Incredible 10-day Summer Vacation Package with Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the second day of your summer vacation package in Iceland, you will discover the attractions along the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Your guide for the next eight days will pick you up early on the second day of your vacation in Iceland, and you will begin your adventure around the country. 

The focus for today will be the sightseeing route of the Golden Circle, which boasts the diverse attractions of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Thingvellir National Park is a magnificent valley framed by dramatic cliffs that mark the edges of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. 

Within it, you'll find fields of twisted lava, abundant forests of birch, and ravines where continental forces have torn the earth apart. Here, you'll marvel over the largest lake in the country and dramatic volcanic peaks.

This site is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park. It is also the original site of the world's longest-running, still ongoing parliament.

The Geysir geothermal area is an incredible place to marvel over the geothermal forces that continue to shape Iceland's nature. Hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pits are scattered across a field dyed different colors by the elements of the earth. 

It is most famous for the explosive geyser of Strokkur, where, every few minutes, you can observe a dramatic eruption.

Gullfoss waterfall, the final site of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, is the country's most instantly recognizable waterfall. Colored an unusual shade by the glacier water that fuels it, it boasts uniqueness, awe-inspiring power, and striking beauty in equal measure.

After you have enjoyed the attractions of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, your driver will take you to one of the serene villages in the southwest of the country, where you'll spend the night in comfortable accommodation.

On the third day of your ten-day summer vacation in Iceland, you'll begin circumnavigating the country, starting with the stunning South Coast. 

As you depart from your hotel, your guide will drive you through some rural landscapes until you reach the sea, then follow its shore as you travel to some magnificent attractions.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall stands at an impressive 197 feet (60 meters) and falls before an enormous cavern scooped from its cliff. Such an unusual formation allows you to admire it from several angles. 

From here, your guide will show you another waterfall, just off the beaten track, that most guests overlook, the magical Gljufrabui waterfall.

The third impressive waterfall you'll visit is Skogafoss Waterfall, the most powerful of the three.

After feeling the spray of these features on your face, you'll head to some incredible coastal attractions. The first is Dyrholaey Cliff, a vast rock arch which ships have sailed, and small planes have flown through it. 

Not only this, but it is a puffin-watching spot. Thousands of Atlantic Puffins nest here throughout summer, and you can get surprisingly close to them.

Near here is the black sand stretch of shoreline named Reynisfjara black sand beach, which boasts an eerie ambiance and dramatically powerful waves. 

Towering just off the coast are the basalt pillars of Reynisdrangar, so striking that they were used as a feature in Game of Thrones. In folklore, they are said to be the remains of petrified trolls, caught in the sunlight as they attempted to pull a boat into shore.

Near the beach is a tiny village called Vik, from which you can take your optional tour of the day - an ice-caving excursion. 

You'll board a super jeep and drive to the South Coast glacier of Myrdalsjokull, which sits above Katla volcano, one of the country's most famous volcanoes. Your guide will give you all the necessary safety equipment before taking you into one of its tunnels.

This trip is a wonderful way to witness the world inside an ice cap, an opportunity few guests experience outside midwinter. It is near Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which erupted in 2010.

You will return to your accommodation in South Iceland at the end of the day.

On the fourth day of your 10-day summer holiday to Iceland, you will continue your Ring Road adventure, focusing on two of the most iconic parts of the South Coast: the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. 

These sights are the most famous features of Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe within its borders.

Skaftafell nature reserve boasts several glacier tongues from the mighty ice cap between its mountains, adding more magic to the magnificent terrain. 

Your guide will take you down one of the many hiking trails to witness these up close. After this, you'll go to the Svartifoss waterfall. Translated as the “Black Falls,” this waterfall falls amongst dark hexagonal basalt columns.

You'll even go glacier hiking here, an exciting experience walking on the ice.

The nature reserve has some small glacier lagoons, but the next stop is seeing the country's largest glacier lagoon, Jokulsarlon. Hundreds of icebergs, some enormous, float in the waters here, vividly colored and glistening majestically.

Admiring them from the shore is a mesmerizing way to spend a few hours. Even the noises they make as they move and break apart are fascinating. You won't have heard anything like it before. 

However, to get an even more immersive experience, you can take your optional tour of the day, a boat excursion into these beautiful waters. A boat trip is also an excellent opportunity to see seals up close, as many reside there.

Before heading to your hotel near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, you will visit Diamond Beach. This black sand coastline is the final destination for the icebergs of the lagoon, which are left on the shore to sparkle as they melt away. Their resemblance to diamonds is how the beach gets its name. 

As you stroll along the shoreline, the interplay of sunlight and ice creates a mesmerizing display of glistening crystals against the contrasting volcanic sands.

On day five of your summer vacation package in Iceland, you’ll enter the most remote region you will encounter on your journey: the Eastfjords.

