I'll try to post a bit more detail later...

I'd probably hit the Snaefelles Peninsula first (hiking along the cliffs, the glacier and the Eldborg crater). Then cut thru the Golden Circle area on my way down south (hitting Pingveller, gulfoss and geyser on the way). I'd then head towards Skaftafell (which was great... we were there in October... there were a total of 4 people in the whole park and great fall colors).

I'm not sure that you can make it too much past Skaftafell, though you might want to drive as far as the glacial lagoon. So, probably something like 2 nights in Reykjavik, 2 on Snaefelles, 2 somewhere south of the Golden Circle, and two out towards Skaftafell.

Let me know if this is basically the type of itinerary you were planning and I'll post some more details.

Thanks! Your suggestions mirror my initial thinking of how to plan this out. And as far as the South/Southeast region, I only wanted to reach Skaftafell becaue I MUST hike to the awesome SVARTIFOSS. Would it make sense and be do-able to do this itinerary:
2 nts in Reykjavik, 2 on Snaefelles, 1 somewhere south of golden circle, 2 near Skaftafell, 1 back near south of golden circle/ or Vik area, then fly out next afternoon?
I would love any details you'd like to post. Especially best locations for logding and hotel/farmstay recommendations. Thanks again!

~ Amber

Amber,

Yes, that would definitely be workable. The hiking in Skaftafell was really nice. There is a short (1 mile) walk to the tip of the glacier on an easy path. The you can return to the park office and head to the falls. Svartifoss is a definitely a unique waterfall and work the walk (it's actually a pretty easy hike).

That said, there are a number of waterfalls along the way to Skaftafell that I felt were just as spectacular.

I'll post a few additional details over the weekend.

Later,
Alan