9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Ring Road Tour – 4×4 Campervan

The 9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up offered by CampEasy provides a comprehensive way to see Iceland’s iconic sights at your own pace. Priced at $2,493.40 per person, this tour covers approximately nine days of exploration, combining the freedom of driving a luxurious 4×4 campervan with the convenience of pre-arranged activities, campsite fees, and airport transfers. With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 44 reviews, and a 95% recommendation rate, it clearly appeals to those seeking an organized yet flexible Icelandic adventure.

The tour is best suited for independent travelers comfortable with driving, as it emphasizes self-guided exploration. The package includes Wi-Fi, gas, and campsite fees, removing much of the logistical stress. One notable aspect is that the tour is booked on average 208 days in advance, indicating strong interest and trust in the experience. While the itinerary is packed with highlights across the country, it offers a balanced mixture of iconic waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal sites, and charming villages. Limitations include the need for a driver aged 20 or older, with physical fitness recommended for some activities.

Key Points

• Fully self-driven 9-day Iceland Ring Road experience with all logistics planned.
• Luxury 4×4 campervan with Wi-Fi, gas, and campsite fees included.
• Includes pre-booked activities such as iceberg boat tours, glacier hikes, whale watching, and snorkeling.
• Airport pick-up from Keflavík and drop-off at CampEasy office at the end of the tour.
• Ideal for adventurous, independent travelers seeking flexibility and comfort.
• Tour has excellent reviews, maintaining a 5-star rating with high repeat booking rates.

The CampEasy 4×4 Campervan for Icelandic Exploration

This tour features a luxury 4×4 campervan, praised for its height, spaciousness, and equipment. The van is tall enough to stand comfortably inside and comes fully equipped with Wi-Fi, a tablet, a coffee maker, refrigerators, stove, and ample storage. Its design caters to travelers who want comfort combined with the ability to handle Iceland’s diverse terrains.

Thanks to the top-quality build, the campervan copes well with winter conditions, making it suitable for travel from September to October or even winter months. Many reviews highlight the reliable heating system and fuel efficiency. The van is also praised for easy driving, with some reviewers mentioning the well-stocked interior and helpful staff.

Convenient Airport Transfers and Pick-Up Service

The tour begins with a complimentary shuttle service from either Keflavík International Airport or a nearby hotel. The pick-up at the CampEasy office is well-organized, making the start of the trip smooth. After collecting the campervan, travelers are free to begin their Icelandic adventure, confident that all campsite fees, gas, and Wi-Fi are covered.

The drop-off at the same CampEasy location marks the end of the self-drive experience, with the option to be transferred back to Keflavík or your accommodation. This seamless transfer service reduces stress and helps focus on the journey ahead.

Diverse Stops on the South Coast and Beyond

Day one kicks off with a visit to the Bridge Between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Nearby, the Gunnuhver Hot Springs showcase vibrant geothermal landscapes, steam vents, and mud pools. Kleifarvatn Lake, Iceland’s deepest, offers a tranquil reflection of Iceland’s volcanic ground, with old moss and lava formations.

The second day explores South Coast highlights like Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind, and Skógafoss, a roaring cascade often accompanied by rainbows. Kvernufoss waterfall, a short drive away, provides a quieter alternative with similar scenic appeal. Stops at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjall cliffs showcase dramatic rock formations and a rich bird life, making the scenery both spectacular and bird-friendly.

For a taste of Icelandic tradition, the Vík Horse Adventure offers a one-hour horseback ride on native Icelandic horses, often praised for their friendly nature. The day concludes with a visit to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, known for its dramatic, winding shape that featured in a Justin Bieber music video.

Day Three: Glaciers, Icebergs, and the Vatnajökull National Park

The third day centers on the Vatnajökull Glacier, with an excursion to Skaftafell for a glacier hike on the Falljökull outlet. This 3-hour 15-minute guided walk is highly praised for its expert guidance and breathtaking views. Next, the Skaftafell National Park offers hiking options, including to the Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its black basalt columns.

Before camp, Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are visited, where icebergs float and scintillate on the shore. A 35-minute amphibian boat tour through the lagoon is included, allowing travelers to taste ancient ice and spot seals, adding a memorable dimension to the glacier experience.

The Eastfjords: From Petra’s Stones to Seyðisfjörður

Day four explores the Eastfjords, starting with Djúpivogur and its famous Eggs sculptures, depicting local bird species. The Petra Stone Collection showcases thousands of mineral stones found across Iceland, appreciated for its uniqueness and personal history.

