EUROPE TC JOURNEYS
Discover Iceland: Self-Drive Adventure
11 nights | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Discover the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall and the erupting hot springs at Geysir
- Unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by volcanic scenery
- Explore Iceland’s South Coast, including the black sands of Reynisfjara beach, the striking Dyrhólaey rock arch, and the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
- Be amazed by the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where shimmering icebergs drift across a tranquil glacial lake.
Imagine tracing Iceland’s wild and beautiful coastline at your own pace, from the colourful streets of Reykjavik to the fjords of Akureyri, the whale-watching haven of Husavik, the peaceful eastern town of Egilsstadir and the dramatic black-sand shores around Vik and Hella. On this carefully planned self-drive journey, you will have the freedom to stop where the scenery moves you most: thundering waterfalls, steaming geothermal areas and quiet fishing villages, before continuing on to glacier-fringed Hofn and the coastal charm of Borgarnes.
A dedicated whale watching and puffin island tour is included, giving you the chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, while your handpicked overnight stops ensure comfort, character and a warm welcome after each day on the road. Throughout, your car, route and experiences are tailored around you, so you can relax and enjoy Iceland’s raw beauty knowing every detail has been taken care of.
Reykjavík is a vibrant, compact capital where colourful houses, creative street art and a lively café culture sit against a backdrop of mountains and sea. It is the perfect base for exploring Iceland, with world-class restaurants, cosy bars and geothermal pools to enjoy after a day of adventure.
Wander along the waterfront to the striking Harpa Concert Hall, take in panoramic views from Hallgrímskirkja church, then round off your day with fresh seafood or traditional Icelandic specialities. With its friendly atmosphere and blend of culture, nature and Nordic charm, Reykjavík is an ideal starting point for your Icelandic journey.
Wrapped around a glassy fjord and backed by dramatic mountains, Borgarnes is a tranquil pause on Iceland’s Ring Road that rewards those who slow down. Just an hour from Reykjavík, it blends powerful Viking history with wild natural beauty: explore the immersive Settlement Centre to step into the world of the early settlers and sagas, then head out to admire views across Borgarfjörður, wander the shoreline and capture the ever-changing light on the peaks.
Nearby, you can marvel at the lava-framed cascades of Hraunfossar and the thundering Barnafoss, or feel the heat and steam of Deildartunguhver, one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs. With cosy cafés, characterful restaurants and a relaxed small-town feel, Borgarnes is an ideal base or overnight stop for a more authentic taste of western Iceland.
Framed by snow-dusted peaks at the end of Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri is a charming little city with a big personality, often called the Capital of the North. Its colourful houses, creative street art and inviting cafés give it a warm, welcoming feel, while excellent restaurants and buzzing bars showcase northern Iceland’s love of good food and local flavours.
In summer, long days are perfect for exploring the botanical gardens, harbourfront and nearby waterfalls and volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn. In winter, the town transforms into a cosy, lantern-lit base for skiing, snow activities and northern lights hunting, with steaming geothermal pools offering the perfect place to thaw out after a day in the crisp Arctic air.
Perched on Iceland’s north coast, Húsavík is a colourful harbour town with a global reputation as one of the world’s best places for whale watching. Boats head out into Skjálfandi Bay in search of humpbacks, minkes and, with luck, blue whales, giving you an unforgettable chance to see these giants in their natural habitat.
Back on shore, wooden houses, seafood restaurants and the charming 1907 church create a cosy, small-town feel, while the excellent Whale Museum brings the marine world to life. For pure relaxation, the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths offer steaming infinity pools carved into the cliffside, where you can soak in warm mineral-rich seawater as you gaze out across the Arctic horizon. Húsavík is a wonderful stop for nature lovers, with a blend of wildlife encounters, history and slow, scenic coastal living.
Egilsstaðir is the relaxed heart of East Iceland, a small lakeside town that feels like a welcome pause on a wilder stretch of the Ring Road. Set beside the folklore-filled Lake Lagarfljót and surrounded by soft hills, forests and distant peaks, it offers a gentle blend of nature and comfort.
From here you can follow trails to nearby waterfalls such as Fardagafoss, drive out to the dramatic Hengifoss canyon, or wander among the trees of Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest. Day trips to the colourful village of Seyðisfjörður and the untouched fjords of Borgarfjörður Eystri open up some of the country’s most remote and rewarding scenery. With its easy-going atmosphere and convenient facilities, Egilsstaðir makes an ideal base for exploring the East at a slower, more contemplative pace.
Höfn is a characterful fishing town on Iceland’s south‑east coast, framed by the Atlantic on one side and the vast Vatnajökull glacier on the other. It makes a superb base for exploring the region’s headline sights, including the ice‑strewn Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the dramatic black sands and jagged peaks of the nearby Stokksnes Peninsula.
In town, you can stroll the harbour, watch the fishing boats come and go and sample the area’s famous langoustine in cosy restaurants that specialise in the freshest local catch. With its sweeping views, big skies and friendly small‑town feel, Höfn feels like a true outpost at the edge of Iceland’s wildest landscapes, ideal for travellers who want dramatic scenery with creature comforts close at hand.
Vík í Mýrdal, usually shortened to Vík, is a tiny seaside village with some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery on its doorstep. Its black‑sand beach at Reynisfjara, backed by towering basalt columns and pounded by the Atlantic, feels wild and cinematic, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising just offshore. Above the village, the red‑roofed church of Víkurkirkja offers sweeping views over the coastline and cliffs, especially atmospheric in shifting light or mist.
Vík is also a superb base for adventure, with glacier hikes and ice cave tours on nearby Mýrdalsjökull, birdlife and clifftop views at Dyrhólaey, and the thunderous Skógafoss waterfall all within easy driving distance. It is an ideal overnight stop on the Ring Road for clients who want to experience Iceland’s south coast at its most raw and beautiful.
Hella is a peaceful riverside town in South Iceland, ideal as a quiet base for exploring the highlights of the south coast. Set along the Ytri‑Rangá River, it offers wide open views towards distant glaciers, easy access to sights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the black sands of Reynisfjara, plus a genuine sense of everyday Icelandic life.
Nearby you can step into the atmospheric Hella Caves, visit the pretty Ægissíðufoss waterfall or enjoy riding tours on sure‑footed Icelandic horses through open farmland. With its simple hotels, friendly guesthouses and down‑to‑earth eateries, Hella suits clients who prefer a calm, rural stopover with local character rather than a tourist hotspot.
