - to Reykjavik, where you stay overnight in the capital.

Today you drive the south coast to Vik i Mýrdal, taking in some of Iceland's most dramatic sights. You begin at Seljalandsfoss, following the path behind its curtain of water for a unique perspective. Continue to Skogafoss to admire its powerful drop and mist. Further along, head to Dyrholaey for sweeping views of the ocean and coastline - including the natural sea arch - then visit nearby Reynisfjara to see the black sands, striking basalt columns and the North Atlantic surf. You end the day in the Vik area. Driving: Approx 200 km (124 miles) Accommodation: Vik area.

Depart Vik and drive east into Vatnajökull National Park, drawing closer to the outlet glaciers of Europe's largest ice cap. Reach the Skaftafell area - a gateway to glacier hikes and views of Svartifoss. You can walk to Svartifoss or join a glacier hike if you wish. The day's highlight is Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs drift in the lagoon before washing ashore on black sand. Continue to Höfn, a picturesque fishing town renowned for its views of Vatnajökull and excellent lobster. Driving: approx 270 km (168 miles) - Accommodation: Höfn area.

From Höfn you follow the coastal road through the East Fjords - a striking sweep of steep mountains, narrow inlets and wide ocean views. Pause in Djupivogur, known for its art installations and rich birdlife, then continue through Faskruðsfjörður, where French fishermen once wintered and left a lasting cultural imprint. As you head north, the landscape softens into fertile valleys with salmon rivers before you reach Egilsstaðir, the East's main town and gateway to the interior, including Lake Lagarfljot with its longstanding tales of a serpentine creature and hidden forests. Driving distance: approx 260 km (161 miles). Accommodation: Egilsstaðir area.

Cross the vast black desert of northeast Iceland as you make for the Lake Mývatn region. Your first stop is Dettifoss - Europe's most powerful waterfall - a short detour from the main route and an unmissable sight as the river plunges into a rugged canyon. Then take in the geothermal landscapes of Namaskarð, where steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots colour the earth. You could choose to unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

If you wish, a short hike up the Hverfjall crater rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding lava fields. You also explore Dimmuborgir, a maze of lava formations associated with local folklore of elves and trolls. Turning west, pause at Goðafoss - the Waterfall of the Gods - which is linked to Iceland's conversion to Christianity in the year 1000, before continuing to Akureyri, where you can explore the largest town in North Iceland at your own pace. Driving: Approx 300 km (187 miles) Accommodation: Akureyri area.

Leave Akureyri and head west into Skagafjörður - a valley renowned for horse breeding and saga heritage. Detour to Hofsos to visit the Icelandic Emigration Centre, then continue to the medieval turf farm at Glaumbaer to see its traditional buildings. You can cross the Holtavörðuheiði highland road into Borgarfjörður, starting at Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson - visit Snorri's pool and the museum dedicated to his life and works.

Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before moving on to the contrasting waterfalls of Hraunfossar and nearby Barnafoss. Finish in Borgarnes at the Settlement Centre for insight into Iceland's early history and the sagas. Driving - approx 350 km (218 miles). Accommodation - Borgarfjörður area.

Today you make a full circuit of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - often called Iceland in Miniature - from the Borgarfjörður area. Begin at Gerðuberg to see its striking basalt columns, then continue to Ytri Tunga's golden sands, a good spot for seal sightings in summer. Explore the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar - you can follow the coastal path between them for sea stacks, birdlife and expansive ocean views.

You then enter Snaefellsjökull National Park, dominated by the glacier capped Snaefellsjökull volcano. You can visit the Vatnshellir lava tube if you wish. Stop at Djupalonssandur, a black pebble beach with dramatic lava formations and scattered remnants of an old shipwreck, before continuing to Kirkjufell near Grundarfjörður, one of Iceland's most photographed mountains with nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. Expect around 300 km of driving today - we return to your accommodation in the Borgarfjörður area.

Drive south to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's oldest recorded legislative parliament, the Alþingi, once met on the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. Follow the paths through the Almannagja fissure and visit Öxararfoss, then continue to the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur - here Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending hot water up to 30 metres amid steaming vents and bubbling pools. A short drive brings you to Gullfoss, the powerful ‘Golden Falls', with viewpoints that reveal the cascade from different angles. After completing the Golden Circle, return to Reykjavik for the night, with a total driving distance of roughly 290 km.

Depart from your accommodation in Reykjavik and drive to Keflavik International Airport - approximately 50 km (31 miles). On arrival, we return the rental car at the airport and proceed to the terminal for your flight, allowing enough time for the drive and drop‑off to ensure a smooth departure.