Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

An Off-Season Adventure in Iceland From the Golden Circle to Reykjavik

Iceland – Golden Circle – Selfoss – Reykjavik

Starting from between £1700 to £2750 per person for 5 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Experience the magic of Iceland in the off-season on a five-day self-drive adventure, exploring at your own pace in a 4x4
  • Road trip along the Golden Circle route, where national parks, geysers and glaciers await
  • Venture into the Highlands on a jeep, unwind in hot springs and chase the Northen Lights across the skies
  • Wrap up your journey exploring Reykjavik’s city sights
  • Benefit from our Original Services: expert guides, local Concierges, 100% carbon absorption and more
Iceland is at its most magical when the crowds thin and the landscape feels all yours. On this five-day, off-season adventure (think spring, autumn or winter), you’ll experience a quieter side to the island. Settle in behind the wheel of a 4x4 and travel at your own pace as you road trip through the iconic Golden Circle and beyond.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Selfoss, your base for exploring southwest Iceland. From here, set off to discover Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the ever-erupting Strokkur geyser, alongside vast glaciers, volcanic landscapes and steaming hot springs.

Then, hop into a jeep as your driver-guide revs the engine and races you deep into the Highlands, across lava fields and black sand tracks, before you soak in yet another hot spring. Travelling in the off-season delivers the strong chance of catching the Northern Lights dancing overhead, so keep your eyes peeled. You’re most likely to spot them during the winter months, when daylight fades quickly and the night sky steals the show.

The final leg of your trip takes you to Reykjavik, Iceland’s charming capital, where bold street art, quirky architecture and indie shops add a new layer of character to your adventure. Remember, our on-site Concierge is just a phone call away, ready to share their favourite spots and uncover unsung gems throughout your trip.
Iceland © Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © JurgaR/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © JurgaR/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © francescadani/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © francescadani/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Strokkur Geyser - Iceland © Gerald Haenel/LAIF-REA
Strokkur Geyser - Iceland © Gerald Haenel/LAIF-REA
Iceland © Cécile Rosenstrauch
Iceland © Cécile Rosenstrauch
Hot Springs - Iceland © Droits réservés
Hot Springs - Iceland © Droits réservés
Road Trip - Iceland © Cécile Rosenstrauch
Road Trip - Iceland © Cécile Rosenstrauch
Northern Lights - Iceland © Droits réservés
Northern Lights - Iceland © Droits réservés
Landmannalaugar - Iceland © Icelandic Explorer / Visit Iceland
Landmannalaugar - Iceland © Icelandic Explorer / Visit Iceland
Reykjavik - Iceland © Zoé Fidji
Reykjavik - Iceland © Zoé Fidji
Iceland © Leegudim/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Iceland © Leegudim/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hot Springs - Iceland © Zoé Fidji
Hot Springs - Iceland © Zoé Fidji
Reykjavik - Iceland © David Parsons/Getty Images
Reykjavik - Iceland © David Parsons/Getty Images
Iceland © Droits réservés
Iceland © Droits réservés
Iceland © Maria Barsukova/Unsplash
Iceland © Maria Barsukova/Unsplash

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Today you're off to one of the world’s ultimate bucket list destinations: Iceland. Head to the airport, breeze through security and board your three-hour flight to Keflavik.

When you touch down, pick up your 4x4 hire car and hit the road for a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Selfoss, located in the southwest. Along the way, tune into our destination-specific playlist to set the mood as lava fields, shimmering rivers and distant mountains roll past your window.

When you arrive in Selfoss, check into your lodge – your home for the next three nights and a perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle. Feeling like some R&R after your travel day? Head to a nearby geothermal spa for your first taste of Icelandic wellness culture. Warm up and let the day’s journey melt away.

Come evening, why not ask our on-site Concierge for their favourite local dinner spot? Dig into hearty Icelandic dishes like plokkfiskur (fish stew), kjotsupa (lamb soup) and don’t miss out on kleinur (doughnuts) for dessert. Then it’s back to your lodge for an early night – tomorrow promises plenty more excitement.

Today is all about exploring at your own pace, so after a comforting breakfast, hit the road and just see where it takes you. Perhaps start at Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s oldest parliament once gathered and where you can quite literally walk between two tectonic plates. 

