8 Days & 7 Nights

4.4

Iceland's Scenic South Coast: Drive & Hike

Explore the dramatic south coast of Iceland by car and on foot.
Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, filled with huge icebergs of turquoise hues.
Walk through the great rifts of the earth's crust at Thingvellir National Park.
The thundering waterfalls of Gulfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.
Getting up close to the mighty Vatnajökull, the largest glacier mass in Europe.

Explore Iceland’s dramatic south coast on an action-packed drive and hike tour starting and finishing in the capital city of Reykjavik. Taking in glaciers, thundering waterfalls, lava fields and hot springs, this tour is a great introduction to the ’Land of Fire and Ice’. Iceland’s quiet, scenic roads are a true pleasure to drive, with plenty of time allocated to getting on those walking boots to see Iceland at its best! Enjoy the charismatic café-culture of Reykjavik, before exploring the Golden Circle trio of Gulfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. Continue to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and then on to the mighty Vatnajokull glacier and Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, before returning to Reykjavik. Read about journalist Fiona's experiences on the South Coast Drive & Hike tour in her blog posts Iceland: Myths, Magic & Magnificence, and 12 Must Sees in Southern Iceland. This tour was also featured in an article in Scotland's Sunday Mail Too Cool for School.

From $2,855.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik

Arriving at Keflavik International Airport, you are immediately transported to other-worldly landscapes, as you travel by road through craters and lava fields to reach your hotel in downtown Reykjavik.

The vibrant, quirky city of Reykjavik is wonderfully cosmopolitan and easily explored on foot. Browse the many outdoor and handicraft shops, and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the many fantastic seafood restaurants — we recommend the Arctic Char in particular!

Overnight Reykjavik

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Skuggi | Hotel

A brand new, modern hotel in the city centre with tastefully decorated rooms. It sits on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Hverfisgata and within walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.

Hotel Odinvse | 4 Star | Hotel

A stylish 50 room boutique hotel in downtown Reykjavik. They offer newly renovated rooms along with service with a smile. Their restaurant is a popular meeting place in Reykjavik and offers outstanding Icelandic cuisine.

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum | Hotel

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a comfortable 4-star hotel located in Reykjavik, equipped with air conditioning in public areas, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, a restaurant, laundry service, car hire and an in-room safe.

Day 2 Golden Circle—Thingvellir, Gulfoss and Geysir

Head straight out into the countryside today towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park. Enjoy a walk here through the great rifts of the earth's crust — an amazing experience!

Continue to the geothermal area of Geysir, where great spouts of boiling hot water shoot up from the ground every 5 minutes.

Finish your day with a visit to the beautiful two-tiered Gulfoss waterfall, where the water often catches the sunlight to throw incredible rainbows across it.

Walk: 3hrs

Total Drive: Approx 190km, 3 hours

Overnight Hveragerði

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Frost & Fire Hotel | Hotel

A quiet hotel with amazing amenities and comfortable rooms. Access to their geothermal spa is included and their restaurant "Varma" offers "slow food" made with the finest local ingredients.

Greenhouse Hótel

Sustainable hotel with comfortable beds, locally made or recycled furniture, spacious bathroom and beautiful views. The unique decor is inspired by nature.

Day 3 Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls

An action-packed day today! Visit another two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls today. At Seljalandsfoss take a walk behind the falls to experience the mighty power of nature up close. And walk to the top of Skogafoss falls for a different perspective.

Heading east you pass the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where it is possible to do some snowmobiling — sure to get the adrenalin pumping and highly recommended!

Continue to Kirkjubaelarklaustur via the black sand beaches of Vik. On arrival enjoy a walk to the nearby “church floor pavement” - a natural phenomenon formed by basalt columns.

Walk from Skogafoss Waterfall: 1.5-3 hours

Walk to Church Floor Pavement: 1.5 hours

Total Drive: Approx 205km, 3 hours

Overnight Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Klaustur | Hotel

Hotel Klaustur is a modern property and conveniently located for exploring the south of Iceland. You can relax on their sundeck or enjoy a swim in their neighbouring geothermal pool.

Hotel Laki

A country hotel in the heart of the wilderness, there are stunning views of glaciers, mountains and moors.

Hotel Laki has a range of entertainment to offer, including a bar, restaurant, plus a stunning swimming pool and waterfall in the nearby village.

The highlight of Hotel Laki is it's Northern Lights friendly service. It offers additional services, such as a Northern Lights wake up call, to maximise your chances of seeing this beautiful sight.

Day 4 Skaftafell National Park

Today you drive through Eldhraun, a 565 km² field of lava covered in thick luxuriant moss — it's like a scene from another planet! Continue to Skaftafell National Park, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, on the edge of the immense Vatnajokull glacier.

We recommend several walks at Skaftafell — from a short 3 hour walk to Svartifoss Waterfall to longer full day walks which overlook the glacial valley. Another option would be to take a hike on the glacier — accompanied by an expert guide and with crampons on! (optional extra).

Walk: 3-8hrs, 250m-1000m Ascent/Descent

Total Drive: Approx 205km, 3-4 Hours

Overnight Höfn

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Höfn | Hotel

Hótel Höfn is a charming hotel with friendly atmosphere and a beautiful glacier view of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. It is located in Höfn, a fishing village on the south eastern coast of Iceland, famous for its delicious langoustine.

Fosshotel Vatnajokull

Staying at the Fosshotel Vatnajokull, you will experience an icy wonderland with beautiful views of the glacier Vatnajokull.

Entertainments include a restaurant, bar and a variety of activities, such as glacier hiking and ice caves.

This hotel has a relaxing and homely atmosphere. All rooms include a fridge, private bathroom and a TV.

Hali Country Hotel

On a family-run farm between Vatnajökull National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this simple hotel with an annex is a minute’s walk from local history at the Þórbergssetur museum, and 14 km from Jökulsárlón lagoon.

Modest rooms with ocean or mountain views offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as sitting areas and heated floors. Airy 2-bedroom apartments have kitchens, plus living rooms and sofabeds.

Parking and a breakfast buffet are complimentary. There’s a bright, relaxed restaurant, and a laid-back lobby lounge offering coffee and tea.

Day 5 Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Heading west, a short drive takes you to Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon — one of Iceland’s most photographed places! A walk along the lagoon’s shoreline which is littered with shards of ice gives you views of the giant icebergs floating in the water. The colours range from pure white to shimmering hues of blue. You may even recognise scenes from movies such as Die Another Day and Tombraider which were filmed here.

Continue to Dyrholeay, a giant natural rock arch where puffins perch at certain times of the year.

Walk: 2-4 hours, 100m Ascent

Total Drive: Approx 280km, 4 Hours

Overnight Vik

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hótel Vík | Hotel

Hotel Vik, features 78 comfortable guest rooms, 46 of which are designed in a contemporary, nature-inspired style by noted Icelandic architect Guðbjörg Magnúsdóttir.

Hotel Katla | Hotel

The Hotel Katla offers spacious rooms in a breathtaking environment, surrounded by mountains, black sands and glaciers.

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Hótel Dyrhólaey

Featuring countryside views, the bright, unassuming rooms with simple furnishings have complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms provide mountain, ocean or glacier views. Freebies include parking, and breakfast provided in a cozy wood-lined restaurant/bar with vaulted ceilings and water views. There’s also a terrace with valley views.

Day 6 Hveragerdi, Drive to Reykjavik

Continue towards Reykjavik, stopping off en-route at Hveragerdi for a long walk around visiting hot springs, bubbling mud-pots and fumaroles. From here it is just a short drive back to Reykjavik, where you will drop off your car in the late afternoon.

Walk: 3-4 Hours.

Total Drive: 190km, 3 Hours

Overnight Reykjavik

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Skuggi | Hotel

Hotel Odinvse | 4 Star | Hotel

Hotel Reykjavik Centrum | Hotel

Day 7 Free Day in Reykjavik

Explore Reykjavik at leisure today. There are plenty of things to see and do. We recommend a whale-watching excursion from the harbour (bookable locally). Or you can also take a longer walk around the city and Seltjarnes area. One of the most popular things to do is a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon for a soothing dip in its geothermal waters. (bookable locally).

Overnight Reykjavik

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Skuggi | Hotel

Hotel Odinvse | 4 Star | Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Hotel | Bed and breakfast

Reykjavik Residence is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. The hotel offers a comfortable stay alongside breakfast which is delivered straight to the rooms. All the rooms in the hotel offer a safe, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at a bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

3 Nights at a 3* Hotel in Reykjavik
4 Nights in countryside hotels and guesthouses
7 Breakfasts
5 Days Group B car hire (from Day 2 to Day 6)
Return transfers betweeen Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik accommodation
Road Map
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Route notes, maps and driving instructions
24/7 support from our local partners and UK office

Excluded

Travel to and from Iceland
Lunches and evening meals
Drinks and snacks
Fuel and oil
Personal equipment
Mountain rescue
Optional activities
Travel Insurance

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the tour
Glacier Hike
Car Hire Upgrades

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, (for example, proper rain gear jacket and pants, sun hat, sunscreen). Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes or the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.

Car Hire

We include Group B Car Hire from the morning of Day 2 up to the afternoon of Day 6. Group B Car Hire would be based on a Volkswagen Golf or similar and is suitable for 2-3 people with luggage. For parties of 4, we will automatically include an upgrade to a CAT N Car Hire (similar to a Skoda Octavia) and this is already included in the cost. For parties of 5-8 people, we will provide 2x CAT B for 5-6 people, and 2x CAT N for 7-8 people. If you choose, you can also upgrade to a CAT FG Car Hire which is similar to a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD. Select this option when making your booking. Car hire includes unlimited mileage, VAT, CDW insurance, 1 additional driver, Pick up and Drop off fees. No insurance in Iceland covers the underside of vehichles and excesses can be expensive. For this reason we suggest you take out an excess reimbursement policy in advance of your arrival, or upgrade your insurance locally. Fuel and oil are not included in the rental of your vehicle.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? What is driving like in Iceland? How far in advance do I need to book?

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