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Vacations with Personality

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Self-Drive Tour

5 days / 4 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • Additional Fees
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 5 days / 4 nights Airline
Our popular Golden Circle Road trip focuses on the many star attractions of Iceland’s glorious south. The tour hits all the major hot spots of the region, including the famous attractions of the Golden Circle (Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park), and the stunning waterfalls and black beaches of the South Shore. 

Between mid-September and mid-April, you’ll be able to search for the unforgettable northern lights. Between May and September, the long day light hours provide many opportunities to enjoy Iceland’s natural wonders long into the evening.

Recommended For: First-time visitors to Iceland, stopovers, families
Interests: Natural wonders, geology, history
Season: Year-Round
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Recommended Car Type:
From May 1st. to September 30, 2025, in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs):
- The car included on your reservation will be a VW Golf 2.6 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people - hatchback trunk for maximum 3 suitcases.

From May 1st. 2024 to September 30, 2025, in Quality Accommodations (from 6 - 9 paxs):
- The vehicle included on your reservation will be a VW Caravelle 9.4 or similar with Automatic Transmission, 4 doors, 9 seats - maximum 9 pax, 4 x 4 Full Size Van.

From October 1st. 2024 to April 30, 2025, in Comfort or Quality Accommodations (max 5 paxs)
- The car included on your reservation will be a Skoda Octavia 4.1 4WD Station or similar with Automatic Transmission, 5 doors, 5 seats - maximum 5 people - wagon trunk for maximum 4 suitcases.

Heres What You Get
·  Discover flexible, stress-free travelling with pre-booked hotel nights and rental car, plus our comprehensive electronic road book.
·  Enjoy our newly formatted Iceland Travel App with over a thousand interesting points of interest to help you plan your day.
·  Take advantage of our many years of experience. We plan routes that combine driving with good time to explore each area.
·  We focus on safety with the best cars and itineraries for road conditions in each season. We also have a 24-hour emergency line if issues arise during your visit.
·  Visit areas of spectacular beauty and the must-see attractions of the Golden Circle and the South Shore
·  Travel in the footsteps of the Viking Sagas in beautiful Borgarfjordur fjord
·  With an easy upgrade of your rental car to 4WD, you can travel through the highland track of Kaldidalur, a scenic mountain pass between two glaciers (open June-August)
·  Take advantage of countryside hotel locations to scout for northern lights (mid-September – mid-April)
Highlights
Do you have just a short time in Iceland? Book this Golden Circle Road trip and you can experience Iceland’s most famous natural wonders in a few short days.

This popular road trip focuses on exploring glorious South Iceland’s star attractions in just 5 days. You’ll hit all the major hot spots of the region, including the Golden Circle (Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park) and the stunning waterfalls and black beaches of the South Shore.

• Departure flight onboard Play on a direct flight from Hamilton Airport to Keflavik Airport on selected flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked included when booked on Play Value or Play Flex categories.
• Rented car in selected category.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan.
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight from Keflavik Airport to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight to destination

Prices are per person, per car and room accommodation.

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:

PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.


The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day: 0 Departure from Canada Arrive on time for your departure from Hamilton Airport to Iceland, 
Hop aboard your Play Airlines flight and brace yourself for the adventure!




Tour day #2 photo
Day: 1 Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula
Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik. 

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes and the site of Iceland’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 eruptions. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, and fissures. We recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

1.5 – 30.9.2024: Drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. This village is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.” There are plenty of outdoor and wellness activities to enjoy here, and several restaurants with a unique local focus.

1.10. 2024 – 30.4.2025: Drive to your hotel in Reykjavik, the colorful capital of Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik. (Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 95 km / 55 miles) 

Overnight in Hveragerdi. (Approximate distance: 100 km / 62 miles, with Reykjanes Peninsula 130 km / 81 miles)
Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).


Tour day #3 photo
Day: 2 South Coast: Thundering Waterfalls – Cliffs & Stone Arches – Black Sand Beaches
Drive along the scenic South Shore and the area near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. This is the volcano whose massive 2010 eruption caused air traffic around the world to be cancelled. We recommend a stop at the interactive LAVA Centre where you’ll learn about the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that shaped both Iceland and Earth.

Your journey takes you by the beautiful Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (each one worth visiting) and Myrdalsjokull glacier. You can opt for a fun snowmobiling trip on the glacier and (if the weather is clear) a splendid view over southern Iceland. Stop by the seafront village of Vik to explore a dramatic stretch of coastline poised between glacier-topped mountains, rugged sea cliffs and black- sand beaches.

Dyrholaey* is a rocky headland famous in photos for its black lava arch. During the summer, thousands of sea birds and puffins nest here (puffins are generally in Iceland between mid-May and early August)

*Important: Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season, from about the middle of May until late June.

Overnight in the Vik area.
Approximate distance: 215 km / 134 miles


Tour day #4 photo
Day: 3 Thjorsardalur Valley – Gullfoss – Geysir Hekla Volcano – Golden Falls – Lively Geysers
Explore colorful Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. You’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region.

Continue to the amazing sites of Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. Gullfoss is considered by many visitors to be Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Geysir is an active geothermal field with many bubbling steam vents and spouting hot springs, including the famous Strokkur geyser. If you enjoy adventure, you might try snorkeling in clear waters between two continents or (during the summer) rafting in a river with water from Gulffoss.

