7-Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
$125.00
Ready to explore Iceland but unsure how to fit it all into one week?
Feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of planning your stops and travel times?
Tired of spending hours researching only to feel more confused about where to stay and what to see?
Don’t worry—I’ve got the perfect plan for you!
This 7-day Iceland itinerary takes the guesswork out of your trip, offering a stress-free way to the country’s highlights without feeling rushed.
Imagine not having to second guess how much you can fit into one day or whether you’re missing hidden gems along the way.
I’ve done the hard work for you, timing each day perfectly so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your adventure!
This self-drive tour takes you through Iceland’s most iconic and accessible regions, combining the Golden Circle, the stunning South Coast, and the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
With this itinerary and map at your fingertips, you’ll be able to experience Iceland’s best – without the stress.
Description
Why This 7-Day Iceland Itinerary?
Efficiently Planned: Maximize your time without the headache of daily planning. This 7-day itinerary hits all the major highlights with plenty of time to enjoy each site.
Top Attractions: Visit famous landmarks and must-see spots. From the Golden Circle’s geothermal wonders to the South Coast’s volcanic beaches and the rugged beauty of Snæfellsnes, you’ll see the country’s most iconic sights.
Hassle-Free Travel: From exact driving directions to the best places to stay each night, I’ve thought of everything. Leave the logistics to me and start getting excited for your trip!
Local Tips: This isn’t your average travel guide. Get my insider advice on where to grab a delicious Icelandic donut or find secret trails that lead to the best views.
Practical Details:
⏱ DURATION: This Iceland itinerary spans 7 days/6 nights
🗓 SEASON: April-October (traveling outside of these months? Check out my winter itineraries!)
🚙 TYPE: Self-drive
📍 DISTANCE: 1,360 kilometers / 845 miles
Your Week of Exploration Includes:
Start In The Capital: Touch down Reykjavík for some city sights, with an optional rejuvenating dip in the Sky Lagoon!
Golden Circle Magic: From history-rich national parks to explosive geysers, this route features of some of Iceland’s most epic natural wonders.
South Coast Gems: Get ready to be wowed by the dramatic beauty of the South Coast. Feast your eyes on towering waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, and breathtaking glacial lagoons.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: With everything from pyramid-shaped mountains to rugged coastlines to volcanic formations, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a landscape like no other.
Everything That’s Included:
DONE-FOR-YOU ICELAND ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS
- Detailed PDF guide outlining the must-see attractions and places to visit along The Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Hotel and restaurant recommendations (with detailed info on menu items, price points, and ratings) to suit every taste and budget
- Packing lists and pro tips from an Iceland expert so you don’t miss a thing
- Exclusive discounts to save BIG on your trip
- + so much more
GOOGLE MAP VERSION OF YOUR ITINERARY FOR ON-THE-GO GUIDANCE
- Hidden gems most tourists miss as they travel Iceland
- Pins highlighting the best places to stop along the route, including local eateries, convenient gas stations, and quaint villages
- Accurate information on essential stops like restrooms, gas stations, and grocery stores to ensure you’re never stranded.
- Must-see natural attractions like waterfalls, hikes, secret hot springs, and viewpoints marked on your itinerary map
- Confidence to travel Iceland knowing that every must-see stop, hidden gem, and practical point is marked just for you!
NOT INCLUDED:
✘ Flight to and from Iceland
✘ Rental vehicle (you can access everything in this itinerary with a 2wd vehicle)
✘ Accommodation bookings (budget, mid, and high range options suggested in the itinerary)
✘ Tours/excursions (relevant tours are suggested throughout the itinerary where applicable)
✘ Fuel
✘ Food + drink
“I can’t tell you how fantastic it was to wake up each day, open our map, and know exactly where we needed to go – it took all the stress out of traveling, but none of the adventure.” – Trish
Ideal For:
This 7-day Iceland itinerary is perfect for those who want to see Iceland’s most iconic sights while staying within its more accessible areas.
You crave stress-free travel. You’d rather get delivered an expertly crafted itinerary with driving times and distances perfectly optimized, instead of spending hours to figure things out from afar.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends…
Whether you’re on a budget or want to experience luxury…
Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or a foodie…
My 7-day Iceland itinerary is the ultimate done-for-you planning solution to have the trip of a lifetime!
