5-Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle to Glacier Lagoon

You can do it either way.

That depends on the size of the group and your own preferences but all of the sights in this itinerary can be reached with a regular 2wd (however I always recommend a 4wd for winter travel).

 Flights into Iceland land at different times of the day depending on where you are traveling from. The arrival and departure days of the itinerary are flexible and allow for plenty of travel time to and from the airport.

Each itinerary allows you to see as much as possible without too much driving. Most days are under 3 hours of drive time but could be up to 4 hours a day depending on your accommodation location. Driving distances are located in the description.

Guided excursions can be purchased separately. I have suggested which activities are available in the region based on the day you are traveling and linked to how to book. 

Restaurant suggestions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided each day of the itinerary. On the map, I’ve also included places in between in case you get hungry for a snack or are wondering where the best ice cream stop is!

This itinerary perfects the timing of each day. Research still needs to be done to understand Icelandic weather, driving rules, etc. All of this information can be found in my guidebooks.

Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to help you have the best Iceland trip ever! A lot of work goes into these itineraries so I would appreciate if you would keep your purchase to yourself. Additionally, these itineraries could change from year to year based on what’s available or new infrastructure.

There are hundreds of itinerary combinations for Iceland factoring in days, seasons, or regions. I’ve chosen the most common routes and perfected the timing so each day is filled with adventure but not over busy or rushed. If you want to use this itinerary as a foundation and add a night or more in a certain place that’s fine! Just note there will be no modifications to the documents that I send, you will have to make that adjustment on your own.If you want to use this itinerary as a foundation and add a night or more in a certain place that’s fine! Just note there will be no modifications to the documents that I send, you will have to make that adjustment on your own.

November-March has limited daylight and unpredictable weather so extra consideration is required in planning each day. The winters have been carefully planned out with these factors already accounted for!

I am open to creating new itineraries for popular routes. If you have a suggestion for future itinerary combinations please submit it on this form. 

Unfortunately, due to the nature of digital files, your purchase is non-refundable and not eligible for upgrades to a different itinerary.  But don’t worry – all of my products are designed to work together, I’ve got you covered!  If you’ve found that you have additional time, (or your trip has to be cut short), you can always utilize my guidebooks to help you narrow down or expand your trip. These resources are designed so that you have the best information available to make the most out of your Iceland Time.  

Of course! Each itinerary includes plenty of Jeannie’s gems to make your experience unique, not just visiting the major stops.

Yes! You will be able to use this itinerary regardless of group size. 

A lot of sights can easily be reached from the parking lot with minimal walking. If I suggest a hike in the itinerary, it would be easy to skip and move on to the next place without it affecting your day.

The guidebooks are great if you want to research on your own – all information is provided to plan your trip. The pre-written itinerary takes out all the guesswork – the planning is already done for you! 

If you have 5 days in Iceland, there are two routes for you to choose from: My Golden Circle + South Coast itinerary and my Golden Circle to Glacier Lagoon itinerary.



The Golden Circle to Glacier Lagoon Itinerary is for travelers who want to see as MUCH as possible and truly maximize their 5 days in Iceland. You don’t mind covering a bit more ground or driving a bit further to see some of Iceland’s most epic sites (like the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon!).


The Golden Circle + South Coast Itinerary is for travelers who prefer a slightly more relaxed pace for your Iceland trip, limiting time in the car. You don’t need to see every single famous landmark. You’d rather move a bit slower and linger at each spot, savoring the journey and soaking in the vibe of each place!



If you have 7 days in Iceland, there are two routes for you to choose from: My 7-Day Ring Road Itinerary and my 7-Day Itinerary that covers the Golden Circle + South Coast + Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The Ring Road itinerary circles the entire country and covers some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. While you’ll be doing slightly more driving, you’ll truly see the heart and soul of the country, even visiting some remote regions where more tourists don’t wander (like North and East Iceland). It’s a great mix of Iceland’s iconic sights mixed with quieter regions from the crowds!

My 7-Day Itinerary that covers the Golden Circle + South Coast + Snaefellsnes Peninsula showcases some of Iceland’s most epic highlights while staying closer to Reykjavík. This itinerary gives you the best of Iceland’s most accessible regions. 

While some of these popular areas might draw more tourists, I’ve included loads of hidden gems in this itinerary so that you can escape the crowds and see a more authentic side of Iceland. 

It’s best to wait until after you purchase the itinerary to reserve accommodation so that you are in the right place each night to maintain the next day’s activities. 

Absolutely! Camping just means more flexibility with where you stay. Some towns have multiple campgrounds, so you would look for camping in that area. 

No, you are responsible for booking your own accommodations. I recommend where to stay each night, and suggest a few options based on low, mid and high budget. 

During peak tourist season it is possible for popular areas to have little availability. If you find this to be the case, simply expand the search area and reserve within a 20 mile radius in either direction. For example, if I recommend staying in Selfoss for the night, you could also search Hveragerðito the West or Hella to the East.

To optimize your time in Iceland and to be able to see all the things, each itinerary has you staying somewhere new each night. If you prefer a slower pace of travel and want to stay an extra night in a certain area you can do that, you would just need to adjust your own itinerary for that situation. 

Yes! Campgrounds are located on the accompanying map. If you’re planning to camp while on your summer trip, you can use these itineraries for tents, camper vans, RV’s, and more!