The Hallormsstaður Forest, Iceland’s largest, offers scenic walks, and often wildlife like reindeer can be seen. The day ends in Seyðisfjörður, a charming village with colorful houses, known for its art festivals and breathtaking mountain views.

The North: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and Whale Watching

The fifth day takes travelers to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horse-shoe shaped gorge with cliff walls over 100 meters high. The Húsavík Whale Watching tour is a highlight, with 3 hours at sea to spot whales and dolphins, often praised for its experience and scenery.

The day concludes with a visit to Godafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” with its legend of the statues of Norse gods being thrown into the cascade. The last stop is Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest town, featuring a charming church, botanical garden, and local attractions like the Christmas House.

Day Six: From the North to the Heart of Iceland’s Geothermal Zone

The sixth day introduces Viti Crater and the Krafla geothermal area, famous for emerald lakes and colorful mineral deposits. Visitors can walk around the Námaskarð geothermal area, enjoying the striking red, white, and yellow mineral-rich grounds.

Grjótagjá Cave, with its hot spring, offers a unique fissure experience, although the spring itself is too hot for bathing. The day ends at Mývatn Nature Baths, where the warm waters and panoramic views provide a relaxing conclusion to an active day.

The Golden Circle and the Final Adventure

The seventh day starts with a visit to Grafarkirkja, the oldest turf church in Iceland, and continues with The Battle of Iceland museum—an interactive experience using virtual reality to explore the historic Örlygsstaðir battle.

Geysir and Gullfoss waterfalls highlight the iconic Golden Circle route. The day concludes with a recreational hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, where a 45-minute walk leads to a thermal river suitable for bathing.

Snorkeling in Silfra and the Geyser Geysir

Day eight features the snorkeling adventure in Silfra Fissure, acclaimed for its crystal-clear water and spectacular underwater landscapes. The activity is suitable from age 14 and lasts 3 hours 15 minutes.

Afterward, the tour visits Geysir to see Strokkur erupting every few minutes, shooting water up to 15 meters. The day ends at Gullfoss, the powerful waterfall dropping into a narrow gorge from 32 meters high.

The Reykjavik Highlights and Departure

The final day begins with the Sun Voyager sculpture, symbolizing hope and freedom, placed by the sea with mountain views. A visit to Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja Church offers panoramic city vistas, with optional tower access.

If time permits, a trip to Perlan Museum can expand knowledge about Icelandic nature and the northern lights. The tour concludes at CampEasy’s office, where travelers can relax, shop for souvenirs, or organize airport transfers, ending their immersive Icelandic adventure.

Iceland Self-Drive in Comfort and Style

This 9-day tour delivers an organized yet flexible exploration of Iceland, with pre-booked activities and an all-inclusive campervan. The luxury 4×4 van offers ample comfort, making long drives and winter conditions manageable. The itinerary balances famous sights with lesser-known gems, providing a well-rounded experience.

Reviews highlight the excellent quality of the campervan, the helpfulness of staff, and the value of the included activities. Most find the pace manageable and the stops worthwhile, though some note that parking fees at certain sites are not included.

The overall value for money and the high customer satisfaction make this tour a top choice for independent travelers seeking an adventure with minimal planning stress. Its guidance, equipment, and flexibility are among its strongest features, though potential guests should be prepared for self-driving and physical activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  The campervan, gas, Wi-Fi, airport transfer, and campsite fees are included. Activities like boat tours, glacier hikes, whale watching, and snorkeling are pre-booked.

• Are there any additional costs?
  Parking fees at some stops are not included. Food, beverages, and optional activities outside the itinerary are extra.

• Is the campervan suitable for winter travel?
  Yes, many reviews praise its reliable heating system and performance in winter conditions.

• What age do I need to be to drive?
  The minimum driver age is 20 years old.

• Can I customize the itinerary?
  The itinerary is pre-arranged, but the self-drive format allows flexibility within the planned stops.

• What physical fitness level is required?
  Travelers should have a good physical fitness level for activities like hiking, horseback riding, and snorkeling.

• How do I book the tour?
  Booking is available online, and the tour is often booked over 200 days in advance due to high demand.

• What happens if I cancel?
  The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
  Yes, it is perfect for independent, solo travelers who enjoy driving and exploring at their own pace.

• Can families with children join?
  The tour is suitable for travelers aged 14 and above for certain activities. The campervan comfortably sleeps up to four.

This 9-day self-drive tour combines adventure, comfort, and convenience, making it a comprehensive way to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes. From geothermal springs to glaciers, waterfalls, and charming villages, it offers a rich, flexible exploration backed by positive reviews and a high satisfaction rate.