9-Day Iceland Journey: Reykjavík, Golden Circle & South Coast Highlights with Skaftafell

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 11, 2025

9:00am

Pick up Rental Car at Keflavík Airport

Collect your rental car at Keflavík Airport for flexible travel. The drive to Reykjavík is roughly 45 minutes.
ISK15000 per day, 45m

10:00am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co.

Enjoy fresh, artisan pastries in a cosy bakery in Reykjavík’s centre to start your trip deliciously.
ISK1500, 1h

11:30am

Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church

Ascend the tower for sweeping views over Reykjavík and admire the iconic architecture.
ISK1000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch on Laugavegur Street

Dine in one of the lively cafés along Reykjavík’s main shopping street.
ISK2000, 1h

2:15pm

Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Stroll the waterfront to see the stunning glass facade of Harpa, a cultural jewel.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn

Sumptuous Icelandic dishes made with fresh local produce in an elegant setting.
ISK7000, 2h

8:30pm

Stay at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Relax in this centrally located hotel with wonderful views over Reykjavík harbour.
ISK35000, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle Drive

Golden Circle, Iceland on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a full breakfast before setting off on the Golden Circle route.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Þingvellir National Park

Explore the rift valley and historic site where Iceland’s parliament was established.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness erupting geysers amid bubbling geothermal features.
Free, 50m

12:00pm

Lunch at Geysir Center

Enjoy traditional Icelandic fare with lovely views near the geysers.
ISK2500, 1h

1:15pm

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the powerful two-tiered waterfall and its scenic surroundings.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Reykjavík

Drive back to Reykjavík, approximately 1h45m journey.
Free, 1h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fiskfelagid (Fish Company)

Relish creative Icelandic seafood dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere.
ISK8000, 2h

9:00pm

Stay at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Comfortable and scenic city centre accommodation for your convenience.
Included, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: South Coast to Vík

South Coast, Iceland on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out on your south coast adventure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Visit the iconic waterfall that you can walk behind for unique views.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Drive to Skógafoss Waterfall

Experience one of Iceland’s largest and most picturesque waterfalls.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Gamla fjósið

Sample Icelandic lamb and traditional dishes in a warm farm restaurant setting.
ISK3000, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Walk the dramatic volcanic beach with basalt columns and stunning sea stacks.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Check in at Hotel Kría in Vík

Stay in a modern hotel with fantastic views over the village and surrounding cliffs.
ISK35000, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Enjoy fresh seafood and Icelandic cuisine at this welcoming local restaurant.
ISK6000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell, Iceland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Kría

Fuel up with breakfast before driving towards Skaftafell.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Skaftafell National Park

Enjoy beautiful landscapes as you travel east along the Ring Road.
Free, 2h

10:00am

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall

Take a 2-hour walk to see the spectacular waterfall framed by basalt columns.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre Café

Eat light meals and refreshments to recharge after hiking.
ISK2500, 1h

1:30pm

Optional Glacier Walk

Join a 3-hour guided glacier walk on Vatnajökull to experience Icelandic ice formations up close (booking recommended).
ISK13000, 3h

5:30pm

Drive back to Vík

Return drive approximately 2h (140 km) to Vík for overnight stay.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Kría Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with well-prepared local ingredients back at your hotel.
ISK6000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: South Coast & Waterfalls

South Coast, Iceland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Kría

Start with breakfast in Vík before exploring more of the south coast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Walk along the edge of this dramatic and photogenic canyon, around 1-hour exploration.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Explore Dyrhólaey

Visit this magnificent promontory for magnificent views and puffin spotting in June.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Lunch in Vík

Enjoy casual dining at The Soup Company, specialising in fresh, warm soups and sandwiches.
ISK3000, 1h

12:30pm

Drive to Skálholt Historical Site

Visit the historic cathedral and cultural centre, a pivotal location in Icelandic history.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Hveragerði

Travel approx 1h45m (125 km) to the geothermal town of Hveragerði.
Free, 1h45m

4:00pm

Check in at Hotel Örk, Hveragerði

Rest in a hotel known for its geothermal pools and peaceful atmosphere.
ISK28000, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy Icelandic and international cuisine in a comfortable setting after your day’s journey.
ISK6000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Relax in Hveragerði

Hveragerði, Iceland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Örk

A leisurely breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a relaxing day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike

Enjoy a walk through geothermal valley to warm natural springs; great for a soak.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby Café

Have a casual lunch at a local café in Hveragerði village.
ISK2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Geothermal Park

Explore the heated greenhouses and geothermal activity in this unique town.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel Örk Geothermal Pools

Unwind in the hotel’s heated pools before dinner.
Included, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Örk

Enjoy a peaceful dinner onsite featuring local ingredients and dishes.
ISK6000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Örk

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Reykjavík

Short drive about 45 minutes back to Reykjavík for your final days in the capital.
Free, 45m

10:00am

Explore Perlan Museum

Discover interactive exhibitions including a real ice cave and panoramic observation deck.
ISK2500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Paris

Enjoy French-inspired bistro dishes in the heart of the city.
ISK2800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sun Voyager Sculpture

See the symbolic Viking ship sculpture along Reykjavík’s scenic waterfront.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Shopping on Laugavegur

Enjoy some last-minute shopping at Reykjavík’s main street boutiques and galleries.
Variable, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Matur og Drykkur

Celebrate your trip’s end with innovative Icelandic cuisine based on tradition.
ISK7500, 2h

9:00pm

Stay at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Final night at a central hotel with exquisite views over Reykjavík harbour.
ISK35000, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Leisure in Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and the city views once more.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Reykjavik Art Museum

Appreciate contemporary Icelandic and international art in multiple venues.
ISK1500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Slippbarinn

Tasty modern dishes and cocktails in a trendy harbour-side setting.
ISK3500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax in Reykjavik Botanical Gardens

Stroll this lovely green space showcasing Icelandic flora.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee at Mokka Kaffi

Enjoy a cup at one of Reykjavík’s oldest and most beloved coffee houses.
ISK1200, 30m

6:00pm

Final dinner at Sjávargrillið

Indulge your final night with exquisite seafood and Icelandic specialties.
ISK8000, 2h
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Day 9: Departure

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Iceland before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Keflavík Airport

Allow 45 minutes to reach the airport to return your car and check-in for your flight.
Free, 45m
View Hotel Availability