Travelers
2 Guests
Duration
7 Days
Status
Proposal
Investment
$8,230
Trip Maps
Reykjavik
Golden Circle
South Coast
Glacier Lagoon
Your Travel Party
| Traveler | Type | Notes | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex M. | Adult | passport | |
| Jordan M. | Adult | passport |
Trip Notes
Anniversary trip. Both enjoy hiking, photography, and unique culinary experiences.
Flight Details
Outbound Flight
MOB > ATL > KEF
Date2026-07-12
AirlineDelta / Icelandair
Return Flight
KEF > BOS > ATL > MOB
Date2026-07-19
AirlineIcelandair / Delta
Accommodations
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
LocationDowntown Reykjavik
Nights2
Rate$280/night
Hotel Ranga
LocationHella, South Iceland
Nights1
Rate$350/night
Hotel Kria
LocationVik, South Iceland
Nights1
Rate$240/night
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
LocationNear Jokulsarlon, South Iceland
Nights1
Rate$290/night
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
LocationDowntown Reykjavik
Nights2
Rate$320/night
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
2026-07-12
Keflavik / Reykjavik
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
(Night 1)
• Check-in
Late arrival; roads will be light. 45-minute drive to Reykjavik.
10:30 PM
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport
Clear customs, pick up rental car (pre-booked compact 4WD). Drive to Reykjavik.
11:30 PM
Check into Sand Hotel
Settle in for the night. It will still be light outside in July thanks to the midnight sun.
2
2026-07-13
Reykjavik
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
(Night 2)
9:00 AM
Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery
Iconic Reykjavik bakery on Laugavegur. Try the kleinur (Icelandic twisted donuts) and fresh sourdough.
10:00 AM
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Take the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the colorful rooftops and harbor.
11:30 AM
Walk Laugavegur and Rainbow Street
Browse independent shops and galleries along the main strip. Stop at Skolavordustigur (Rainbow Street) for photos.
1:00 PM
Old Harbour and Harpa Concert Hall
Walk the harbor area. Visit Harpa's stunning glass facade designed by Olafur Eliasson. Browse the whale watching boats and the Marshall House art gallery.
3:00 PM
Sun Voyager Sculpture and Waterfront Walk
Photograph the iconic Viking ship sculpture with mountains across the bay. Walk along the coastal path.
5:00 PM
FlyOver Iceland
Immersive flight ride experience that soars over Iceland's landscapes. A great preview of what you'll see on the road trip ahead.
Restaurant Recommendations
Grillid
$$$
Icelandic Fine Dining
Top-floor fine dining at Saga Hotel with panoramic city views. Modern Icelandic tasting menus featuring lamb, langoustine, and arctic char.
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
$
Street Food
Iceland's most famous hot dog stand, operating since 1937. Order 'one with everything' — that's the move.
Matur og Drykkur
$$
Icelandic
Icelandic comfort food reimagined in the Old Harbour area. Salt cod, lamb, and excellent cocktails.
3
2026-07-14
Golden Circle / Hella
Hotel Ranga
(Night 1)
• Check-in
Driving Day
Distance:
280 km (175 miles)
Drive Time:
4-5 hours total driving
Driving Tips
- Start early to beat tour buses at Thingvellir
- Fill up gas in Selfoss — stations become sparse heading east
8:00 AM
Depart Reykjavik
Load up the car and head east toward the Golden Circle. Stop at a Bonus grocery for picnic supplies.
9:30 AM
Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Almannagja gorge. Visit the site of the world's oldest parliament (930 AD). See Oxararfoss waterfall.
11:00 AM
Silfra Fissure Snorkeling
Optional
Available if you have free time
Snorkel in crystal-clear glacial water between two continental plates. Visibility exceeds 100 meters. Dry suits provided. Water temperature is 2-4 degrees C year-round.
1:00 PM
Geysir Geothermal Area
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 20-30 meters into the air. Walk among bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Picnic lunch here.
2:30 PM
Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland's most famous waterfall. Two-tiered cascade plunging 32 meters into a rugged canyon. Walk both the upper and lower viewing platforms for different perspectives.
4:00 PM
Kerid Crater
Volcanic crater lake with striking red and black walls surrounding vivid turquoise water. Walk the full rim for photos. Small entrance fee.
5:30 PM
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
Optional
Available if you have free time
Soak in Iceland's oldest natural geothermal pool in the village of Fludir. Far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. Steaming vents and a small geyser nearby.
