4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour from Reykjavik

Join this 7-day guided adventure tour that takes you around Iceland via Route 1 which the locals call the Ring Road, to all the best-known wonders and some hidden pearls in an easy and uncrowded way. Included accommodation for 6 nights with breakfast.  This is a small group tour to create a more personal and enjoyable experience. During this tour, you will see all the best that Iceland has to offer! You will visit many of the best-known tourist places in Iceland, but you will also stop at places which are our best-kept secrets, where you can avoid the crowds and discover places in Iceland to call your own.

Tour options

Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — South Coast of Iceland

   • World´s famous waterfall that can be fully encircled. It has a 60 meters (200ft) high drop of water and is located underneath Eyjafjallajokull glacier-volcano
   • Sometimes called "hidden waterfall". his smaller waterfall located in a cave is really worth seeing.
   • Next on the itinerary is Skogafoss – a classic waterfall that looks like taken straight from a child's drawing. The single cascade of water is a show of true, raw power of nature that must be seen to be believed
   • Then it is on to Reynisfjara, a black sand beach nestling under Mt. Reynisfjall. Black basalt has been shaped into amazing different formations, most notably the famous Reynisdrangar. Beware the might of the Atlantic Ocean which looms with its powerful waves while admiring lava formations located close to the shore.
   • For lunch you will stop at Vík - charming village on the south coast with magnificent view over the Black Beach.
   • Our journey takes us inland to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a river canyon that stretches over two kilometers. Formed during a glacial period thousands of years ago, the canyon is covered in mosses, with a river winding through it. As you explore, you’ll see steep cliffs and enjoy the calm surroundings.
   • Next we will pass Eldhraun Lava. The eruption of Laki Volcano in 1700´s caused the biggest lava flow known in history. You will be amazed by the raw scenery formed by this event

   Accommodation on the South Coast

2. 2

   Day 2 — Glacier Lagoon and East Fjords

   • On day two, you will better explore Iceland’s incredible East Coast, starting from visit at the Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon, which many consider to be Iceland’s most beautiful spot. There you can (extra cost) board for the amphibian boat tour among floating icebergs
   • Watching icebergs cruise through the water, and seeing where they wash up on the Diamond Beach, is nothing but mesmerising
   • Incredible mountain Vestrahorn is one of the best spots for photos in Iceland
   • The tour continues along the dramatic east coast boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks which contrast with inland fertile farmlands. Natural harbors mean picture-postcard fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful sweeping views with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. One of the visited settlements is Djupivogur, located in Berufjordur – long and narrow fjord rich in birdlife. This charming fishing village had a long trading history dating back to 16th century. In present days, local harbour serves only fishermen, but you can still catch the spirit of this place while talking a short walk around the port buildings – including Langabud, old trading station build in 1790.
   • (Optional, extra cost) New geothermal SPA built on the beautiful Lake Urridavatn. Put your swimwear on, relax and spend your evening with the view over the untouched landscape. Pools are filled with warm waters streaming up from deeps under the lake.

   Accommodation in Egillstaðir

3. 3

   Day 3 — Lake Myvatn and Waterfalls

   • This incredible place has more than just serene stretches of water; expect to see fascinating geothermal areas, impressive lava formations, and a huge wealth of unique birdlife. You will visit the dark rocky fortress of Dimmuborgir, with its stunning geology; a hot spring cave called Grjótagjá, an ancient bathing spot; the power plant Krafla and the Hverir geothermal area.
   • Magnificent Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Before jumping back on the bus, we will take you on the short hike to admire another waterfall called Sellfoss. These places are visited only during summer months (Apr-Oct)
   • Last stop on this exciting route is Godafoss - the waterfall of Gods.
   • The hidden gem of Iceland. Turquoise waters originating in Vatnajokull glacier run between the biggest formation made of basalt columns in the whole country, that you can admire once taking just a short walk from the parking lot.
   • (Optional, extra cost) The Forest Lagoon boasts two pools, with the large pool spanning 530m2 and maintained at a soothing temperature of around 37°C (98.6F), dry sauna & cold pool.

   Accommodation in Akureyri

4. 4

   Day 4 — North Iceland – region famous for reach wildlife

   • Day starts from Akureyri - the capital of the North. This small, remote city is located in a stunning, deep fjord. The city center is located next to the harbor, where one will find both modern architecture, historical wooden houses and Akureyri church located on the hill serving as a viewing point at the same time
   • Hvítserkur is a unique formation and a great place for photos
   • Kolugljufur Canyon with spectacular waterfall (accessible only from April to October)
   • The day continues by going South towards Varmahlid village, where charming turf church is located
   • (Optional, extra cost) The whale watching tour takes around 3 hours and the chances to see the huge mammals playing in the sea are very positive in this area of Iceland.

