Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Selfoss (Golden Circle) - Reykjavik
100% customisable for you
Your five-day escape to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland begins today with a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Reykjavik. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some down time in the airport lounge with some nibbles and refreshments as you await departure. On arrival, collect your spacious 4x4 rental vehicle and head straight into the wilderness of the Golden Circle, a 190-mile route of the nation’s three most popular natural attractions. Your base for the next three nights is a charming countryside hideaway nestled in the Selfoss region, an hour-and-a-half drive from the airport. Spend the rest of today settling into your new Icelandic environment. We recommend relaxing and enjoying the hotel’s beautiful spa facilities before tucking into a delicious meal based on local ingredients and specialties this evening.
Spend two days discovering the endless scenic delights of Iceland’s south coast at your own pace. This region stands out for the big three sites that made the Golden Circle so famous: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Other iconic sites in the region include the world’s oldest existing parliament, which dates back to 930 AD; the dramatic Strokkur geyser, the nation’s most visited geyser; the colourful rolling mountains of the Torfajökull massif; the vast expanses of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap; and the volcanic sites of the Keflavik peninsula. At some point over the next two days you’ll also have the opportunity to head into the heart of the highlands in a super jeep with an experienced driver-guide. Icelanders have made it their habit to modify jeeps to be able to withstand the tough glacial terrain of the Icelandic highlands. These enormous machines make it possible to experience some of the rugged interior’s most incredible landscapes, including extinct volcanic craters, other-worldly lava fields and, finally, the incredible natural hot springs of Landmannalaugar. We could also arrange for you to head out on a guided hike on the Sólheimajökull glacial tongue, a beautiful glacier falling from the wider Mýrdalsjökull glacier at a very slow pace.
Bid the south coast a warm farewell as you drive one hour back to the Icelandic capital. Before reaching the shores of Reykjavík, make a stop at Hveragerdi, a charming hamlet known and adored for its network of thermal springs, micro-geysers and steam vents. Those after a bit of adventure can embark on a hike from the village to ‘steam valley’, where it’s possible to bathe in a thermal river winding through the countryside. There’s nothing like an adventure in the countryside to whet your appetite, so from here, continue on to the picturesque village of Eyrarbakki to enjoy a feast of seafood delights in a renowned local restaurant. Walk off your meal along one of the stunning black sand beaches on the Ölfusá river estuary. Make sure to keep an eye out for seals, who spend their days hunting for fish in the channel’s turbulent waters. This afternoon, continue on to the capital, drop off your hire car and check in for three nights in a stylish yet cosy guesthouse in the heart of the city. The rest of today is then yours to spend settling into the rhythm of city life. We recommend turning to your coveted destination-specific Dossier, which is full of our top picks for cafes, bars and restaurants in the area.
Rise and shine, it’s your final day in Iceland and there’s not a moment to waste. Reykjavik is a small and walkable city, making it possible to soak in the city’s distinctive character in just a handful of hours. The city is made up of a patchwork of trendy, overlapping, village-style neighbourhoods, each offering myriad cultural delights, from opera and jazz sessions to visual arts shows and independent cinemas. The cafe scene here has also boomed in recent years, so make sure to keep an eye out for the hipster haunts at every corner. Later this afternoon, you’ll be met by a private driver and transferred back to the airport, where you can enjoy some downtime in the airport lounge as you await the departure of your three-hour flight back to the UK. If, however, you’re not quite ready to head home just yet, we can arrange for you to extend your getaway to include an extra day soaking in the natural marvels of the wild Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
