Iceland’s Ring Road Tour

On the first morning of our tour, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Reykjavík and head south toward the Landeyjarhöfn harbor. There, we’ll board a ferry for a 30-minute ride to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands. Once we arrive, we’ll make our way to Stórhöfði Cape, the southernmost point of the main island and one of the best places to see Atlantic puffins up close. Afterward, we’ll visit the Eldheimar Museum, which tells the story of the dramatic 1973 volcanic eruption that forced the island’s entire population to evacuate overnight. Following the museum, you’ll have the option to hike up to Mt. Eldfell Volcano or explore the town at your own pace before we ferry back to the mainland in the afternoon.

Once back on land, we’ll continue along the scenic south coast of Iceland, passing by the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, whose 2010 eruption disrupted air traffic across Europe and North America. We’ll then stop in the charming village of Vík, where you’ll have time to wander the streets or visit the nearby black sand beach. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive through the vast Eldhraun lava fields to our hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day’s adventure at the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, where hiking along its edges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. From there, we’ll journey into the remote highlands to Laki and Lakagígar, part of the UNESCO-listed Vatnajökull National Park. At Mt. Laki, we’ll hike to the summit for a stunning panoramic view of the Lakagígar craters, formed during the massive 1783-1784 eruption. This historic eruption and its ashfall triggered famine across Europe, playing a role in the events leading to the French Revolution.

We’ll then continue exploring the highlands, stopping at a few scenic spots before returning to the main road. Our next stop is the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you’ll have free time to explore. You can visit Systrafoss Waterfall, Systrastapi Rock, or Kirkjugólf, a natural basalt formation resembling a church floor. From there, it’s just a short drive back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and start our journey back to Reykjavík, taking the scenic and less-traveled Fjallabaksleið nyrðri F-road. Our first stop is Eldgjá Canyon, part of the Katla volcanic system and the largest volcanic canyon in the world. We’ll hike through this stunning landscape and visit Ófærufoss Waterfall before continuing deeper into the highlands.

Next, we’ll arrive at Landmannalaugar, a true gem of the highlands. Here, you can explore the Laugahraun lava field, hike the colorful slopes of Mt. Brennisteinsalda, or relax in a natural geothermal pool. After a couple of hours soaking in the beauty of Landmannalaugar, we’ll continue our journey back to Reykjavík, stopping briefly at Hjálparfoss Waterfall in Þjórsárdalur Valley. At around 8pm, we’ll arrive in Reykjavík, where you’ll be dropped off at your preferred location.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Island

Be ready for pick-up at 8am. This day is dedicated to exploring Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route—the Golden Circle. We begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Icelanders established Althing, one of the world’s oldest democratic parliaments, in 930 CE. This rift valley marks the divide between the Eurasian and North American plates, creating a dramatic landscape.

Next, we visit Geysir, the namesake of all geysers, and its active neighbor, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes 20-30 m (65-98 ft) into the air. The surrounding area is alive with bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents. We then witness the Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial waters from the Langjökull glacier plunge into a rugged canyon. Continuing along the scenic south coast, we stop at Seljalandsfoss, where a path lets us walk behind the cascading water, and Skógafoss, a towering 197-ft (60-m) waterfall often framed by rainbows. Reynisfjara’s black sand beach is our final stop, home to striking basalt columns and sea stacks. We’ll spend the night at a cozy country hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur—an ideal spot for catching the Northern Lights between September and April!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Geirland or similar

We begin the day at the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach, where we take in the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks and explore the nearby basalt column cave. From there, it’s off to the glaciers. As we travel, we pass the mighty Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, beneath which lies the legendary and unpredictable Katla volcano. If visibility allows, we may even catch a glimpse of this volcanic giant. Continuing through landscapes shaped by ancient eruptions, we drive across the vast Eldhraun lava field toward Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. This area is a true oasis—lush with green birch trees and vegetation, a vivid contrast to the stark black sand desert around it.

