Iceland is a country of contrasts, with different ways and means to explore and discover its beauty. Taking a self-drive tour is one of the most famous ways to get the ultimate Iceland experience. The best Iceland self-drive tours give you the flexibility and freedom you won’t get if you travel in a group. Self-drive tours are a one-of-a-kind Icelandic adventure at any time of year.
What are Self-Drive Tours?
Self-drive tours mean you are your own driver and guide, with the advantage of having pre-booked accommodations and a well-designed itinerary per day. You will also set the pace, pick the spots you’d like to visit, and decide when and where to take breaks during the trip.
You can even stop for some discovery and photo breaks anytime you like along the way. At Black Platinum Gold, every detail will be taken care of on your behalf. You will also be provided with an itinerary complete with must-see sight recommendations, safety and practical advice, driving tips, optional activities, and more.
Iceland Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
With Black Platinum Gold, the following self-drive tour itinerary will let you see the beauty of Iceland:
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik and drive to the West of the Gridd.
Day 2: Drive north to visit Grabrók volcano, Skagafjörur fjord, Eyjafjörur fjord, Hvtserkur, Kolugljfur canyon, and Vimri.
Day 3: Enjoy North Akureyri and get a glimpse of the magnificent humpback whales at Eyjafjörur fjord.
Day 4: Drive around the magnificent 250 km circuit known as the Diamond Circle in North Iceland.
Day 5: Discover the mystical east and its Lake Mvatn, Dimmuborgir’s volcanic field, Námafjall geothermal area, Krafla caldera, and Dettifoss waterfall, and explore the isolated Bakkageri village before you head back east to Egilsstair.
Day 6: Drive through the scenic east fjords and embark on a cruise between the icebergs on the magical glacier lagoon.
Day 7: Drive through and explore the highlights of the South Coast, including the picturesque waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara’s columnar basalt and black beach with its bird cliffs, and the glaciers of Sólheimajökull and Eyjafjallajökull and the enormous Vatnajökull.
Day 8: Enjoy the highlights of the Golden Circle Route and snowmobiling on the Langjökull Glacier.
Day 9: Explore Reykjanes Peninsula and its off-the-beaten tracks and feel the adrenaline rush with a 4×4 ATV adventure.
Day 10: Departure Day
Driving Around the Island is an Adventure in and of Itself
Not a lot of countries in the world can rival Iceland when it comes to its plethora of natural wonders waiting for tourists to explore and enjoy them, despite the small size of the country.
In fact, the country’s small size is one of the factors that makes it ideal for self-drive tours.It means you can enjoy visiting as many sights and wonders in a short time, giving you more chances to experience fun activities and relax in your free time.
From the roads, you can gaze at the ever-changing and awe-inspiring Icelandic terrain, from the stunning stretches of sandy beaches to the cascading majestic waterfalls, and the out-of-this-world volcanic peaks and lava fields. You won’t run out of options to add more thrilling optional activities as part of your route.
With Iceland self-drive tours, you will realize that there is more to traveling than just moving from one location to the next. It is more about making discoveries and exploring the area along the way. Black Platinum Gold has designed the self-drive tours to help you experience Iceland at its finest. Why settle with watching alone if you can take things to the next level?
You can experience everything that the Land of Fire and Ice can offer, so you can unleash the explorer in you. With Iceland’s strikingly dramatic natural beauty and all the things to explore and do in the area, you can be sure that your self-drive tour of the country is an experience you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Important Information and Safety Concerns When Exploring Iceland
Getting behind the wheel of a car and embarking on a self-drive tour is no doubt one of the best ways to experience Iceland and its otherworldly magic. The one-of-a-kind landscape will always be right outside the car’s window during your trip.
However, you might find it a bit tricky to drive the roads in Iceland, so it is important to do your research first to know what the area’s traffic landscape is like.
The majority of the island’s main roads are paved with tar, although you can also expect to drive on a combination of dirt and gravel roads. Almost all rural roads are either dirt or gravel, which makes them susceptible to the effects of local weather conditions.
Be sure to stay updated with the weather forecast to avoid unwanted surprises. Remember that safety must always be your top priority during your Iceland self-drive tour. More importantly, it is best to be familiar with what you can expect on Icelandic roads.
How Long Will It Take to Drive Around Iceland?
If you planned a weekend trip to Iceland and you want to enjoy a quick self-drive tour, driving around Iceland can be completed in just two days. However, if you do this, expect that you will be spending more time inside your car.
As such, it is strongly recommended that you take a couple of days to avoid the rush while exploring the island. On the other hand, you can also opt to just spend your time in the capital, which is what most tourists often choose to do during a weekend trip.
If you are really curious to know how long it will take you to drive around Iceland, it might take you 7 to 9 days. A 5-day itinerary is enough if you will only be away for a week and you wish to relax for a day after your arrival and before heading back home. However, expect that this schedule will be a bit hectic.
With Black Platinum Gold, you can enjoy 10 amazing days of driving around Iceland that will let you see everything that the place has to offer!