   Accommodation in Borgarfjorður Area (if 5-Day or longer tour is booked)

5. 5

   Day 5 — (Optional) West Iceland, Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Hot Springs

   • Take in the sights at Deildartunguhver, the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, providing 180 liters pr second of 100@C hot water! Thread the path carefully while watching and hearing the powerful energy of the hot spring at work.
   • Next you will stop at Reykholt historic site. There you can learn a little bit about history of Iceland and see Snorralaug – small hot spring used by local people since 12th century. This place was first mentioned in medieval writings of Snorri Sturluson -the famous Icelandic poet and politician who used to bath there.
   • You will see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls spread at a distance of around 900 m. The waters flow out of the Hallmundarhraun, a lava field that was formed around 1000 years ago during a massive eruption of volcano lying under a Langjökull glacier. Hraunfossar are very often called “Lava Waterfalls”. Rivulets streaming from the lava field create one of the most breath-taking views in Iceland.
   • Just few meters away from Hraunfossar you will find another interesting waterfall – Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,” comes from an accident tale which is said to have taken place here in a previous century. There was a natural stone bridge over the waterfall, and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths crossing the river on the bridge. Afterwards, the grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed.
   • The highlight of the day is a visit to a colorful Vidgelmir Lava Cave. Just shy of 1600 meters the cave features amazing colors and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a chance to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites. The area surrounding the entrance to the cave will allow you to realize how powerful eruptions of volcano can be.
   • Enjoy an unforgettable visit to the Sturlureykir Icelandic horse farm. You can get as close as you want to these beautiful friendly animals and then enjoy some home made "hot spring bread" called rugbraud in Icelandic with a nice cup of coffee or ice cool water.

   Accommodation in Borgarfjorður Area (if 6-Day or longer tour is booked)

6. 6

   Day 6 — (Optional) Black Beaches, Lava Fields & the Magic of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

   • Ytri-Tunga is a charming farm with a nearby beach that is a popular seal colony. Animal lovers will enjoy seeing their cute faces as they sunbathe and play in the surf
   • Arnarstapi and Hellnar are located in a lovely coastal area with a natural harbor. Beautiful rock formations decorate the coastline, spotted with green-and-yellow moss, and you can stroll along the cliffs here to take in the refreshing sea air
   • Two black basalt columns marking the coast, so tall they can be seen from the road
   • Djúpalónssandur is another gorgeous black beach, where the air is filled with the sounds of birds circling the cliffs and the ocean waves hitting the sand. At Djúpalónssandur, you’ll find a curiosity on the beach: four large, smooth stones. They are “lifting stones,” used to measure the strength of fishermen who once worked and lived all along the coasts here. The biggest one is called Fullsterkur (“Full-Strength”) and weighs 154 kg (340 lbs). Be sure to lift with your knees so you don’t hurt your back on this one! The second one is called Hálfsterkur (“Half-Strength”) and weighs 100 kg (220 lbs). The third one is called Hálfdrættingur (“Weakling”) and weighs 54 kg (119 lbs). Last, you were the shame of your village if you can only lift Amlóði (“Useless”), at 23 kg (50 lbs). If a fisherman wanted to earn a spot on the fishing boat, he had to be able to lift the “Hálfdrættingur” stone – anything less, and they were not acceptable. Try your strength! Are you ready to join the boats?
   • Kirkjufell mountain rises out of the green hills, surrounded by trickling rivers. This is one of the most popular photography spots in Iceland, so be sure to get a picture for your own collection!

   Accommodation in Capital Area (if 7-Day tour is booked)

7. 7

   Day 7 — (Optional) The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater

   • Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. The reasons for its popularity are twofold. Firstly, it has a fascinating history, being the original site of what has become the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament; early settlers to Iceland first convened here in 930 AD. Secondly, it has spectacular geology; the park sits right in the rift valley between two tectonic plates, both of which are clearly visible as you travel through the sweeping lava fields of the Almannagjá gorge.
   • Following Þingvellir, you will head to see the geysers in geothermal hot-spot area Haukadalur Valley. Geysir itself, which gave all others their name, only goes off sporadically these days, but its neighbour Strokkur is happy to entertain; every five to ten minutes, you can see it eject water up to fourty metres high
   • Majestic Gullfoss Waterfall is the most iconic falls in the country
   • Water-filled crater-lake Kerið, which is far too often overlooked by visitors

What's included

• ✓Onboard Wi-Fi and USB chargers
• ✓English guidance
• ✓Accommodation with Breakfast in double rooms with private bathrooms
• ✓Breakfast
• ✓Entry to Vidgelmir Lava Cave (if 5-day or longer tour is booked)
• ✓Entry to Kerið Volcanic Crater
• ✓4-7 days minibus tour around Iceland with maximum 19 passengers in the bus
• ✓Hotel pick up & drop off in Reykjavik

Not included

• ✗Lunch and Dinner – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch and dinner during the tour
• ✗Optional activities

What to expect

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Warm and water/windproof clothes
• Good hiking shoes (if you do not have hiking shoes then we offer these for rent)
• Camera
• This tour typically finishes in Reykjavik on Day 7 around 05:00pm
• IMPORTANT: It can happen that some activities are cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible, and refund if there is a price difference.

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