Off the Beaten Track in South Iceland

What you'll do

What's included:

• Return UK flights to Iceland
• 10 nights carefully selected accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• 10 day Iceland car hire
• Amphibian Boat Tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Sky Lagoon SÉR Pass experience in Reykjavík
• Time to explore Iceland’s South Coast, Highlands and Golden Circle at your own pace
• Full ATOL protection

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
Arrive in Iceland and collect your rental car before beginning your journey into South Iceland. Your first two nights are spent at Litli Geysir Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Golden Circle region. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to start exploring nearby highlights including Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area at Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant sites. After your flight, settle into the peaceful Icelandic countryside and enjoy your first evening surrounded by dramatic landscapes and wide open skies.

Day 2: Explore the Golden Circle and South Iceland
Today gives you time to explore beyond the classic Golden Circle route and discover some of South Iceland’s quieter natural highlights. You could visit lesser-known waterfalls, lava fields and geothermal areas, or take scenic drives through the surrounding countryside. The area is also ideal for horse riding, local food experiences and relaxing in hidden geothermal pools. With fewer time pressures, this day allows you to experience a slower and more authentic side of Iceland.

Day 3: Journey to Hvolsvöllur via South Coast Waterfalls
Today you continue along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast towards Hvolsvöllur. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the country’s most famous waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both offering completely different experiences and scenery. You may also wish to stop at the dramatic black sand beaches near Vík or explore hidden canyon viewpoints and coastal landscapes often missed on shorter itineraries. Tonight, stay at Hotel Hvolsvöllur.

Day 4: Discover Þórsmörk Valley
Spend the day exploring the incredible Þórsmörk Valley, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and rugged highland regions. Surrounded by glaciers, volcanic mountains and deep green valleys, this area feels completely different from the rest of the South Coast. Þórsmörk is known for its hiking trails, river crossings and breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for travellers wanting to experience Iceland beyond the usual tourist route. Whether you choose a guided super jeep excursion or independent hiking, today offers some of the country’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Day 5: Landmannalaugar and Iceland’s Highlands
Today is ideal for discovering the colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal landscapes of Landmannalaugar. Known for its striking orange, red and green mountains, lava fields and natural hot springs, this remote highland area is one of Iceland’s most unique destinations. Hiking opportunities range from gentle scenic walks to more challenging trails through volcanic terrain. The journey itself is also part of the experience, with dramatic mountain roads and constantly changing scenery along the way.

Day 6: Continue Along the South Coast to Skaftafell
Today you travel further east towards Skaftafell, passing vast black sand plains, glacier views and dramatic mountain scenery. Along the route, you may wish to stop at places such as Fjadrárgljúfur canyon or the stunning viewpoint at Mulagljúfur, one of South Iceland’s hidden gems with incredible views over glaciers and rugged valleys. Your next two nights are spent at Hotel Skaftafell, located close to Vatnajökull National Park.

Day 7: Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Today includes an unforgettable Amphibian Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Cruise amongst floating icebergs as they drift through the glacial waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and views of Vatnajökull glacier in the distance. Afterwards, visit nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash up onto the black sand shoreline creating one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the surrounding national park area and glacier viewpoints.

Day 8: Explore Skaftafell National Park
Today allows more time to experience the incredible nature surrounding Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. Popular options include hiking to Svartifoss waterfall, known for its striking basalt columns, glacier walks or scenic trails with panoramic glacier views. This region is one of the best places in Iceland for nature lovers, offering dramatic contrasts between ice, volcanoes, mountains and black sand deserts.

Day 9: Return to Reykjavík
Begin your journey back towards Reykjavík, taking in more of Iceland’s incredible scenery along the way. This is a great opportunity to revisit favourite locations, stop at hidden viewpoints or enjoy some of the smaller villages and cafés along the South Coast. Your final two nights are spent at Skuggi Hotel in Reykjavík, giving you time to enjoy Iceland’s capital city with its restaurants, shops, museums and waterfront atmosphere.

Day 10: Reykjavík and Sky Lagoon Experience
Spend your final full day exploring Reykjavík at your own pace. You may wish to visit Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, the Old Harbour area or enjoy Icelandic food and culture throughout the city. Later, unwind with your included Sky Lagoon SÉR Upgrade experience, combining Icelandic bathing traditions with stunning ocean views and the lagoon’s signature seven-step ritual. It’s the perfect way to relax before your journey home.

Day 11: Depart Iceland
After an unforgettable journey through South Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, highlands and volcanic landscapes, make your way back to Keflavík Airport for your return flight home.