Discover Iceland's most famous attractions and natural wonders on this exciting 8-day Ring Road tour. Explore Reykjavik's quaint streets and charming cafes, taking in the essence of this Arctic capital city. Hike a shimmering glacier, stand at the base of thunderous waterfalls, soak in thermal baths and head to sea in search of whales. This tour is ideal for those wanting to explore the best that Iceland has to offer in just 8 days.
Your Iceland tour begins in the charming Arctic capital city of Reykjavík. The day is yours to explore as you wish, creating your own itinerary from the myriad of streets and cafes that compose the city. Walk the famous streets of Laugavegur and Skólavorðustígur, browse local boutiques, tour museums and visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. Start or end your day with a dip in Rekjavík’s thermal swimming pools.
Return to your hotel for a restful evening before tomorrow’s adventures.
Stay at Reykjavik Lights Hotel or similar. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a guided tour of Rekjavík.
Meet at the pickup spot early, and set out to explore the famous natural attractions of the Golden Circle. First stop Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with important geological, historical and cultural significance. It was here that the historic Icelandic Parliament was founded in 930 CE/AD. Next stop is the Geysir geothermally active area, home to Great Geysir. This famous spouting hot spring gave us the English word ‘geyser’.Have the chance to witness an eruoption of Strokkur, the most active hot spring in recent times, blasting powerful torrents of superheated water every 5 to 10 minutes. The final Golden Circle attraction is the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. Explore this beautiful fall before heading south toward the town of Vík, visiting two more waterfalls along the way.
First stop today is the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the beach, observing the impressive and unusual basalt column cave. Travel onward through extraordinary landscapes on the way to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. The journey will take us over the Eldhraun lava field to Skaftafell, a lush green oasis in the midst of black volcanic sand areas.
Upon arrival in Vatnajökull National Park, the specialist glacier guide will lead you on a three-hour glacier hike, giving you the opportunity to explore the stunning glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. You will learn all about this sensational white blue ice world. Next stop is the magnificient Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the filming location for scenes from James Bond. Feast your eyes on the jaw-droppingly beautiful iceberg-filled lagoon and visit the fabulous Diamond Beach. This coal-black beach glitters with shimmering blue/white icebergs washed ashore by the tide, taking extraordinary shapes. You will feel as if you stepped through a magic doorway into a mystical ice realm with otherworldly landscapes. Your accommodation will be in the Höfn area, a charming town known as the lobster capital of Iceland.
This morning head east toward Iceland's sensational East Fjords. The narrow Ring Road winds through the mountains and past the ocean, flanked by contrasting and beautiful scenery around Lón, the Þvottárskriður landslides and Álftafjarðar fjord.
Stop to stretch your legs a bit at Djúpivogur, a traditional fishing village known for its eco-conscious and welcoming ways. Then embark on an exhilarating three-hour hike to Hengifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland (128 m). On the way you will pass a sensational gorge where the ash layers left by ancient volcanic eruptions can clearly be seen. Notice how the colorful rock makes this landscape all the more impressive. After a beautiful hike set back out for Egilsstaðir.
Next stop, experience exciting three-hour trek towards Hengifoss, which is Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at a height of 128 meters. Additionally, witness the awe-inspiring Litlanesfoss Waterfall, which is surrounded by large hexagonal basalt columns. As you move along, you also get a glimpse of a remarkable gorge where the ash layers that resulted from previous volcanic eruptions can be easily seen. Finally, conclude the day by taking a relaxing dip in the Vök Baths, a geothermal pool situated by the stunning scenery of Lake Urriðavatn. The Vök Baths are unique for their contemporary design and are the only floating infinity pools in Iceland. Spend the night in a country hotel in this area.
Today explore the beauty of North Iceland. This journey from Egilsstaðir takes you through the wilderness area around Möðrudalur, the highest inhabited place in Iceland. Located at 469 m, this farming community is now host to the highest coffee house in the country. The first destination is the Stuðlagil Canyon which is among the most captivating basalt rock formations globally. During our trip towards the breathtaking Dettifoss waterfall, we will also take you to see Möðrudalur, which is the highest inhabited location in Iceland, standing at an elevation of 469 meters. This region is home to a farming community that boasts the highest coffee house in Iceland.
Next stop, Dettifoss waterfall, boasting the most powerful flow rate in Europe. This waterfall is sure to humble even the most seasoned traveler to the power of Icelandic nature. Next attraction, the mystical landscapes around Lake Mývatn, has an altogether different character than the Dettifoss. Continue onward to the steaming lunar landscapes and bubbling technicolor mud pots at the Námaskarð geothermal area.
Now, time for some relaxation! Bathe in the mineral-rich alkaline waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths (the entrance fee can be paid when booking or on site). Bathing is an optional extra activity, highly recommend you reserve beforehand to secure your spot! Those opting to not bathe in Mývatn can take a stroll around this fascinating area. The final stop today is Goðafoss, a dreamy crescent-shaped waterfall.Continue onward to Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. Spend the night at a country hotel.
Stay at Hotel Dalvik or similar.
Day 6: Whale watching in Dalvík - Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi - Laugarbakki
Set out this morning for the charming fishing town of Dalvík. Embark on a three-hour whale watching tour starting from the bustling Dalvík harbor. You will skim over Eyjafjörður, searching humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and, occasionally, blue whales. Enjoy the spectacular views both in and around the water on this memorable boat trip. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at sea angling, enjoying a fresh seafood grill upon return to shore.
Next visit another fishing community, Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður is a beautiful village with a rich history, giving you insight into how life is lived in isolated Icelandic villages. Continue around around the Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), witnessing stunning ocean scenery and incredibly steep mountains. Pass through Iceland's farming heartland before arriving at your hotel in Laugarbakki, a small village and gateway to Miðfjarðará, one of Iceland´s best salmon rivers.
On this, day, arrive in Borgarfjörður in West Iceland, an area voted as one of the best destinations in the world by Lonely Planet in 2016. First stop is at Grábrók, a volcano crater. Where you take a short hike to the top.
Next stop will be at the Deildartunguhver, Known as Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The piping hot water comes out of a rocky outcrop covered with algae, creating a steamy surface above the base. If you love to explore the natural beauty, this hot spring is worth to visit. While making a trip to West Iceland, you can visit the nearby places including Hraunfossar Waterfall, and Barnafoss waterfall.
Your final stop of the day is at Reykholt, one of Iceland’s main historic sites, a cultural center past and present. Visit Snorralaug, the hot spring pool which bears the name of Snorri Sturluson, the 12th/early 13th century scholar, lawyer, historian and saga writer. Going back to Reykjavík will take you around, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), a really scenic fjord.
Expect to back in Reykjavik around 4:30 - 5 pm. Stay at Reykjavik Lights Hotel or similar.
Enjoy your final day in Iceland, wandering Reykjavík's charming streets and checking off things you may have missed on your first day. Explore the network of cycling and walking paths, which thread around the coast and criss-cross the city. Visit the area where the women of Reykjavík used to do their laundry in the hot spring pools. Enjoy the beautiful gardens situated next to Laugardalslaug, the largest swimming pool in Iceland. Shop and browse some more, laze in coffee shops or restaurants, visit another museum or gallery, or squeeze in one last amazing adventure activity tour – the choice is yours!
Depart on the flight of your choice today, or opt to extend your adventure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