A wonderful way to relax after an exciting day is a visit to the Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. Both places are a part of the area’s history and popular with both Icelanders and visitors.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area.
Approximate distance: 285 km / 177 miles


Tour day #5 photo
Day: 4 Thingvellir – Borgarfjordur Area National Park with Geological Wonders – Picturesque Fjord – Lava Waterfall
National Park with Geological Wonders – Picturesque Fjord – Lava Waterfall
Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic Viking parliament and a jewel of nature. Here you can see the meeting point between the North American and Europe continents. 

Several walking trails take visitors to historical points of interest.

Then travel via either along scenic Hvalfjordur fjord or the vast Kaldidalur wilderness track (Open June-August, 4WD car needed). 

Your journey continues to the beautiful Borgarfjordur region and Reykholt, home of the colorful 13th-century chieftain and Saga author Snorri Sturluson. While in the area, you might visit the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave or take an exciting ride up Langjokull glacier in a special truck to view a unique ice tunnel and ice cave and see a glacier from the inside out.

Visit two scenic, impressive waterfalls. Hraunfossar, the Lava Falls, appears as though glacial water is bursting through lava formations. The nearby Barnafoss falls has brilliant blue waters. Stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful and fastest hot springs in Europe. You can’t bathe in these springs, but the nearby Krauma natural geothermal baths uses water from Deildartunguhver combined with cool mountain springs to create the ideal temperature for relaxation.

If you prefer a more nature-influenced hot spring experience, we recommend the new Hvammsvik Nature Area in the Whale Fjord region. You can relax in a series of stone lined seaside pools with beautiful views over the sea and Icelandic nature.  Though modern, this hot spring area’s design reflects the rustic charm of hot pools of Iceland’s old-fashioned days.

Head to Reykjavik in the afternoon for your last night in Iceland.
Overnight in Reykjavik.
Approximate distance: 300 km / 187 miles



Tour day #6 photo
Day: 5 Departure from Iceland
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-21/2 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

Another hot pool experience you might consider is the Sky Lagoon located just outside Reykjavik. This seaside spa offers a wonderfully relaxing Seven-Step Ritual that combines modern and historical spa experiences.

Approximate distance: 50 km / 30 miles
Whats Included
·  Departure flight onboard Play on a direct flight from Hamilton Airport to Keflavik Airport on selected flight class (*)
·  Accommodation in a standard room for 4 nights
·  Icelandic-style breakfast (except arrival day)
·  Rental car for 4 days with unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection and VAT
· Free in-car unlimited Wi-Fi to help you navigate with your personal mobile device
· Car pick up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport
· Authorization for two people to drive the rental car during your trip
· Our unique Iceland Travel App
· Customer care service during office hours
· 24-hour Iceland Travel emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
· Service fee and taxes
• Return flight from Keflavik Airport to Hamilton Airport on a direct flight to destination

*Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
PLAY BASIC (B) – Personal item max. 10 Kg only. Carry-on, seats and checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY BASIC PLUS (L) - Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max 12 Kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane). Checked bags can be added for a fee after bookings are paid in full.
PLAY VALUE (V) – Personal item max. 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked Bag 20 kg + Seat selection (middle to back of plane excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding.
PLAY FLEX F) – Personal item max 10 Kg + Carry-on max. 12 Kg + 1 Checked bag max. 23 kg + Seat selection (excluding XL seats) + Priority boarding + Flight flexibility.
Whats Not Included
· Breakfast on arrival day
· Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
·  Petrol/Gasoline
· Tolls (tunnels, roads, and other route tolls), unless specified.
· Admissions and activities other than those noted in itinerary
· Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
· Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts 14:00 (2:00pm) – 16:00 (4:00pm)
· Guaranteed late check-out
·  Any service not specifically listed under "Included"
·  You must be 20 years of age to rent a car, and 23 years of age to rent car Categories 5.0 or higher.
·   The driver must present a valid driving license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental.
·   A valid automobile driver’s license from the US, Canada or the European Economic Area is required to drive in Iceland. A license from other countries can be used if it: a) has a valid license number, b) shows the license holder’s photograph, c) is printed in Latin alphabet characters and d) is valid at the time of travel. Otherwise, an international driver’s license is required.
·   Due to high demand, accommodation in Reykjavik for New Year’s Eve cannot be guaranteed.
·   A supplement may be charged if you overnight in Reykjavik on Culture Night (24 August 2024).
·   The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.
·   Changes to the packages will incur a service fee.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:
Iceland Travel:
+ (354) 585 4300
info@icelandtravel.is


  • Vaðlaheiði tunnel
Vaðlaheiði tunnel - Price List                                    Valid from 2. January 2024

Vehicles under 3,5 tons from June 1st. 2024
Single trip paid at veggjald.is / tunnel.is  1.850 kr 1.990 kr
Single trip paid via bank transfer          2.400 kr 2.540 kr
2 trips – each trip costs                  1.850 kr 1.990 kr

. 11% VSK is included in tolls  
. 24% VSK is included in the collection fee
. The payment period for a single trip is 24 hrs. before or after traveling through the tunnel.

** VSK= VAT (value added tax)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by PLAY Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by ICELAND TRAVEL (local Destination Management Company in Iceland).
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Vacations with Personality