Restaurant Recommendations
Fridheimar Tomato Farm
$$
Icelandic Farm-to-Table
Dine inside a working greenhouse surrounded by tomato vines. Their tomato soup and fresh bread are legendary. Reservation required.
4
2026-07-15
South Coast / Vik
Hotel Kria
(Night 1)
• Check-in
Driving Day
Distance:
190 km (120 miles)
Drive Time:
3 hours total driving
Suggested Stops
Seljalandsfoss
— Walk behind the waterfall — bring a rain jacket
Skogafoss
— Climb the 527 steps for views from the top
Driving Tips
- Reynisfjara has dangerous sneaker waves — never turn your back on the ocean
8:30 AM
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
60-meter waterfall you can walk completely behind on a narrow path. Wear waterproof layers. The morning light creates rainbows in the mist.
9:15 AM
Gljufrabui (Hidden Waterfall)
Just 5 minutes from Seljalandsfoss. Wade through a narrow canyon to discover a secret waterfall inside a cave. Bring waterproof boots.
10:30 AM
Skogafoss Waterfall
Massive 60-meter curtain waterfall with a staircase of 527 steps to the top. On sunny days, double rainbows form at the base. The views from above are stunning.
12:00 PM
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Optional
Available if you have free time
Guided 3-hour glacier walk on an outlet glacier of Myrdalsjokull. Crampons and ice axes provided. See blue ice formations, crevasses, and volcanic ash layers.
3:30 PM
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Dramatic black volcanic sand beach with towering basalt column formations and Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. One of the most photogenic locations in Iceland.
5:00 PM
Dyrholaey Peninsula
Drive up to the lighthouse for sweeping views of the coastline, the famous rock arch, and in summer, puffin colonies nesting in the cliffs.
Restaurant Recommendations
Sudur Vik
$$
Pizza / Icelandic
Popular restaurant in Vik serving wood-fired pizzas and Icelandic dishes. The lamb pizza is excellent.
Strondin Bistro and Bar
$$
Icelandic Bistro
Cozy spot with views of the black sand beach. Fresh fish of the day and hearty lamb stew.
5
2026-07-16
Vatnajokull / Jokulsarlon
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
(Night 1)
• Check-in
Driving Day
Distance:
250 km (155 miles)
Drive Time:
3.5 hours total driving
Driving Tips
- The drive through Eldhraun lava fields is surreal — thick green moss over ancient lava
- Fill up gas in Vik and Kirkjubaejarklaustur
8:00 AM
Depart Vik heading east
Drive through the vast Eldhraun lava fields — an otherworldly moonscape of thick green moss blanketing ancient volcanic rock.
10:30 AM
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
A stunning 100-meter deep, 2-kilometer long canyon with a walking trail along the rim. Turquoise water flows below sheer walls of palagonite and moss.
12:30 PM
Skaftafell / Svartifoss Waterfall Hike
Moderate 5.5 km round-trip hike in Vatnajokull National Park to 'Black Falls' — a waterfall framed by dramatic hexagonal basalt columns that inspired Hallgrimskirkja church.
3:00 PM
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Enormous icebergs calve from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and drift across a deep lagoon. Seals swim among the ice. Consider a zodiac boat tour among the bergs.
5:00 PM
Diamond Beach
Chunks of glacier ice wash ashore on jet-black volcanic sand, glittering like diamonds. The contrast is extraordinary — a photographer's paradise, especially in evening light.
Restaurant Recommendations
Fosshotel Restaurant
$$
Icelandic
On-site dining with panoramic glacier views. Icelandic lamb and fresh-caught arctic char.
6
2026-07-17
South Coast to Reykjavik
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
(Night 1)
• Check-in
Driving Day
Distance:
380 km (236 miles)
Drive Time:
5 hours total driving
Suggested Stops
Vik
— Fuel stop and coffee
Selfoss
— Grocery and stretch
Driving Tips
- Long drive day — leave early to have evening free in Reykjavik
- Stop at any waterfalls you may have missed on the way out
7:30 AM
Sunrise at Jokulsarlon (optional)
Return to the lagoon for early morning light when the crowds are gone. The icebergs glow pink and gold at this hour.
9:00 AM
Begin drive west toward Reykjavik
Retrace Route 1 westward. Take your time and stop at anything that catches your eye.
12:00 PM
Lunch stop in Vik or Selfoss
Quick lunch break. The Kronan grocery in Selfoss is a good option for supplies.
4:00 PM
Arrive in Reykjavik
Check into Kvosin Downtown Hotel. Rest, shower, and prepare for the evening.
