Iceland Express Loop Self Drive

On arrival in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport and drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula, passing moss covered lava fields and distant mountains - a memorable first glimpse of the country's volcanic scenery. Continue to Reykjavik for your first night in the capital. Driving: approximately 50 km (31 miles) - Accommodation: Reykjavik.

Leave Reykjavik for the Golden Circle - a classic route linking three of Iceland's best‑known sights. At Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you see the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates and the historic site of Iceland's early parliament. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, then on to Gullfoss, where a powerful cascade drops into a rugged canyon.

Turning south, stop at Seljalandsfoss - you can walk behind the curtain of water - and nearby Skogafoss, celebrated for its sheer drop and frequent rainbows. Reach Vik i Mýrdal and visit Reynisfjara's black‑sand beach to view its striking basalt columns and roaring Atlantic surf.

You then continue east to Kirkjubaejarklaustur, gateway to natural highlights including the scenic Fjaðrargljufur canyon. You can spend time exploring local sites such as the Kirkjugolf basalt formations, which resemble a church floor, and the nearby Systrafoss waterfall. Driving today is approximately 375 km - 233 miles. Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

You head east into Vatnajökull National Park to explore Skaftafell, renowned for its sweeping glacial scenery and excellent hiking. Here, hike to Svartifoss - a striking waterfall framed by black basalt columns - and take in views of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. Continuing along the south coast, visit Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon to see its drifting icebergs, then cross to nearby Diamond Beach where ice fragments glint against the black sand.

Follow the coastal road through the Eastern Fjords - a scenic drive of winding bays, small fishing settlements and broad sea views. You can pause in Djupivogur and Breiðdalsvik to enjoy the calm setting before the journey concludes in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, set by Lake Lagarfljot where you can learn about the local serpent legend. Driving distance: approx 450 km - 280 miles. Overnight in the Egilsstaðir area.

Drive across the stark black sands of northeast Iceland towards Lake Mývatn, detouring briefly to Dettifoss - Europe's most powerful waterfall - for an up-close view of its thundering cascade.

Around Mývatn, explore the steaming vents and bubbling mud pools of the Namaskarð geothermal area, where vivid colours reveal the earth's heat. You may choose to unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Continue to Hverfjall, where you can take a short hike to the crater rim for sweeping views, and then wander the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir, long linked with local folklore.

Turning west, you can stop at Goðafoss, also known as the Waterfall of the Gods and associated with Iceland's conversion to Christianity in the year 1000, before arriving in Akureyri, where you can explore the largest town in North Iceland. Total driving today is about 300 km - overnight in the Akureyri area.

From Akureyri, drive west towards Skagafjörður - a region renowned for Icelandic horse breeding and deep saga history. If you wish, visit the Glaumbaer Museum, a well‑preserved turf farm that offers a clear window into rural life in past centuries, or opt for a horseback ride or a short hike to enjoy the scenery.

Continue to Borgarfjörður to see Deildartunguhver - Europe's most powerful hot spring - and stop at Reykholt, once home to the medieval chieftain and scholar Snorri Sturluson. You can also take in Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where water flows through lava fields into bright blue rivers, before finishing the journey in Reykjavik.

The day ends in Reykjavik, where you can unwind and make the most of the city's dining and nightlife, or visit cultural highlights such as Harpa Concert Hall and the National Museum of Iceland.

Depart from your accommodation in Reykjavik and drive to Keflavik International Airport - a straightforward 50 km (31 miles) journey. On arrival, return the rental car at the airport, marking the end of the trip. Allow time for the short drive and car return formalities.