West & South Iceland Self-Drive Tour: A Detailed Review

Planning a trip to Iceland can feel, like, just a little overwhelming, right? There are, you know, countless tours and packages available, and sorting through them can almost feel impossible. This review focuses, basically, on the “West and South Iceland 7 Day Self Drive” tour, something that I recently did. Hopefully, sharing, I guess, like, my experiences will, actually, help you decide if this particular option is a good fit for your travel plans.

Overall Tour Impression

Okay, so the “West and South Iceland 7 Day Self Drive” tour promised, sort of, an immersive exploration, literally, of Iceland’s stunning landscapes, so I decided to try it. It definitely lived up to that promise. Right from picking up the rental car at Keflavik Airport to returning it a week later, well, it was really, like, an exceptionally well-structured adventure. You get, like, the independence of driving yourself, but all the accommodations and, sometimes, activities are arranged for you.

Freedom with a Framework

I’d say, that is that this particular tour hits a sweet spot: independence. I mean, you are, arguably, in command of your own itinerary, sort of, give or take. There’s a suggested route, of course, which is, obviously, handy, but you’ve got the wiggle room to stop wherever you like, chase what you find tempting, maybe linger a bit longer at spots you find magical. All that being said, having the lodgings and some tours pre-booked did certainly relieve some of the burden. Planning a trip can be a bit like, you know, trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without the box picture, so, with all those key elements locked in, you’re free to savor the experience.

Ideal Time of Year

Here’s the deal: this kind of self-drive adventure is really at its finest between late spring and early autumn, just my opinion though. These months typically bring you gentler weather, more daylight hours, just things you value. It’s kind of, like, the sweet spot for driving conditions too it’s almost because the roads are all clear and, obviously, accessible, making travel so much simpler and more enjoyable. If you go during winter, while the scenery could be very striking, just a fact of life, you might just face challenges like icy roads and fewer daylight hours which could impact your trip a little bit. Keep that in mind.

Accommodation

The lodging selected on the tour tends to be, like, smaller hotels, or guesthouses which definitely have character. Here’s what you can expect.

Comfort and Convenience

Each place selected for the lodging had, just about, everything I could reasonably want, arguably. They all provided a space that, you know, was clean, and I had what I needed, and generally they were near points of interest or close enough. While, you know, not every stay might shout luxury, each offers a comfy place for the night that really, in some respects, does its job perfectly, that is, allowing you to rest and gear up to see what’s next the following day. In my situation, one standout was a cozy guesthouse that, literally, looked over the ocean. Listening to the waves before dozing off and waking up to that vista was definitely something else.

Location Matters

Location-wise, well, they do their level best to place you strategically across West and South Iceland, basically, to cut down long driving stretches. Like your typical day looks is starting fairly close to one major site, or even a couple, and ending fairly close to another, which means you have all the more time available to, very, truly make the best of the sights rather than spending most of your day only driving between them. This strategic choice in accommodation locations really shows how thoughtful this package really is.

The Daily Itinerary

Here’s a sneak peek at what a typical day looks. Now, the precise agenda will differ, and you absolutely can customize it.

Day 1: Arrival and the Reykjanes Peninsula

Once you pick up that rental car at Keflavik Airport, this starts you out, typically, heading off to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula. This peninsula offers a taste of what Iceland does best with geothermal locations and rugged coastlines. You have the option to go to the Blue Lagoon, so you can ease yourself directly into relaxation, before staying the night close to Grindavik.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Next, it is time to face one of the well-known paths: The Golden Circle! Seeing Geysir’s geothermal location is absolutely something. Witnessing Strokkur erupt is a classic, and no one should go to Iceland without experiencing that. Next, you have Gullfoss waterfall that certainly overwhelms you with the forces of what Mother Earth offers, so it’s a stop no one would argue. Thingvellir National Park isn’t simply about beauty either, and I liked it but know others have not. Seeing the location that held Iceland’s parliament long ago is really striking, too it’s almost. You can stay somewhere close to the Golden Circle for the night to relax and recharge.

