8-Day Iceland Ring Road Tour: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Golden Circle & South Coast

Want to make the most of your visit to Iceland? Then this is the tour for you. Travel the popular Icelandic Ring Road and see all that this land of fire and ice has to offer in just 8 days. Make unforgettable memories as you experience shimmering glaciers, spouting geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, glacier lagoon, whale watching and so much more. Your first and last nights are spent in Reykjavik offering you the chance to  explore the capital of this beautiful island on your own.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Reykjavik

   • Your 8 day tour starts in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. Explore the capital in your own time. Stroll the popular Laugavegur shopping street, visit museums or relax at one of the local swimming pools. Reykjavik has a great selection of cafés and restaurants that are sure to give your taste buds a real treat.

   Accommodation in Reykjavik

2. 2

   Day 2 — Golden Circle and South Coast

   • On day 2 you will be picked up by your guide from your centrally located hotel.
   • This tour is all about waterfalls, hot springs and rich heritage. Visit the famous Golden Circle including 3 of Iceland´s top attractions, , Thingvellir National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall
   • Explore the historical and geological wonders of Thingvellir National Park
   • See Strokkur geyser spout water up from the ground at Geysir Hot Springs.
   • Admire Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most popular waterfalls. Before continuing to the South Coast.
   • Your first stop on the South Coast will be Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
   • Next up is Skógafoss Waterfall a very admirable waterfall.
   • Your day will end at your accommodation for the night in the area of Krikjubæjarklaustur.

   Overnight stay near the village of Krikjubæjarklaustur.

3. 3

   Day 3 — Vík - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon - Höfn

   • Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach and see Reynisdrangar basalt columns
   • Enjoy a glacier hike at Europe´s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
   • Stop by at the magical Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
   • Next up is the neighboring Diamond Beach.
   • Your day ends at your accommodation for the night in the south-east area.

   Overnight stay in the south-east area.

4. 4

   Day 4 — East Fjords - Djúpivogur - Wilderness Center - Egilsstaðir

   • Day 4: Stop at Djúpivogur, a small charming fishing village, before putting your hiking shoes on for a 3 hour hike to the stunning Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss waterfalls.
   • Enjoy hike to the stunning Litlanesfoss
   • Admire Hengifoss Waterfall
   • You will spend your night at a country hotel in the area of Egilsstadir
   • Wilderness Center: 40 min from Egilsstaðir. Stay overnight, experience wilderness, museum & free hot pots!

   Overnight stay in the area of Egilsstadir.

5. 5

   Day 5 — Studlagil - Mývatn - Nature Bath - Godafoss - Akureyri

   • Admire Godafoss waterfall
   • On this day you will visit the capital of the north, Akureyri and get the chance to opt for a relaxing visit to Myvatn Natura baths for a small fee.
   • You can opt for a relaxing visit to Myvatn Nature baths for a small fee. For departures until May 26th, 2026, Forest Lagoon replaces the Mývatn Nature Baths due to renovation.
   • You will spend the night in the area of Akureyri.
   • The basalt column canyon towers over a turquoise glacial river, making for one of the most stunning sights in the country. The canyon is located in the upper part of Jökuldalur Valley in East Iceland. This rolling valley is known for its many sheep farms.
   • We head to the steaming lunar landscape of the Námaskarð geothermal area where you will see boiling hot springs, technicolour bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
   • And see the amazing Dimmuborgir Lava formations, also known as the Dark Castles

   Overnight stay in the area of Akureyri.

6. 6

   Day 6 — Whale watching in Eyjafjörður Fjord - Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi - Bifröst

   • Explore Akureyri, the capital of the North before continuing your way to Dalvik.
   • Enjoy a whale watching tour from Dalvik and experience the majestic gentle giants of the sea.
   • The charming town of Siglufjordur will also be visited on this day.
   • You will end your day at your accommodation in the area of Borgarnes.

   Overnight stay in the Borgarnes area.

7. 7

   Day 7 — Borgarfjörður - Reykholt - Hraunfossar - Hvalfjörður - Reykjavik

   • You'll visit an area which was Lonely Planet voted as one of the best destinations in 2016. The day will begin with a short hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater. Borgarfjörður offers lots of amazing sights.
   • You'll be visiting the Hraunfossar waterfall where the ice-cold water pours out of the lava.
   • The final stop is at Reykholt - an important place in the history of Iceland, particularly in medieval times. We will show you Snorralaug, the hot spring pool which bears the name of Snorri Sturluson, the 12th/early 13th century scholar, lawyer, historian and saga writer.
   • On the way back to Reykjavik you'll drive around the scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord).

   Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

8. 8

   Day 8 — Reykjavík

   • Explore the capital on your own and make sure to make the mot of your time in the vibrant city of Reykjavik.

What's included

• ✓Glacier hike on Vatnajokull Glacier
• ✓Guided minibus tour
• ✓Small group guarantee
• ✓Breakfast
• ✓Whale watching in Eyjafjörður Fjord
• ✓Hotel room with bathroom & breakfast for 7 nights
• ✓Free wi-fi on board
• ✓Hengifoss Waterfall Hike

Not included

• ✗Entrance fee to Mývatn Nature Baths (Optional extra)
• ✗Food & drinks (Except breakfast at the hotels)
• ✗Single room fee (Optional)

What to expect

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age: 8
• From late summer to April there can be a chance to see the Northern Lights painting the sky with vivid swirls of colour.
• In winter we can include an ice cave visit as well as a glacier hike.
• What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
• This tour includes a shared room. If you are a solo traveler and do not wish to share a room with another participant of the same gender then you can upgrade to a single room by contacting the operator directly after booking.

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