As its name suggests, this area is defined by its beautiful fjord lands. Towering mountains, breathtaking bays, sheer cliff faces, and historic fishing villages are all on the road ahead.

Before getting deep into the region, you’ll come to two similar mountains, Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn. Despite looking like each other, they don’t resemble any other peaks in the country.

They are composed of dark gabbro and boast defining twin summits. After admiring these, you will continue to the Djupivogur village and begin navigating the fjords.

As you travel, it is not just the coastal views to look out for. Inland, you’ll see features such as Mount Snaefell, the tallest freestanding mountain in the country, and Lake Lagarfljot, a lake with a folklore legend about a monster attached to it.

Lake Lagarfljot is just one of many attractions with ties to folklore in the Eastfjords that your guide can tell you about.

The Eastfjords is one of the best places in the country for wildlife lovers to look out for their favorite animals. Wild reindeer travel in herds and can only be found in this region.

Those with keen eyes may also spot Arctic Foxes, which live here. The cliffs will be home to hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds of dozens of species, and you may see seals, dolphins, or even whales offshore.

Animal lovers can also opt into a horseback riding tour today. Icelandic horses are different from their counterparts around the world.

They are smaller, smarter, and have a distinctive, unique gait. Riding one is an absolute joy, and whether or not it is your first time or you have ridden many times before, the tour can be tailored for you.

You’ll spend the night in East Iceland, where the town of Egilsstadir is located. If you have energy after your day on the road, check out the charming town’s local sights.

On the sixth day of your summer vacation in Iceland, you will follow the Diamond Circle sightseeing route to see the region's most spectacular attractions.

You'll depart the Eastfjords bright and early to visit North Iceland. However, those who book admission to the Vok Baths will get a lovely dip in these waters first. This spa sits on the same level as a stunning lake, so it's a beautiful spot for relaxing.

The first stop of the Diamond Circle sightseeing route you will make is at the Jokulsargljufur canyon. Here, you can find three thunderous waterfalls: Hafragilsfoss, Selfoss, and Dettifoss. 

Though all impressive, the Dettifoss waterfall is the most beautiful. It is 328 feet (100 meters) wide and over 131 feet (40 meters) tall. It is also the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

Next, you'll come to Asbyrgi canyon. Although also a canyon, it could not be more different from the Jokulsargljufur canyon. Shaped like an enormous horseshoe, it is defined by the luscious forest that fills it and its dramatic central island. 

Because of its surreal scale and formation, early Icelanders believed this to be created by the footprint of a god's horse.

After this, you'll reach one of the most scenic cultural centers of the north: the village of Husavik. Its serene harbor looks out over the beautiful islands and cliffs of Skjalfandi Bay, and its colorful houses make for postcard-perfect views.

The following major site is the spectacular Lake Myvatn area, which many consider the region's highlight.

In summer, the great bodies of water here burst with life, with a range of unique flora and abundant birdlife adding to the appeal. There are also many features of geological wonder to seek out, such as the dramatic Dimmuborgir lava fortress and unusual pseudocraters.

Surrounding Lake Myvatn are incredible landscapes of volcanoes, craters, hot springs, and lava fields.

The final attraction you will come to is the Godafoss waterfall. In 1000 AD, the law speaker symbolically abandoned Iceland's ties to the Old Gods by throwing his idols into the churning waters.

Once you reach the Capital of the North, Akureyri, check out the lovely views from its harbor, stunning examples of Icelandic architecture, and maybe even one of its local restaurants before heading to your North Iceland accommodation.

Day seven of your ten-day summer vacation in Iceland will continue to introduce you to the beautiful sites of North Iceland. After enjoying Akureyri a little more in the morning, you will set off along the spectacular fjord of Eyjafjordur.

Your first stop will be at a lovely coastal village here called Hauganes. You can enjoy your activity for the day by taking a whale-watching tour from the harbor.

The village itself is a charming location where you can interact with locals and learn about their traditional fishing practices, adding a cultural dimension to your experience.

North Iceland is one of the world’s best regions for spotting the giants of the deep, particularly in summer when the migratory species return.

You are very likely to see humpback whales renowned for their breaches. You may also see dolphins, porpoises, and plenty of seabirds, including puffins.

On rare occasions, elusive creatures like orcas and blue whales also appear.

After this, you will continue traveling along the fjords of North Iceland, visiting its beautiful coastal villages and marveling over its countryside and mountain ranges landscapes until you reach the Vatnsnes peninsula.

The Vatnsnes peninsula is best known for its coastal geology. Just off the shore stands the Hvitserkur rock formation, a feature that some believe looks like an elephant.

The Hvitserkur rock formation is overlooked by the mighty and historic Borgarvirki lava fortress, created by nature but used by feuding Viking clans for centuries. While enjoying these rock formations, look out for seals, as many call the waters of the Vatnsnes peninsula home.