From there, continue on to Gullfoss and marvel at the mighty waterfall as it roars and tumbles down a dramatic canyon. Nearby, watch the famous Strokkur geyser erupt skywards every few minutes and make sure to snap plenty of photos – this is prime holiday album material.

If you’re keen to keep going, head towards the lunar-like Torfajokull mountains, or make your way to the Myrdalsjokull glacier and nearby volcanic sites. Road tripping here is all part of the fun, especially with pit stops along the way at local cafes, where you can warm up with a coffee and a pastry.

And as the day winds down, head out for dinner before returning back to your lodge. Then it’s time to curl up by the fire, perhaps with a glass of jolaglogg (mulled wine) and soak up some seriously cosy vibes.

Take things up a notch today with a guided jeep adventure into the Highlands. These specially modified 4x4s are built for Iceland’s rugged terrain, and your driver-guide knows every turn, crater and hidden trail along the way. Race across frozen lava fields, black sand tracks and glacial rivers as you head towards Landmannalugar. Here, there’s time to explore on foot before soaking in a natural hot spring set in the middle of the plains, with multi-hued mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

As night falls, keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. These famous green ribbons swirling overhead make for the ultimate nightcap and a view you’ll likely treasure forever.

Still raring to go? We can arrange a hike on the Solheimajokull glacier tongue, where you’ll walk across the ice with a guide. After all that adventure, you’ve likely worked up a mountain-sized appetite, so head out for another delicious dinner to round off the day.

Rise and shine, this morning you have another day behind the wheel. Reykjavik is just under an hour away, but with plenty to see en route, it’s worth taking it slow.

Pull over in Hveragerdi, a small town aptly nicknamed the ‘Garden of Hot Springs’. Geothermal activity bubbles beneath the surface here, with steam vents and mini geysers dotted across the landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow one of the nearby walking trails to explore further and even take a dip in the naturally warm waters. Nothing beats the crisp, open air.

From here, continue on to the coastal village of Eyrarbakki, known for its charming wooden houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander the quiet streets, then stretch your legs along the nearby black sand beach at the mouth of the Olfusa river. Keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing about in the waves, busy hunting for their lunch.

When you arrive in Reykjavik, return your trusty 4x4 and check into your hotel. As the day draws to a close, head out to explore the capital’s food scene. From cosy local spots to modern Nordic-inspired kitchens, there’s plenty to choose from – just ask your Concierge for their top picks. 

Spend your final morning soaking up Reykjavik at your own pace. This creative capital is known for its charming streets, striking architecture and lively arts scene. Take a gander through the city, dipping into indie shops and quirky markets in search of the perfect souvenir, or simply stroll past murals and harbour views – there's plenty to catch your eye without a set plan.

By the time afternoon rolls around, it’s sadly time to say goodbye to Iceland. Enjoy a private transfer back to Keflavik Airport and check in for your return flight home. You’ll spend around three hours in the air – plenty of time to start plotting your next bucket list adventure...

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

GUIDED GROUP HIKE ON THE SOLHEIMAJOKULL GLACIER

Crampons, harness and helmet on? It’s time to embark on a guided group hike across the Solheimajokull glacier tongue, which flows from the vast Myrdalsjokull ice cap. A half an hour walk from the base brings you to the glacier, where your guide will give a brief introduction to walking on ice, so you can confidently tackle the slippery terrain. From there, venture further onto the glacier, exploring its crevasses, ridges and striking ice formations, taking in the landscape shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.

WITH AN EXTRA DAY... EXPLORE THE SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

If you’re not ready for your trip to end, why not add a stop in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? Nicknamed ‘Little Iceland’, it packs the island's iconic landscapes into one spectacular loop. Volcanoes, lava fields, craters and waterfalls sit alongside vast moss-covered plains, where quaint fishing villages cling to the coast. And looming above it all is the Snaefellsnesjokull glacier, immortalised by Jules Verne in his famous novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, as the gateway into a hidden world – that’s your holiday reading, sorted.

Why visit Iceland with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Iceland

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The cost for this trip starts from £1,700 to £2,750 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,300 per person.

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