Take the wheel and dive into Iceland’s raw beauty on this action-packed 11-day Ring Road self-drive adventure. Start in Reykjavik, explore local hotspots, savor Icelandic flavors, and soak up the city’s lively energy. Hit the road toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where rugged coastlines and volcanic peaks push the pace. Head north to Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, known for its easy charm and scenic views. Drive through the remote beauty of Breiðdalsvík, then tackle the glaciers of Skaftafell and Laugan National Park, perfect for outdoor thrills. Strap on crampons for an unforgettable glacier trek, then venture into Landmannalaugar’s wild highlands for one last epic challenge.
Highlights
Drive the famous Golden Circle and see Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall
See volcanic peaks and black sand beaches of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Visit Akureyri, Iceland’s charming northern capital
Travel through isolated fishing villages and the picturesque East Fjords
Experience an unforgettable crampon trekking adventure in Sólheimajökull
Explore the rugged beauty of Landmannalaugar’s highlands and hot springs
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival, pick up your vehicle to kick off your adventure. Settle into your accommodation in Reykjavik or Keflavik (depending on your flight arrival time) and take the rest of the day to relax or explore independently. Stroll through Reykjavik’s lively streets, grab a bite at a local café, or relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
Please note that this trip is a highly customizable self-drive trip. Optional tours can be added daily depending on how much independence or structure you would like to have in your itinerary. Optional day tours may require pre-registration to guarantee availability and will be an additional cost. For more details, please discuss with your trip planners.
Optional Tour Additions in Reykjavik could include: A soak at either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon to relax after your travels or a whale-watching adventure leaving from Reykjavik.
Set off toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with unforgettable stops along Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Witness the raw power of Gullfoss Waterfall, feel the earth tremble at the Geysir geothermal area, and explore the historic beauty of Þingvellir National Park. Most visitors dedicate a full day to exploring the Golden Circle which, with sightseeing stops included, usually takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete the full circuit. Continuing on the way to Snaefellsnes, detour to the steamy Deildartunguhver hot springs and admire the flowing beauty of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls. End the day with accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Drive Time to Snaefellsnes via Golden Circle: 4.5 hours
Distance: 315km / 195 miles
Discover the diverse beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Little Iceland” for its stunning variety of landscapes. From black sand beaches to dramatic cliffs and lava fields, this region captures the essence of the entire island. Visit the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, made legendary by Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Spend the day exploring this magical region before settling in for another night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Hit the road and head toward Akureyri, known as the “Capital of the North.” Explore this charming city’s vibrant streets, cozy cafés, and scenic harbor views. Visit the iconic Akureyri Church, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or soak in the relaxed northern vibe. Settle in for the night with accommodation in Akureyri.
Start your day with a visit to the majestic Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Continue to the Lake Mývatn area, famous for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and rich birdlife. Wrap up the day with a stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where the sheer force of nature is unforgettable. Return to Akureyri for your overnight stay.
Optional Tour Additions in Akureyri could include: A whale watching excursion (in Akureyri, Husavik or Hauganes), time spent relaxing and soaking at the Myvatn Nature baths or the GeoSea geothermal sea baths in Husavik.
Depart from Akureyri and set your course for Egilsstaðir, passing through vast desert landscapes and rugged terrain. As you venture into the East Fjords, enjoy dramatic coastal views, winding roads, and charming fishing villages between towering mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including reindeer roaming the hills. End the day with accommodation in the Breiðdalsvík area.
Optional Tour Additions today could include: A visit to theVök Baths, a geothermal paradise located just outside of Egilsstaðir on the banks of Lake Urriðavatn. Here you will find hot pools, a sauna, a cold water spray tunnel, and a traditional Icelandic bistro to enjoy.
Day 7: Skaftafell and Vatnajökull Glaciers Adventure
Travel toward the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the third-largest glacier on Earth. Along the way, explore the trails of Skaftafell National Park, known for its stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand plains. Continue to the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery.
Option Excursions to Add today: Visit the breathtaking glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón in even greater depth, where floating icebergs create unforgettable scenery. Opt for a zodiac excursion in Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon or Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Discuss either option's timing and cost with your trip planner.
Day 8: South Coast Exploration | Sólheimajökull Glacier | Hella
Today, choose your own adventure along the stunning south coast as you make your way towards Hella. Stop in at the black sand beaches the South Coast is renowned for, Reynisfjara being the most famous, where volcanic landscapes and basalt rock formations meet the roaring Atlantic. Sólheimasandur is another popular beach stop known for the abandoned aircraft wreckage still in place from a crash in the 90s. Dyrholaey is another option for adventurous travelers who want to see the famous black sands but also catch views of seabirds, arch-shaped cliff structures, and panoramic scenery.
Option Excursions to Add today: For the active adventurers, gear up for an unforgettable adventure as you journey toward Hella. Strap on crampons and trek across volcanic ash and coal-black sands, making your way to the icy tongue of the Sólheimajökull outlet glacier on a Glacier Tour. Feel the crunch of ice beneath your feet and take in the stark beauty of the surrounding landscapes. After this thrilling experience, settle into your accommodation in Hella.
Day 9: Landmannalaugar Adventure or Free day along the Coast | Hella
This day is a free day along the South Coast to continue to explore independently!
Option Excursions to Add today: We recommend the option to join a unique and remarkable adventure to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most stunning highland areas. Departing from Hella in the morning aboard the "Yeti Bus", traverse rugged landscapes to reach this volcanic wonderland. Hike through colorful mountains, shimmering lakes, and moss-covered lava fields, where shades of green and yellow contrast against ancient basalt, obsidian, and rhyolite formations. Experience the raw beauty of this geothermal paradise before returning to the Hella area for the night. This optional excursion is a full 8-9 hours.
Head back to Reykjavik for a relaxing final day. On the way, curious travelers could opt to stop into the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur to learn all about the science of the volcanic activity Iceland is so famous for. If interested, let your trip planner know, since advanced reservations are recommended. Once in Reykjavik, explore the city at your own pace, wander through lively streets, visit museums, or shop for local crafts. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a visit to the Sky Lagoon for a soothing soak in its geothermal waters (optional). Enjoy your last evening in Iceland with accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 11: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a final free day in Reykjavik to relax, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city. When it’s time, return your vehicle and head to the airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Icelandic adventure to a close.
**Please note this is a sample self-drive itinerary and can be planned in the reverse direction as well. Your trip planner will help you customize the perfect itinerary for you!**
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for May 15, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for May 15, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,859
Notes
Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Pricing based on two people in a 4x4 SUV vehicle rental. Various rental car options are available and group pricing will vary.
Initial deposit is 40% of the total price is required and a non-refundable fee of $200 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to surcharge and maximum $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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