Requirements:
You’ll receive a PDF file of this itinerary, delivered straight to your email. From there you will be able to print it or download it to your computer, tablet, or phone to take it with you on the go!
Instructions for accessing the map will be included with the itinerary. In addition, in order to access the interactive map, you will need:
- A Google recognized email account (used to access the Google Maps App)
- The Google Maps App (available in app stores)
- A Wi-Fi connection is REQUIRED to maintain access and interact with the map.
**Due to the proprietary nature of the content these maps cannot be saved or downloaded to devices.
Notes:
- This is an information product only. Prefer a custom itinerary designed to suit you? Click here to learn more here!
- 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.
- The designs and images included in this product may not be copied or shared in whole or in part. All photos included are my own.
- 💥 Due to the nature of digital files, this purchase is non-refundable and not eligible for upgrades to a different itinerary. Please take the time to consider all options before choosing the itinerary that suits you best. If you have any questions about this product you can email at hello@icelandwithaview.com
“Jeannie took out all the stress of how much we can fit in a day and helped us plan the most incredible trip ever!!” – Emilie
Places you will see with this itinerary:
Optional tours to add with this itinerary:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 + 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!
Transportation
Tours, food, etc.
Timing details
Sightseeing
Route Differences
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!).
Accommodation
Sarah –
We used the 7 day South & West “summer” itinerary for our trip in late October 2024 and found it to be incredibly helpful, particularly when paired with the map. The info and recommendations were always super important for helping us navigate. There was JUST enough daylight to fit in this itinerary in late October and I could see where if you’re traveling in the shoulder season of early spring/late fall that having an extra day would have been nice to space things out, particularly in the south coast and Golden Circle. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula was a surprising highlight for us having not known what to expect there, but it was much quieter and less crowded. We may never have visited if not for the itinerary! I’d highly recommend the itinerary and map to anyone planning their trip as it saved us so much of our time not having to do detailed research. Thank you to Jeannie and her team for the affordable, helpful trip planning!
Candice –
I purchased Jeannie’s 7-day itinerary, along with the South+West guide, in March 2024 to plan for a late September-early October 2024 trip with my spouse. The itinerary was incredibly helpful in determining how much we could realistically see/travel each day. We had an amazing time and felt like we saw so much!
The itinerary guided our daily navigation when we were there and was useful in knowing what to expect for facilities at each location (paid parking, food, toilets, etc.). We downloaded Jeannie’s pre-populated map and it was better at finding specific locations than the standard map apps.
Since we were going to be there for 9 days and at a time when the days were getting shorter, I stretched out the busy two days on the South Coast to three days. We were glad to have the extra time; it allowed us to go back to Reynisfjara a second time when the tide was out and to more comfortably make our drive back towards the Golden Circle.
We had a great experience with Blue Car Rental (Jeannie’s recommendation) and the discount we received on the rental covered the cost of the guide and itinerary.
Thanks Jeannie for helping to make our visit to Iceland a trip of a lifetime!
Wendy –
My partner and I are headed to Iceland this August (traveling for the first time without our kids!) and we really wanted to make the most of it. Between this itinerary and the interactive maps, we have never felt more prepared for a trip. Thank you for doing all the hard work for us, Jeannie! We are so very grateful for your attention to detail. We are counting the days until we arrive!
Serge –
Going in June- we’re 90% replicating the 7-day itinerary created by Jeannie. Super helpful resource and tool. It helped plan almost down to half day schedules. Glad I bought it and recommend it.
Ryan –
Outstanding and very helpful! Especially the map pins, which were clearly a lot of work and are very helpful additions. Thanks Jeannie for what you do—keep living the dream and helping us live ours!
Whitney Herringshaw –
Jeannie’s itinerary was beyond helpful. Our family of five was able to see as much of this beautiful country as possible in the week we were there. The map provided us with all of the best stops, including Jeannie’s gems, which made our experience extra special. We can’t wait to go back, and will certainly be using Jeannie’s guides, videos and itineraries when we revisit the Land of Fire and Ice!
Wesh Monique –
We have Jeannie’s guide iteniary and have found it so useful! Especially the hidden gems!
Rachel Grandinetti –
We are going on holidays in October and Jeannie‘s guide has every single detail covered! It’s very informative and easy 🙂 we are looking forward to fall in love with Iceland as she did!