3 night stopover in Iceland - need suggestions
 

I have scheduled a stopover for 3 nights in lceland while returning to NYC from Holland and Denmark. We already booked a hotel in Reykjaivik for all 3 nights. We arrive in Iceland on Monday around 3 pm and leave Thursday around 3 pm. That leaves us 2 full days to explore and permits us to visit the Blue Lagoon the day we leave as a stop on the way to the airport.

I figured we would spend our first full day doing the Golden Circle tour - Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. We don't like tour groups, so we can either drive ourselves or hire a private driver/tour guide. Any suggestions?

And can anyone suggestion a plan for our second full day?

we're doing a similar stopover, so I can share our plans...

We actually decided to stay in Keflavik, closer to the airport since we arrive late (11:30PM) and leave early (7:30AM). On our second day we are doing the golden circle tour and decided to hire these guys:http://daytrips.is/ as they were one of hte few that would pick up in Keflavik.

Our other full day we decided we wanted a slower pace, so we are simply planning to take the bus into Reykjavik and explore the city a little bit. I booked an afternoon cruise to see the puffins, using Elding Whale Watch. It's just a 1 hour cruise, and looked like fun. We might see the Iceland Museum, and check out some of the architecture or whatever we have time for.

I don't like tour groups either but I didn't want to drive myself and couldn't afford a private tour so I took the 'regular' Golden Circle tour and I have to say it was one of the best tours I've been on (which granted, are not that many since I don't like them, but when logistics means it's the best thing I do them). Anyway, our guide was wonderful, obviously you can't guarantee to get her but if the others are half as good it would be worth it. And in terms of amount of time on the bus, what you see, etc. it really was pretty good.

Here's my trip report and link to photos
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...pover-trip.cfm

http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/iceland_2

If you´re feeling adventurous, for your full second day how about a trip round Snæfellsness?

You could easily drive round the peninsula, spend time enjoying the sites and be back in Reykjavik early evening.

http://www.west.is/Home/VisitSnaefellsnes/

I would recommend lunch in Stykkisholmur (beautiful harbour town with great restaurants).

A second option would be a day trip to the Westman Islands. You can get the car ferry from Landeyahofn which is about a 2 hour drive from RVK. The crossing takes about 30 mins. The Westman islands really are amazing. The official website isn´t the best IMHO but it gives you an idea..
http://www.visitwestmanislands.com/english

I recently spoke with a colleague who spent time in Westman Islands. I am planning on it when I go next year. Thank you for posting the link for it.

These are some great tips for my Summer 2015 quick layover!

I realize this is an old thread, but hoping to hear what travelers thought of the tour companies. I am looking at both Greyline as well as daytrips.is and wondering what people thought of their experiences. I started looking at the tours on Iceland Air website, and then have been looking elsewhere. Any input would be great as we are headed there in April.

Driving across Iceland was quite easy ( in summer) including the Golden circle tour. We of course travelled with 2 kids and needed to visit at our own pace. So I do not have feedback about tour companies.
But all I can say was driving on your own was quite simple.