7:00 PM
Anniversary dinner at Grillid
Top-floor restaurant at Saga Hotel. Tasting menu of modern Icelandic cuisine with city views. Reserve in advance.
7
2026-07-18
Reykjavik / Reykjanes Peninsula
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
(Night 2)
9:00 AM
Leisurely breakfast at Kvosin
Use the apartment kitchen to cook or walk to a nearby cafe. Enjoy a relaxed morning.
10:30 AM
Perlan Museum and Observation Deck
Interactive museum inside the iconic glass dome. Highlights include an indoor ice cave, planetarium, and exhibits on Icelandic nature. The 360-degree observation deck has the best views in the city.
1:00 PM
Drive to Blue Lagoon
45-minute drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa set in a black lava field. Book the Comfort or Premium package for a silica mud mask and a drink included.
4:30 PM
Return to Reykjavik
Drive back to the city for final shopping and souvenir hunting.
6:00 PM
Last stroll through downtown
Pick up an Icelandic wool sweater (lopapeysa). Browse Kolaportid flea market if open. Final photos of the colorful streets.
Restaurant Recommendations
Lava Restaurant (Blue Lagoon)
$$$
Icelandic Fine Dining
Fine dining overlooking the milky blue waters. Icelandic tasting menu with wine pairing. Reserve in advance.
Messinn
$$
Seafood
Fresh fish served sizzling in iron skillets. A local favorite for cod, salmon, and plokkfiskur.
8
2026-07-19
Reykjavik / Keflavik
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
• Check-out
Allow 2 hours before departure for car return and check-in. Duty-free shop at KEF is excellent — grab Icelandic chocolate, liquor, or wool goods.
4:00 AM
Depart hotel for Keflavik Airport
45-minute drive. Drop off rental car, check in, and browse the duty-free store.
7:30 AM
Depart KEF
Icelandair to Boston, connecting to Atlanta and Mobile. Arrive home 7:45 PM local time.
Helpful Videos
The Perfect 10 Day Iceland Itinerary For First Timers
19 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Iceland
Useful Resources
Iceland Road Conditions (road.is)
Essential real-time road condition checker. Check daily before driving.
View Resource →Guide to Iceland
Comprehensive resource for tours, car rentals, and travel planning.
View Resource →Package Options
Essential Iceland
The core road trip experience at a smart price point
- Economy flights via Icelandair
- Compact 2WD rental (summer only)
- Guesthouses and hostels (private rooms)
- Self-guided Golden Circle and South Coast
- Blue Lagoon Comfort package
$5,600
$2,800 per person
Iceland Explorer
Recommended
Enhanced comfort with guided adventures
- Economy flights via Icelandair
- Compact 4WD rental with full insurance
- Boutique hotels (Sand Hotel, Hotel Kria, Fosshotel)
- Silfra snorkeling tour
- Glacier hike at Solheimajokull
- Blue Lagoon Premium package
- Zodiac boat tour at Jokulsarlon
$8,230
$4,115 per person
Ultimate Iceland
No compromises — private guides, top hotels, exclusive access
- Premium economy flights
- Full-size 4WD (Land Cruiser) with all insurance
- Luxury hotels (Reykjavik EDITION, Hotel Ranga, Deplar Farm)
- Private Golden Circle guide
- Helicopter tour over glaciers and volcanoes
- Private glacier hike
- Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa
- Fine dining reservations included
$15,000
$7,500 per person
Pricing Notes
All tiers include CDW rental insurance and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance number. Prices are estimates subject to availability at time of booking.
Important Notes
- Anniversary trip for couple who love nature and photography
- Self-drive itinerary on Route 1 and Golden Circle
- Summer visit: nearly 24 hours of daylight
- No visa required for US citizens (up to 90 days)
- Iceland uses Icelandic krona (ISK); cards accepted almost everywhere
Investment Summary
Flights (MOB to KEF via ATL/BOS) (Round-trip economy for 2 passengers via Icelandair)
$2,800
Rental Car (7 days, compact 4WD) (Includes CDW and gravel protection insurance)
$980
Accommodations (6 nights) (Mix of boutique hotel in Reykjavik, guesthouses along South Coast)
$2,100
Tours and Activities (Glacier hike, Silfra snorkel, Blue Lagoon)
$900
Fuel (Approx 1,200 km total driving)
$250
Meals and Dining (Mix of restaurants and grocery runs for picnic lunches)
$1,200
Per Person$4,115
Number of Travelers2
Total Trip Investment$8,230
Estimate based on summer 2026 rates. Iceland is expensive; budget includes a mix of dining out and self-catering to manage costs.