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

You begin down the South Coast by taking in Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls; each offer their distinct beauty and also memorable photo ops. Seljalandsfoss lets people actually walk right behind the cascading water, while the wide drop from Skógafoss is, kind of, epic, with options to climb the adjacent stairs for even greater perspectives. Next is Reynisfjara black sand beach; just seeing those basalt columns as well as the Dyrhólaey arch is definitely striking. Watch the powerful waves at this beach, and really, like, listen to safety guidelines—seriously. Spend your night in the Vik location.

Day 4: Glaciers and Ice Caves

The following segment of your drive sees you, very, literally, approaching Vatnajökull, which can only be described as one of the biggest glaciers throughout Europe. In the colder time of year, those crystalline blue ice caves are truly appealing. When you reserve, verify when these are really accessible as they’re often seasonal. It might almost be that an additional highlight happens at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where those icebergs that calve directly from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier slowly drift off toward sea. Next to this lagoon there is a shore dubbed “Diamond Beach” with chunks of ice really sparkling upon its black sands: definitely Instagram gold! Find accommodation around the Hofn area later that night.

Day 5: East Fjords

This fifth day involves some beautiful driving along the East Fjords. The trip takes you through sleepy villages, near the water and gives glimpses toward towering mountain ranges; that portion itself constitutes the experience! This area is typically quieter with far fewer tourists, which then provides a more isolated or more personal Iceland experience. Overnight stays occur inside any one of those comfortable villages such as Djúpivogur.

Day 6: Lake Myvatn

Going north will see the panorama transforming while going toward Lake Myvatn region—an active geological wonderland brimming from end-to-end offering boiling mud pots, peculiar lava rock structures and, arguably, even abundant wild birds. A number will tell you visiting locations just like Dimmuborgir Lava Formations also Hverir geothermal regions appear on almost every listing to hit! The day generally is fulfilled after exploring sites there so after locating a place you sleep close-by inside Myvatn district your tired head should get very grateful support during your required recovery-slumber-time sessions too.

Day 7: Departure

Begin going back to Keflavik to return your rental before seeing yourself homeward. You could pause at various spots that had not been earlier reached during earlier days if time would permit.

Food Scene

Iceland’s food scene can be both really enticing and also shockingly costly. That being said, below are insights about keeping properly nourished during travels without breaking your lender.

Budget-Friendly Options

Supermarkets in Iceland really do contain what someone really wants for picnic meals or food prep at any time when there is that access. Purchase things in larger food markets just like Bonus could save a ton. Restaurants, more specifically in those remote regions tend very costly. Search regularly concerning food vehicles also even small neighborhood coffee houses which supply less expensive products rather compared to many luxurious restaurants might. Even just eating soup will always cost cheaper; lots offer refill offers.

Must-Try Icelandic Foods

Give Icelandic dishes a try! Icelandic Lamb or fish frequently shows-off how fresh or how well it all seems to cook throughout Iceland, however be eager when those prices show before purchasing something different than the wallet agrees to, I would recommend. Skyr is some yummy native sort associated with yogurt full of nutrients; ideal while some fast treat! Also Iceland has extremely exceptional hotdogs–they taste fairly diverse after becoming manufactured generally including lamb!

Things To Consider

Prior to going make sure what everyone wants, or should really plan is fully handled from first day too last during an easy but exciting time there in Iceland while travelling west & southern; check a few of considerations beneath:

Car Rental

Pick-up one car adequate because roads expected while keeping safety always number ONE; particularly think four-wheel for highland paths usually seen or known mostly just during brighter-season.

Packing Essentials

Whatever environment is known about requires appropriate outfitting beginning weather protection like long lasting rainwater coat including insulated levels. Getting sturdy hiking shoes/boots generally becomes required for Icelandic panoramas; don’t bypass that warm apparel specifically once going to during much cooler sessions!

Flexibility

Weather within Iceland occurs usually uncertain so get prepared during which schedule adjustments commonly show before long even for which particular locations tend temporary access.

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