Amazing South Iceland – 4 Day Self-Drive Highlights Tour – Iceland

Journey past lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches on this unforgettable 4 day Iceland highlights tour.
This expertly planned 4 day self-drive tour of South Iceland combines the country’s most iconic landscapes with the freedom of independent travel and a relaxing pace.

Explore the best of South Iceland on a 4 day Iceland itinerary that includes the legendary Golden Circle, the dramatic South Coast, powerful waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes — all finished with time to enjoy Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital city.

Perfect for first-time visitors and travelers short on time, this self-guided Iceland road trip delivers maximum highlights without rushing. Optional adventure activities such as snowmobiling on a glacier can be added to tailor your experience.

Available: May 1 – September 30

Overview

Type: Self-Drive Tour, Short Iceland Break
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Regions: Reykjavík Area, South Iceland
Season: May – September
Style: Independent self-drive with pre-planned routing
Ideal for: First-time Iceland travelers, couples, small groups

Brief Itinerary – 4 Day Iceland Tour

Arrival Day: Reykjavík / Keflavík
Day 1: South Iceland & Golden Circle Area
Day 2: South Coast & Waterfalls
Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park & Glaciers
Day 4: Reykjavík

Trip Highlights

Explore the iconic Golden Circle, including Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss
Drive Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, home to waterfalls, volcanoes, and black sand beaches
Discover glaciers and dramatic landscapes in Vatnajökull National Park
Visit charming coastal villages and rural countryside
Experience Reykjavík’s cultural scene, dining, and nightlife
Optional adventure upgrades including glacier snowmobiling

Why Choose This 4 Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour

✔ Covers Iceland’s top highlights in just 4 days
✔ Ideal balance of sightseeing and free time
✔ Freedom to explore at your own pace
✔ Carefully designed route with must-see attractions
✔ Flexible add-on activities

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 | South Iceland Highlights & Geothermal Landscapes

Keflavík → South Coast → Gullfoss / Geysir Area

Begin your 4 day Iceland tour by picking up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to visit the iconic Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and a perfect introduction to the country’s geothermal wonders.

Continue east along Iceland’s scenic South Coast, stopping in the charming seaside villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, known for their colorful houses and historic fishing heritage. Drive onward to Hveragerði, a unique geothermal town surrounded by lava fields, hot springs, volcanoes, and mountain landscapes. Optional horseback riding tours are available nearby, offering an authentic Icelandic experience.

Overnight: Gullfoss / Geysir area

Day 2 | Golden Circle & South Coast Waterfalls

Visit the famous 'Golden Circle' sights; Þingvellir National Park, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. Further along the coast you will see the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and be able to visit the folk museum at Skógar or the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, the largest volcano and earthquake exhibition in Europe. Head for the village of Vík, enjoy walking on Reynisfjörur beach and admire the majestic bird cliff Dyrhólaey.

Golden Circle → Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Vík

Today covers the heart of Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, making it a true Iceland highlights tour.

Explore the legendary Golden Circle, including:

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs erupt regularly
Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most powerful natural landmarks

Continue along the South Coast of Iceland to visit the stunning waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Optional cultural stops include the Skógar Folk Museum or the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, Europe’s largest interactive volcano and earthquake exhibition.

End the day in the coastal village of Vík, walking along the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach and admiring the cliffs of Dyrhólaey, famous for seabirds and sweeping ocean views.

Overnight: Vík area

Day 3 | Glaciers & Vatnajökull National Park

Mýrdalsjökull → Skaftafell → Optional Jökulsárlón

This day highlights Iceland’s icy landscapes and glacier adventures.

Start with an optional snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, one of the most exciting experiences in South Iceland. Continue east to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, where glaciers, black sand plains, and lush green valleys create some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery.

Those wishing to explore further can drive to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float from the glacier toward the Atlantic Ocean — one of Iceland’s most photographed locations.

Return west in the evening.

Overnight: Vík area

Day 4 | Reykjavík – Iceland’s Capital City

Vík → Reykjavík

Drive back to Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant and colorful capital, completing your 4 day Iceland itinerary.

Spend the day exploring Reykjavík’s highlights, including:

Icelandic design boutiques and local shops
Museums and cultural attractions
A lively café culture and diverse dining scene
An active music scene and exciting nightlife

This relaxed final day offers a perfect balance to the natural wonders experienced earlier in your 4 day Iceland highlights tour.

Overnight: Reykjavík (first-class hotel)

Optional Tours

Take a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon
Ride the unique Icelandic horse at Eldhestar
Experience a thrilling snowmobile trip on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

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Additional Trip Info

Accommodation for 3 nights in the countryside, comfort rooms with breakfast
Accommodation for 1 night in a hotel in Reykjavík
Rental car for 4 days, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance
Pick up/Drop off fee for the rental car at Keflavík International Airport
E-Itinerary with the tour map, location points, and pictures for you to view before you arrive.
Driver Guide tablet mapping and navigating your personalized journey and highlights of surrounding areas. Including a GPS Navigation system, recommendations along the way, Wi-Fi, helpful information, a messenger system to stay in touch with us, our Driver Guide will instantly become your best travel mate
24/7 emergency phone line service
Taxes and service fee

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