16 day itinerary
Iceland
Personalized with:Round-trip through whole Iceland Less offroad/rental car friendlyMax. 8 different accommodations
Itinerary
Iceland is a stunning destination with so much to offer, and a 16-day itinerary will allow you to explore its diverse landscapes, charming towns, and unique culture. Let’s get started on your adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car and head to (about 45 minutes).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital. Visit for panoramic views and stroll around the colorful streets of the city center.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb or seafood.
Day 2: Golden Circle
- Morning: Start your day early and head to . Walk between the tectonic plates and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Afternoon: Visit the to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Then, head to , one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.
- Evening: Return to for the night. Consider a soak in the if time permits (book in advance!).
Day 3: South Coast to Vik
- Morning: Depart and drive along the South Coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Visit the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara near Vik. Don’t forget to check out the !
- Evening: Stay overnight in Vik. Enjoy a cozy dinner in town.
Day 4:
- Morning: Drive towards . Stop at the stunning along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the park and take a hike to , known for its basalt columns.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the nearby town of . Try some local lobster for dinner!
Day 5: East Fjords
- Morning: Head towards the East Fjords. Enjoy the scenic drive along the coast.
- Afternoon: Stop in , a picturesque town known for its colorful houses and artsy vibe. Explore the local shops and cafes.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the East Fjords, perhaps in Egilsstaðir or .
Day 6: North Iceland -
- Morning: Drive towards , the capital of North Iceland. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore , visit the botanical gardens, and check out the local shops.
- Evening: Stay overnight in . Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7:
- Morning: Head to . Visit the geothermal area of Hverir and the stunning .
- Afternoon: Relax in the , a less crowded alternative to the .
- Evening: Stay overnight in the Mývatn area.
Day 8: and
- Morning: Drive to , known for whale watching. Consider taking a whale-watching tour if you’re interested!
- Afternoon: Visit , Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The drive there is scenic and worth it.
- Evening: Return to Mývatn for the night.
Day 9: -
- Morning: Start your journey towards the . It’s a longer drive, but the scenery is breathtaking.
- Afternoon: Arrive in , the largest town in the . Explore the town and its charming architecture.
- Evening: Stay overnight in . Enjoy a local meal.
Day 10:
- Morning: Take a day trip to . You can hike or take a boat tour to explore this remote area.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife, including puffins and arctic foxes.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 11:
- Morning: Drive towards the . Stop at the charming town of .
- Afternoon: Visit . Explore the glacier, lava fields, and coastal cliffs.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the Snæfellsnes area.
Day 12: More of Snæfellsnes
- Morning: Visit and the nearby waterfall, one of the most photographed spots in Iceland.
- Afternoon: Explore the fishing villages of and . Take a coastal walk between the two.
- Evening: Stay another night in the Snæfellsnes area.
Day 13: Back to
- Morning: Drive back to . Stop at any sights you missed on the way, like the .
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax. Maybe do some shopping or visit a museum.
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner in . Consider trying a local brewery!
Day 14:
- Morning: Explore the . Visit the and the geothermal area of Gunnuhver.
- Afternoon: Relax in the if you didn’t get a chance earlier, or explore the nearby town of .
- Evening: Stay overnight in the Reykjanes area.
Day 15: Relax and Explore
- Morning: Spend your last full day in . Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene or take a food tour to sample Icelandic delicacies.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Celebrate your Icelandic adventure!
Day 16: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a last stroll around or a quick visit to a local café.
- Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to for your departure.
And there you have it! A well-rounded 16-day itinerary that covers the highlights of Iceland while keeping it car-friendly and manageable. Each day is packed with adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌍✨