10-Day Guided Tour Package of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Reykjavik

It's the first day of adventuring outside of the city. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and take you to the first region on your eight-day adventure: the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.

The Golden Circle is a fantastic way to get to know Iceland's diverse nature due to its three very different sites.

You'll begin at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site beloved by travelers and locals alike for two main reasons. First, the area has a captivating history as this is where Viking settlers formed Althing in 930 AD, the world's first democratically elected parliament.

The second reason is the area's geology. Thingvellir is located in the rift valley, nestled between two tectonic plates. Both plates can be observed up close as you enter the Almannagja Gorge.

After your time at Thingvellir, you’ll discover the magnificent Geysir geothermal area. The region is known for the Strokkur geyser, which routinely erupts every five minutes or so. 

These enormous jets of water eruptions can reach over 66 feet (20 meters) high. In addition, you’ll find steaming fumaroles and colorful hot springs dotted around.

The final stop of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall, about six miles (9.6 kilometers) from Geysir. This feature one of the most beautiful and dramatic waterfalls in Iceland. 

Here, you'll see glacier water plunge into an ancient canyon with tremendous force, which is quite the sight. In sunny weather, the spray that rises from the gorge produces many rainbows.

Moreover, the Gullfoss waterfall boasts two incredible cascades. The shorter drop measures 36 feet (11 meters) tall, while the second is about 69 feet (21 meters) tall.

At the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall, you'll find restaurants to dine at and shops to source souvenirs in.

After a thrilling day of exploring the Golden Circle, you’ll head to your accommodation for the evening in Southwest Iceland.

The third day of this exciting excursion sees you traveling along the South Coast. It’s one of Iceland's most popular sightseeing routes because of its rugged coastlines, distant mountain peaks, rolling hillsides, and cascading waterfalls.

Throughout your time on the South Coast, you will be privy to Eyjafjallajokull, the stratovolcano famous for its violent 2010 eruption. Standing 5,427 feet (1,651 meters) tall, this glacier volcano is one of the region’s most imposing features. 

As for the glacier, it’s the country’s sixth largest, measuring around 39 square miles (100 square kilometers). You’ll also see the Myrdalsjokull glacier, Iceland’s fourth-largest, sitting close to it.

However, your first stop of the day will be the wonderful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It boasts a drop of 200 feet (60 meters) and is characterized by the large cavern behind the water, allowing visitors to see the falls from behind the falling spring water.

As part of the river Seljalandsa, Seljalandsfoss begins beneath Eyjafjallajokull. It also has a relatively narrow cascade.

Your next stop will be at Skogafoss, one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls. It features a gigantic high curtain of falling water, measuring around 197 feet (60 meters). It also has an impressive width of 82 feet (25 meters).

One unique feature of the waterfall is it has flat land underneath. It means you can walk up to its water wall if you’re good with the idea of getting wet. Alternatively, a staircase leads to an observational platform where you can marvel at Skogafoss’ beauty.

You’ll also visit the Dyraholaey sea arch, a rocky promenade that stretches out from the mainland of the South Coast into the sea. From here, you’ll get a great view of the surrounding landscape.

Another stop you’ll make is at Reynisfjara black sand beach. It’s known for its jet-black volcanic sand, strange rock formations, and the iconic basalt stack, Reynisdrangar. According to folklore, Reynisdrangar is the petrified remains of an ancient troll, frozen in the sunlight.

In the evening, you’ll spend your night in South Iceland.

On day four, you’ll return to the road and race across the magnificent black sand desert, Solheimassandur. This route will take you to your first destination of the day, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. 

This stunning natural feature is often called "The Crown Jewel of Iceland," and you’ll understand why once you have been there. Icebergs of various sizes and shades of white and brilliant blues gently float through the lagoon on their journey to the sea. Interestingly, some of these icebergs are over 1,000 years old.

Moreover, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Iceland’s deepest lake, with a maximum depth of 814 feet (248 meters). It also has a surface area of 11.2 square miles (18 square kilometers). Seals also live in the area, and it's often possible to see them in the water, playing amongst their icy neighbors.

If you're visiting in May, you can join the seals on the water on a boat tour! Take an amphibian adventure in which you board a large vessel capable of driving into the water. This is an excellent option for families and larger groups. 

Only a limited number of vessels are allowed on the water each day, and these tours regularly sell out, so grab this opportunity to explore this brilliant location properly.

Once you have fully taken in the magic of Jokulsarlon, you can walk among the ice on the legendary Diamond Beach. Also known as Breidamerkursandur, the beach is where the icebergs sometimes wash up onshore. 

Marvel at the crystal clear ice standing in sharp contrast to the black sand on the beach. The Diamond Beach is a favorite spot for photographers due to its unique appearance. 

Today you’ll also take in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a beautiful part of the country that sits within Vatnajokull National Park. From here, you’ll go on a glacier hike and be equipped with all the necessary gear before being taken up on the icy slopes to see the incredible views from on top of a glacier.

Glacier hiking is a fantastic opportunity available in very few places worldwide.

After an exciting day, you’ll spend the evening at an accommodation near the lagoon or the South Coast.

Today, you'll be exploring the wild and remote Eastfjords. This part of the country is known for its quiet fishing villages and winding mountain roads.

The Eastfjords is a 75-mile (120-kilometer) coastline stretch. It starts from the south in Berufjordur to the north in the fishing village of Borgarfjordur Eystri. 

The Eastfjords has spectacular ocean and mountain views and is rich in dense forests and sparkling lakes, adding life to the already incredible scenery. It also boasts an abundance of wildlife. You’ll see reindeer, seals, and different species of migratory birds, including the cute but elusive Atlantic puffins.

Compared to other puffin species, the Atlantic puffins feature colorful beaks and a similar plumage to penguins. They are also friendly, clumsy, and unafraid of people.

On this day, your local guide will stop at some of his favorite locations. These can include scenic sights like dramatic beaches or small, idyllic little towns. Gorgeous mountain views will mesmerize you throughout the day as you wind along toward the capital of the East, Egilsstadir.

Before you reach your accommodation for the evening, you’ll pass the largest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstadaskogur, a national treasure in a mostly treeless country. The forest covers 285 square miles (740 square kilometers). You’ll see hiking trails, dynamic wildlife, and lush trees.

Close by is Lake Lagarfljot, about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) away. The lake is rumored to be inhabited by a giant beast, considered Iceland's Loch Ness Monster. The beast, called the Lagarfljot Wyrm, has been mentioned in literature for nearly a thousand years.

If you want some added adventure to your day, you can go on a horse riding tour. The Icelandic horse is well-known for its lovely temperament and sturdy build, perfect for riders of all ages. You’ll be able to take in the Icelandic countryside in this experience in a whole new way.

In the evening, you will retire at accommodation in East Iceland.

Your sixth day in the country can begin with the most relaxing experience: a bask in the Vok Baths. If you want to enjoy this geothermal spa immersed in a lake, you'll be treated to more surprises from its impressive facilities.

Being the largest spa in East Iceland, the Vok Baths feature two pools, a cold tunnel leading to the baths, and hot pools that offer overlooking views of the area. You'll also find an on-site sauna and a bar in one of the pools.

If you do not feel like visiting the geothermal baths, you will start with one of the most popular attractions of the north: the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall. Dettifoss is the most powerful in Europe and quite a sight to behold. 

Dettifoss measures 328 feet (100 meters) wide and drops 141 feet (43 meters). It also has an average flow rate of 50,985 gallons (193 cubic meters) per second.

For its size, it has been nicknamed "The Beast," and it's possible to see the enormous spray it sends up from far across the rocky world of Jokulsarglufur Canyon. In addition, its raw power and beauty have caught the attention of director Ridley Scott who filmed the opening scene of the 2012 film "Prometheus" in Dettifoss.

Your next stop will be the lush and rocky Asbyrgi Canyon, shaped like a horseshoe. The legend goes that this great valley was formed and given its unique shape by Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir stamping down on the earth.

Following the coastline, you'll visit the sleepy town of Husavik. It boasts pretty multi-colored houses, an enchanting harbor, and a striking wooden church.

Moving on, you'll proceed to Lake Myvatn ("Fly Lake"), named after the tiny flies that call it home. It measures around six miles (9.5 kilometers) long and four miles (6.5 kilometers) wide, making it Iceland's fourth-largest lake.

The area surrounding Lake Myvatn is home to many beautiful natural features and is especially geothermally active. You'll see lava formations, hot springs, craters, and volcanic islands surrounding the lake.

There's no better spot to see these processes than at Namaskard Pass, where mud puddles boil and bubble and fumaroles steam endlessly.

You'll then venture to another spectacular waterfall, Godafoss. This fall's name means "The Waterfall of the Gods." 

Around 900 AD, the Viking chieftain threw his pagan idols into the mighty waterfall to symbolize that Iceland was converting to Christianity. It falls from a height of 39 feet (12 meters) and has a width of 98 feet (30 meters).

Check out how the cascading water resembles the shape of a horseshoe as it splits into two.

As you complete another exciting day, you'll stay in the North Iceland area where you will rest for the night.

You’ll start your seventh day by leaving the idyllic town of Akureyri.

You’ll then head southwest toward your first stop: the picturesque village of Hauganes. Hauganes is a great place to walk and take in the local sights.

Hauganes sits on the fjord of Eyjafjordur, part of the Arskogsstrond coastal area. It has a small population of about 140, with the residents mainly focusing on fishing and fish processing. Moreover, it has a sea-angling component that lets you fish for dinner between sightings of whales, dolphins, and puffins. 

It’s also the home of the oldest whale-watching company in Iceland. 

However, Hauganes’ main attraction is the hot tubs by the black sand beach Sandvikurfjara. It’s also an excellent place for hiking, with a trail that leads up to the Thorvaldsdalur Valley. The owner of a nearby restaurant decided to place the two hot tubs on the banks above the Sandvikurfjara beach.

You can also add some extra special adventure or relaxation to your day from here. You can go on a whale-watching tour. You’ll hop on a boat and go out into the waters of the north for a chance to spot these gentle giants.

You’ll then head further south to the Vatnsnes Peninsula. This place is home to the majestic Hvitserkur basalt rock formation. It juts out 50 feet (15 meters) from the sea, creating incredible imagery to give you envy-inducing photos.

When looking at Hvitserkur at a certain angle, you may see the shape of an elephant. Interestingly, this rock formation is also a favorite animal nesting ground. Shags, fulmars, and seagulls are the most common bird species you’ll find nesting in the area.

Seals are also more reliably seen around the Vatnsnes Peninsula than elsewhere in Iceland, apart from perhaps the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

You’ll then head to your accommodation for the evening in the West Iceland area, where you can rest and be ready for more adventure tomorrow.

Your next day exploring the Icelandic countryside will see you visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This region is known as "Iceland in Miniature" thanks to its wealth of different natural attractions. 

The glacial stratovolcano Snaefellsjokull rests at the peninsula's tip. It stands mightily at 4,744 feet (1,446 meters) tall, with a twin-peaked glacier capping it.

Avid readers will recognize this glacier as the entrance point to an underground world in Jules Verne's novel "Journey To The Centre of The Earth." Moreover, the glacier is also rich in folklore. It is believed to be an ancient energy source. 

Some Icelanders even say the rock formations surrounding Snaefellsjokull glacier are homes of the hidden people.

However, your first stop of the day is the most photographed peak in Iceland, Mount Kirkjufell. The mountain was used in HBO's Game of Thrones as "the mountain shaped like an arrowhead," as pointed out by the Hound.

Next is the black pebble beach of Djupalonssandur, where you can test your strength in a traditional Icelandic manner. You'll see four large boulders called "the Lifting Stones" used by ancient fishermen to determine one's suitability for ocean life.

If you wish to add further adventure to your day, you can visit Vidgelmir cave, one of Iceland's largest lava tubes. It measured 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) long and was formed during a lava flow around 900 AD.

Joining a caving tour lets you live your Journey to the Centre of the Earth and explore the fascinating wonders waiting below.

Travel the coast further, and you'll pass the historic settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. This area is known for its stunning geography, culminating with the Londrangar basalt columns towering over the ocean.

When exploring Arnarstapi, you'll see Gatklettur, a circular stone arch that eroded on a beach. With the sunlight hitting the spectacular waves, the arch became one of the most popular spots among photographers looking to capture a unique visual treat.

Meanwhile, Hellnar is an old village that once served as one of the largest fishing stations on the peninsula. Check out the protruding cliff Valasnon that changes colors depending on the sea movements, weather conditions, and time of day.

After a tiring day of exploring, you'll return to your accommodation from the previous night.

On your ninth day, you’ll start an incredible journey into West Iceland.

Your day will start after you leave Borganes and head to your first stop, the Reykjoltsdalur valley. This otherworldly landscape shows the true geothermal force that has shaped Iceland. It is where you’ll find Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartungahver.

This geothermal wonder is Europe’s highest-flowing hot spring. It has a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second. Deildartungahver’s water features a constant 97° Celsius (207° Fahrenheit), making it dangerous if you come too close.

However, you can still marvel at this beautiful sight using the observation points and wooden walkways around the area. Interestingly, the hot spring’s water is also used for heating Icelandic homes.

There’s a pipe that travels 21 miles (34 kilometers) to Borgarnes and another one that measures 40 miles (64 kilometers) to Akranes. This use of Deildartungahver’s water is a testament to Iceland’s efficient use of geothermal energy.

You’ll then travel to the historic town of Reykholt, about 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) from the Deildartungahver hot spring.  Reykholt was the home of a noted Icelandic poet, law speaker, and historian, Snorri Sturlason. 

Snorri was instrumental in recording the history of Iceland. His work is well known for preserving the stories of Old Norse mythology.

Next, you’ll visit two waterfalls. The first, Hraunfossar, is the result of underground water that has soaked through the pores of lava rock over time. The waterfalls flow from the Hallmundarhraun lava field and eventually end up in the Hvita river.

The second is Barnafoss, which makes its way through a gorge, creating impressive rapids. As you witness its sheer power, take note of how the water twists, turns, and foams before you.

After another full day of witnessing the country’s natural wonders, your time on the Snaefellsnes peninsula will end. You’ll then make your way back to Reykjavik and your accommodation for the night.

It's your final day in the country, and it's time to say goodbye. 

If you have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you’ll cap off your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. The lagoon is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters while looking back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. 

Alternatively, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. If you haven’t done it the previous day, you can do your last-minute shopping at the Laugavegur main street. You can also visit some of the city’s landmarks you may have missed.

If you have an early flight back home, we wish you a pleasant journey, and we hope to see you again soon.