From the peninsula, you will leave North Iceland and begin to travel through the serene countryside of West Iceland. Your final destination for today is the beautiful settlement of Borgarnes, a commercial hub in this region.

Tonight you’ll stay in comfortable accommodation in West Iceland. You’ll have a private bathroom here, and breakfast in the morning is included.

On the eighth day of your summer vacation in Iceland, you'll tour the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

You'll find striking geological formations at the Gerduberg cliffs, which boast hexagonal columns in perfectly straight lines along their faces. Further down the road, you will discover more, such as the rock arch of Gatklettur and the basalt plug of Londrangar.

Londrangar is also renowned for being a wildlife hot spot, with its countless seabirds. Other great places to find animals on the peninsula include Ytri Tunga Beach, known for its seal life, and the islands of Breidafjordur Bay, which are densely populated nesting grounds.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula has many mountains running adjacent to its coasts but many diverse terrains. You'll cross the fertile countryside, expanses of black sand, and lava fields on your travels. 

You'll also head to the dramatic peak of Kirkjufell mountain, which stands alone but for an adjacent waterfall by the coastline.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula also boasts a range of cultural attractions. Many abandoned villages haunt the beautiful landscapes. Budir still has a charming and functioning church, and Hellnar is a deserted fishing settlement. Both have a mystical allure. 

However, some villages, like Stykkisholmur, Bjarnarhofn, and Arnarstapi, are thriving and great places to see how Icelandic culture has survived and evolved.

Despite the wonder of these attractions, the most famous and beautiful part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula is the area on its tip: Snaefellsjokull National Park. 

Centered around a magnificent glacier that caps an impressive volcano, this place is jaw-droppingly spectacular. Many who believe in the mystical have claimed that this is one of the Earth's power centers, and it has inspired great works of art for centuries.

While in the shadow of Snaefellsjokull glacier, you can partake in one more exciting activity. With a helmet and torch, your guide will lead you inside the beautiful lava cave of Vatnshellir to see the unbelievable world under Iceland's surface. 

Even the claustrophobic will find this tour manageable due to the size of the formation and the beauty of its features.

You'll then travel to West Iceland and spend the night at a nearby hotel.

On the ninth day of your Icelandic summer vacation, you'll set off on an adventure around the beautiful and cultural wonders of West Iceland, including waterfalls and settlements.

First, you'll head to the charming village of Reykholt, which was once home to one of Iceland's most famous individuals, Snorri Sturluson. He recorded important information on the Old Norse Gods and European royal lineages in the Middle Ages. 

As a chieftain and law speaker, he was central to the country's bloody civil war.

Reykholt is surrounded by stunning Icelandic nature, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush greenery, geothermal springs, and scenic waterfalls. The village has a tranquil atmosphere and a vibrant arts scene, too.

Near Reykholt are two waterfalls, just a short walk apart but very different: Barnafoss waterfall and Hraunfossar waterfall. 

The name "Barnafoss" translates to "Children's Waterfall," and it has fascinating but tragic folklore associated with it. The waterfall's majestic waters flow quickly through a narrow canyon, creating a spectacular sight as it cascades over the rocks. 

Barnafoss waterfall's crystal-clear waters result from glacial runoff, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Unlike its neighbor, the Hraunfossar waterfall is more serene. 

Instead of cascading down a cliff like Barnafoss waterfall, Hraunfossar waterfall's unique feature is a series of delicate and intricate water streams that emerge from the lava fields, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly sight. 

These streams flow gently, giving the impression of a natural tapestry. 

While Barnafoss waterfall holds a tragic legend, Hraunfossar waterfall is known for its peaceful and soothing atmosphere.

After eight days of exploration, your driver will take you back to Reykjavik, where you will spend your final night. You could spend the evening in one of the city's best restaurants or dip in one of its swimming pools to celebrate your last night in Iceland.

On day ten of your Icelandic summer vacation, it is time to head home. 

If your flight is early, enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before leaving for the airport. A shuttle bus will take you back to Keflavik International Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight. 

Once you've checked in and dropped off your luggage, you can relax until your flight is boarding. Look around the shops or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the airport's bars.

Those who don't have to leave until the afternoon can spend more time visiting the capital's sights.

Reykjavik has a range of boutiques to help you find the perfect souvenir and a variety of attractions that make for suitable final activities.

Visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, boasting impressive architecture and stunning panoramic views from its tower. 

Delve into Icelandic culture at the National Museum, showcasing the country's rich history through exhibits and artifacts, or visit one of the city's many art galleries. 

Wander the charming streets of the Old Harbor, where you can indulge in some delicious fresh seafood.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa today, you will finish your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. 

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and reflect on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.