In Skaftafell, we set out on a three-hour glacier hike, guided by a glacier expert, across one of the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Afterward, we make our way to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs float in magical silence. Just nearby is Diamond Beach, where chunks of blue-and-white ice glisten like crystals on the coal-black sand. It feels like walking through a film set—and in fact, scenes from James Bond movies and others were filmed right here. We’ll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse in the South East, and from September to April, there’s even a chance to slip outside and catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adventure Hotel Hof

Today’s journey takes us through the remote and beautiful Eastfjords, a region known for its towering mountains, quiet fjords, and small fishing villages. The untouched landscapes here are home to wildlife like reindeer and seabirds, creating a peaceful and authentic Icelandic experience. Along the way, we visit Djúpivogur, a small fishing village with a strong focus on nature and sustainability, where outdoor artwork adds character to the scenic surroundings. We also stop in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, located by the Lagarfljót River—home to local legends about a mysterious lake creature.

The highlight of the day is the Wilderness Center, a unique accommodation on the edge of Iceland’s highlands. Designed to feel like a step back in time, the center features carefully restored farmhouses and exhibitions that share stories of the people who once lived in this remote frontier. Guests can explore the museum (free of charge) and enjoy homemade meals in an open kitchen. After exploring, get ready for soaking in the hot spring spa like a real Viking! The bathhouse is built in an authentic style, with a traditional stone hot spring spa, just like the one our ancestors used.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Wilderness Center

Today’s journey takes us from East to North Iceland, passing through some of the country’s most striking natural wonders. We begin at Stuðlagil Canyon, where towering basalt columns rise from the turquoise waters of the Jökla River, creating a dramatic contrast between the dark rock formations and vibrant blue-green water. From there, we head to the Námaskarð geothermal area, a surreal landscape filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.

Continuing on, we explore the Lake Mývatn region, known for its volcanic landscapes, diverse birdlife, and over 50 small islands shaped by past eruptions. Next stop—soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a relaxing geothermal lagoon often compared to the Blue Lagoon! Next, we visit Dimmuborgir, an area of towering lava formations that resemble an ancient, crumbling city. The day ends with a stop at Goðafoss, a stunning crescent-shaped waterfall, before reaching Eyjafjörður, a fjord surrounded by high mountains. Our final destination is Akureyri, North Iceland’s largest town, where we settle into a country hotel for the night. From September to April, this is also a great spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

*Please note that during winter, road conditions may restrict access to Stuðlagil. However, we will ensure alternative exciting activities are available for you to enjoy!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Berjaya Akureyri Hotel

Today, get ready for an exciting whale-watching boat tour in Eyjafjörður Fjord! With a 98% success rate, you’re very likely to spot humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other incredible ocean wildlife. Afterward, we head to Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost village, known for its colorful harbor and rich history as the herring capital in the early 20th century.

Next, we travel around Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), where you’ll enjoy some of Iceland’s most stunning coastal views and pass through small villages that showcase the charm of remote Icelandic life. As we continue, we’ll pass through active farming areas before reaching Laugarbakki, where we’ll explore the rural landscape. We’ll also stop at the picturesque Skagafjörður fjord, dotted with islands and full of hidden treasures. Our accommodation for the night is a cozy hotel in the Laugarbakki area, where, during winter, you can head out in the evening to witness the spectacular Northern Lights painting the sky in shades of green and purple.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Laugarbakki

On our final day, we explore the stunning landscapes of West Iceland, an area praised by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel destinations. Our day begins with a short hike up to the Grábrók volcano crater, offering fantastic views of the surrounding lava fields. After the hike, we visit Reykholt, a significant historical site, where we’ll see Snorralaug, the hot spring pool of the famous Icelandic historian and author, Snorri Sturluson.

Next, we head to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, which provides geothermal water to heat homes and swimming pools in the Borgarfjörður region. Then, we visit Hraunfossar, a breathtaking waterfall where streams flow from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, followed by Barnafoss, or “Children’s Falls,” steeped in local legend. We’ll also make a stop at Sturlureykir horse farm to interact with the friendly Icelandic horses and learn about their importance in Icelandic culture. On our way back to Reykjavík, we’ll take the scenic route around Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) and expect to arrive in the capital around 5-6pm, where our journey comes to an end!

Meals: Breakfast