We will have 4 full days in Iceland at the end of September this year. Arrive in at 6.30am on Thursday 25th and will probably spend the day in Reykjavik. Then we have another 3 days before flying out at 10.30am on Monday 29th Sept. We are wondering if we should base ourselves in Reykjavik and do day tours out to see the country or hire a car and do it ourselves. The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon sound like they are a must. Where else to see the best scenery? Would love some ideas. Thanks

I would stay in Reykjavik. Spend one day touring Reykjavik and take the following day tours: South Shore, Grand Circle and Snaefellsnes. You can do the Blue Lagoon either on your way from or to the airport.

I don't disagree with Susie, but you could also think about staying near the golden Circle for a couple of nights or even going up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsular, and seeing the Golden Circle on the way back spending your last night in Reykjavik.

one of the problems with Iceland is that there are quite long distances between the things you will want to see, so staying in Reykjavik and doing day trips l involve quite a lot of driving along the same roads to get to where you want to be. Doing a short break "up north" and then working your way back will actually allow you to see more but covering less ground.

you will have plenty of time on your first day to get up to Snaefellsness.

Thanks for the responses. It seems like the Blue Lagoon does not work for us on either to or from the airport as we arrive in at 6.30 am and depart at 10.30 am and it's late September so probably not open that early. It seems a shame that there doesn't seem to be any 3 day tours that take in the South Shore, Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes. I think we will either do as suggested and do 3 individual tours or hire a car and do it ourselves. If we were to do 3 individual tours is it possible to combine any of them with the Blue Lagoon and still get the maximum out them?

Yes, there are tour companies that do the Blue Lagoon with other tours. Vivator is one...

There are lots of day tour companies out of Rehkjavik...do a search and you'll find them. or go to Trip Advisor's Iceland Forum.

We rented a car while in Reykjavik and really enjoyed the flexibility it allowed. I don't think we missed anything by visiting the sites of the Golden Circle on our own. It was really nice to be able to spend as much time as we wanted as each of the sites. Depending on the number of people you are traveling with, car rental might be an economical option. Have fun!

You might also want to consider Reykjavik Excursions for tours. We used them twice and was very satisfied. Iceland is stunningly beautiful. Enjoy!

Thanks, will check out the companies suggested